How To Watch BBC iPlayer in Australia in 2024

BBC iPlayer is a popular streaming platform offering various films, TV shows, live channels, and radio programs. While you can access the streaming platform for free, it’s exclusive to the UK, so you can’t sign up for BBC iPlayer in Australia. Even if you have an iPlayer account already, if you travel outside the UK, you won’t be able to access it.

Here’s the good news: with a VPN, you can bypass these geo-restrictions and watch your favorite content on BBC iPlayer. That’s because the VPN spoofs your real location and will make BBC iPlayer think you’re in the UK by giving you a UK IP address.

In this article, we’ll show you how to watch BBC iPlayer in Australia, why you need a VPN for accessing iPlayer, and how to choose a suitable provider. You'll also learn how to install the BBC iPlayer app on various devices, what to watch on the service, and more. Lastly, we'll answer some FAQs.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Australia

To watch BBC iPlayer in Australia, you need to use a VPN with UK servers. After you connect to one, your real IP will be hidden with one from the UK. This way, you’ll automatically unblock your favorite titles. Here’s what you need to do: 

1. Sign up for a VPN that can unblock BBC iPlayer (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN on your device. 
3. Launch the VPN app and connect to any UK server.
4. Visit the BBC iPlayer website and click “Sign in.”

5. Click on the “Register now” link. 

6. Pick your age group. 

7. Enter your date of birth. 

8. Fill in your address (pick any UK postal code), and click the “Register” button. 

9. Pick any video you want to watch. 
10. Confirm that you have a UK TV license.

11. Set your Parental Guidance lock preferences.

12. That’s it! Just press play, and you can stream BBC iPlayer in Australia!

In the UK, having a TV license is a prerequisite for using BBC iPlayer, as it's covered by the license fee for BBC services. Those found falsely claiming to hold a TV license face a hefty fine of £1,000, though there have been no reported prosecutions for watching iPlayer without one.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Accessing BBC iPlayer in Australia?

You need a VPN to access BBC iPlayer in Australia because the streaming service is only available in the UK. iPlayer uses geo-restrictions to stop people outside the UK from watching its shows. This happens due to copyright, licensing, and distribution deals with content creators and studios. Even though iPlayer’s content is free, you still can’t stream it outside the UK. 

If you try to watch BBC iPlayer in Australia, you’ll receive the following error message: “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.” 

Every device has a unique combination of numbers, called an IP address, which reveals your real location. With a VPN for streaming BBC iPlayer in Australia, you can hide your IP address and change it to one from the UK. This will trick the streaming service into unblocking all its content. Plus, you’ll be able to download BBC iPlayer’s app outside the UK.

But be aware that not just any VPN works with iPlayer. Streaming platforms constantly detect and block VPN IPs, so you’ll need one of the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer to avoid any frustrations. Our #1 recommendation is NordVPN because it has hundreds of UK servers to prevent overcrowding, it unblocks BBC iPlayer, and it delivers fast speeds. 

The Best VPNs to Watch BBC iPlayer in Australia

To find the ideal VPN for accessing BBC iPlayer in Australia, consider specific factors. Your VPN should effectively unblock iPlayer and other streaming platforms. Look for a VPN with a substantial presence of servers in the UK and worldwide.

Ensure the VPN offers excellent performance and high speeds suitable for streaming. It's essential to have access to obfuscated servers and a kill switch to bypass BBC iPlayer's geo-restrictions. Prioritize privacy and security features, including a no-logs policy, secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, and robust AES-256 encryption.

If you plan to stream iPlayer across multiple devices, ensure the VPN allows for an adequate number of simultaneous connections. Additionally, make sure the VPN is compatible with various devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. A reliable money-back guarantee ensures a risk-free purchase, while 24/7 customer support provides essential assistance.

Based on the criteria explained above, these are the 3 best VPNs to watch BBC iPlayer in Australia:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Australia 
2. Surfshark – Stream BBC iPlayer in Australia on Unlimited Devices
3. ExpressVPN – Fast VPN for Unblocking BBC iPlayer in Australia

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Australia 

NordVPN is the best VPN for watching BBC iPlayer in Australia because it unblocks BBC iPlayer effortlessly. It efficiently circumvents geo-blocks, granting access to other UK-based and international services. It has over 6,100 servers across 61 countries, including 440+ UK servers in 4 locations: London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.

While only a subset of NordVPN's servers are obfuscated, they all effectively work with iPlayer. The VPN boasts impressive speed and consistent performance. We were always able to stream HD and 4K videos without experiencing buffering. Even when we skipped through videos, there were no quality drops. 

