Are you thinking can I watch BBC iPlayer in the USA? Or are you looking for a solution to access BBC iPlayer in the USA? Fear no more. This guide will explain how to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA.
As of 2023, BBC iPlayer is unavailable in the US due to licensing agreements and geo-restrictions. However, you can unblock or access BBC iPlayer in the USA using VPN like ExpressVPN.
BBC iPlayer is a household name in the UK for its amazing TV Shows, sports, and events coverage, such as the 2023 BAFTA Awards, Blue Lights, Good Trouble, and Irish Goodbye.
Moving on to how to watch BBC iPlayer for free in the USA.
How to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA for free [Step-by-Step]
Although BBC iPlayer is not currently available in the USA due to licensing agreements and geo-restrictions, you can still watch it by using a VPN. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA in 2023:
- Select a VPN service that is best for streaming. We recommend ExpressVPN
- Install and log into the VPN app on your favorite streaming device.
- Choose a British server from the list of available servers.
- Once you are connected to the VPN, go to the BBC iPlayer website and sign in to your account.
- Start streaming your favorite BBC iPlayer content in the USA without buffering.
In case you don’t have a BBC iPlayer account do not worry and scroll down as we have got it covered here and will show you how to sign up for BBC iPlayer in the USA.
Why is BBC iPlayer blocked in the USA?
BBC iPlayer is currently not available in the USA because of licensing agreements and restrictions based on location.
This means that people in the USA are unable to access the content on BBC iPlayer. However, there are ways to use a VPN to bypass these restrictions and gain access to the service from outside the UK.
If you’re wondering about BBC iPlayer International, note that BBC iPlayer International is a streaming service designed for people outside of the UK who want to access BBC content.
This service requires a subscription and offers a variety of programs, including popular TV shows, documentaries, movies, and more.
Importantly, it has its own content selection, pricing, and availability, separate from the UK-based BBC iPlayer. This means it will not have BBC iPlayer original shows and movies and many UK BBC iPlayer content you have come to love.
BBC iPlayer International is available in Australia, Canada, and the United States.
Can I access BBC iPlayer in the USA?
BBC iPlayer is not available in the USA due to geo-restrictions and licensing agreements. However, you can use a VPN service like ExpressVPN to access BBC iPlayer in the USA.
Connecting to a UK-based server allows you to access BBC iPlayer and stream its content as if you were in the UK. So if you were trying to open BBC iPlayer without connecting to ExpressVPN you will get this error instead:
“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues. In the UK? Here’s some advice.“
Note: If you’re in the UK, and BBC iPlayer thinks you’re outside the UK, you can check out their guide and follow the steps mentioned here.
So how to overcome this error? Simply connect to ExpressVPN’s UK server and then refresh the page. You will be able to stream your favorite TV Show or movie with ease.
How to sign up for BBC iPlayer account in the US for free
You can easily create a BBC iPlayer account, which is pretty straightforward. Just follow these steps:
- Get a premium VPN. We recommend ExpressVPN as it is tried and tested.
- Login to ExpressVPN and connect to the UK server.
- Go to the BBC iPlayer website and click the “Sign in” option.
- When you click the Sign in option, a new page will appear asking for your credentials; at the bottom, you will find the Register Now option. Click on it.
- Provide all the details mentioned there. You will likely be asked about postal codes; you can look up postal codes for the UK on Google Search. Enter the closest ones to your family, friend, or anyone you like. It will look like this WC2N 5DU.
- Enter the rest of the details and then select “Register” and you will get a verification email, verify it. Now you can easily stream BBC iPlayer in the USA.
What you can watch on BBC iPlayer
These are the few channels you can watch on BBC iPlayer
| Channel | Channel |
|---|---|
| BBC1 | BBC News |
| BBC2 | BBC Parliament |
| BBC3 | CBBC |
| BBC4 | Cbeebies |
| BBC Alba |
What devices does BBC iPlayer support?
Smart TVs and Set-Top Boxes:
- Huawei devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Digihome devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Bauhn devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- LG devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Panasonic devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Philips devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Samsung devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Sony devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Toshiba devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Vestel devices certified for BBC iPlayer
Streaming Devices and Media Players:
- Amazon Fire TV devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Apple TV devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Roku and NOW TV devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Chromecast devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Google devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Xiaomi devices certified for BBC iPlayer
Game Consoles:
- Xbox One devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Xbox Series X/S devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- PlayStation 4 devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- PlayStation 5 devices certified for BBC iPlayer
Mobile Devices and Tablets:
- Huawei devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Samsung devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Apple devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Xiaomi devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Google devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Oppo devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Vodafone devices certified for BBC iPlayer
Other Devices:
- Humax devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Freeview Play devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Freesat devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- YouView devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Roku Soundbar devices certified for BBC iPlayer
- Roku Streambar devices certified for BBC iPlayer
How to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA on Mac
To watch BBC iPlayer on a Mac in the USA, you can follow these steps:
- Connect to a premium VPN. We recommend ExpressVPN
- Download ExpressVPN on Mac and connect to the UK server.
