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VPN Not Working With BBC iPlayer? Here Is How To Fix It (2024 Edition)

Is your VPN no longer working with BBC iPlayer from outside of the U.K.? Here’s what you can do to fix it.

At a Glance

If you’re a United Kingdom resident who enjoys top-quality entertainment, including dramas, comedies, and more, then BBC iPlayer is likely on your bookmarks list.

However, if you’re traveling abroad or living as an expat in another country, when you attempt to view some of that iPlayer goodness, you will see a notice like this:

“BBC iPlayer only works in the U.K. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues” or you’ll see “This content is not available in your location” or “This content doesn’t seem to be working.”

However, considering this isn’t your first viewing rodeo, you know what to do. You fire up your favorite VPN app, pick a server inside the U.K., grab your popcorn, and connect to BBC iPlayer again. Unfortunately, you still see:

“BBC iPlayer only works in the U.K. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues” or you’ll see “This content is not available in your location” or “This content doesn’t seem to be working.”

What Happened?

Unfortunately, the BBC has become hip to the trick of using a VPN to access their content and blocks any IP addresses that are determined to belong to a VPN service.

This means that VPN services have had to keep on their toes for any blocked IP addresses that need to be replaced. It also means some VPN providers will give up on competing in this game of virtual whack-a-mole, and will either limit the services they provide access to or give up on the whole thing completely.

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Switch to NordVPN, a VPN provider that has a proven ability to reliably access BBC iPlayer.

​After testing a large number of VPNs, NordVPN proved the most adept at reliably accessing BBC iPlayer and numerous other streaming services. With super-fast connections and no data caps or bandwidth throttling, NordVPN is an excellent option for streaming binges without extended buffering.

NordVPN​ offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ​it risk-free.

Why BBC iPlayer Blocks a VPN Provider

In the early days of streaming services like BBC iPlayer, it was easy to use a VPN to access the streamers’ content libraries, no matter where you were. Fire up your VPN, connect to a server located in the same country as the streaming site, and enjoy the show.

However, it didn’t take long for things to begin to change. BBC iPlayer and other streaming sites began actively working to block VPN users from accessing their content libraries. They did so due to the contracts they signed with television and film producers to be allowed to show the content.

These content agreements require streamers to restrict viewing of the content to a specific geographical area. This means BBC iPlayer has to do its best to restrict viewing of its content to viewers located inside of U.K. borders.

The streamer, therefore, has to block VPN-provided IP addresses from accessing their library.

Unfortunately, this also means that many VPNs have completely given up providing access to BBC iPlayer and other streaming services, or they have greatly limited the number of services they do provide access to.

How BBC iPlayer Blocks VPN Users From Their Content

When you’re running a VPN app on your device and connect to a VPN server, the VPN provider temporarily assigns a fresh IP address to your device’s internet connection. What the IP address is, depends on where the VPN server is located.

By gaining a new IP address, it makes it appear as if you and your device are connecting from inside of the new country. So, if you’re sitting in Chicago in the United States, you can connect to a server in London or elsewhere in the United Kingdom, and it will appear as if you are located in the U.K.

When you connect to a VPN server, you’re usually sharing an IP address with numerous other VPN users. This is called using a shared IP address.

The VPN server acts as a router of sorts, funneling all users’ connections through a single IP address, while routing the proper information to each user, much like your home WiFi router does for all of your home’s connected devices.

Shared IP addresses offer an additional layer of anonymity, as by sharing an IP address, outsiders will find it difficult to separate your online activities from those of other users who are using the same IP.

However, sharing an IP address can be a bit of a drawback if you’re looking to access BBC iPlayer and other streaming services.

If BBC techs see a large number of viewers using the same IP address, they get a bit suspicious and begin looking into things. If they find that the IP address belongs to a VPN service, they will add the IP address to a “blacklist” that is used as a reference for which IP addresses are blocked from accessing their servers.

Once an IP address has been added to the blacklist, a VPN user who connects to that server will automatically be blocked from accessing the streamer’s content. When that happens, the VPN user may complain to their VPN service provider’s customer support representatives.

Ideally, when this happens, the VPN folks will investigate the situation. If they find that the streamer has blocked the IP address in question, they’ll set up new IP addresses to restore access to the streamer.

Of course, this kicks off a game of virtual round robin, where BBC iPlayer eventually blocks the new IP address, then the VPN sets up new addresses, and…I think you get the idea.

This has led some VPN providers to drop out of this game of online hide-and-seek, while others have cut way back on the number of services they work to offer access to.

Happily, some VPN providers are still taking their swings, working to keep the lines open to BBC iPlayer and other streaming sites.

Best Blocked BBC iPlayer Workaround: NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024 unblocks iplayerTested
Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN has an excellent track record when it comes to providing reliable access to BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and numerous other streaming sites. (See a full review of NordVPN.)

Find out how we test each VPN.

1. Connection Speeds

Streaming video (especially HD and 4K video) requires a fast connection, with no limitations like data caps or bandwidth throttling. If you lack fast connection speeds, you’ll be forced to wait long periods of time while your device is buffering the video stream, or pauses the action as the connection struggles to catch up.

NordVPN provides fast download speeds (196.4 Mbps in my most recent testing) and never spoils your binge by imposing data caps or bandwidth limitations. This means your HD and 4K streams will play quickly and smoothly (depending on your usual, ISP-provided speeds).