NordVPN prioritizes privacy and security with a no-logs policy that has been audited multiple times. It also has a kill switch, AES 256-bit encryption, and robust protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx (based on WireGuard). What’s more, it has a bunch of other security features (like Meshnet and Threat Protection) to ensure your info doesn’t leak online. 

NordVPN supports up to 6 simultaneous connections and is compatible with various devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and routers. In our tests, NordVPN’s apps were always bug-free and didn’t crash. Plus, they are user-friendly, even if you’re a beginner.

A 30-day money-back guarantee is offered on all plans, and users can rely on 24/7 live chat customer support for assistance with any issues. For anything else, you can find updated guides and in-depth troubleshooting articles on its website. 

2. Surfshark – Stream BBC iPlayer in Australia on Unlimited Devices

Surfshark is another good option because it unblocks BBC iPlayer in Australia easily. With over 3,200 servers across 100 countries, including 212 UK servers in 4 locations (London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Manchester), it ensures seamless access to various streaming platforms.

Surfshark's fully obfuscated network enables bypassing even the toughest VPN blocks, delivering lightning-fast speeds and reliable performance across all servers. We performed speed tests on both nearby and distant servers, and we were always able to stream HD and 4K videos without noticing buffering or quality drops. 

With robust privacy features, including a kill switch and audited no-logs policy, users can trust their data remains secure. Surfshark also comes with secure protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard paired with AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption, depending on your protocol choice. It also has CleanWeb, which blocks ads and malicious trackers. 

Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more, Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for large families or sharing with friends. The VPN apps are simple, easy to use, and intuitive, which makes them ideal for beginners. 

Users benefit from a 30-day refund period to make sure Surfshark is the right fit. Lastly, you can contact their 24/7 customer support via chat for assistance or refunds. 

3. ExpressVPN – Fast VPN for Unblocking BBC iPlayer in Australia

ExpressVPN made our list because it unblocks iPlayer in Australia and various other streaming services consistently. It boasts over 3,000 servers across 105 countries, including numerous UK servers in 5 locations (London, Docklands, Wembley, East London, and the Midlands). Even better, all servers are obfuscated and optimized for streaming.

ExpressVPN delivers super-fast speeds and consistent performance, ensuring seamless 4K streaming across all platforms, regardless of server proximity. What’s more, we never experienced overcrowding, so we could stream without noticing drops in quality. 

With robust privacy and security measures, including an audited no-logs policy and a powerful kill switch, your data remains protected. It has strong VPN protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2 with AES-256 encryption, as well as Lightway with WolfSSL. This way, you can watch BBC iPlayer without worrying that the streaming platform might see your real location.

Compatible with various streaming devices, ExpressVPN uniquely offers a dedicated router app. This provides enhanced convenience in protecting devices that don’t natively support VPN installation. It also can be installed on all popular operating systems like iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. Enjoy up to 8 simultaneous connections overall. 

You will benefit from 24/7 customer support via live chat and a 30-day money-back guarantee for hassle-free testing and refunds. What’s more, if chat isn’t your thing, you can also contact them by email, and the support team will answer pretty quickly. 

How to Get the BBC iPlayer App on Your Devices in Australia?

To get the BBC iPlayer app on your devices in Australia, you’ll need to get a VPN with UK servers first. That way, you can unblock the streaming service and watch your favorite titles no matter which device you choose. To make things easier, we created guides for popular platforms below.

How to Get BBC iPlayer on Windows or Mac

To get BBC iPlayer on Windows or macOS, you have to use a VPN and stream from iPlayer’s website. Here are the exact steps: 

1. Get a VPN that can unblock BBC iPlayer in Australia (we recommend NordVPN). 
2. Download and install the VPN on your Windows or macOS computer. 
3. Launch the VPN and connect to any server located in the UK. 
4. Access iPlayer’s website and sign in to your BBC iPlayer account. 
5. Start streaming your favorite shows!

How to Get BBC iPlayer on Android

To get BBC iPlayer on Android, you can install the app manually without using the Google Play Store. Here’s what you need to do: 

1. Subscribe to a VPN that can unblock BBC iPlayer (we recommend NordVPN). 
2. Download and install the VPN on your smartphone. 
3. Connect to a VPN server from the UK. 
4. Download iPlayer’s APK file on your smartphone (from sites like APKMirror). 
5. Tap on the downloaded file and install the app manually. 
6. Launch BBC iPlayer and sign in to your account. 
7. Select any title and start streaming. 

