How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland [Easy Steps | 2025]

BBC iPlayer is a free-to-air online streaming service, only available in the UK. It offers a wide variety of shows and movies produced originally by BBC.

Unfortunately, this service is exclusively accessible to UK residents. However, if you want to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland, you will need to use a VPN.

If you don’t connect to a VPN service, you will be allowed to access its website but not the content on it, and instead, you will get the following error message:

“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.”

I was able to unblock BBC iPlayer in Ireland by connecting to ExpressVPN. It is my no.1 choice.

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How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland

Since BBC iPlayer is not accessible outside the United Kingdom and if you want to unblock it in Ireland you will need to connect to a VPN service. If you don’t know how to proceed, you don’t need to worry, because you can follow these steps to go ahead:

Step 1: Subscribe to your VPN of choice (We recommend ExpressVPN)

Step 2: Download the ExpressVPN app and install it on your device

Step 3: Connect to a UK server, i.e Docklands

Step 4: Open BBC iPlayer and click on BBC account

Step 5: Click Register Now

Step 6: Enter your email

Step 7: Create a password

Step 8: Select your age

Step 9: Enter your details and postcode. e.g. SW1A 2AA

Step 10: Go to the home page

Step 11: Select a show to watch

Step 12: Choose an episode

Step 13: Click on the ‘Play’ button

Step 14: Enjoy streaming

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Why Do I Need a VPN to Unblock BBC iPlayer in Ireland?

BBC iPlayer streaming service is only available in the UK because of licensing and copyright issues.

The only way to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland is by using a VPN service. The VPN assigns you a UK IP address and hides your original Irish IP address.

This way, when you try to access the BBC iPlayer, it will assume that you’re from the UK and will grant you access. ExpressVPN is our #1 choice.

Best VPNs to Unblock BBC iPlayer?

After testing 35+ different VPNs to see which ones perform efficiently in unblocking BBC iPlayer in Ireland, I found the following three.

1. ExpressVPN
2. Surfshark
3. NordVPN

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Streaming BBC iPlayer

Recommended Servers: London, East London and Docklands

ExpressVPN is our #1 choice to have a seamless streaming experience through the vast network of high-speed servers when watching your favourite shows and sports on geo-restricted services.

Speed Test: When I connected to the Docklands Server of ExpressVPN and tested its speed, it came out to be 41 Mbps out of 50 Mbps.

Beyond BBC iPlayer: You can access other geo-restricted channels/services in Ireland such as USA Network, PBS, Frndly TV, Prende TV, etc.

2. Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN for Unblocking BBC iPlayer

Recommended Servers: London, Manchester, Glasgow

Surfshark is a reliable VPN option for accessing BBC iPlayer in Ireland. Its combination of affordability and advanced technology secures its spot on our list.

During testing, I found it effective in bypassing geo-restrictions on services and channels while offering robust privacy features like full forward secrecy.

Additionally, this VPN excels at unblocking other geo-restricted channels and services in Ireland, such as 9 Now, Servus TV, 7Plus, Netflix, Prime Video etc.

3. NordVPN – Biggest Server Pool to Access BBC iPlayer

Recommended Servers: London, Edinburgh, Glasgow

NordVPN has a big pool of servers and offers smooth streaming. The VPN has a very user-friendly interface, so you can navigate through it conveniently.

When tested for unblocking BBC iPlayer, its vast network of servers provided a stable and fast connection for seamless streaming.

Besides BBC iPlayer, it also helps access other geo-restricted channels/services in Ireland, like ORF, Hulu, FuboTV, Sling, BBC iPlayer etc.

Devices that Support BBC iPlayer

Some of the commonly used devices that support BBC iPlayer include:

• Chromecast
• Roku
• Now TV Set-Top-Box
• Apple TV: 12.0 or above
• Amazon Fire tablet: OS 6 or above
• Android phone/tablet: 7.0 or above
• iPhone/iPad: iOS 15.5 or above
• Android TV
• Laptop/PC (Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari)

To see the complete list of devices, click here.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Smartphone in Ireland

Here is how you can stream shows on BBC iPlayer from your smartphone:

Step 1: Download and Install the ExpressVPN app

Step 2: Connect ExpressVPN to the UK server i.e. Docklands

Step 3: Download BBC iPlayer APK from your browser

Step 4: Click Install

Step 5: Open the BBC iPlayer app once installed and click Sign In OR Register for FREE

Step 6: Click Got it

Step 7: This is the BBC iPlayer interface. Select any show to watch i.e. Peaky Blinders

Step 8: Click View Episode

Step 9: Click Play

Step 10: Select I have a TV License

Step 11: Click Play once again

Start 12: Start Streaming!

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How to Watch BBC iPlayer on iPhone in Ireland

Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN app and download its iOS app.

Step 2: Connect to a UK server.

Step 3: Download the BBC iPlayer app from the App Store.

Step 4: Log in or sign up for a new account.

Step 5: Sign in or create an account if you don’t have one.

Step 6: Search for the show or movie you want to watch

Step 7: Start streaming BBC iPlayer!

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How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Fire TV Stick in Ireland

Step 1: Go to Firestick settings on the Homepage.

Step 2: Enable the Developer Option.

Step 3: Turn on ‘Apps from Unknown Sources.’

