How to Watch BBC iPlayer in the USA

BBC iPlayer has become a well-regarded avenue for a lot of Americans to access some exceptional UK programming. But this service is only available to users located within the UK. The good thing is that you do have ways to use BBC iPlayer even if you are not in the UK. This article explains step-by-step ways on how to watch BBC iPlayer in the USA (also applies to any place outside the UK). No matter if you are an American who wants to watch BBC iPlayer or a British person in the USA who wants to watch some homemade shows, follow me to unlock your BBC iPlayer trip.

Why BBC iPlayer is Geo-Blocked Outside the UK

BBC iPlayer is not available in the USA, and other countries outside the UK are because of the DRM. The BBC has only the right to broadcast its content within the UK. So, the service will block you according to your IP address.

However, according to the official, you can use the official BBC iPlayer to download the videos offline and to watch them anywhere on the app. Also, some of the BBC services, like BBC Sounds, BBC News, BBC Sport, and BBC Three YouTube, are available outside the UK, but some content may be restricted due to the location.

Method 1: Use a VPN

VPN is a virtual private network that lets you access BBC iPlayer safely. It hides your location, encrypts your network, and makes you look like you’re in the UK so that you can bypass the geo-restrictions and stream the content on the platform. There are many choices on the market, like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost. However, you need to be cautious, not all VPN can bypass the geo-restrictions, and some of them can still be detected and blocked by the BBC iPlayer.

It’s easy to use a VPN, just download the one and connect to a UK server. Open your browser to enter the BBC iPlayer and play the video.

Method 2: Use a Smart DNS Service

A smart DNS is another way to let you access BBC iPlayer. It differs from VPN. VPN changes your whole internet to the UK, but smart DNS simply redirects the specific DNS queries from the site that identifies your location, so the site identifies you’re in the UK.  However, because DNS does not encrypt your network, it is not as safe as using a VPN. But as long as you use a compliant DNS, you are fine.

There are popular DNS services, such as Unlocator and OverPlay, are known for reliably unblocking BBC iPlayer and other streaming platforms. Here is an example of how to set up Unlocator.

Step 1: Sign up for Unlocator.

Step 2: Open your network settings on your computer (same steps on phone/or other smart devices).

Step 3: Go to Network & Internet, select Change Adapter Settings, right-click your network adapter, and choose Properties.

Step 4: Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.

Step 5: Enter the DNS address (only active Unlocator users have full access to the address). Primary DNS Server: 185.37.37.37. Secondary DNS Server: 185.37.39.39

Step 6: Click Save and then restart your network.

Step 7: Visit BBC iPlayer, and you can watch the videos.

Method 3: Download BBC iPlayer Streams

As mentioned, downloading BBC iPlayer videos is a great way to watch the content outside the UK, without suffering any location problems. However, although BBC iPlayer has a download function, it relies on being able to access the content in the first place. If you can’t access BBC iPlayer directly, the official download option won’t be of much use.

In this case, you need to use third-party video downloaders. CleverGet MPD Downloader is a versatile video downloader that can download MPD videos with DRM on many streaming sites like BBC iPlayer (MPD is a video format that many streaming sites use). You can save the videos in 1080P in MP4/MKV formats, with choices to select subtitles and audio tracks, and ads removed. By using tools like CleverGet, you can watch any BBC iPlayer content you like, even if you cannot access the platform.

• 

• CleverGet MPD Downloader

  CleverGet MPD Downloader is a DRM MPEG-DASH MPD downloader to download DRM protected videos from MPEG-DASH streaming services for unlimited offline viewing.

  • Preserve desired multi-language captions and audio tracks.
  • Download MPD Videos to up to 1080P MP4/MKV Files.
  DownloadDownload

Troubleshooting: Common Problems & Fixes

When you use a VPN or DNS, there are chances that you may face some issues from time to time. Thus, below are a few ways to troubleshoot problems you may encounter using a VPN or DNS.

VPN is blocked: If you still can see the message "not available in your region." BBC iPlayer may likely detect your VPN. Try to switch to another UK server, disable VPN ads and tracker blocking features (if available), and turn off the location service on your devices. If the problem still persists, use a different VPN to use or contact the VPN customer team.

Slow speed or buffering: VPN encryption slows down your internet speed, especially when there are a lot of people using it at the same time. That will cause the server to be crowded. You can use a faster protocol, such as WireGuard, and avoid peak usage time, like night 8-10 o’clock. Also, try to turn off other programs that occupy your internet speed to make room for your watching.

DNS issues: If BBC iPlayer still shows a location error, then this means your ISP is overriding the DNS, or your real location is leaking. Ensure that your IP address is activated on the Smart DNS dashboard; disable IPv6 and turn off any VPN, proxy, or ad-blocking DNS on your device or router. Then, refresh your connection or restart the router for the changes to take effect.

FAQs

1. Is BBC iPlayer a free app?

Yes, BBC iPlayer is a free app for UK residents. However, you need a valid UK TV license to access the content legally.

2. Where can I watch BBC iPlayer?

BBC iPlayer is available in the UK on multiple devices, such as smartphones, TVs, tablets, laptops, and PCs. Outside the UK, you can use a VPN, DNS, or use CleverGet MPD Downloader to download BBC iPlayer videos offline to watch.

3. What shows on BBC iPlayer?

BBC iPlayer offers multiple shows and movies. Recently popular ones include The War Between the Land and the Sea, This Is Going to Hurt, and The Responder. You can find everything from thrilling dramas to comedy and documentaries, but the availability varies based on location and licensing.

Conclusion

Although the geolocation barrier is a problem for most people in the USA to watch BBC iPlayer, the three methods in this post can solve the problem.  No matter which you choose, VPN or DNS, you can bypass the geo-restriction and enjoy the shows online. Specifically, downloading the videos using CleverGet MPD Downloader is another safe way to enjoy BBC iPlayer videos offline anywhere. Just try them out to enjoy your BBC iPlayer day.