How to watch BBC iPlayer abroad on iPhone, iPad or Mac

How to watch BBC iPlayer abroad on iPhone, iPad or Mac

Want to watch BBC iPlayer abroad? If you're on holiday outside the UK you'll run into trouble accessing the BBC's online streaming service, but here we show you how to watch BBC iPlayer abroad. BBC iPlayer is UK's premier streaming service, offering a range of high-quality television and radio shows, plus movies, direct from the BBC, entirely free from advertising. The shame is that BBC iPlayer is limited to UK viewers, and in principle you can only watch it from inside the UK.Funded by a licence fee, UK television-set owners pay for the BBC; so it makes sense to limit BBC iPlayer to UK viewers. But what about holidaymakers and those with homes in two countries? If you've paid for it, then you should be able to watch BBC iPlayer when overseas. You need a TV licence to watch on-demand content on the iPlayer. Previously, you only needed a licence to watch TV being broadcast live, but now the rule change means all iPlayer content requires you to pay up. Our sister title Tech Advisor explains here: Here's a quick rundown of the steps you'll need to take to get BBC iPlayer on your iPhone, iPad or Mac if you're outside of the UK. This will also work on a PC. Be aware though, this breaks the terms and conditions of BBC iPlayer so you should go ahead at your own risk. You're not going to get fined or arrested, but you could have your account suspended. When you open the on your iOS device or log on to on your Mac or PC, it checks your public IP (Internet Protocol) address. This address is a four-digit number, such as 91.108.140.168 (a quick way to find yours is by typing IP Address into Google). This figure relates to your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or cellular connection, linked to the server that is sending you data. Enter the digits into and you'll find where the server is located as well as the host. If this location isn't in the UK, then BBC iPlayer willrefuse to show you content. To use BBC iPlayer abroad, you need to convincethe BBC thatyou're using an IP address based in the UK. Don't worry-this is a lot easier than you think, thanks to VPNs (orvirtual private networks). Instead of connecting directly to the BBC, you log into the VPN, and thatconnects to the BBC and sends you the video. Be aware though, this breaks the terms and conditions of BBC iPlayer so you should go ahead at your own risk. You're not going to get fined or arrested, but you could have your account suspended. Here are some of the best VPN services for BBC iPlayer, in our experience: . This service is top of the pile; it offers a complete VPN service with the best security and privacy settings we have seen. Your data is encrypted so you can surf worry-free wherever. Not only can you access iPlayer abroad with it, but you can also benefit from services such as secure online banking when on public Wi-Fi hotspots. It costs from as little as 2/US$2.75 per month. . . Another of our favourite VPN services with top security and privacy features and simple-to-use apps. It's available for around 5/$6.67 per month. . . Hidden24 currently only offers UK servers, but that's fine if you just want to use it for BBC iPlayer. It's a very minimalist VPN that you'll find won't intrude at all with your experience of using your Mac, iPhone or iPad. You won't even notice it's there. It's available for as little as 3.33 per month. . You might also like to find out