How to Watch BBC iPlayer While Traveling to Japan

Whether you’re in Japan for business or pleasure, when you want to watch your favorite British shows on BBC iPlayer, you’ll likely see this error message instead: “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.”

BBC iPlayer error message

Not to worry, though. With a VPN, you can continue watching BBC iPlayer while you’re in Japan. Not all VPNs are up for the task, but CyberGhost can get you smooth, secure access.

Quick Guide: How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Japan with a VPN

    • Get CyberGhost VPN. It’s quick and easy. 
    • Connect to one of our streaming-optimized servers for BBC iPlayer.
    • Open BBC iPlayer and continue watching your favorite programs.

Why You Need a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Japan

Access to BBC iPlayer is restricted to the UK due to licensing agreements. The BBC uses your IP address to determine your location. If you try to log into the platform from Japan, you’ll get an error message letting you know the platform can only be accessed in the UK. 

If you’re a UK resident traveling to Japan, you can use a VPN to continue watching shows on BBC iPlayer. A VPN will mask your IP address, making it appear like you’re accessing BBC iPlayer from the UK. 

Why CyberGhost Is the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer

Many VPNs don’t work with BBC iPlayer. CyberGhost VPN has streaming-optimized servers that are monitored regularly to ensure you can always access the platform.

Our ultra-fast VPN has 10-Gbps servers in busy locations, letting you stream smoothly without buffering, even in UHD. You also get unlimited bandwidth, so you can watch BBC iPlayer securely all you want without getting cut off.

CyberGhost VPN has native apps for most major streaming devices, including Windows and Mac computers, Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Android TV

It’s all risk-free to try with our 45-day money-back guarantee.

How to Sign Up for BBC iPlayer

Since BBC iPlayer is available only in the UK, there are two different ways to create an account depending on your location.

Sign Up for BBC iPlayer from the UK 

  1. Go to the BBC iPlayer website.
  2. Click on Sign in at the top left corner.
  3. Click on Register now.
  4. Select your age range and fill in your date of birth.
  5. Enter your email, password, and UK postcode, and click the Register button.
  6. Click on the verification link sent to your email.
  7. Log into your BBC iPlayer account.
  8. Press play on a show you’d like to watch.
  9. Click I have a TV license. Watch now in the pop-up box asking Got a TV License?
  10. Start watching BBC iPlayer.

Sign Up for BBC iPlayer while Traveling Outside the UK 

  1. Get CyberGhost VPN.
  2. Open the app and connect to one of our streaming-optimized servers for BBC iPlayer.
  3. Go to the BBC iPlayer’s website or app.
  4. Click on Sign in and then Register now.
  5. Choose your age range and verify it with your DOB.
  6. Enter all the necessary credentials and click Register.
  7. You’ll now be taken to the homepage.
  8. Choose a show to watch and press play.
  9. A dialogue box will pop up asking, Got a TV License? Click I have a TV license. Watch now.
  10. Start streaming on BBC iPlayer.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Your Computer 

When you’re traveling in Japan, you can still keep up with your shows on the BBC iPlayer website on your computer. Here’s how to do it:  

  1. Get CyberGhost VPN.
  2. Connect to our streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer.
  3. Go to the BBC iPlayer website, log in to your account, choose the show you want to watch, and press play.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Mobile

BBC iPlayer lets you stream on the go via its mobile apps. You can download CyberGhost VPN for your Android or iOS device to watch BBC iPlayer while you’re abroad.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on iOS 

  1. Get CyberGhost VPN.
  2. Connect to our streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer.
  3. Go to your device’s Settings.
  4. Tap your name and go to Media & Purchases > View Account.
  5. Sign in and tap on Country/Region.
  6. Change your country to the UK.
  7. Read the Terms & Conditions and tap Agree.
  8. Enter your new billing information and tap Next.
  9. Download the BBC iPlayer app, log into your account, and start watching.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Android 

  1. Get CyberGhost VPN.
  2. Log in and connect to our streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer.
  3. In the Play Store, go to Settings > General > Account and device preferences > Country and profiles.
  4. Choose the UK.
  5. Download the BBC iPlayer app.
  6. Log in to your account and start streaming!

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on a Smart TV 

Want to watch BBC iPlayer on a smart TV while you’re traveling in Japan? CyberGhost VPN has native apps for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV

For other types of smart TVs, you can set up CyberGhost VPN on your router or configure Smart DNS to change your virtual location. 

