Free trial of BBC iPlayer: How to Watch BBC online without a TV licence

Last updated on September 3rd, 2024 at 03:04 pm

BBC iPlayer Free Trial: Watch the BBC From Anywhere (No TV licence required)

For many years it has been relatively simple to bypass the region locking operated by the BBC iPlayer application. Although technically the BBC has restricted access to people located in the United Kingdom, in practice it was quite simple to use a simply proxy or VPN program to change your location. So for example if you wanted to watch the BBC in Australia you’d simply find a free proxy and use that to hide your location. Early in 2016, the BBC stopped this practice and blocked all proxy access and many of the VPN services from accessing the site.

“After subscribing to a top-tier VPN, I can now catch up on ‘EastEnders’ and ‘Match of the Day’ without any hassle!” – A delighted expat’s success story on accessing BBC iPlayer in the USA.

There are still a few VPN services which work and fortunately there are also some Smart DNS services you can use too. Here’s a free 14 day trial of one of the best – Smart DNS Proxy which you can use to watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK.

Demonstrating Free trial of BBC iPlayer

 

Click here to try – Free Trial

Now it’s not one I use all the time, but I’ve had a few subscriptions over the years and it’s always worked well especially with the BBC. The reason I mention this one is because it’s one of the few VPN services which offer a proper free trial and also it’s reputedly got very good speeds from Australia to their UK based servers unfortunately not something I can verify from Europe.

For anyone just needing a solution for a couple of weeks, perhaps travelling abroad or maybe just want to listen to the cricket on Test Match Special the free trial will be perfect for this and accessing BBC iPlayer outside UK for a short time. Don’t worry about the BBC iPlayer sign in either, if you’ve got an account just use that. If you haven’t then just create one either from the website or on the BBC iPlayer app, just remember to put a UK address and postcode in when it asks.

What is BBC iPlayer?

The BBC iPlayer is the BBC’s internet streaming on-demand service. It was launched in 2007, and it is free to use. You simply need a TV licence for the UK if you plan on watching iPlayer online with your TV. Unfortunately the only drawback is that the BBC iPlayer only works if you’re inside the UK. Indeed you can only technically purchase a TV license in the United Kingdom.

When you connect to the site, your IP address is checked to ensure that it originates in the UK. If it doesn’t you’ll see some sort of message like this.

Here a non-UK IP address has been detected and access will be blocked.

Using a BBC iPlayer VPN

Fortunately as we’ve seen there is a workaround. There’s no way to directly purchase a UK TV license, but you can hide your real location/IP address and pretend to be in the UK. The not-so secret method is to use something called a VPN service which allows you to connect to a UK server. When connected you’ll look exactly the same as someone connecting from the UK.

The benefits of using a service like this are tremendous because there are no hidden fees or limitations involved with watching BBC online.

No Check for a UK TV License

Oddly enough, there has never been any sort of system to check if you have a UK TV license. In fact, the only ‘check’ is you’re asked before you start watching something. All you need to do is sign up for an account on the BBC iPlayer website, and select “yes” when asked if you have a TV license. Once that’s done, it will take only minutes to get streaming! Yes, you’ll have to fib a little to get passed the BBC iPlayer license check but you won’t be alone!

Best BBC iPlayer VPN

There are two services included in the free trial, the basic Smart DNS solution which works by intercepting requests for specific blocked sites like the BBC and Hulu then routing part of the connection through a proxy in the specified country. While Smart DNS can bypass content restrictions relatively seamlessly, it’s important to consider that unlike virtual private network (VPN) services.

Smart DNS doesn’t offer vpn encryption, leaving your connection less secure. The basic Smart DNS solution lacks encryption but should still grant access to most region-locked content, including major platforms such as US Netflix and ITV Hub, in addition to BBC iPlayer.

The full service includes the VPN client, which not only enables access to a wider array of blocked and region-locked content, such as gambling sites and individual videos, but also provides robust protection with encrypted connections. This is particularly vital when using services like webmail or performing online banking over potentially insecure Wi-Fi connections, thanks to additional ip leak protection measures.

