When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
How to Watch ITVX Abroad (Outside the UK) in 2024
Last updated March 14, 2024
ITVX is a free, ad-supported streaming service focused on delivering classics like several Bond franchise films, TV comedies like Community, and much more. Unfortunately, ITVX is only available in the UK. Luckily, users with premium accounts who live in the UK can download content to watch for up to 7 days while they travel. But if you live abroad, you’re out of luck.
Luckily, you can get around such limitations with a VPN. Once you connect to a UK server, you’ll replace your real IP with one from the United Kingdom. This will allow you to watch ITVX abroad from anywhere, even if you’re on holiday outside the UK.
Below, we’ll show you exactly how to watch ITVX outside the UK, why you need a VPN to do it, and which VPNs are worth it. Later, we’ll discuss how to pay for ITVX if you want to go premium, how much ITVX costs, where it’s available, and what you can watch on ITVX. Lastly, we’ll offer some fixes if ITVX isn’t working with your VPN and answer some FAQs on the topic.
How to Watch ITVX Outside the UK?
To watch ITVX outside the UK, you need to download a VPN, install it on your device, and use it to unblock the streaming service. Follow these steps to access ITVX free streaming options:
- Sign up for a VPN that unblocks ITVX abroad (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the VPN on the device(s) you'll use to watch ITVX.
- Launch the VPN and connect to any server in the UK.
- Visit the ITVX website using your Web browser.
- Click on the "Profile" icon in the top-right corner.
- Log in to your account or create a new one.
- Enter your information to sign up (you can enter any UK postal code).
- Verify your email via the link sent to you.
- Start watching any movie, TV show, or live channel. That's it!
You can stream ITVX for free (with ads) if you create an account with your email address, but if you want ad-free streaming, you'll have to pay for an ITVX premium subscription.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Streaming ITVX Abroad?
You need a VPN for streaming ITVX abroad because it’s a UK-exclusive service. Even UK nationals can only watch ITVX content outside the UK by first downloading it with a premium plan, and the downloads only last for 7 days. This is all due to complicated licensing agreements between ITVX and the companies that lease their content to them.
While the main ITVX website is usually accessible abroad, attempting to view any content on ITVX will result in the following geo-restriction message: “Outside the UK? Due to our broadcast and content licenses, you can only watch ITVX in the UK.”
Fortunately, watching ITVX abroad is easy if you get a UK IP address with the help of a VPN. When you get a UK IP, this will trick ITVX into thinking you’re in the United Kingdom. The best part is that ITVX has a free tier with tons of content, so you don’t even have to pay for a subscription unless you want to get rid of ads.
That said, most non-premium VPNs are blocked by the streamer, so you’ll need the best VPN for ITVX at your disposal. We recommend NordVPN for the job, as it provides every tool you need to bypass geo-blocks on ITVX effectively. This includes 440+ powerful UK servers, a SmartPlay feature to mask your DNS requests, and a host of other useful features.
The Best VPNs to Watch ITVX Abroad in 2024
The VPN you choose should offer the complete package to allow you to unblock ITVX and similar services globally. First, you’ll want plenty of servers in the United Kingdom (and internationally), with obfuscation in case you want to stream on a restricted network or hide your VPN usage.
Decent speeds and stable performance are a must, even though ITVX only goes up to 1080p quality. You’ll also need a kill switch so your IP doesn’t leak by accident, as well as a no-logs policy so your provider doesn’t snoop on your activity. Speaking of which, you’ll also want advanced protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard) with AES-256 encryption protecting you online.
Multiple simultaneous connections will be useful for multi-device streaming. Ensure the VPN is compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and any other systems you use. Finding a VPN with good value for its price is also important. Finally, 24/7 live chat and a trusty money-back guarantee should be there as a safety net.
