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If you’re outside the UK and want to watch British TV in Spain or really anywhere in the world, this simple hack will allow you to watch the likes of BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Channel 4 & Channel 5. This is ideal if you’re a Brit living abroad or on holiday and still want to get your British soaps, dramas, or sports events.
Due to international broadcasting rights issues, many TV broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky use something called geo-blocking. This means you can’t watch their content unless you’re based in the UK with a UK IP address. Luckily, there is a way around this, and you can trick these channels/online streaming services by following these quick steps.
How to Watch English TV in Spain in 2023
To get access to British players and unblock the likes of BBC iPlayer, you will first need to have an account. This is very simple to do; however, you may be asked for a Postcode (also known as a Zip Code). Then, connect to a fast, reliable geo-blocking VPN server in the UK. When you log into your iPlayer, your location will appear like you are in the UK. Therefore, you will have access to all the shows you want.
You can use a whole host of VPNs to unblock UK TV. ExpressVPN is my top pick, and you’ll find further information about ExpressVPN below. Beware, broadcasters do blacklist IP Addresses, so choose a VPN provider with a wide range of servers/locations to choose from.
** Current VPN Offer: 15 Months for the price of 12, all with a 30-day money-back guarantee **
What English Channels Can I Watch From Spain?
The UK has some great free or paid streaming and on-demand services available for those of you in good old Blighty. But what about when you’re outside the UK? Well, this VPN hack will also work on all of the below services.
1. BBC (BBC iPlayer)
Watch live BBC TV channels, including the likes of BBC One, Two, and Three or download some CBeebies shows for the kids to enjoy on the go. For UK TV license holders, you can stream the entire series or catch up with sports or radio shows.
Quick Guide: How to Connect to BBC iPlayer from Spain
- Connect to a VPN with GEO Blocking
- Connect to a UK server (choose the server with the best quality).
- Go to BBC iPlayer (make sure you have cleared your cookies)
- Start watching BBC Channels (BBC1, BBC TWO, BBC THREE, CBBC, CBeebies)
2. ITV (ITVHub)
ITVHub has a wide range of quality TV for the whole family. With free content from some award-winning programmes, including dramas, entertainment, documentaries, news and live TV. You can upgrade to ad-free viewing and downloadable content with their paid ITVHub+ subscription service.
Quick Guide: How to Connect to ITV (ITVHub) from Spain
- Connect to a VPN with GEO Blocking
- Connect to a UK server (choose the server with the best quality)
- Go to ITV Hub (make sure you have cleared your cookies)
- Start watching ITV Channels (ITV, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, ITVBe & CITV)
3. Channel 4 (All 4)
All 4 is the on-demand service from Channel 4, where you can watch your favourite shows from Channel 4, E4, All 4 and Walter Presents. This online service allows you to catch up on programmes, stream live channels and even get into the archives to watch older shows, such as Father Ted and Shameless.
Quick Guide: How to Connect to Channel 4 (All 4) from Spain
- Connect to a VPN with GEO Blocking
- Connect to a UK server (choose the server with the best quality)
- Go to Channel 4 (All 4) (make sure you have cleared your cookies)
- Start watching ITV Channels (Channel 4, E4, All 4 & Walter Presents)
4. Channel 5 (My5)
The My5 service, previously known as Demand 5, allows you to catch up on your favourite shows. From Channel 5, 5STAR, 5USA and 5Spike, as well as watch some exclusive content.
Quick Guide: How to Connect to Channel 5 (My5) from Spain
- Connect to a VPN with GEO Blocking
- Connect to a UK server (choose the server with the best quality)
- Go to Channel 5 (My5) (make sure you have cleared your cookies)
- Start watching Channel 5 programmes (Channel 5, 5STAR, 5USA & 5Spike)
5. Sky (Sky Go)
Watch Sky online with their streaming service, Sky Go. Watch Live Sports and News or catch up with movies, shows and entertainment on demand. Available for Sky customers only, mirroring your Sky TV experience anywhere you go!