- Install and log into the VPN app on your device.
- Choose a British server, preferably one located in East London, from the list of available servers.
- Once you are connected to the VPN, go to the BBC iPlayer website and sign in to your account.
- Start streaming your favorite BBC iPlayer content in the USA without buffering.
How to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA on Android
To watch BBC iPlayer on an Android device in the USA, you can follow these steps:
- Sign in to multiple Google Play Store accounts on your Android device. This can be done by accessing the Play Store app and going to the account settings.
- Connect to a premium VPN. We recommend ExpressVPN
- Download ExpressVPN on Mac and connect to the UK server.
- Install and log into the VPN app on your device.
- Choose a British server, preferably one located in East London, from the list of available servers.
- Once you are connected to the VPN, return to the Play Store app: Now, reopen the Google Play Store app on your device.
- Search for BBC iPlayer with the existing account: Within the Play Store app, use the account you were previously logged in to and search for the BBC iPlayer app. If the app does not appear in the search results, do not worry.
- Switch to another Google Play Store account: Without closing the Play Store app, switch to another Google Play Store account that you previously signed in to.
- Search for BBC iPlayer again: Within the Play Store app, perform another search for the BBC iPlayer app using the newly switched account. This time, the app should appear in the search results for you to download and install.
- Download and install the BBC iPlayer app: Select the BBC iPlayer app from the search results and proceed to download and install it on your Android device.
- Start streaming your favorite BBC iPlayer content in the USA without buffering.
How to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA on iOS (iPhone, iPad)
To watch BBC iPlayer on an Android device in the USA, you can follow these steps:
- Install a VPN app: Begin by downloading and installing a reputable VPN app on your iOS device. We recommend using ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a UK server: Open the VPN app and connect to any server located in the United Kingdom. This will assign you a UK IP address and establish a secure connection.
- Access your Apple ID settings: Go to the “Settings” app on your iOS device and tap on your Apple ID profile at the top.
- Change your country/region: Within your Apple ID profile, tap on “Media and Purchases.” Select the “Country/Region” option and tap on “Change Country or Region.”
- Select United Kingdom: Choose “United Kingdom” as your new country/region.
- Agree to the Terms and Conditions: On the “Terms and Conditions” page, review the terms and tap “Agree” to proceed.
- Provide required details: Enter all the necessary details requested during the process. For the UK address and phone number, you can use any information from the internet as Apple does not verify it.
- Change your region successfully: Once the region changes to the United Kingdom, you can proceed to the next step.
- Download BBC iPlayer app: Open the App Store on your iOS device and search for the “BBC iPlayer” app.
- Install BBC iPlayer: Download and install the BBC iPlayer app on your iOS device.
- Launch BBC iPlayer: After installation, open the BBC iPlayer app on your iPhone, and you should now be able to access and stream content from BBC iPlayer while in the USA.
How to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA on Roku
To watch BBC iPlayer on Roku in the USA, follow these steps:
- Reset your Roku device: Begin by resetting your Roku device to ensure a fresh start.
- Configure a VPN on your router: Set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your router. We recommend using ExpressVPN that supports Roku.
- Connect to a British server through the VPN to obtain a UK IP address.
- Access your Apple ID settings: Go to the “Settings” app on your iOS device and tap on your Apple ID profile at the top.
- Connect Roku to your TV: Connect your Roku device to your TV using the appropriate cables.
- Sign up with a UK account: Create a British-origin Roku account. During the account setup, use a UK postal code. You can find valid UK postal codes online or you can just scroll up.
- Go to Channel Store: On your Roku device, navigate to the Channel Store.
- Search for BBC iPlayer: In the Channel Store, search for “BBC iPlayer” using the search function.
- Install BBC iPlayer: Once you find the BBC iPlayer app in the Channel Store, select it and install it on your Roku device.
- Launch the BBC iPlayer app: After the installation is complete, launch the BBC iPlayer app on your Roku device.
- Sign in to your account: Sign in to your BBC iPlayer account using your UK account credentials.
- Enjoy BBC iPlayer in the USA: You can now start enjoying BBC iPlayer content on your Roku device in the USA. Browse through the available shows, movies, or live channels and enjoy streaming BBC content.
By following these steps and using a VPN on your router to establish a connection to a British server, you can watch BBC iPlayer on your Roku device in the USA.
How to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA on Amazon Fire Stick
To watch BBC iPlayer in the USA on an Amazon Fire Stick, you can follow these steps:
- Connect your Amazon Fire Stick to your TV and ensure it is connected to the internet.
- Go to “Apps from Unknown Sources” option in the Fire Stick settings under Developer options. This setting allows you to install apps from sources other than the Amazon Appstore. By enabling it, you can sideload the BBC iPlayer app onto your Fire Stick.
- Donwload a premium VPN. We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Connect to the UK server.