Based on the criteria above, these are the 3 best VPNs to watch ITVX abroad:
- NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch ITVX Abroad in 2024
- Surfshark – Fast and Secure VPN to Access ITVX on a Budget
- ExpressVPN – Best VPN to Get ITVX Outside the UK on Any Device
1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch ITVX Abroad in 2024
NordVPN is the best VPN for watching ITVX outside the UK, offering smart features like the (aptly named) SmartPlay, which masks your DNS queries to better evade geo-blocks. It easily unblocks ITVX and multiple other platforms with the help of 440+ UK servers in 4 cities (Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Manchester) with a total of 6,100+ servers in 83 countries.
NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs out there, delivering consistent performance even at max quality settings or while streaming live content. Since ITVX only offers 1080p video at the moment, you’ll get to enjoy its library with zero buffering. Plus, the VPN supports streaming any 4K content on other services, too.
Aside from that, you have a kill switch that you can customize to your liking, allowing you to shut off traffic to the ITVX app in case of a disconnection. Plus, the provider has a robust no-logs policy to maintain your privacy, as well as obfuscation to get around VPN blocks.
Security-wise, NordVPN comes with 3 protocols to protect against hacking activity. These include the tried-and-tested OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec options with AES-256 encryption, as well as NordLynx, the provider’s WireGuard-based protocol with ChaCha20 encryption.
The VPN works on every modern device, whether you’re on Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Linux, Apple TV, or others. Each subscription gets you up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is enough for ITVX and other uses.
NordVPN costs $3.39 per month for a 2-year plan, and all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Furthermore, you can contact its 24/7 customer support via live chat if you encounter any problems.
PROS
- Lightning-fast connection speeds.
- Works reliably on ITVX.
- 440+ servers in the UK.
- Obfuscation technology and SmartPlay.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Doesn’t have obfuscation everywhere.
2. Surfshark – Fast and Secure VPN to Access ITVX on a Budget
Surfshark is a solid VPN provider that lets you access ITVX anywhere without breaking the bank. It offers useful features like smart DNS and Nexus to unblock ITVX (and other streamers) while enhancing your streaming experience. You get 3,200+ servers in 100 countries with your plan, including 200+ servers in 4 UK cities: London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
Nexus is a feature unique to Surfshark that stabilizes performance and speeds during streaming and other activities. It does so by routing your traffic through Surfshark’s entire network, unlike most traditional VPN connections. Overall, you’ll enjoy lightning-fast speeds and reliable performance on all its servers, both near and far.
Add to that the fact that they have Camouflage Mode (obfuscation) to mask your VPN usage, and a kill switch to do away with IP leaks. Needless to say, you have plenty of options in your toolbelt when it comes to bypassing geo-blocks without being discovered.
Surfshark’s no-logs policy has successfully passed an audit, so your data is in safe hands while using the service. What’s more, you get all the industry-standard protocols available at the moment, such as OpenVPN and IKEv2 (both AES-256-enabled), plus WireGuard (with the ChaCha20 cipher).
Have a lot of gadgets or an extended family that needs a decent VPN? Well, you’re in luck, because Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections per subscription. It also works on a wide variety of platforms, from Windows to Linux and mobile.
A 2-year Surfshark plan costs $2.29 a month, and remember, you have a 30-day refund period if you want to try a different provider. Besides that, feel free to contact its 24/7 live chat agents for support with any issues.
PROS
- Budget-friendly plans.
- Obfuscation technology (Camouflage Mode).
- Easily unblocks ITVX abroad.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 support via live chat.
- 30-day refund period.
CONS
- Initial connection times need improvement.
3. ExpressVPN – Best VPN to Get ITVX Outside the UK on Any Device
ExpressVPN is another titan in the industry, offering the ability to unblock ITVX outside the UK, along with other popular services. This is all thanks to its extensive 3,000+ server network in 105 countries with server coverage in 5 UK locations: London, Docklands, East London, Wembley, and Midlands. The entire fleet is obfuscated to hide your VPN activity online.
Not to worry, though, as this has little to no effect on your streaming. You’ll still get great speeds regardless of where you’re watching ITVX from. Our in-depth tests have indicated impressive performance on many other supported platforms as well.
