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How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Canada in 2024
Last updated March 2, 2024
BBC iPlayer is home to British classics such as Doctor Who and Sherlock, along with movies, documentaries, live broadcasts from a range of BBC channels, and more. Unfortunately, you can’t access BBC iPlayer in Canada, as it’s only available in the UK. On top of that, even if you have an iPlayer account, you won't be able to use it if you travel anywhere outside its supported area.
Fortunately, there is a way around these restrictions: you can use a VPN to get a UK IP address, which will allow you to unblock BBC iPlayer in Canada. Connecting to a server in the UK will trick BBC iPlayer into thinking you're located there, thus giving you access.
This guide will teach you the basics of how to watch BBC iPlayer in Canada, why you need a VPN, and which providers work best for the platform. You’ll also learn how to download the BBC iPlayer app in Canada. Plus, you'll find iPlayer content recommendations, tips for troubleshooting if you can't access iPlayer with a VPN, and answers to some FAQs at the end.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Canada
To watch BBC iPlayer in Canada, all you need to do is connect to a VPN server in the United Kingdom and sign up for a free iPlayer account. Follow the steps below to get started:
- Subscribe to a VPN that can unblock BBC iPlayer (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download the VPN on your streaming device(s).
- Launch the app and connect to a server in the UK.
- Go to the BBC iPlayer website and click “Sign In.”
- Click on “Register now” to create an account.
- Choose your age range (e.g., “Under 16” if the account is for your child).
- Add a birthday (doesn’t really matter unless you chose the “Under 16” option).
- Input your account details (UK postcodes can be found online), then click “Register.”
- Choose a show to watch, and finally, click on “I have a TV License. Watch now.”
- Select whether or not to turn on the Parental Guidance lock.
- Press play and start watching! Now you can enjoy BBC iPlayer in Canada!
Why Do You Need a VPN for Streaming BBC iPlayer in Canada?
You need a VPN for streaming BBC iPlayer in Canada because the service is exclusive to the UK. In fact, not even British users can access iPlayer content abroad (e.g., when going on holiday) - all due to licensing agreements.
If you try to watch BBC iPlayer from abroad without a VPN, you get a tiny little error at the top that says, “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues. In the UK? Here’s some advice.”
Luckily, you can bypass such geo-restrictions by obtaining a UK IP with a VPN. Just sign up for a reliable VPN service and connect to a UK server. This will let you browse the Internet and watch BBC iPlayer as if you were physically located in the country. That said, not every VPN works with iPlayer due to the service's VPN detection. You need the best VPN for BBC iPlayer to successfully unblock it.
We highly suggest using NordVPN because it has hundreds of UK servers and easily unblocks BBC iPlayer from anywhere. It also delivers blazing-fast speeds, so you can use it to stream in 4K without any buffering.
The Best VPNs to Watch BBC iPlayer in Canada
The VPN you choose should meet a number of critical criteria. First, it must be able to unblock BBC iPlayer in Canada easily, as well as other streaming services. You’ll need a VPN with an extensive UK server network since iPlayer is exclusive to the region. It should also have a hefty worldwide network in case you want to explore other platforms.
Obviously, it should offer amazing performance and impressive speeds, whether you’re streaming from Canada or elsewhere. Obfuscation and a kill switch are musts to mask your VPN usage and prevent IP leaks during disconnections. Security-wise, you need a strict no-logs policy and tried-and-tested protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard with impenetrable encryption (AES-256).
Aside from that, you’ll want the VPN to have apps for computers, smartphones, tablets, and other streaming devices, with a good number of simultaneous connections for multi-screen viewing. Finally, 24/7 live chat and a no-fuss money-back policy should be present, just in case.
Based on the criteria above, these are the best VPNs to unblock BBC iPlayer in Canada:
- NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN for Watching BBC iPlayer in Canada
- Surfshark - Stream BBC iPlayer in Canada with Network-Wide Obfuscation
- ExpressVPN - Fast and Secure VPN to Get BBC iPlayer in Canada
- CyberGhost VPN - Budget-Friendly VPN for Unblocking BBC iPlayer in Canada
1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN for Watching BBC iPlayer in Canada
NordVPN is the best VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in Canada because it effortlessly unblocks BBC iPlayer and other streaming sites. This is partly due to its SmartPlay feature, which uses elements of smart DNS to keep your location hidden. Best of all, SmartPlay is available on the full network of 6,100+ servers in 61 countries (including 440+ UK servers in 4 locations: Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Manchester).
This provider works on the most popular platforms—Netflix UK, Paramount+ US, Hulu, you name it. Besides, NordVPN delivers super-fast speeds and consistent performance on both nearby and remote servers. You'll be able to stream in 4K without experiencing any annoying buffering.
NordVPN also has various specialized servers, such as P2P, double VPN, onion-over-VPN, and even obfuscated ones. The latter option lets you bypass VPN blocks at school or work or stubborn geo-blocks on various streaming sites.
In case of disconnections, you have an advanced kill switch system that lets you shut off Internet access on a per-app basis. Plus, NordVPN has an audited no-logs policy and includes all the latest protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec with AES-256 encryption. There’s also an in-house NordLynx option, based on the lightweight WireGuard protocol and paired with ChaCha20 encryption.