However if you’re just streaming video or using the BBC iPlayer radio, many often question the necessity to encrypt your connection. That said, for enhanced data security and privacy, utilizing VPN apps that come with additional leak protection features is a prudent move. A distinct advantage of using the Smart DNS service is its seamless operation post-setup, which does not affect the ability to use the BBC sign in page, negating the need to initiate any software or establish a new connection. The only setback is that if you reset your IP address (which happens all the time with a mobile phone), then you’ll need to reactivate it, although this is generally a simple process. Yet, when considering proxies versus VPNs, the latter option guarantees stronger security features like VPN encryption to prevent potential ip leaks, which positions it as the more secure method to IP address free online, especially if your mobile device is your primary streaming tool.

Free Trial of BBC iPlayer

Anyway if you’re just looking for access to the BBC for a holiday, then the 14 day BBC iPlayer free trial is perfect. Don’t be spooked by all those BBC iPlayer VPN not working stories, although it’s true some where blocked over the last couple of years the one’s mentioned in this page are still working perfectly in 2024 !

At the worst you can use this as a free trial of BBC iPlayer plus it also gives you a decent chance to use it properly before you make up your mind.

FAQs

 

Why Use a VPN to Stream BBC iPlayer?

Access BBC iPlayer Content from Anywhere

How to Watch BBC Free Trial in the USA: Step-by-Step Instruction

Watching BBC iPlayer from the comfort of your home in the USA is a treat many are after! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you navigate through the process, complete with robust vpn encryption to ensure your streaming session remains private and uninterrupted:

1. Choose a Reliable VPN Provider: To enjoy seamless streaming, pick a virtual private network provider known for its high-quality vpn encryption, like NordVPN or SmartDNS Proxy, which are excellent vpn apps for bypassing geo-restrictions.
2. Download and Install the VPN: Follow the user-friendly apps’ instructions to install the VPN software on your device. Guaranteeing easy installation and a stress-free viewing experience.
3. Connect to a UK Server: Open the VPN application and select one of the numerous servers located in the UK to obtain a UK IP address – instantly unblock BBC iPlayer and other UK-based content.
4. Create a BBC iPlayer Account: If you haven’t already, visit the BBC iPlayer website and sign up for an account. Remember to use a UK postcode when prompted and subscribe to enjoy the full array of BBC programming.
5. Start Watching BBC iPlayer: With your VPN securely connected to a UK server, log in to your BBC iPlayer account. You should now have access to all the content available to UK residents.

Enjoy your favorite BBC shows, documentaries, and news programs right where you are in the USA, Europe or beyond! You can also access other UK TV channels like ITVX too – Coronation Street any one?

 

Unlock Access to BBC iPlayer TV Shows, Series, & News

Unlocking access to BBC iPlayer’s vast array of TV shows, series, and award-winning news coverage is like opening a treasure trove of British television. Here’s how you can bypass geographic content restrictions and indulge in the diverse world of BBC programming:

1. Get a VPN Service: Choose a VPN service that is known for its streaming capabilities and has servers in the UK.
2. Connect to a UK Server: After setting up your VPN, select and connect to a server located in the UK to mask your actual location.
3. Register or Sign In: Go to BBC iPlayer’s website or app, register for a new account, or log in if you already have one. You may need to provide a UK postal code.
4. Confirm Your TV License: You’ll be asked if you have a TV license. While there’s no verification process, you need to confirm that you have one to proceed.
5. Start Streaming: Explore and enjoy BBC iPlayer’s content, including live TV, catch-up services, and exclusive iPlayer originals.

You now have the key to unlock all the content on BBC iPlayer, irrespective of where you are in the world!

Remember it’s completely free and there’s no risk to watching without a TV license if you’re outside the UK (it’s a UK law only).  Don’t watch if you’re in the United KIngdom though without purchasing a TV license first as there are big fines.