5 Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer in 2023

5. PureVPN: Offers reliable servers in the UK to access BBC iPlayer

Key Features

If you click on the “Streaming” tab, on the left corner of the app, you will find a list of channels available to unblock. Simply click on “BBC iPlayer” and wait a few seconds for the UK version of the website to open up on your browser.

You can even unblock BBC iPlayer through manual server switches. For me, it took two to three server switches to connect to BBC iPlayer, despite going for those with a high server load already.

With fast streaming, tested through PureVPN speed test USA, you are promised quick and uninterrupted access to Netflix, Disney+, Hulu and most importantly BBC iPlayer with PureVPN.

We received a download speed of 74.12 Mbps and an upload speed of 38.48 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection.

PureVPN servers were quite reliable as we were able to make the most of our experience.

Why Do You Need VPN for BBC Player?

BBC iPlayer is only accessible if you have a UK IP address, hence it is unavailable to people living outside the UK. However, there is a loophole to that, you can trick BBC into thinking you are living in the UK by changing your IP address. The iPlayer was BBC’s attempt to make its programming more accessible to viewers by allowing them to stream it online. However, just like Netflix, it encounters licensing issues that lead to geo-restricting licensed content.

It is because of these licensing issues from production houses of different movies/documentaries/TV shows that users are forced to seek other means of accessing the complete BBC iPlayer content.

That is why you need a BBC iPlayer VPN to access this streaming service, despite the platform imposing a ban on VPNs.

How to choose the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer: Methodology

You can unblock this British entertainment service by using reliable VPNs, that too on a budget. We made sure each VPN tested for BBC iPlayer had the capabilities you’d need for quick, dependable access to the website. Consider these factors before choosing the best VPN for BBC iPlayer for you.

• Unblocks BBC iPlayer: A VPN should have reliable UK servers if you want constant access to BBC iPlayer. Even better, it needs to offer multiple UK connections in case one is difficult to use or slow due to congestion. All of the VPNs on this list have a minimum of 5 UK servers respectively.
• High-Speed: The maximum resolution of BBC iPlayer is 1080HD, which requires download speeds of at least 5 Mbps. I speed-tested each VPN on this list to make sure it can handle HD streaming. You can enjoy unlimited streaming because they all offer limitless data.
• Device Compatibility: All the VPNs I suggested were compatible with the most widely used platforms, including Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. Additionally, I made sure the apps were simple to use and install. Each VPN supports simultaneous use on several devices.
• Efficient Customer Service: Your VPN should have quick and effective customer care to solve your queries on time. A 24/7 live chat option is much better for getting responses immediately via live chat or email forms. These suggested VPNs offer dependable customer service with prompt responses.
• Money-back Policy: Any quality VPN includes a money-back guarantee option on their subscription plans for users to try their service capabilities risk-free.

How to Setup VPN for BBC iPlayer?

Note: If you find difficulties in unblocking BBC iPlayer while using a VPN. Check these solutions to fix VPN problems with BBC iPlayer.

How to Fix VPN Problems with BBC iPlayer

Are you having trouble with your VPN, try clearing out cookies and cache. When the iPlayer has got enough data to suggest a VPN is in action, it moves to ban it from accessing the site and app altogether. Here are some great ways to fix BBC iPlayer from detecting your service:

Fix Your DNS Cache

Ever heard of cookies? No, I am not talking about the ones that you dip in warm milk. I am referring to the log files stored by your browser, which include important data like your location.

If you have not cleared your cookies, BBC iPlayer will instantly be able to discern that you are using a VPN or proxy. Simply clear the cache and cookies each time you want to unblock the streaming platform.

You can also flush your DNS cache on Windows. Launch “CMD” and run the following command “ipconfig /flushdns” by typing it in and pressing enter.

Get a Dedicated IP Address

As we have mentioned here before, iPlayer detects VPNs when there are too many connections being routed through a single server or a group of similar IP addresses.

Acquiring a dedicated IP VPN will surely help you never face this problem as the iPlayer won’t be singling you out for a suspicious connection ever.

Switch Servers

The best way to get around the iPlayer VPN detection problem is to try switching to a new server down the list. Many top VPNs offer multiple UK servers allowing you to do this quite easily.

ExpressVPN has secure UK servers, so if one is not working, select another from the list. You can also ask your VPN’s live chat support team for their best UK servers to unblock BBC iPlayer, as I did for CyberGhost.

The VPNs That Can’t Stream BBC iPlayer

Many paid and free VPNs for BBC iPlayer may help in unblocking websites overall but fail to unblock sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and more. This means you need to test each service before making a decision to sign up with them.

TunnelBear

Released in 2011 and based in Canada, TunnelBear is one of the most famous names in the FREE VPNs marketplace.

We connected to a server in the UK but suffered instant disconnection upon playing a video. A few seconds after, we received the “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK” error.

Windscribe

Founded in 2018, Windscribe is another Canadian-based VPN service.

