BBC iPlayer not working with VPN? Here’s the fix you have been waiting for!

There’s nothing more frustrating than sitting down to watch your favorite show and being hit with an error like “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues,” or “This content is not available in your location.” Normally, you’d be able to regain access by connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), but what if even that doesn’t help? Don’t worry: this post will address some of the most common problems people have streaming BBC iPlayer and explain how to fix them.

Why doesn’t my VPN work with BBC iPlayer?

As one of the UK’s largest broadcasters, the BBC has invested significant amounts of time and money into making sure that you can only access its platform from within the UK. As a result, it can be difficult to access BBC iPlayer with a VPN.

Here are the potential reasons your VPN isn’t working with BBC iPlayer:

• Your VPN’s servers have been blacklisted by the BBC.
• Your device’s GPS location and IP address location don’t match.
• BBC iPlayer has stored a cookie on your device, which is telling its services that you’re not in the UK.
• Your VPN doesn’t have the resources to keep finding workarounds when BBC iPlayer’s geo-blocking system is upgraded.
• Your VPN is using virtual servers, and BBC iPlayer can see the server’s actual location.
• The VPN or server you’re using simply isn’t able to unblock BBC iPlayer.
• Your real IP address is leaking.

How to fix VPN problems with BBC iPlayer

Now you know some of the potential causes of your problem, it’s time to try and rectify them. Following the steps below will fix most playback issues and let you stream BBC iPlayer live from anywhere in the world. Be sure to reload the site or app after each step to see if your problem has been resolved. If not, just keep making your way down the list.

Which VPNs still work with BBC iPlayer?

We’ve found these VPNs to be the most consistent at working with BBC iPlayer:

1. NordVPN The best VPN for streaming BBC iPlayer. Particularly fast, with a no-logs policy and excellent unblocking ability. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for BBC iPlayer.
2. Surfshark Best budget VPN for iPlayer. A speedy, low-cost service with no connection limit. Strong on security and able to unblock virtually anything.
3. TotalVPN Beginner-friendly option with fast British servers, robust security, and a solid set of privacy features. Works with most popular streaming services and comes with its own antivirus app.
4. ProtonVPN Boasts a strong focus on privacy, high speeds, and one of the largest networks around. Ideal for streaming UK TV from abroad. Follows a strict no-logs policy and offers 24/7 support.
5. ExpressVPN A strong choice for everyday usage. Novice-friendly VPN with powerful privacy tools and the ability to access virtually any British streaming service including iPlayer, ITVX, and All 4.
6. IPVanish This zero-logs VPN can help you stream safely on every device you own. Easy to use apps and 24/7 support, plus a constantly expanding set of security tools.
7. CyberGhost An intuitive, privacy-conscious VPN that’s perfect for novice users. Works with just about any British streaming site including BBC iPlayer.
8. PrivateVPN Capable of accessing BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and ITVX without any issues. Boasts a stealth mode, no-logs policy, and advanced security features.

Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer: At a glance

I’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN — the #1 choice for BBC iPlayer.

How does BBC iPlayer detect VPN usage?

Most major streaming services have some form of VPN-detection built-in and BBC iPlayer is no different. But how does this service actually tell that you’re using a VPN in the first place? The answer is more complex than you might think!

Generally, geo-blocked websites get your location by examining your IP address. If the address points to a location (or Internet Service Provider) in the required country (in this case, the UK), you can use the site as normal. However, BBC iPlayer may keep track of or block commonly-seen IP addresses, as it’s likely these aren’t coming from a single user.

Now, knowing that IP addresses can be easily spoofed with a VPN, some sites go even further and cross-reference this against your GPS data. If the two don’t match, there’s a decent chance the user is connected to a VPN. This is why it’s usually easier to unblock streaming platforms on desktop computers, as opposed to mobile phones.

Finally, VPN traffic looks different from regular HTTP traffic, with telltale indicators that strongly imply VPN usage. The good news is that many providers now offer obfuscation or stealth modes that hide these indicators. You can almost always try a different connection protocol too; there’s a chance BBC iPlayer can detect OpenVPN traffic but not WireGuard, for instance.

Why do streaming services region-lock their content?

Usually, streaming services don’t own exclusive worldwide broadcast rights for their shows, although there are some exceptions, such as with Netflix Originals since those are all created in-house. This means that, for instance, the BBC might have the rights to broadcast a particular title in the UK while another network has the rights to show it in the US. As such, major streaming services often use region-locking to stick to their end of the bargain and prevent users in other countries from watching anything they aren’t supposed to.

Of course, region-locking doesn’t help much if your broadcast schedule punishes the viewer for living outside of a certain country. Killing Eve, for instance, had different release dates for the UK and the US, meaning British fans not only had to wait longer but also had to avoid spoilers for several months. To prevent having one of the UK’s biggest shows in recent years spoiled for them, many fans resorted to using VPNs to watch new episodes as they were released on American TV.

How to watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN

With the right VPN, it’s easy to watch geo-blocked content abroad. Just follow the steps below to get a British IP address and stream BBC iPlayer from outside the UK.

Here’s how to use BBC iPlayer with a VPN:

1. First, sign up for a suitable VPN. I recommend NordVPN – I was able to access BBC iPlayer flawlessly on the first attempt with a Standard subscription. Surfshark is a great option if you’re on a tight budget.
2. Download and install the VPN app, taking care to get the appropriate version for your device. It’s fine if you regularly stream on several devices since most VPNs allow at least five simultaneous connections.
3. Connect to one of your VPN’s British servers (ideally in London or another major city).
4. Now, create a BBC iPlayer account. You’ll be asked for your postal code, but the BBC doesn’t actually check whether you live there or not, so any valid UK postal code will work. Note that due to British law, you’ll need a TV license to watch anything on BBC iPlayer, regardless of whether it’s live or not.

   

5. Finally, try playing a video. If it doesn’t start right away, clear your browser’s cookies and cache, then reload the page. Still having trouble? Head back up to the troubleshooting section and work your way through the steps to fix the most common problems.

How to fix BBC iPlayer error code 02066

If BBC iPlayer realizes you’re using a VPN or proxy, it’ll show error code 02066. That can be quite frustrating, especially if you’re just trying to unwind with your favorite shows. However, the solution is often more straightforward than it seems. This error usually stems from network connectivity issues, app cache corruption, or the use of VPNs.

To resolve error code 02066, follow the simple steps below:

1. Start by clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, a straightforward process.
2. Ensure your internet connection is stable; consider using an Ethernet cable for a more reliable connection.
3. If you’re using a VPN, disable it, as BBC iPlayer’s geo-restriction measures can block VPN traffic. For VPN users wanting to use iPlayer outside the UK, try switching to a different UK server or use a different VPN from the list above.
4. Next, make sure you’re using the latest version of the BBC iPlayer app. Old or outdated software can create problems, so it’s best to eliminate this as a possible cause.
5. Reboot your device to clear up any potential glitches that may have occurred.
6. If these steps fail, uninstall and reinstall the app.
7. If you’re still having problems, I’d recommend getting in touch with your VPN’s customer support team. They’ll be able to tell you if the problem is on their end or not. You may have to switch providers but don’t worry: I can confirm that every VPN in this list is capable of unblocking BBC iPlayer abroad.

By following these simple steps, you can often overcome error code 02066 and enjoy uninterrupted streaming of your favorite British shows and movies.

See also:

• How to watch ITV abroad
• How to watch All 4 abroad (Channel 4)
• How to watch Sky Go abroad
• How to watch Now TV abroad
• How to get Netflix UK in any country

Watching BBC iPlayer with a VPN: FAQ