How to Download and Watch BBC iPlayer on Android Outside the UK

Curious about how to download and watch BBC iPlayer on Android while residing outside the UK? 

BBC iPlayer is a British on-demand video streaming service operated by the BBC. In partnership with BBC, it provides news coverage and features a wide range of content spanning topics such as work, culture, travel, weather, and various popular TV shows.

The shows include titles like Young Masterchef, The Hairy Bikers Go Local, Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job, and The Apprentice, Peaky Blinders, Doctor Who, Flea Bag among many others.

But accessing BBC iPlayer from outside the UK is not possible due to geographical restrictions and content licensing. 

This leads to the question: Can you watch BBC iPlayer on Android outside the UK?

Yes, yo;8u can use a VPN to create your UK Google ID to download and watch If you’re looking to  BBC iPlayer on your Android devices outside the UK. 

In this guide, I will provide you with all the steps that I used to download and watch BBC iPlayer while travelling outside the UK. So without any further delay, let’s dive in. 

How to Download and Watch BBC iPlayer on Android Outside the UK? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Note: Ensure that your mobile devices are operating on Android 5.0 or a more recent version and possess a screen size of at least 800×480 pixels. Otherwise, iPlayer won’t work properly. 

If you’re using Android TV, you’ll need a 2015 model or a newer one from Sony, Hisense, LG, NVIDIA Shield, Sharp, Mi Box (6.0 or later), or Chromecast with Google TV to install and enjoy BBC iPlayer.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to download and install BBC iPlayer on Android devices from outside the UK:

1. Subscribe and download a VPN on your Android device. I highly recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Open the VPN app, log in, and connect to a UK server.
3. Ensure that your device’s location setting is turned off.
4. Access your Android device settings and tap on “Google.”
5. Choose “add another account” and then select “create account.”
6. Pick a new email ID from the suggestions provided and tap “Next.”
7. Enter your birthdate and gender, then click the “Next” button.
8. Google will request a phone number for verification to confirm you’re not a robot. You can use your local phone number for this step.
9. Create your password and click “Next.”
10. You can skip the part where it asks for your phone number and wait for the process to complete.
11. Once the process finishes, go to the Google Play Store and select your newly created Google ID.
12. Search for BBC iPlayer and install it on your Android device.
13. Once the BBC iPlayer app is installed, sign in and start streaming!

Can I Download and Watch BBC iPlayer on Other Devices Outside the UK?

Certainly, BBC iPlayer provides applications for a wide range of popular devices, allowing you to enjoy your preferred TV shows and movies. Below is the list of devices on which you can install and enjoy BBC iPlayer:

1. iOS devices
2. Samsung Smart TV
3. LG
4. Sony 
5. Panasonic
6. Roku
7. Amazon Fire TV
8. Apple TV
9. PlayStation
10. Xbox
11. Google Chromecast

What are the Best BBC iPlayer Shows and Movies to Watch in 2023?

Following are some best shows and movies on BBC iPlayer to watch in 2023:

Best BBC iPlayer Shows 2023:

1. Wolf
2. The Gold
3. The Sixth Commandment
4. Best Interests
5. The Gallows Pole
6. Annika
7. Luther
8. Us
9. Inside Man
10. Happy Valley
11. Search Party
12. His Dark Materials
13. The North Water
14. Crossfire
15. Mayflies
16. Sherwood
17. The Newsreader
18. ;2The Pact
19. Vienna Blood
20. Everything I Know About Love
21. Life

Best BBC iPlayer Movies 2023:

1. The Power of the Dog
2. The Piano
3. If Beale Street Could Talk
4. Manhunter
5. Judy
6. Children of Men
7. Radioactive
8. Walk the Line
9. The Others
10. Spooks: The Greater Good
11. Point Break
12. Heat
13. Queen and Slim
14. Mulan
15. Shadowlands
16. Highlander
17. Ammonite
18. This Beautiful Fantastic

Why is ExpressVPN the Best VPN to Download and Watch BBC iPlayer on Android Outside the UK?

I conducted tests on 50+ VPN services to determine their effectiveness in bypassing BBC iPlayer’s geographical restrictions outside the UK. 

From this extensive testing, I selected ExpressVPN as the best for BBC iPlayer. This selection was made based on its superior security features, successful unblocking capabilities, and extensive server networks.

ExpressVPN has a well-known server network, including servers 100+ servers in the UK. This makes it the most reliable provider to access British streaming services including iPlayer. 

At the time of testing, I found no lag or buffering issues while watching BBC iPlayer on my Sony A95K Android TV and Nothing Phone (2) with an internet speed ranges between 28 – 37 Mbps. 

ExpressVPN supports a wide range of devices, including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and more, allowing you to watch BBC iPlayer on various platforms.

In addition to accessing BBC iPlayer, you can also stream and download content from various other UK-based streaming platforms like Channel 4, My5, BritBox, Netflix UK, NOW and more using ExpressVPN.

It enables you to connect up to eight devices simultaneously, allowing you to have the app installed on all your devices. You can even share it with your family and friends if you’d like.

What sets this streaming service apart from some other VPN services is its 24/7 chat support and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, providing you with assistance whenever you need it and peace of mind when trying out the service.

How Does a VPN Allow you to Watch and Download BBC iPlayer Outside the UK?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) enables you to access BBC iPlayer from outside the UK by hiding your actual IP address and directing your internet data through a server in the United Kingdom.

By connecting to a server in the UK using a VPN, you effectively “spoof” your location. This tricks BBC iPlayer in believing that you are physically located in the UK, and thus allows you to access the content. 

The combination of a UK IP address and an encrypted connection permits you to bypass BBC iPlayer’s geographical restrictions, granting you the ability to explore its extensive collection of TV shows, movies, and more from any location worldwide.

Conclusion

With the help of this guide, I hope accessing BBC iPlayer on Android from outside the UK will be a simple process for you. 

To avoid BBC iPlayer’s geographic restrictions, you’ll require a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN, which I recommend for its seamless streaming and robust security.

If you still have any queries, you can comment below. Happy Streaming!;2