NordVPN works on all popular devices, whether you’re streaming on a computer, smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. It's compatible with any operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more. It can also be installed on a router to protect devices that don't natively support VPNs.
You can use NordVPN on up to 6 devices concurrently, and all plans are backed by a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. As expected, there’s also 24/7 live chat if you need any help.
PROS
- 440+ servers in UK.
- Excellent streaming speeds.
- Works with BBC iPlayer and more.
- Bypass geo-blocks with SmartPlay.
- 24/7 live chat.
- 30-day refund policy.
CONS
- Not all servers have obfuscation.
2. Surfshark - Stream BBC iPlayer in Canada with Network-Wide Obfuscation
Surfshark is a feature-rich VPN that can easily unblock BBC iPlayer and other streaming services. This is possible thanks to its 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, including 212 UK servers in 4 cities: Glasgow, Manchester, London, and Edinburgh. Its entire network comes fully obfuscated, so you'll be able to keep your VPN usage hidden no matter which server you connect to.
When it comes to streaming support, Surfshark is thoroughly impressed with blazing-fast speeds and reliable performance. Its unique Nexus technology routes your traffic through a whole network of servers instead of 1 tunnel, which better masks your traffic while boosting speeds and stabilizing your connection. We were able to stream in 4K and didn't experience long loading times during our tests.
You'll also get a reliable kill switch to avoid data leaks if there is a connection interruption. Plus, you're protected by an independently audited no-logs policy. You can choose from the usual protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. The latter uses ChaCha20 encryption, while the other two protocols use AES-256.
Surfshark can be installed on all popular streaming devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and more. It's also compatible with routers, which is great for gaming consoles and streaming sticks like Roku. Best of all, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
You can test Surfshark for a month and get your money back if things don't work out because it offers a 30-day refund period. Lastly, if you need help with anything, you can reach their customer support via live chat 24/7.
PROS
- 212 fast UK servers.
- Unblocks BBC iPlayer in Canada.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Obfuscation on all servers.
- 24/7 support via live chat.
- 30-day refund period.
CONS
- Initial connection times can lag.
3. ExpressVPN - Fast and Secure VPN to Get BBC iPlayer in Canada
ExpressVPN is another excellent option because it can unblock BBC iPlayer in Canada reliably. That’s because its entire network of 3,000+ servers in 105 countries has built-in obfuscation to hide your VPN usage on any website. You also have a cluster of UK servers in 5 locations (East London, Docklands, London, Wembley, and Midlands).
Naturally, ExpressVPN works on most other streaming sites from around the world, such as Netflix UK, Hulu, Disney+ Hotstar, and more. Its high-performance network guarantees excellent speeds, no matter the region you’re connected to.
ExpressVPN’s apps have a reliable kill switch to prevent accidental IP leaks while browsing or streaming. Furthermore, the VPN’s no-logs policy has been independently audited to ensure complete privacy.
Also, you get all the best protocols and encryption to protect your data from hackers. These include classics like OpenVPN and IKEv2 (with AES-256 encryption), as well as an advanced Lightway option (WolfSSL-enabled).
The VPN works on every system imaginable, whether it’s Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and others. You also get 8 simultaneous connections to use for various activities, from streaming to gaming. You can always get around the device limit by using ExpressVPN’s router app.
There’s also 24/7 live chat to help with troubleshooting (or server recommendations) and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans in case you want to compare different VPNs.
PROS
- Beginner-friendly apps.
- Lightning-fast UK servers.
- Unblocks BBC iPlayer with ease.
- Built-in obfuscation.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Helpful 24/7 live chat.
CONS
- Not very customizable.
4. CyberGhost VPN - Budget-Friendly VPN for Unblocking BBC iPlayer in Canada
CyberGhost VPN offers a staggering 11,000+ servers in 100 countries with 1,100+ UK servers in 3 locations (Berkshire, London, and Manchester). Most of its network is streaming-optimized, so the VPN can easily unblock BBC iPlayer in Canada, as well as 40+ other services around the world.
Unfortunately, CyberGhost doesn’t have any obfuscation. While you may face issues with stubborn VPN blocks (at work, for example), the VPN still manages to unblock a great deal of sites. And while it’s only delivers medium-fast speeds, it still offers stable performance on most servers. You might notice some speed dips when you connect to more remote servers, though.
CyberGhost comes with an always-on kill switch, so there’s no risk of accidental IP leaks. Plus, their no-logs policy has been recently audited to safeguard your privacy. You also get all the protocols you’re used to by now, including WireGuard (with the ChaCha20 cipher), plus OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec (both with AES-256 encryption).
Despite being the most budget-friendly VPN on our list, CyberGhost offers 7 simultaneous connections, which is usually plenty for one person. Moreover, its apps are available for all major systems, such as Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and others.
We enjoy the fact that CyberGhost's long-term plans come with a hefty 45-day money-back guarantee. Best of all, you can contact their round-the-clock customer support by live chat for any issues, tips, or recommendations.
PROS
- 1,100+ servers in the UK.