2. Global Server Coverage

While this article focuses on using a VPN to regain access to BBC iPlayer content from outside of U.K. borders, it should be noted that NordVPN has an impressive global server network, which includes 5,600+ servers based in 60+ countries. More than 440 of those servers are stationed in the U.K.

That large server network provides access to streaming sites like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and many more. It also offers access to other types of geo-blocked content, including gaming servers, as well as other websites and services.

3. ​Online Security & Privacy Protection

Your online security and privacy are at risk whenever you’re online. This means a VPN can come in quite handy when it comes to online protection.

NordVPN offers excellent protection thanks to its use of banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The provider’s new NordLynx connection protocol, which is based on WireGuard, is optimized for improved online security and performance.

NordVPN protects your personal privacy with a strict no-server-logs policy, as well as its privacy-friendly Bitcoin cryptocurrency subscription payment option.

The provider also runs all server operations only from RAM, meaning no data is written to a physical hard drive. This means all data is wiped completely from the server whenever it is rebooted.

NordVPN is currently in the process of moving its operations to servers that NordVPN completely owns and operates. This keeps third-party operators from having access to your personal information.

​4. Multi-Platform Support

BBC iPlayer is available on multiple desktop, mobile, streaming, and gaming platforms. This means that any VPN worth considering should provide support for multiple platforms and should allow multiple simultaneous connections (because kids never want to watch the same shows as their parents).

NordVPN offers app support for macOS (with M1/M2 Mac support), Windows, Linux, iOS, Amazon Fire, Android TV, and Android device platforms. It also provides extensions for the Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser platforms.

Users of PlayStation (4 and 5) and Xbox (One and Series S & Series X) gaming consoles, Apple TV and Roku viewers, and smart TV owners can also access geo-controlled content thanks to NordVPN’s SmartDNS service. (Keep in mind that the SmartDNS service doesn’t encrypt your internet connection like a VPN would.)

NordVPN users can simultaneously connect up to six devices to the provider’s servers. If you require more than that, you can take advantage of the VPN’s compatibility with numerous router makes and models. Ready-out-of-the-box router solutions are also available from FlashRouters.com.

5. Customer Support

Here’s hoping that you’ll not have any issues with your VPN of choice. However, there is a good chance that you will need to contact VPN customer support someday, even if it’s just a question about a server location.

NordVPN offers three types of around-the-clock support, including 24/7 live chat, an email support option, and a self-service support library.

I’ve found that NordVPN customer support agents have always provided well-informed replies to my queries. I’ve also accessed their self-service support library when I’ve been in a do-it-yourself mood.

​6. Pricing

Thanks to NordVPN’s reasonable pricing structure, it provides a great return on investment.

A 30-day money-back guarantee provides plenty of time to decide if NordVPN is the VPN provider you’re looking for.

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Conclusion

NordVPN is my top pick for accessing BBC iPlayer from outside of the United Kingdom. The provider offers a reliable way to blast through geo-blocking roadblocks thrown up by streaming sites around the globe.

This provider delivers fast connection speeds, around-the-clock customer support, impressive global server coverage, wide-ranging device support, and comprehensive protection for the digital security and privacy of its customers.

For more information or to subscribe, visit the NordVPN website.

VPN With BBC iPlayer FAQs

Which Free VPNs Work With BBC iPlayer?

There are very few free VPNs that can provide reliable access to BBC iPlayer from abroad. Free VPNs generally have tiny global server networks, making it easy for BBC iPlayer to block the free VPN’s IP addresses.

Free VPNs also throttle their users’ connections, while imposing daily or weekly data caps on their VPN usage. Those two things do not add up to an enjoyable streaming experience.

Plus, keep in mind that free VPNs are less than private. Freebie providers will track your online travels, collect that data, and sell it to advertisers and other nosy types. Some free VPNs have even been caught inserting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions.

What Can I Watch on BBC iPlayer?

There are films and TV shows of all genres available for viewing on BBC iPlayer.

This includes:

  • Ghosts
  • EastEnders
  • Luther
  • Dragon’s Den
  • The Gold
  • Mr. Jones
  • Sully
  • The Beach
  • Kung Fu Panda
  • Many, many more

How Can BBC iPlayer Tell That I’m Using a VPN?

BBC iPlayer (and other streaming services) can detect the shared IP address your VPN issued to your device. If the streamer sees multiple connections coming in via the same IP address, they become suspicious and do some additional investigating. If they confirm the IP address was issued by a VPN, they will block access from that IP address.


Roundup - best VPNs for speed

Position Our Score Verdict
1.
4.5/5
Verdict: Our top rated VPN
Get NordVPN »
2.
4.5/5
Verdict: Best budget option
Get Surfshark »
3.
4.0/5
Verdict: Great privacy options
Get ExpressVPN »
4.
4.0/5
Verdict: Highly versatile
Get CyberGhost »
5.
3.0/5
Verdict: Up to 10 devices
Get PrivateVPN »

PRIVACY ALERT: Websites you visit can see these details about you:

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

By using a VPN you can hide these details and protect your privacy.

I recommend NordVPN - the top provider in my testing. It offers outstanding privacy features and there is currently a discounted rate available through this link.

Visit NordVPN

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