As always, ExpressVPN includes a kill switch so your true location isn’t revealed during unexpected disconnections. The provider also respects your right to privacy and maintains a fully audited no-logs policy in that regard.
Security-minded users have several protocols at their disposal, including OpenVPN and IKEv2 (both with AES-256 encryption), plus Lightway, ExpressVPN’s very own protocol that uses the lightweight WolfSSL encryption library.
ExpressVPN is available on most operating systems, including macOS, Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, Android TV, and more. Furthermore, you get 8 simultaneous connections to use as you see fit, whether to secure your devices or watch ITVX abroad.
This provider doesn’t offer a 2-year plan, so the cheapest option is its annual plan at $6.67 per month. Luckily, with ExpressVPN’s solid money-back guarantee, you can enjoy the VPN for up to 30 days risk-free. Finally, reach out to the expert customer support team 24/7 via live chat for your troubleshooting needs.
PROS
- User-friendly apps.
- High-quality streaming support.
- Full obfuscation enabled on network.
- 8 simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 customer support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- On the expensive side.
How Much Does ITVX Cost?
ITVX doesn’t cost anything unless you want to stream without ads. For the price of £5.99 per month (or £59.99 a year), you can get an ITVX Premium subscription with several benefits. These include removing ads (excluding some titles and ITV HD Live), the ability to download shows for offline viewing, and much more exclusive content (such as BritBox boxsets).
Here’s a little overview of ITVX Premium, including the plan price points:
How to Pay for ITVX Outside the UK
You can pay for ITVX outside the UK if you have friends or family that could lend you their UK credit card. For those of you that aren’t as lucky, the more realistic option is to pay with a UK Google Play or iTunes gift card. We created guides for each method to make things simple for you.
Method 1: Pay for ITVX with a UK Credit Card
Once you connect to a UK VPN server, you can go through the sign-up process as usual and pay with a UK credit card from an acquaintance. Here’s what to do:
- Sign up for a VPN that can stream ITVX abroad (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install and open the VPN.
- Connect to a UK server.
- Go to the ITVX website and click “Upgrade to Premium.”
- Select “Start Your Free Trial” to continue.
- Enter your email to start the registration process.
- Input any UK postcode (like “M1 1AF” or “CF1 1DA”).
- Verify your email.
- Pick a plan (monthly or annual).
- Pay with your UK credit card, then click “Start your free trial.”
- That’s it! You can pick something to watch and start streaming now.
Method 2: Pay for ITVX with a UK Google Play Gift Card
This method entails creating a new Google account and setting its billing address to the UK. Afterwards, you can pay for ITVX with a UK Google Play gift card while connected to a VPN. Follow these steps:
- Subscribe to a reliable ITVX VPN on Android (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN app and launch it.
- Connect to a UK server (like Manchester).
- Buy a UK Google Play gift card from MyGiftCardSupply.
- Redeem your gift card code in the UK Google Play Store.
- Download the ITVX app from Google Play (UK version).
- Launch ITVX and sign up as usual. Then you can start watching your favorite content!
Method 3: Pay for ITVX with a UK iTunes Gift Card
You’ll have to sign up for a separate, UK-based Apple ID for this method to work. Then, you can register for ITVX Premium with a UK iTunes gift card while using a UK VPN. More details ahead:
- Download an iOS VPN for ITVX (we recommend NordVPN).
- Open the VPN and connect to a server in the UK.
- Create a new UK-based Apple ID.
- Purchase a UK iTunes gift card and redeem it in the UK App Store.
- Download the ITVX app from the App Store.
- Open it and sign up for ITVX using your preloaded gift card funds.
- And you’re done! Pick a TV show or movie to watch and enjoy.
Where Is ITVX Available?
ITVX is exclusively available in the United Kingdom. At the very least, ITVX gives UK users with Premium accounts the ability to download content to their devices—which they can view abroad for up to 7 days. A silly limitation, we know, but most other streaming services won’t even allow that much.
Why the geo-restrictions, you ask? Well, it all boils down to money in the end. Movie and TV production companies lease their content to ITVX and similar services at a premium. They may have exclusive streaming deals with other local broadcasters (like Sky in Europe), which is why certain titles won’t be available everywhere.