- Just to be sure restart your Amazon Fire Stick.
- Go to store, look for BBC iPlayer and install it.
- Enjoy BBC iPlayer in the USA: You can now start enjoying BBC iPlayer content on your Amazon Fire Stick device in the USA. Browse through the available shows, movies, or live channels and enjoy streaming BBC content.
How to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA on Chromecast
There are 2 different methods you can use to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA on Chromecast.
In the first method you can install premium VPN on your router, this way your entire traffic will be routed through it.
- Ensure that your router is compatible with ExpressVPN or any other premium VPN. Check ExpressVPN’s website or contact their support to verify if your router model is supported.
- Access your router’s administration panel. Open a web browser on a device connected to your router and enter your router’s IP address into the browser’s address bar. You can usually find the IP address and login credentials in the router’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
- Log in to the router’s administration panel using your username and password.
- Locate the VPN settings in your router’s administration panel. The exact location and naming may differ depending on the router’s firmware. Look for options like “VPN,” “OpenVPN,” or “VPN Client.”
- Choose the option to set up a new VPN connection or client.
- Just to be sure restart your Amazon Fire Stick.
- Configure the VPN settings using the information provided by ExpressVPN. This typically includes the server address, protocol (e.g., OpenVPN), and authentication details. You can find these details in the ExpressVPN account dashboard or by contacting their support.
- Enter the ExpressVPN server address and other required details into the router’s VPN settings.
- Upload the ExpressVPN configuration files to your router. These files can usually be downloaded from the ExpressVPN website or provided by their support team.
- Save the settings and apply the changes. Your router will now attempt to establish a connection to the ExpressVPN server.
- Once the connection is established, test the VPN by connecting a device to your router and checking its IP address to confirm that it reflects the VPN server location.
Another way is to mirror your laptop/mobile device.
In the second method you can simply mirror your laptop or mobile screen on TV using Chromecast.
- Ensure your Chromecast device is properly set up and connected to your TV and Wi-Fi network.
- Download and Install ExpressVPN.
- Connect to the UK server.
- Open BBC iPlayer on your device.
- Find the title you want to mirror.
- Enable Chromecast Extension, download and install it.
- Mirror it on your TV.
How to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA on Apple TV
To watch BBC iPlayer in the USA on your Apple TV, you can follow these steps:
- Access the settings on your Apple TV and navigate to the “Region” or “Country” section. This is typically found under the “General” settings.
- Select the United Kingdom (UK) as the region or country.
- Provide any additional details that may be required for setting the region to the UK.
- Once the region is set to the UK, go to the App Store on your Apple TV.
- Search for the BBC iPlayer app and download it. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
- Next, you need to set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your router. We recommend ExpressVPN .
- Connect Apple TV to the router on which you installed ExpressVPN.
- Enjoy BBC iPlayer in the USA.
BBC iPlayer is not working with VPN
Sometimes, you may encounter difficulties when using BBC iPlayer with a VPN. If you’re facing issues even though you’re using a VPN, it may be worth considering a different VPN provider specializing in streaming, such as ExpressVPN.
There are several common problems that can arise. One frequent issue is receiving an error message stating that BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK. This suggests that your VPN is not functioning properly, and you may still be connected to a server in the USA. To resolve this, ensure your VPN connection is established correctly and check for any IP or DNS leaks.
In addition to the aforementioned error message, here are some other common issues you might encounter while attempting to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA:
- BBC has blacklisted the servers used by your VPN.
- The GPS location of your device does not match the IP address being used.
- BBC iPlayer has implemented updated geo-blocking protocols, rendering your current VPN ineffective.
- Your actual IP address is leaking, revealing your true location.
- BBC iPlayer cookies may be stored on your device, indicating that you are not in the UK.
- The VPN you are using might not bypass BBC iPlayer’s restrictions.
Here are a few potential solutions to address these issues:
- Try using a different web browser and clear your cookies.
- Contact the customer support of your VPN provider and find out whether the server you are connected to can unblock the streaming services you need.
- Look for the leak protection setting in your VPN and enable it.
- If none of the above solutions work, switching to a different VPN provider may be necessary.
Considering these solutions, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issues you might encounter while using BBC iPlayer with a VPN in the USA.
Conclusion
To access BBC iPlayer from outside the UK, it’s crucial to use a robust VPN that the BBC hasn’t blocked. Streaming services have become increasingly adept at detecting VPN usage, so choosing a VPN that can successfully unblock the desired content is important before committing to a long-term subscription.
Reliable VPN providers are available, including the highly recommended ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN has proven capabilities in unblocking BBC iPlayer outside the UK, ensuring you can enjoy high-quality video streaming with fast network connections.
Furthermore, opting for a trusted VPN grants you access to major streaming services and provides advanced security features to protect you from online threats.
By selecting a reputable VPN like ExpressVPN, you can confidently enjoy BBC iPlayer and other streaming platforms while benefiting from enhanced online security.