Here’s how to watch BBC iPlayer on your Android TV, or Amazon Fire TV Stick.

  1. Download the CyberGhost VPN app onto your smart TV.
  2. Connect to a streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer.
  3. Open the BBC iPlayer app and log into your account.
  4. Enjoy your favorite shows on the big screen!

Other Ways to Watch BBC iPlayer 

Even if your TV doesn’t come with access to an app store or have smart capabilities, you can still watch BBC iPlayer on the big screen by connecting a streaming device to your TV’s HDMI port. You can use an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, or Roku with CyberGhost VPN installed on your router to access BBC iPlayer on a TV in Japan.

To stream BBC iPlayer on Kodi, go to Add-ons > Package > Install from repository > Video add-ons, and then choose iPlayer WWW. Download CyberGhost’s Kodi add-on and connect to a streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer before logging into iPlayer.

What Channels Do You Get on BBC iPlayer? 

You can access all the national BBC channels on BBC iPlayer. The shows and movies available will depend on the region you select.

BBC iPlayer’s channel line-up includes:

    • BBC One
    • BBC Two
    • BBC Three
    • BBC Four
    • BBC Alba
    • BBC News
    • BBC Radio 1
    • BBC Scotland
    • BBC Parliament
    • BBC S4C
    • CBeebies
    • CBBC

What Sports Can You Watch on BBC iPlayer?

BBC iPlayer’s sports offerings include live broadcasts, highlights, sports documentaries, and analysis programs. Here’s some of what you can watch:

Watch BBC iPlayer from Japan with CyberGhost VPN

BBC iPlayer is a hub of quality entertainment, whether you’re into lighthearted comedies, gripping thrillers, live sports, or family programming.

CyberGhost VPN lets you keep up with Kin, Gavin & Stacey, and anything else you like watching while you’re in Japan. We have streaming-optimized servers for BBC iPlayer so you can always get a connection. It’s easy to set up CyberGhost VPN on any device. Try us risk-free with our 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Can I use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer from outside the UK?

Some BBC iPlayer viewers connect to a VPN server in the UK to watch from another country. While we don’t snoop on our users’ online activity, this is against our terms of service and is not acceptable.

Rest assured that CyberGhost VPN never logs your browsing data, and your activity is always private, but you should always comply with all relevant terms and applicable laws, including copyright.

FAQ

What is the best VPN for watching BBC iPlayer in Japan?

CyberGhost VPN is the best choice for watching BBC iPlayer in Japan. We have streaming-optimized servers for BBC iPlayer that are checked regularly to make sure the IPs work. CyberGhost VPN has apps for nearly every major operating system, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. You also get unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream as much as you like. 

How can I watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK?

If you’re traveling outside the UK, you can use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer. A VPN masks your IP address so you appear to be located in the UK, letting you stream on the platform as usual.

Can you use a VPN with BBC iPlayer?

Yes, you can, but not all VPNs work with BBC iPlayer. CyberGhost VPN has streaming-optimized servers for BBC iPlayer that are regularly monitored to ensure you can always access the platform.

Does BBC iPlayer work in Asia?

Due to licensing agreements, BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK. If you’re a UK resident traveling in Asia, you can use a VPN with UK servers to continue watching movies and TV shows on BBC iPlayer.

How do I change the location of my BBC iPlayer?

To change your iPlayer location on a mobile device or tablet, go to Settings and select Location. If you’re on the BBC iPlayer website, choose Change Location at the bottom of the homepage. On the BBC iPlayer TV app, go to Settings, choose Settings & Help, click Location & Autoplay Settings and then Change Location.
If you’re outside the UK, you’ll also need to use a VPN to change your virtual location.

Can I watch BBC iPlayer while abroad?

You can use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer while traveling abroad. Another option is to download the shows and movies you want to watch to your mobile device before your trip.

Can I use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer without a TV License?

You need a TV license to watch BBC iPlayer on any device. The license fee is BBC’s primary revenue stream, and it is partly why they restrict access to iPlayer outside the UK. The cost of a TV license is £169.50.

Why is my VPN not working with BBC iPlayer?

BBC iPlayer has measures in place to block VPN usage. If you can’t access the platform with your current VPN, the BBC may have blocked its server’s IP. Clear your cache to eliminate cookies and then reconnect to your VPN. 
If that doesn’t work, get CyberGhost VPN instead. Our streaming-optimized servers for BBC iPlayer are checked often to make sure you can always access the platform.

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