Step 4: Download the Downloader App from the Amazon Store.

Step 5: Search for BBC iPlayer on the Downloader app. Enter the URL bit.ly/fsh-downloads OR iPlayer Downloader Code 730116.

Step 6: Open ExpressVPN and connect it to the US server

Step 7: Open the “BBC iPlayer” app and sign in.

Step 8: Select your favourite show or the channel’s live stream.

Step 9: Enjoy streaming!

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How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Roku in Ireland

Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN and set up the VPN service on your router.

Step 2: Choose the UK server from the available list.

Step 3: Ensure your Roku device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 4: Install the BBC iPlayer app from the Roku Channel Store

Step 5: Log in or create an account.

Step 6: Enjoy streaming your favourite BBC iPlayer shows on Roku!

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What to Watch on BBC iPlayer?

The massive library of videos available on BBC iPlayer can be intimidating. Don’t worry, I’ve listed down some of our favourite shows. You can just relax, and start binge-watching right away.

Best Movies on BBC iPlayer

Thillers

• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Lara Croft Tomb Raider
• Divergent Movies

Romance

• A Star is Born
• The Proposal

Comedy

• Man Up
• Easy A
• Mrs. Brown’s Boys

Family

• Adams’s Family
• Wallace & Gromit

Best Shows on BBC iPlayer

Mystery

• A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
• Apples Never Fall

Horror/Dark Theme

• Great Expectations
• The Woman in the Wall
• The Gallow Pole

Comedy

• Two Doors Down
• Colin From Accounts
• The Office UK

Food

• Young Masterchef
• Great British Menu
• Masterchef UK

Sports to Watch on BBC iPlayer

• Paris 2024 Olympic Games
• UEFA Women’s Euro 2025
• Women’s Super League (football)
• United Rugby Championship
• Six Nations Rugby Tournament
• FA Cup (football)
• Wimbledon (tennis)
• UEFA Nations League (football)

Channels on BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer streams a variety of live BBC TV channels, ensuring viewers can access current shows, news, and events as they are released. Channels available for live viewing include:

• BBC One
• BBC Two
• BBC Three
• BBC Four
• BBC News
• BBC Radio 1
• CBBC
• CBeebies
• BBC Scotland
• BBC Parliament
• BBC Alba
• S4C

Check the TV Guide here.

How to Watch More UK Channels/Services in Ireland

With the help of a VPN and connecting to the UK server, you can watch tons of UK channels and streaming services for free. Some of them are listed below:

• Watch ITVX in Ireland
• Watch UKTV Play in Ireland
• Watch My5 in Ireland
• Watch Channel 4 in Ireland

Resolving Playback Issues

Buffering typically occurs when the connection between your router and device is unstable. A reliable internet connection is essential to enjoy seamless streaming.

If your internet speed is slow, you might face buffering or receive an “insufficient bandwidth” alert, indicating limited data transfer capacity.

How to Improve Playback Quality

1. Disconnect Other Devices: Reduce network congestion by disconnecting or turning off other devices sharing the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Switch to Standard Definition: Streaming in HD requires more bandwidth. If your internet can’t handle it, switch to SD to minimize buffering.
3. Use a Wired Connection: If you’re on Wi-Fi, consider connecting directly via Ethernet to avoid interference or move closer to the router.
4. Try a Different Browser: If you’re streaming on a web browser, switch to an alternative browser and close unnecessary tabs to improve performance.
5. Check Your Internet Speed: Run a speed test to confirm your connection is sufficient for streaming.
6. Download for Offline Viewing: If playback issues persist, download your desired programs through the BBC iPlayer app for offline viewing. Check the ‘How can I watch programmes when I’m offline?’ guide for more details.

For persistent internet issues, especially if they affect other channels or broadcasters, reach out to your internet service provider for assistance.

FAQs – BBC iPlayer

Do I need to subscribe to watch BBC iPlayer?

No, you don’t need to subscribe to the BBC iPlayer service since it’s completely free to watch. However, you will need to create a free account to watch BBC iPlayer content.

How can I download programs on BBC iPlayer?

Programs can be downloaded by clicking the download icon next to the program. These downloads are available for 30 days but expire 48 hours after you start watching them.

Can you watch BBC iPlayer with a free VPN?

No, you cannot watch BBC iPlayer with a free VPN because free VPNs are easily detectable as they don’t fully disguise your original IP address. Not to mention they are a threat to your online privacy in the first place as they leak your data to third parties.

Can I Watch BBC iPlayer in Northern Ireland?

Yes, you can watch BBC iPlayer in Northern Ireland without having to use a VPN. However, people residing in Ireland can access Northern Ireland content on BBC iPlayer with a VPN.

Is it necessary to use a premium VPN service to unblock BBC iPlayer?

Yes, it is advised to use a premium VPN service because free VPNs are never reliable. You may lose your private data and there is no guarantee that you would be able to access every site.

Closing Words

BBC iPlayer is free to watch, but it’s only available in the UK. The only way to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland is by using a VPN.

To get started, simply register on the platform by providing basic details and a valid UK postal code, which you can easily find online.

Using a VPN not only unlocks access to new entertainment but also enhances your security and ensures greater privacy. ExpressVPN is our #1 choice.