BBC iPlayer is a free-to-air streaming service 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.”
Our Recommended VPN – ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is our recommended choice for streaming any geo-restricted services that are unavailable in Ireland OR it is used to stay anonymous over the internet for watching anything for free as it hides your streaming activity from the ISPs.
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Since BBC iPlayer is not accessible outside the UK, you will need to connect to a VPN service if you want to unblock it in Ireland.
If you don’t know how to proceed, don’t 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 12: Choose an episode
Step 13: Click on the ‘Play’ button
Step 14: Enjoy streaming
BBC iPlayer is a UK-based streaming platform which is only available in the authorized region (i.e. UK) because of licensing and copyright issues.
If you try to access it without a VPN, the service will block your access as mentioned above. Whereas, a VPN helps get these geo-restrictions.
The VPN assigns you a UK IP address and hides your original Irish IP address. This way, when you open the BBC iPlayer, it will assume that you’re from the UK and will grant you access.
After testing 35+ different VPNs to see which ones perform efficiently in unblocking BBC iPlayer in Ireland, I found the following three.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Servers | 3200 servers in 100+ countries |
| BBC iPlayer Server locations | Multiple servers in London, East London, Wembley, and the Docklands |
| Exclusive deal | €4.87/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Multi-Device Compatibility | Connect up to 8 devices at once – Windows, Android, Mac, and more |
| Enhanced Streaming | Fast and throttle-free streaming with Smart DNS, Split Tunneling, and Lightway Protocol. |
| Top-notch Privacy | Digital privacy with 256-bit Encryption, Kill Switch, and No Log policy. |
Recommended Servers: London, East London and Docklands
ExpressVPN provides a seamless streaming experience through its 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.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Servers | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| US Server locations | Multiple servers across London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh |
| Price | €2.19/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Device Compatibility | Unlimited devices – Windows, Android, Mac, and more |
| Fast Streaming | Uninterrupted streaming with Higher bandwidth per user, and numerous servers |
| Added Privacy | Secure the connection with Camouflage Mode, AES-256-GCM Encryption, Kill Switch, and No-Logs Policy. |
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.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Servers | 6000+ servers in 60 countries |
| US Server locations | 440+ Servers across UK |
| Price | €3.39/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Device Compatibility | Up to 6 devices simultaneously – Windows, Android, Mac, and more |
| Enhanced Streaming | Faster streaming with a Wider server range & NordLynx Protocol. |
| Added Privacy | Military-grade encryption, Double VPN, CyberSec, and No logs policy, |
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.
Some of the commonly used devices that support BBC iPlayer include:
To see the complete list of devices, click here.
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!
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!
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 BBC iPlayer Downloader Code for firestick: 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!
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!
The massive library of videos available on BBC iPlayer can be intimidating. Don’t worry, I’ve listed down some of our BBC series and popular movies. You can just relax, and start binge-watching right away.
| Thrillers | Romance | Comedy | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pirates of the Caribbean | A Star is Born | Man Up | Adams’s Family |
| Lara Croft Tomb Raider | The Proposal | Easy A | Wallace & Gromit |
| Divergent Movies | Mrs. Brown’s Boys |
| Mystery | Horror/Dark Theme | Comedy | Food |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder | Great Expectations | Two Doors Down | Young Masterchef |
| Apples Never Fall | The Woman in the Wall | Colin From Accounts | Great British Menu |
| The Gallow Pole | The Office UK | Masterchef UK |
BBC iPlayer streams a variety of BBC TV live channels, ensuring viewers can access BC dramas, 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.
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:
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.
For persistent internet issues, especially if they affect other channels or broadcasters, reach out to your internet service provider for assistance.
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.
What do I do if I am connected to a UK server of my VPN and BBC iPlayer still doesn’t work?
Not all VPN servers are compatible with every streaming service. Try switching to a different UK server. For example, if you are using a London server, switch to Manchester or another available UK server and then try accessing BBC iPlayer again.
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.
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