How to unblock BBC iPlayer for free

Access your favorite streaming service from anywhere in the world.
 By 
Joseph Green
 on 
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BBC iPlayer app on phone
Credit: Getty

TL;DR: Unblock BBC iPlayer for free from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking free streaming sites is ExpressVPN.


BBC iPlayer is a massively popular free streaming platform that hosts hit shows, live sports, anime, documentaries, and so much more. BBC iPlayer deserves its popularity, but it's not perfect.

Have you ever tried to connect to BBC iPlayer from outside the UK? You won't get very far, because BBC iPlayer recognises your location and blocks you from accesssing its award-winning news coverage, children’s programs, British dramas, and all the other good stuff. It doesn't matter if you've only left the country for a couple of days. You'll be blocked. No excuses.


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Fortunately, there is a workaround. If you want to unblock BBC iPlayer for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock BBC iPlayer for free

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but you can access this popular site from abroad with a VPN. These are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in the UK. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

Credit: ExpressVPN
$12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock free sites like BBC iPlayer without spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to BBC iPlayer before recovering your investment. This works great if you're on vacation.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking streaming sites like BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free with ExpressVPN.

Photo of Joseph Green
Joseph Green
Global Shopping Editor

Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.

Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable's sister site, AskMen.

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