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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 just on a 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. Simply 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 UK 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.
There is a whole host of VPNs you can use for unblocking 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 UK 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 too.
1. BBC (BBC iPlayer)
Watch live BBC TV channels, including the likes of BBC One, Two, Three or download some CBeebies shows for the kids to enjoy on the go. Available for TV license holders in the UK, you can stream 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 also 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, games 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 not familiar with British TV shows I would personally recommend recent popular show such as Line of Duty, Peaky Blinders and Killing Eve. Let us know your favourite must-watch Best of British shows in the comments below!
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?
If you’ve tried to watch Eastenders or Corrie from another country previously you may be used to the dreaded message that the programme is not supported in this country or region. This is geo-blocking and is the system used to limit your access to the internet, based on your geographic location.
How Does a Geo-Blocking VPN work?
A VPN or Virtual Private Network tunnels your internet traffic through an intermediary server located in a country that you choose. It can also hide your IP address and replace it with one from the country you have chosen, making it look like you are in that country. A VPN also encrypts all your traffic so that it is hidden, even from your internet service provider.
Why Do They Do This?
TV Broadcasters don’t have the international rights to show their shows abroad. This isn’t limited to British broadcasters either, the same goes for Canada, America, Australia etc.
Want to learn more about VPNs? Check out my Beginners Guide to VPNs
What Devices Can I Watch 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 using 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.
