- 9 min read

How to Download and Watch BBC iPlayer on iPhone/iPad Outside the UK

How to Download and Watch BBC iPlayer on iPhone_iPad
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Have you been searching online to find out if it’s possible to download watch BBC iPlayer on an iPhone/iPad while outside the UK? 

The answer is yes, you can indeed watch BBC iPlayer on your iPhone/iPad by installing the BBC iPlayer app by changing your App Store region to the UK. 

Here I will provide you with easy steps that i followed to download and watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK. So without any further delay, let’s dive in. 

BBC iPlayer stands out as a remarkable British VoD service that falls under the BBC umbrella. 

It offers on-demand video content to its viewers. 

With BBC iPlayer, you can watch top-tier movies and series, including titles like The Evil Dead, The Turning, Peaky Blinders, Happy Valley, Silent Witness, Fleabag, Doctor Who and more. 

Besides TV shows and movies, you can also watch documentaries and live sports events on iPlayer. 

But there is a downer! Due to content licensing and streaming rights policies, you can’t download or even stream BBC iPlayer outside the UK. 

However, there is nothing to worry about since I found a way out to download and watch BBC iPlayer on iPhone/iPad outside the UK. 

Want to know how? Keep reading this blog!

How to Download and Watch BBC iPlayer on iPhone/iPad Outside the UK?

Note: Before following the mentioned below steps, make sure that your iPhone/iPad device is running 12.0 or later OS. Otherwise, BBC iPlayer app won’t work. 

To watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK on your iPhone/iPad devices you need to change your App Store region to the UK. 

Here’s how to download and watch BBC iPlayer on iPhone/iPad outside the UK. 

  1. Unlock your iPhone/iPad device and turn off your location. 
  2. Now in Settings, tap on your Profile → “Media & Purchases”“View Account.”
  3. Tap on “Country/Region”“Change Country or Region” and select UK as your region. 
  4. Now the “Terms and Conditions” screen will appear, tap on “Agree” to continue. 
  5. Enter UK address, phone number and postal code (You can easily find it on Google). 
  6. Once you enter the details, tap on “Next” and wait for the process. 
  7. Open the App Store and download the BBC iPlayer app. 
  8. Now open the VPN app and connect to the UK server – I highly recommend ExpressVPN. 
  9. Open the BBC iPlayer app, sign in and watch BBC iPlayer on iPhone/iPad in the UK,

Wasn’t that a breeze? With just a handful of simple actions, you’ve effectively gets access to BBC iPlayer on your iPhone/iPad outside the UK. 

My suggestion of ExpressVPN stems from its dependability, fast connection speeds, and superior capability to bypass geo-restrictions by masking your IP address. 

To add the cherry on top of these fantastic benefits, This VPN also provide a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

In addition to the iPhone/iPad, the following devices are also suitable for using BBC iPlayer outside the UK:

  1. Android
  2. Mobile Web
  3. Google Chrome (version 75 and above)
  4. Safari (version 11 and above)
  5. Apple TV
  6. Android TV
  7. Chromecast
  8. PS4 Gaming Console
  9. Xbox
  10. Firestick
  11. Roku device

Can I Download and Watch Other UK Streaming Services Outside the UK?

The availability of downloading and watching UK streaming services outside the UK depends on the specific service and its licensing agreements. 

Many UK streaming services, including BBC iPlayer, have strict geographical restrictions due to content licensing agreements, making it challenging to access them from the UK.

But with the help of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) you can access all the British streaming services while residing or travelling outside the UK. 

Here are some popular UK streaming services that you can download and stream outside the UK with the help of a VPN:

  1. Channel 4
  2. My5
  3. BritBox
  4. Netflix UK
  5. NOW
  6. ITVX (formerly ITV Hub)
  7. Sky 

Best Shows and Movies to Watch on BBC iPlayer?