We connected to a UK server from their limited number of locations, and though we were successful in accessing the website from the US, we faced tremendous trouble in getting a video to run on BBC iPlayer.

ZenMate

Established in 2014, ZenMate is a Berlin-based provider that has three plans available with a provider with the inclusion of a free subscription. Regardless, the service was unable to connect to BBC iPlayer successfully, displaying the error.

Other VPN Services that Fail at Unblocking BBC iPlayer

• AvastVPN❌
• PIA❌
• IPVanish❌
• ProtonVPN❌
• HideMyAss❌
• Hide.Me❌
• LeVPN❌
• VPNBook❌
• VPNTunnel❌
• TorVPN❌
• VPN Master❌
• OverPlay❌
• iPredator❌
• GooseVPN❌
• EarthVPN❌
• VPN4All❌
• Proxy.sh❌
• Perfect Privacy❌

How to Access BBC iPlayer on Firestick Using VPN

Firestick users around the world may be looking for solutions to unblock BBC iPlayer from. There are typically two methods available for using BBC iPlayer the free VPN for amazon fire tv.

The first involves the purchasing of a pre-configured DD-WRT Flash Router. You can check this link out for a complete listing of VPN routers available from prominent names in the industry.

The second option would be to get the best VPN for BBC iPlayer from the Firestick store. For both methods, you will have to simply connect to a UK IP address to spoof your online location and trick the VoD service.

You can then easily access the complete database of BBC iPlayer’s content and other UK channels like Channel 5, Channel 4, Now TV, Sky, ITV, and more. For more detailed steps, follow the instructions below:

1. Get the Best VPN app for Firestick from the VPN providers mentioned above, we recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Download and Launch the VPN app and sign in using your login credentials
3. Connect to a server in the UK and head to the iPlayer website
4. Sign up for a UK account and enjoy streaming on iPlayer!

How to Access BBC iPlayer on Android using a VPN

The BBC iPlayer is available as an Android app, which we have already described in detail above. Using the service on Android is not much different from the website.

And if you want to unblock BBC iPlayer on your Android, the 5 VPNs for BBC iPlayer I listed above do offer Android apps. For clearer instructions, follow the steps below.

• Subscribe to a Top VPN service and pay for its pricing plans
• Obtain user credentials for your VPN account via the confirmation email
• Download the Android app of your VPN from Google Play Store
• Let it install on your device and then log in into it
• Once the VPN is installed, connect to a UK server on it
• Visit BBC.co.uk/iPlayer and sign up for the service
• Enjoy live TV and your favorite shows on BBC iPlayer!

How to Access BBC iPlayer VPN via Chromecast:

Chromecast is Google’s answer to popular streaming devices like Roku and Firestick. It is a device through which you can stream video content on large-screen devices like your TV via your computer or mobile device.

1. Get a subscription to a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN.
2. Download the app on your preferred device and log in.
3. From the server list, choose a UK server.
4. Connect your Chromecast device to the internet and enjoy streaming.

If you want to watch BBC through your Chromecast, the best way to do it is through your computer. You can also do it with your mobile and the steps to both are pretty similar and straightforward.

Through Your Laptop:

• Your laptop needs to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast
• Open the Chrome browser on your laptop and install the Chromecast extension.
• Now open bbc.co.uk/iplayer and select the program you want to stream.
• Click on an icon from the control bar known as “Cast.”
• Your Chromecast will now stream to your device.

Through Your Smartphone:

• Your smartphone needs to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast
• Ensure that the iPlayer app you are using is updated to the latest version.
• Open the app and click on the “Cast” icon in the top left corner.
• If the icon is blue in color, you are successfully connected.
• Simply play any video to stream to your TV/tablet.

Note: if you are trying to watch BBC, you will need to use the Best VPN for BBC iPlayer Chrome in order to unblock the service and continue watching it via your Chromecast.

How is BBC iPlayer Blocking/Detecting VPN?

If your VPN is not strong enough at hiding your IP address, BBC can detect it and find out your actual location. Some VPNs are successful in masking IPv4, yet leave IPv6 unmasked and in turn, leak your true IP address.

VPN bans have become a standard industry practice across the streaming domain. Similar bans can be found on sites like Netflix and Hulu. However, you can still bypass these VPN bans through a powerful service.

Generally, weak VPNs are the most vulnerable to cannot make it through the ban, as they leak your WebRTC/DNS/IP and do not come equipped with features like StealthVPN, a.k.a. obfuscation .

List of Channels Available on BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer is not just your average media library but a comprehensive service that also offers live TV. The only catch of signing up with the provider is that you only have BBC-specific content available, nothing else.

Channels offered by BBC iPlayer at the moment include:

1. S4C
2. CCBC
3. Cheebies
4. BBC One
5. BBC Two
6. BBC Three
7. BBC Four
8. BBC Alba
9. BBC News
10. BBC Radio
11. BBC Parliament

FAQs: Best VPN for BBC iPlayer