How to watch BBC iPlayer on iPhone or Android phones

Disclaimer: Certain pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This in no way affects our editorial staff.

To watch BBC iPlayer, you need to be in the UK. If you want to stream content via BBC iPlayer outside the UK, you'll need to find a workaround.

Fortunately, this is a relatively simple process. In this article, we'll show you how to set up your mobile device so you can use BBC iPlayer. In addition, we will answer some frequently asked questions on the subject.



How to watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK on an Android?

The easiest method is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. The VPN allows you to hide your real location from BBC iPlayer by routing your internet connection through a UK server.

Limited offer: 3 months FREE!

ExpressVPN is one of the leading VPN services for watching BBC iPlayer from a country outside of the UK, as it has the fastest VPN servers. This provider offers top-notch security, fast and reliable download speeds, 24/24 live chat support, and a 7-day money-back guarantee. All of this makes it the perfect VPN for unblocking popular services.

How to Get an ExpressVPN Subscription

Before showing you how to set up ExpressVPN on Android, you'll need an active ExpressVPN subscription. To access ExpressVPN services, follow the three simple steps on the official website:

  1. Choose a plan that suits you best. ExpressVPN offers service in one-month, six-month, as well as 12-month plans with three additional months free.
  2. Create an account using an email address.
  3. Choose your desired payment method.

How to Set Up ExpressVPN on an Android Device

Once you've subscribed to ExpressVPN, follow these steps to set up VPN on Android:



Limited offer: 3 months FREE!

  1. Search ExpressVPN on the Google Play Store. Choose the Install option on the screen and the software download should begin immediately.
  2. After successful download and installation, open the ExpressVPN app and select the “Connect” option located at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Enter your account details and select the "Login" option.
  4. Approve the ExpressVPN connection request by clicking the “OK” button.
  5. Select a UK VPN server from the list.

You are now ready to use the Internet with more privacy and security. Open the BBC iPlayer app and sign in to your BBC iPlayer account. Check the TV guide to see what's happening right now and choose the show you want to watch. After setting up the VPN, you can also use BBC iPlayer services through the web browser.

How to watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK on an iPhone

Similar to the Android operating system, it is necessary to overcome geographical limitations of the BBC iPlayer. We do this with the help of ExpressVPN, one of the most trusted VPN service providers out there.

How to Get an ExpressVPN Subscription

Before showing you how to set up ExpressVPN on the iPhone, you will need an ExpressVPN subscription. To access ExpressVPN services, follow the three simple steps on the official website:

Limited offer: 3 months FREE!


  1. Choose a plan that suits you best. ExpressVPN offers service in one-month, six-month, as well as 12-month plans with three additional months free.
  2. Create an account using an email address.
  3. Choose your desired payment method.

How to Set Up ExpressVPN on an iPhone Device

Once you subscribe to ExpressVPN, the following steps will help you set up VPN on your iPhone.


  1. Search for ExpressVPN on the Apple App Store. Select the app and press the "Get" button. The software should start downloading immediately.
  2. After successful download and installation, open the ExpressVPN app and select the “Connect” option located at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Enter your account details and select the "Login" option.
  4. Information about how ExpressVPN protects your privacy will be displayed. Press the "Accept and Continue" button to continue. You will be asked to configure your VPN, press "Continue".
  5. Click "Allow" to allow ExpressVPN to add VPN configurations. Use Touch ID or enter your password to continue.
  6. After that, select your notification preferences and if you want to help improve ExpressVPN.
  7. Select a UK VPN server from the list.

Open the BBC iPlayer app and sign in to your BBC iPlayer account. Check the TV guide to see what's happening right now and choose the show you want to watch. After setting up the VPN, you can also use BBC iPlayer services through the web browser.


Availability of BBC iPlayer

The BBC iPlayer app is available for the following devices:


  • Fire OS 5 or higher is required for Amazon Fire (available on the Amazon Appstore)
  • Android 5.0 or higher is required for Android (available on Google Play Store)
  • iOS 12 or higher is required for Apple (available on the Apple App Store)

With the BBC iPlayer app for mobile phones and tablets you can do the following:

  • Use Wi-Fi or mobile data to watch on-demand shows
  • Use Wi-Fi or mobile data to watch live TV channels
  • Wi-Fi or mobile data can be used to download schematics (programs) on demand.

If you want to use the BBC iPlayer website, you need to open your web browser and enter the following link.

The BBC iPlayer website is available on the following devices:

  • Fire OS 5 or higher is required for Amazon Fire
  • Android 5.0 or above is required for Android
  • iOS 7 or higher is required for Apple
  • BlackBerry 10 or higher is required for BlackBerry OS
  • Windows 10 or higher is required for Microsoft Windows

The BBC iPlayer is just a click away

As you can see, the whole process is quite simple. To use BBC iPlayer services, you need a BBC user account and the BBC iPlayer app itself. If you are outside the UK, you will also need a virtual private network (VPN).

Have you ever used your iPhone or Android device to stream BBC iPlayer? If so, did you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)? Please share your thoughts in the comment box below.

Audio Video How to watch BBC iPlayer on iPhone or Android phones
add a comment of How to watch BBC iPlayer on iPhone or Android phones
Comment sent successfully! We will review it in the next few hours.