6. UK Netflix
The Netflix streaming service allows paid members to watch a wide variety of award-winning TV shows, movies, documentaries, and original Netflix content on thousands of internet-connected devices, including smart TVs, game consoles, media sticks, laptops, and mobile devices.
Why Would You Want to Watch British TV?
The UK has created some of your favourite TV shows and soaps over the years (okay, maybe not soaps). The original (and best) The Office with Ricky Gervais was first shown on the BBC, as well as Sherlock, Doctor Who, Luther and Golden Globe winner of Best TV Series Fleabag. One of my personal favourites Black Mirror started out on Channel 4 before being purchased by Netflix.
If you’re unfamiliar with British TV shows, I recommend recent popular shows such as Line of Duty, Peaky Blinders and Killing Eve. In the comments below, let us know your favourite must-watch Best of British shows!
How to Unblock UK TV?
- Open your VPN client and connect to a server in the UK.
- Navigate to the iPlayer of your choice (BBC iPlayer, My5, All4 etc)
- Start watching your favourite UK shows from abroad for free!
Please Note: You may be required to log back into your account and delete your history or cookies from your browser if you are re-attempting to access after a failed attempt.
Best VPN for Watching UK TV Abroad
The VPN provider that I would personally recommend for watching UK TV abroad is ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN lets you watch your favourite shows securely anywhere, even on public Wi-Fi, and without content-based throttling by your internet service provider or network administrator.
It’s nice and easy to use. You can pay for your subscription with the likes of Bitcoin to keep you anonymous. Plus, they have a pretty good 30-day money-back guarantee. Particularly handy if you’re going away on holiday, then for whatever reason decide you don’t want to use it again.
ExpressVPN can unblock Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, ITVHub, BBC iPlayer, All 4 and many more!
What is Geo-Blocking?
Have you ever attempted to catch up on episodes of Eastenders or Corrie while abroad, only to be met with a frustrating notification stating that the content is unavailable in your current location? This common yet inconvenient experience is a result of geo-blocking.
Geo-blocking is a technology that restricts access to internet content based upon the user’s geographical location. In a world where content is king, geo-blocking acts as a gatekeeper, ensuring that specific content is only accessible to users in particular locations or regions.
How Does a Geo-Blocking VPN work?
Geo-blocking identifies the user’s IP address, revealing their approximate geographical location. Websites and online services can then use this information to block or allow access to content based on regional restrictions, licensing agreements, or legal requirements. This technology is widely employed by streaming services, online casinos, e-commerce stores, and news websites to comply with copyright laws, licensing restrictions, and regulatory requirements.
Why Do They Do This?
While geo-blocking is essential for adhering to legal and regulatory standards, it can often lead to a fragmented and inconsistent online experience for users. They may find themselves unable to access familiar services or content when travelling abroad, leading to frustration and inconvenience.
Want to learn more about VPNs? Check out my Beginners Guide to VPNs
Overcoming Geo-Blocking
There are methods to bypass geo-blocking, such as using VPNs or proxy servers, which can mask the user’s actual IP address and make it appear as though they are browsing from a different location. However, it’s crucial to consider the legal and ethical implications of circumventing geo-blocking technologies.
In conclusion, geo-blocking is a double-edged sword. While it helps content providers comply with legal requirements and protects the integrity of regional licensing agreements, it can also limit the global accessibility of content, creating barriers in the otherwise borderless world of the internet.
What Devices Can I Watch on UK TV?
There are so many media devices to watch UK TV abroad on. And different VPN providers will be able to support only some of these. However, I personally use ExpressVPN, where you have the option to watch your shows in the following ways;
- On your Laptop with the likes of a Mac, Windows or Linux operating system.
- On your mobile device with apps for iOS or Android.
- With streaming media consoles like Apple TV or a Fire TV Stick.