- Unblocks iPlayer and 40+ streamers.
- Always-on kill switch.
- 45-day money-back guarantee.
- 7 simultaneous connections.
CONS
- No obfuscated servers.
- Slower than top picks.
How to Download the BBC iPlayer App in Canada
To download the BBC iPlayer app in Canada, you will need a VPN with UK servers. iPlayer's app is supported on a wide variety of devices but is locked behind pesky geo-blocks. If you want detailed instructions, you can visit our guide on how to download the BBC iPlayer app outside the UK.
For devices running iOS and Android, you'll just have to create new UK App Store and Play store accounts. Alternatively, some devices (like Xbox or Roku) don’t natively support VPNs, so you’ll need to install one on your router instead. Just configure it with a UK server during the setup process. Once you connect your streaming device to the VPN-enabled Wi-Fi network, you'll be protected.
What to Watch on BBC iPlayer in Canada
BBC iPlayer includes all-time classics such as Doctor Who, Sherlock, Blackadder, and the original UK version of The Office, as well as hit flicks like Coco, Man on the Moon, or Vice. You can also watch a variety of sports (Champions League, BKL Kabaddi Tournament, World Boxing Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, and more).
On top of that, you can stream all BBC live TV channels, such as BBC One to BBC Four, Radio 1, BBC News, kids channels like CBBC and CBeebies, and many others.
Here’s a sample of what you can watch on BBC iPlayer in Canada right now:
Can You Use a Free VPN for Unblocking BBC iPlayer in Canada?
Yes, you can use a free VPN for unblocking BBC iPlayer in Canada, but it’s not recommended. The main reason is that free VPNs are often harmful to your privacy, either by selling your data to ad agencies, leaking it online, or injecting ads into your browser. Most free providers also can't unblock streaming services because they lack the technology to hide your VPN use and bypass geo-restrictions.
Now, don’t get us wrong - there are a few trustworthy free VPNs out there. However, they’re not exactly optimized for streaming. Expect slow speeds, few servers, or monthly data caps. You can get around those limitations by, you guessed it, upgrading to a premium plan.
At that point, you’re better off getting a free VPN trial of one of the best VPN providers available. They’re better equipped to get BBC iPlayer working in Canada, and you won’t have to worry about data caps, buffering, or other inconveniences. We recommend the NordVPN free trial, which is offered for 7 days on Android, or you can take advantage of their 30-day refund period for other devices.
Can’t Access BBC iPlayer in Canada with a VPN? – Try This!
If you can’t access BBC iPlayer in Canada with a VPN, there are a few usual suspects to watch out for. First off, the VPN protocol or server IP may have been blocked. Alternatively, your browser cache may reveal your location, or your VPN might not be equipped to unblock BBC iPlayer. Here’s what you can do about it:
- Restart Your VPN/Device – Hopefully, the simplest solution will be the correct one. Rebooting your device and VPN can reset all kinds of issues and get things working again. This is especially helpful with mobile devices.
- Check Your Internet – You need to have a strong enough Internet connection for your VPN and BBC iPlayer to work properly. If it's weak or unstable, the VPN connection may drop, interrupting your streaming.
- Connect to a Different Server – Streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and others block VPN IPs due to contractual obligations with their rights holders. Try using another server (like London instead of Midlands) to see if that helps.
- Change Your Protocol – This is more of an issue when you try to watch BBC iPlayer at work or school. Your network admin may block certain VPN protocols so you can’t access entertainment websites and use up bandwidth. Go to your VPN settings and use a different protocol.
- Update Your VPN – Out-of-date VPNs haven't received the latest security patches and bug fixes, which can prevent them from working as they should. Keep your VPN updated to eliminate this issue.
- Turn Off Your Firewall – Device firewalls can block VPN connections if the right exception rules weren't added during installation. Try disabling your firewall temporarily and see if things start working.
- Delete Your Browser Cookies and Cache – These little files may contain location data from a previous visit to the BBC iPlayer site. Clear your browser cookies or use a separate browser (in a private window) to avoid the issue.
- Uninstall Other VPNs – Having multiple VPNs installed at the same time can cause conflicts. It's best to only keep the one you're actively using installed. Remove the rest.
- Contact Customer Support – Don’t hesitate to contact your provider’s support team either. They may offer app-specific technical tips you can try or even server recommendations.
- Try a Different VPN – Some VPNs just aren’t built for bypassing geo-blocks, or they focus on other streaming services besides BBC iPlayer. Take advantage of providers’ 30-day money-back policies to test out the VPN before settling.
Final Thoughts
BBC iPlayer is a UK-exclusive service, which means you can't watch its content in Canada. You can still access the iPlayer website, but you won't be able to stream anything. These restrictions are in place to comply with licensing agreements and copyrights. The only way to unblock BBC iPlayer is by getting a UK IP address with a trusty VPN.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in Canada. The provider’s 440+ high-performance UK servers can easily unblock iPlayer from anywhere. It also has obfuscated servers to hide your VPN usage, letting you fly under the radar to watch all your favorite shows.
That concludes our guide on how to watch BBC iPlayer in Canada. Thanks for sticking around, and let us know if you need any help in the comments!
