How to Access BBC iPlayer Outside UK

7 June 2020

The BBC iPlayer features a lot of binge-worthy shows that could keep you entertained for hours on in. However, this streaming service is exclusive to UK residents. 

But if you’ve always wanted to use the BBC iPlayer and you live elsewhere in the world, you’d be happy to know that there is a workaround.

Let’s go over how you can bypass the restrictions placed by BBC so you can enjoy all the movies and TV shows that the iPlayer has to offer.

What Is the BBC iPlayer?

First, let’s talk about the BBC iPlayer and what makes it so special.

The BBC iPlayer is one of the best streaming services in the UK. It’s similar to Netflix or Amazon Prime. Its library covers a wide selection of genres so you’re covered no matter what type of programs you enjoy.

There are restrictions on what you can watch on the iPlayer if you’re based overseas. However, subscribers will still have access to BBC Sounds (BBC radio shows), BBC Podcasts, BBC News, BBC Sport, and the BBC Three YouTube Channel.

It is worth noting that if you live in the UK and you’re traveling outside of the country for a few days, you can still access your favorite shows if you download them before you head out of the region.

And because downloaded files live on your laptop, phone, or tablet, this also means you can watch the shows without having to connect online.

Why Should You Use BBC iPlayer?

What makes the BBC iPlayer a great choice as far as streaming services go? Here are a few.

Reason #1: Discover Shows In the UK

Unlike other popular streaming services like Netflix that focus on American titles, the BBC iPlayer presents shows that are almost exclusive to the UK audience.

It’s a great vehicle for discovering new programming that you haven’t heard of before.

Reason #2: Watch Shows on Different Platforms

Users can enjoy BBC iPlayer on different platforms. Not only can you watch shows on your computer and mobile devices, but you can also enjoy it from your smart TV, Xbox One, Playstation (3 and 4), and even on Nvidia Shield TV (2015, 2019, and 2019 Pro).

Reason #3: Have Your Kids Watch Child-Friendly Shows

Thanks to BBC iPlayer Kids, you can let your kids watch shows worry-free. It has a safety lock feature that prevents children from accessing links that point to sites outside the app.

You can check out BBC’s press release on which children shows are available.

BBC iPlayer Kids does a great job of curating kid shows based on the age of your kids. The shows promoted on the homepage will depend on the profile age you enter.

Reason #4: Get Access to Other Media Content

As alluded to earlier, the iPlayer goes beyond TV shows and movies. If you’re a fan of BBC radio, podcasts, news, and sports, you’ll love all the other services that the BBC has in store for you.

The Best BBC iPlayer Shows

What sort of shows can you expect when you fire up the BBC iPlayer? Here’s a list of some of the more popular shows on the BBC streaming service.

Show #1: Line of Duty

If you’re a fan of cop dramas, you’d like Line of Duty. It dives into the world of police corruption. The critically acclaimed series is currently in its fifth season.

Show #2: Doctor Who

Doctor Who is probably one of the best and longest-running shows in existence. If you’re thinking about jumping in and giving the show a go, you’re in luck.

Catch all 12 seasons of the modern Doctor Who when you subscribe to the iPlayer. 

Show #3: The A Word

The A Word is a family drama that centers around Joe, a child who is revealed in the show to have autism. The show is currently in its third season.

Show #4: This Country

If mockumentaries are your thing, then This Country is worth checking out. The show follows two youngsters and their lives in a boring rural town somewhere in Britain.

Show #5: Fleabag

Known for its interesting storytelling techniques where the main protagonist breaks the fourth wall, Fleabag is a captivating tale of a woman who’s trying to deal with her friend’s suicide.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer Abroad

There are two ways you can unblock streaming services. But in both cases, you’ll need a service provider like Getflix.

The first method is through configuring your DNS settings. This changes your IP address which will then unlock all the services you want access to like the BBC iPlayer — regardless of where you are in the world.

The other method involves using a virtual private network or VPN. Paying Getflix subscribers will get access to both methods.

Let’s walk you through the process.

Step #1: Sign Up for a Getflix Account

Signing up for a Getflix account is easy. All you need is a working email address to register.

You’ll receive an email confirmation after you enter an email address. Click the link in the email to verify your email. Afterward, you’ll have to enter your name and password.

Note: The free trial won’t require you to enter your credit card details.

Once you’re done with all that, you should now have access to your dashboard.

Step #2: Find Your DNS Server

From the main dashboard, you can update your account to unblock the services that you want.

First, check your IP address status. By default, it should show that your IP address is registered. But over time, your IP address could change. If that happens, use the link in the dashboard to update your IP address manually.

Next, check your DNS status. If you haven’t made changes to your DNS settings at this point, then it would show that your DNS is not configured correctly.

This, however, is an easy fix and should take much time.

To get started, you’ll need to know which DNS server is closest to you. Choosing the server that’s closest to you will make your computer or mobile device perform better.

Getflix has a global list of DNS servers for reference. Take note of the DNS server number. For example, the DNS server for Toronto, Canada is 169.53.182.124

Step #3: Configure Your DNS

You have two options on how to change your DNS. One method would be through your router. The main advantage of this method is that it unlocks restrictions for all devices as long as they connect to the same network. However, this requires users to make direct changes to their router’s settings.

Every router is different so you’d have to consult your router manual.

The easier (but more tedious) method would be changing the DNS per device. But if you’re only planning on using one or two devices to stream, this option isn’t that bad.

We have setup guides for all supported devices. But for the sake of this tutorial, we’ll show you how you can change the DNS for Windows 10 computers.

Open the Network and Sharing Center. It should be under Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

Under “View Your Active Networks”, click Connections. If you’re on a wireless network, it should say “Wireless Network Connection”. But if you’re directly plugged into your router, it will say “Ethernet”.

A status box will pop up. This box will display your connection status. Click Properties.

A new window will pop up. Under the Networking tab, go through the list of connections until you find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

Select that item and click Properties.

After the IPv4 Properties window opens, head to the General tab. Tick the “Use the Following DNS Server Addresses” option. 

Enter the DNS server you selected earlier under Preferred DNS Server. You can enter a backup DNS server under Alternate DNS Server.

Once you’re finished, click OK.

That’s it! Your DNS is now configured. You can now enjoy BBC iPlayer without running into restrictions.

Step #4: Activate Your VPN

Note: This step is optional.

If you subscribe to a paid plan, you can activate the Getflix Full VPN. Using a VPN not only lets you watch BBC iPlayer, but it also secures your web traffic.

What does that mean?

It means all your data is encrypted. You can browse the internet without fear of criminals invading your privacy. VPNs also hide your IP address so government agencies and internet service providers can’t interfere with your personal business.

Conclusion

If you want to access the BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world, you’ll need a VPN service like Getflix.

It’s one of the most affordable VPN services with monthly plans starting at $4.95. When you sign up for longer terms, you instantly save more money. 

The annual plan comes down to $39.90 which saves you 33%.

If you want to watch BBC iPlayer right now, you should definitely sign up today. Take advantage of Getflix’s free 14-day trial through this link.