So, ITVX has to comply with these licensing agreements and copyright laws to ensure studios will continue allowing them to distribute content. Besides that, both producers and distributors need to consider local content laws, taxes, and other factors that would make it a legal nightmare to just slap Pulp Fiction in libraries and call it a day.
What Can You Watch on ITVX?
The ITVX library is constantly changing, and features classic movies like Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 and fan favorite shows like Community and Arrow. Plus, you’ll find interesting ITVX Exclusives such as A Murder in the Family or A Spy Among Friends.
Football enthusiasts can follow along with La Liga, Emirates FA Cup, Carabao Cup, or explore highlights and documentaries on various other sports (basketball, horse racing, sailing, and more). Alternatively, you can see what’s on British telly on channels like ITV1 through ITV4, ITVX Kids, and ITVBe.
Here are some other things you can watch on ITVX outside the UK:
Why ITVX is Not Working with a VPN - How to Fix?
If ITVX isn’t working with a VPN, there could be a few reasons for this, including connectivity or update issues, VPN blocks, or firewall and software conflicts. In this section, we’ll go over a few actionable tips to identify and fix any problems that could prevent ITVX from working with a VPN. Here’s what you should do:
- Restart Your Device/VPN – Before attempting anything else, reboot your device and the VPN for a fresh start, which may solve any background process conflicts.
- Check Your Internet Connection – Diagnose any problems with your connection, or try a different Internet source like mobile data and watch ITVX outside the UK again.
- Update Your VPN Application – Install the latest fixes from your VPN provider, as they may not allow an outdated app to access their servers.
- Switch to Another VPN Server – If your current server is not working, switch to a different location (like from Manchester to Edinburgh) and give it another go.
- Use a Different VPN Protocol – Trying to watch ITVX on college Wi-Fi or at work? Then you may want to switch protocols in case VPNs are blocked on your network.
- Clear Your Browser Cache – These files contain your location data if you’ve previously accessed ITVX without a VPN. Here’s how to clear cookies.
- Temporarily Disable Your Firewall – By default, installing any modern VPN should have added a firewall exception. Disable your firewall to rule out any issues on that end.
- Uninstall Other VPN Applications – This is mostly a problem when you try to run multiple VPNs at the same time, but stick to one app just in case.
- Contact Your Provider’s Support – If your VPN is experiencing any service issues, they’ll be able to let you know in more detail. Plus, they might have other tips you haven’t tried yet.
- Use a Different VPN – When all else fails, it’s time to shop for a different provider.
Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch ITVX Abroad?
Yes, you can use a free VPN for ITVX to watch it abroad, although we don’t recommend doing so. The main reason for this is that free VPNs often can’t unblock streaming services, since companies tend to block VPN IP addresses to maintain regional restrictions.
Free providers also often log your data, impose data caps, or slow down your speeds for no reason. Usually, their privacy and security features are lacking, too. Sometimes they even sell your data to make a profit.
This is why we suggest a premium VPN free trial as an alternative. You can test out the full suite of features without worrying about your privacy. Our top choice is the NordVPN free trial, which is available on Android for 7 days. If you have a different device, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee instead.
And if you’re looking for a more long-term solution after the trial, we recommend checking out the best VPN services on the market. Good news, too: most of these providers let you test out their service for a full month before you commit to a subscription.
Final Thoughts
ITVX is a UK-only streaming service, which means it’s not possible to watch ITVX outside the UK. Even if you’re an ITVX Premium user, if you travel outside the United Kingdom, you won’t be able to stream anything (unless you download content before leaving the country). Luckily, you can bypass these restrictions by obtaining a UK IP address with a VPN.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to watch ITVX abroad. With outstanding features like SmartPlay that do away with any geo-limitations, plus 440+ fast UK servers in 4 locations, you’ll have no trouble unblocking ITVX outside the UK.
That would be all on how to watch ITVX abroad (outside the UK). If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post your comment below. Finally, thank you for reading!