BBC iPlayer Best Shows 2023:

  • Wolf
  • The Gold
  • The Sixth Commandment
  • Best Interests
  • Peaky Blinders 
  • Doctor Who 
  • The Gallows Pole
  • Annika
  • Luther
  • Us (2020)
  • Inside Man (2022)
  • The North Water (2021)
  • Crossfire (2022)
  • Mayflies (2022)

BBC iPlayer Best Movies 2023:

  • The Power of Dog
  • The Piano
  • If Beale Street Could Talk
  • Manhunter
  • Judy
  • Children of Men
  • Radioactive
  • The Others
  • Point Break
  • Spooks: The Greater Good
  • Heat
  • Highlander

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

ExpressVPN is considered one of the best VPNs for downloading and watching BBC iPlayer on iPhone/iPad outside the UK for several compelling reasons and features. 

Firstly, its vast server network includes multiple high-speed UK servers, ensuring a seamless streaming experience without buffering and lag.

Secondly, ExpressVPN excels in bypassing geo-restrictions. Its robust encryption and advanced protocols effectively mask your IP address, making it appear as though you’re accessing the internet from the UK. 

And because of this, apart from BBC iPlayer, I was also able to download and watch other popular British streaming services such as Channel 4, ITVX, Channel 5, Sky Sports, Now and more.

Furthermore, it offers a user-friendly mobile app for iOS devices, making it easy to set up and use on your iPhone/iPad. Its intuitive interface and reliable customer support ensure that even beginners can quickly configure the VPN.

ExpressVPN also offers unlimited bandwidth, ensuring you can stream BBC iPlayer content in high quality without worrying about data caps or throttling. Plus, it has a strict no-logs policy, guaranteeing your online activities remain private.

Lastly, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free when accessing BBC iPlayer from outside the UK. 

Overall, its combination of speed, security, server network, and user-friendliness makes it a top choice for streaming BBC iPlayer on iOS devices outside the UK.

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

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) enables you to watch and download BBC iPlayer outside the UK by masking your true location and routing your internet traffic through a server located in the UK. Here’s how it works:

  1. When you connect to a VPN server in the UK, your real IP address is hidden, and you’re assigned a UK IP address. 
  2. By connecting to a UK server, you effectively “spoof” your location. BBC iPlayer believes you’re in the UK, allowing you to access its content.
  3. The combination of a UK IP address and encrypted connection allows you to bypass BBC iPlayer’s geo-restrictions, enabling you access to its extensive library of TV shows, movies, and more from anywhere in the world.
  4. VPNs use encryption to secure your internet connection. This encryption ensures that your online activities, including streaming content on BBC iPlayer, remain private and protected from potential surveillance or hacking.

FAQs

Is BBC iPlayer free to download and watch on iPhone/iPad?

Yes, BBC iPlayer on your iPhone/iPad is complimentary, provided you hold a UK TV license. All you need to do is download the BBC iPlayer app on your iPhone/iPad, and you can enjoy the available content at no additional charge.

Can I set up BBC iPlayer on my iPhone/iPad while not in the United Kingdom?

Yes, you can change your App Store region to the UK. Once this change is made, the BBC iPlayer app will become available on your iPhone/iPad’s App Store from anywhere around the world.

Can I watch the BBC iPlayer app outside of the UK?

Yes, the BBC iPlayer app can function beyond UK borders, provided you establish a connection through a VPN. Moreover, if you’ve previously downloaded a show or movie within the UK using the app, you can still watch it when located outside of the UK. 

Conclusion

This concludes my guide on accessing BBC iPlayer on iPhone/iPad from outside the UK. Throughout this article, I’ve provided you with all the essential details needed to download BBC iPlayer on your iPhone/iPad while abroad. 

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that BBC iPlayer is a UK-centric platform accessible solely to its local audience. If you reside outside the UK, you may encounter geo-restrictions. 

To avoid this problem, connect to a UK server through a reliable VPN when downloading the BBC iPlayer app abroad. For this purpose, ExpressVPN is my top choice, ensuring a hassle-free experience when downloading and enjoying BBC iPlayer on your iPhone/iPad.

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Chief Editor
Sebastian Petrosi, Editor of various cord cutting websites, founded BingeManiacs in 2024. With a Masters’s degree in communications, Sebastian specializes in gathering details, checking facts, and writing easy to understand cord cutting guides. In addition to writing articles and testing VPNs, Sebastian loves to play games and binge watch his favorite shows over the weekends.

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