How to Watch UK TV Abroad: Stream BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and More

There are a couple of things that can leave you completely gutted when you’re traveling abroad: not being able to get a decent cup of tea, being miles away from the nearest pub, or (worst of all) not being able to access your favorite UK streaming platforms.

Breakfast at Weatherspoons might not be on the menu, but it’s probably easier than you think to tune into BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and other streaming sites. 

Whether you’re on holiday in Spain, working in Australia, or backpacking through Asia, you can keep watching the best UK TV content with PIA VPN. Whether you need your fix of Love Island, EastEnders, or any other British show, this article tells you everything you need to know about how to watch UK TV abroad.

Why it Can Be Difficult to Watch UK TV Abroad

Despite what Death in Paradise might have you think, watching UK TV abroad isn’t as simple as packing your bags, taking a flight, and logging into BBC iPlayer at your destination. 

Thanks to licensing agreements, streaming platforms only have the rights to show certain content in specific regions. 

This means while you might stumble across a few British shows on local platforms abroad, you won’t typically be able to access homegrown services like ITVX or Channel 4 without hitting a digital wall. Unless, of course, you use a VPN to get a UK IP address.

Why You Should Watch UK TV Abroad with a VPN

A VPN works like a digital teleportation device, changing your virtual location so it appears as though you’re browsing from the UK – even if you’re sipping cocktails in Spain or studying in Australia. 

By connecting to a server in the UK, you can access British streaming platforms, including BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4, as if you never left home. That said, you’ll need a fast VPN that’s built for streaming if you want to avoid buffering and location error messages.

Besides improving your streaming experience, a VPN also encrypts your internet connection to keep your data safe. This is especially handy when you’re streaming on unsecured public Wi-Fi (like in airports or cafes) or want to bypass streaming blocks on hotel or coworking space networks.

Why PIA Is the Best VPN for Watching UK TV Abroad

Football fanatics who want to watch Match of the Day on BBC iPlayer will be equally as excited by PIA VPN as reality fans looking to binge The Only Way Is Essex on ITVX. That’s because PIA has all the features you need to stream whatever you want, wherever you are.

Buffering? Not on our watch. PIA VPN offers high-speed connections and access to streaming-optimized servers in the UK and other countries, so you can stream in crisp HD without any annoying interruptions. 

PIA doesn’t just unlock UK TV while you’re traveling abroad, it keeps you safe too. With strong VPN encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a proven record on privacy, you can relax knowing that your data stays private while you enjoy your favorite content.

Our user-friendly apps make it simple to set up and connect your PC, smartphone, tablet, or any other device. Even if you’re using a VPN for the first time, PIA makes streaming as easy as brewing a cup of tea. 

Whenever you might need help with your VPN, our customer support team is ready to answer your questions and assist with troubleshooting.

Try PIA VPN risk-free for 30 days and see for yourself.

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How to Watch UK TV Abroad on Different Devices

You don’t need to limit yourself to a single screen when you’re watching UK TV abroad. Just like the streaming platforms you want to access, PIA VPN works with a range of popular devices. 

Web Browsers

Adding a VPN to your browser as an extension is a quick and convenient way to add a layer of security without having to install a full app. It gives you the flexibility to enable the VPN for your browsing activity without affecting other apps or programs.

PIA VPN offers lightweight, easy-to-use browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, letting you connect to a UK server in just a few clicks. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons page and search for “Private Internet Access.”
2. Click on Add to Chrome or Add to Firefox, confirm the installation, and follow any other on-screen prompts.
3. Open the extension and log in with your PIA VPN account information.
4. Connect to the streaming-optimized server in the UK.
5. Start streaming shows on BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and more.

Computers and mobile devices

Using a VPN app on your computer or mobile device is the most reliable way to keep watching UK TV while you’re abroad. With a dedicated VPN app, you can change your virtual location and protect your connection across all apps and programs, not just your browser.

PIA VPN has native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, making it easy to set up and stream your favorite UK shows wherever you are. Here’s how to get started:

1. Download the PIA VPN app from our website or your device’s app store.
2. Install the app and follow the on-screen setup instructions.
3. Log in with your PIA VPN credentials.
4. Connect to a UK server from the list of available locations.
5. Open your favorite UK streaming platform and start watching.

Smart TVs and Other Streaming Devices

Some smart TVs support VPN apps directly, but if yours doesn’t, there are a couple of easy workarounds: you can cast to your TV from your phone or other device, or use a portable streaming device like an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, or Android TV box. 

These devices are not only lightweight and travel-friendly, but they also work seamlessly with PIA VPN, allowing you to access UK streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4 while you’re traveling abroad.

Here’s how to set up PIA VPN on these popular streaming devices:

1. Search for PIA VPN from your device’s home screen (Fire TV Stick) or in your device’s app store (Google Play for Android TV or the App Store for Apple TV). 
2. Install the app and open it.
3. Log in using your PIA VPN username and password.
4. Find the UK streaming-optimized server and connect to it.
5. Launch your streaming platform and watch as usual.

If you don’t have a portable streaming device but still want to watch on a TV, you can configure PIA VPN on your router. This has the added benefit of covering all devices connected to the router’s network, which means that you can stream UK TV without any device-specific setup.

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Is it Legal to Watch UK TV Abroad with a VPN?

VPNs are legal in most countries, but it’s a good idea to check the laws in your current location if you’re not sure.

You may also want to check your streaming platform’s terms of service, as it may not allow you to access its content from outside the UK. Note that BBC iPlayer requires users to have a valid UK TV license to stream its content.

Troubleshooting Issues when Watching UK TV Abroad

Sometimes, even with a VPN, you might run into a few bumps when trying to stream UK TV abroad. Here are some common issues and simple solutions to get you back on track:

• Streaming site still picks up your location: Clear your cookies and cache, then reconnect to a UK server. This prevents websites from seeing outdated location data.
• Long load times or buffering: Switch to a different server within the UK. PIA VPN has multiple servers in the UK for high-speed, seamless streaming.
• Streaming service detects your VPN: Use PIA VPN’s streaming-optimized server. It’s designed to work with all of the most popular UK streaming sites. 

If you need help choosing the right server, or have a question about another aspect of watching UK TV abroad, our customer support team is available around the clock to help.

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