How to Get BBC iPlayer on iOS (iPhone & iPad)

Because iOS has certain limitations, downloading the BBC iPlayer app can be a complicated procedure if you’re not in the UK. Here’s an alternative: 

1. Get a VPN that is compatible with iOS (we recommend NordVPN). 
2. Download and install the VPN app from the App Store. 
3. Launch the VPN and pick a UK server to connect to. 
4. Go to iPlayer’s website and sign in to your account. 
5. Pick any show you want to watch and enjoy it! 

If you want to use the dedicated iPlayer app for iOS, you’ll first need to create an Apple account that’s registered to an address in the UK. Here’s what you need to do: 

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works with iOS (we recommend NordVPN). 
2. Download and install the VPN from the App Store. 
3. Connect to a UK server. 
4. Sign up for a new Apple ID using any UK-based address and sign in with it. 
5. Download the iPlayer app from the UK version of the App Store. 
6. Log in to your BBC iPlayer account and start streaming. 

How to Get BBC iPlayer on a Smart TV

Many smart TVs don’t support VPN apps, so you’ll need to install the VPN on your router. Here’s the exact process: 

1. Get a VPN that works for routers (we recommend NordVPN). 
2. Set up the VPN on your router and select a UK server during installation. 
3. Visit your TV’s settings and set the region to the United Kingdom. 
4. Go to your TV’s App Store and download the BBC iPlayer app. 
5. Launch iPlayer and start watching your favorite videos. 

What to Watch on BBC iPlayer in Australia?

BBC iPlayer offers live TV channels, on-demand movies, TV shows, and sports for free. Explore a vast selection of TV, with new titles regularly added. You can enjoy beloved UK shows like Sherlock, Luther, and Peaky Blinders. Then there are movies to watch, from classics like Fiddler on the Roof to newer hits like Coco.

You can also access national and regional BBC channels, including Radio 1, BBC News, and BBC One through BBC Four. On top of that, there is plenty of sports coverage available of the Women’s Super League, Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, and more. 

Here are a few more titles you can watch: 

BBC iPlayer Series	BBC iPlayer Movies	BBC iPlayer Reality TV	BBC iPlayer Sports	BBC iPlayer Channels
Doctor Who (2005-Present)	Aftersun (2022)	The Traitors UK (2022-Present)	NBA	BBC Scotland, BBC Alba, S4C
Boiling Point (2023-Present)	Blazing Saddles (1974)	The Graham Norton Show (2007-Present)	MLB	BBC One
Death in Paradise (2011-Present)	The Monuments Men (2014)	Glow Up (2019-Present)	Masters Snooker	BBC Two
The Gold (2023-Present)	Atonement (2007)	Strictly Come Dancing (2004-Present)	Formula 1	BBC Three
Kin (2021-Present)	Relic (2020)	RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs the World (2022-Present)	Africa Cup of Nations	BBC Four
The Way (2024-Present)	Selma (2014)	Rookie Nurses (2023)	BKL Kabaddi Tournament	BBC Parliament
The Woman in the Wall (2024)	Trolls (2016)	Brickies (2022-Present)	World Boxing Cup	CBBC, CBeebies

Can You Use a Free VPN for BBC iPlayer in Australia?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for BBC iPlayer in Australia, but we strongly advise against it. Free VPNs often have unreliable performance, insufficient security measures, and can’t bypass geo-restrictions effectively. 

Plus, they have monthly data caps, bandwidth limitations, and slow speeds, so they’re not suitable for streaming. Worse yet, they may compromise user privacy by collecting and selling personal data to advertisers. 

For a more secure and reliable option, we recommend considering a top VPN service. Premium VPNs usually offer a free VPN trial, so you can subscribe only if you are satisfied with the product. Our top choice is the NordVPN free trial, offered for 7 days on Android. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for other devices. Either way, you can try it risk-free.

Final Thoughts

BBC iPlayer has a lot of high-quality content, but unfortunately, it’s available only in the UK due to copyright restrictions and licensing agreements. Even though it’s free (and even if you have an account), you still can’t access it in Australia. The good news is that you can unblock BBC iPlayer in Australia by using a VPN. 

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for watching BBC iPlayer in Australia. It has hundreds of UK servers to prevent overcrowding and provides super-fast speeds. Plus, it unblocks BBC iPlayer effortlessly anywhere in the world. 

That's all for our guide on how to watch BBC iPlayer in Australia. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!