BBC iPlayer is one of the most prominent and popular streaming services in the UK that offers high-quality live TV and on-demand content. With this service, you can access and watch all BBC channels from BBC One to CBBC all for free. Of course, you have to confirm if you have a TV license to proceed.
However, despite being free, BBC iPlayer implements geo-restrictions similar to other popular streaming services. If you try to access the service outside the UK, all you will see is, “This content is not available in your location” or “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.” This is very frustrating if you want to access BBC iPlayer from the US.
Fortunately, you can bypass the geo-restrictions and this guide will show you how to watch BBC iPlayer from the US.
Why you can’t access BBC iPlayer from the US
Most of the BBC content is copyrighted to the UK. To safeguard this content and meet copyright requirements, BBC iPlayer uses geo-restrictions. This makes BBC iPlayer available to the UK only.
This also means that if you have traveled to the US for a vacation, or to see your family, or for business purposes, you will miss your favorite BBC content and that is unfair.
How BBC iPlayer achieves geo-restriction
BBC iPlayer implements restrictions by blocking IP addresses that don’t belong to the UK locale. When you connect to the internet, your ISP provides a public IP address that’s is visible to anyone including streaming services. This public IP also carries your geolocation. With IP filters in place, BBC iPlayer service can quickly determine your location from your IP and deny you access if you’re not from the UK.
Similar to other streaming services, BBC upgraded their geo-restriction mechanisms, and it can also detect proxy and VPN traffic. If you use proxies, DNS un-blockers, and weak VPNs, you will be blocked automatically. But do not worry, our method is proven and has never failed to work.
Bypassing BBC iPlayer restrictions from the US
The simple and ultimate way to access BBC iPlayer from the US is by using a reputable VPN. A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic and tunnels it through a specified server till it reaches its intended destination. This is all achievable since the VPN assigns you a virtual IP address and when tunneling occurs, your internet traffic appears to be originating from the virtual IP address. For instance, if you are in the US and you choose a UK server, all your internet traffic will seem to be originating from the UK.
Note that not all VPNs can be able to unblock BBC iPlayer as the service detects VPN traffic. BBC can now detect shared IP addresses and block the whole range of IP addresses in a specific VPN server.
Use IPBurger VPN to watch BBC iPlayer from the US
IPBurger VPN is the proven solution for watching BBC iPlayer from the US. Here is why IPBurger is the best;
Dedicated IP addresses: Most VPNs offer shared IP addresses which are great for privacy. Their downside; these IP addresses are easily blocked by streaming services such as BBC iPlayer as several users might try to use them to gain access to the streams. Most of them are easily detectable too. IPBurger VPN offers shared IP addresses as well as dedicated IP addresses. With a dedicated IP address, your chances of getting blocked are minimal.
Lightning speeds and unlimited bandwidth: These are essential aspects when streaming content. IPBurger VPN service ensures a seamless BBC iPlayer streaming experience by offering unlimited bandwidth bundled with lightning speeds.
Security & Privacy: IPBurger VPN encryptions also ensure your privacy and security is well taken care of while streaming BBC iPlayer.
Without further ado, proceed as follows to watch BBC iPlayer from the US;
- Sign up for IPBurger VPN account.
- Download and install the right VPN app for your device.
- Launch the app, sign in and connect to a UK server.
You can now watch BBC iPlayer from the US via the BBC iPlayer app or your browser. For first time users, after registering for a BBC account/signing in, you have to select ‘I have a TV license. Watch now’ option to proceed to stream your favorite content.
