How to Watch BBC iPlayer in France with Fastest VPN

Updated on June 13, 2024
How to Watch BBC iPlayer in France with Fastest VPN

If you are looking for your popular shows on BBC iPlayer even though you’ve moved across the pond, it doesn’t have to be a thing of the past. You can watch BBC iPlayer abroad and stream British television straight from France with just a few simple steps. Whether you want to know can you watch bbc iplayer in france or does BBC iPlayer work in France, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to get BBC iPlayer working abroad, from signing up for the fastest VPN to changing your settings. You’ll be watching BBC in no time without missing your beloved programs. Keep reading, and we’ll explain how you can bring a little British entertainment into your French home.

Problem With Accessing BBC iPlayer Outside the UK

Geoblocking restrictions

The BBC iPlayer uses your IP address to determine your location. If you’re outside the UK, it will likely be blocked and will display the error saying “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. It’s due to the right issues.” This is known as geoblocking and prevents those abroad from accessing content due to licensing issues.

Geoblocking restrictions- Watch bbc iplayer in france

Using a VPN

To circumvent this restriction, you’ll need a VPN, or virtual private network. A VPN masks your actual IP address and tricks the BBC iPlayer into thinking you’re accessing it from within the UK. Connect to a UK-based VPN server, and you’ll instantly gain access to all your favorite BBC shows.

Why is AstrillVPN best for Streaming BBC iPlayer in France?

Fast Connection Speeds & Unlimited Bandwidth

AstrillVPN offers fast connection speeds, perfect for streaming HD content from BBC iPlayer without buffering. It also provides unlimited bandwidth, so you can watch as much as possible.

Strong Encryption & No Logging Policy

AstrillVPN uses strong 256-bit AES encryption to keep your streaming activity private. It also has a strict no-logging policy, so no personal information or browsing data is stored.

Apps for All Your Devices

AstrillVPN offers dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android so you can access BBC iPlayer on all your devices. The apps are straightforward to set up and use.

24/7 Live Chat Support

If you have trouble accessing BBC iPlayer or using the AstrillVPN service, it offers 24/7 live chat support to resolve your problem quickly. Its customer support team is very knowledgeable and responsive.

Affordable Pricing

AstrillVPN is very affordable, especially if you opt for its longer-term plans. It frequently runs special promotions offering even more significant discounts. For secure, private access to BBC iPlayer, AstrillVPN is an excellent choice at a great price.

How to watch BBC iPlayer in France?

To access BBC iPlayer while in France, you must use a VPN (virtual private network). These steps are same as how to watch BBC in France.

The steps are simple:

  1. Sign up for AstrillVPN service and download its app.
AstrillVPN service
  1. Install it on your device and get a subscription plan.
subscription plan
  1. It can be used on phones, tablets, streaming devices, and computers.
  2. Connect to a UK server
UK server
  1. Open the BBC iPlayer website or app and start streaming your favorite shows.
BBC iPlayer website or app
  1. If BBC iPlayer detects the VPN and blocks access, try connecting to a different UK server or VPN.

Following these steps will allow you to watch BBC iPlayer no matter where you are.

How to get BBC iPlayer in France?

You must sign up for an account to access BBC iPlayer content in France. The good news is that it’s free and pretty straightforward.

  1. Head to bbc.co.uk/iplayer and click ‘Sign in’ or ‘Register’ if it’s your first time.
bbc.co.uk/iplayer and click Sign in
  1. Enter an email address, a password, name, and a postcode in the UK.
email address a password name
  1. Provide a valid email and password, accept the terms and conditions, and your account will be created.
valid email and password
  1. You may get an email to verify your address.
email to verify your address
  1. Just click the link to confirm and you’re all set.
click the link to confirm
  1. Now you can start streaming your favorite BBC shows live or on-demand, and downloading programs to watch offline later.
streaming your favorite BBC shows

Enjoy catching up on everything from Doctor Who and Strictly Come Dancing to Question Time and Match of the Day.

How much does BBC iPlayer Cost in France?

BBC iPlayer is free to access in the UK, but unfortunately, it’s not available outside the country without paying a licensing fee. When streaming in France, you won’t need a UK TV license anymore. The only cost is a TV license fee, making it hassle-free and convenient for your streaming experience.

While the BBC aims to keep shows on iPlayer for at least 30 days after airing, the content available can vary in different regions. The BBC also frequently updates its streaming rights for shows and movies, so something available one month may be removed the next. However, BBC iPlayer still remains the only place to stream many popular British shows like Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Luther shortly after they air in the UK.

For many ex-pats and Anglophiles living abroad, the monthly cost to access BBC iPlayer is worth it to stay up-to-date with favorite shows and feel a connection to British pop culture.

BBC iPlayer stats and subscribers

BBC iPlayer is hugely popular, with millions of subscribers worldwide accessing its content each week. In 2020, the streaming service saw its biggest year ever, with over 6 billion requests to stream shows.

The BBC iPlayer has an average of 13.4 million active accounts per week, an increase from 12.1 million the previous year. The accounts are evenly divided among users under 35, users between 35 and 54, and users over 55. Additionally, 9% of the accounts are registered to users of unknown age.

Most viewers access BBC iPlayer from the UK, but its content is also available internationally. Expats living abroad can subscribe to BBC iPlayer, with 300,000 subscribers based outside the UK. Australia, the USA, Ireland, Spain, and France are the most popular countries for streaming BBC shows.

With acclaimed shows like Killing Eve, Peaky Blinders, and Strictly Come Dancing, it’s no wonder BBC iPlayer has so many dedicated fans.

According to statista, the viewing time for BBC iPlayer in July 2023 peaked to 405 million.

BBC iPlayer stats and subscribers

What’s popular Shows on BBC iPlayer?

BBC iPlayer offers a variety of popular shows to choose from. Some of the most well-known are Doctor Who, Top Gear, Sherlock, and Downton Abbey.

  • Doctor Who, the famous sci-fi series, has been on the air since 1963. It follows the adventures of an alien Time Lord called “The Doctor” as he travels through space and time in his TARDIS. The show is a British icon and popular with viewers of all ages.
  • The car-focused show Top Gear is a global phenomenon. It features eccentric hosts testing out some of the world’s most elite supercars and racing them around a track. Even if you’re not a total motorhead, the humor and over-the-top stunts entertain any audience.
  • For mystery fans, Sherlock is a modern-day reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective stories. Set in present-day London, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson team up to solve crimes and outwit dangerous villains.
  • And finally, no list of BBC shows is complete without Downton Abbey. This historical drama follows the aristocratic Crawley family’s and their servants’ lives in the early 20th century. Lavish costumes, witty humor, and plenty of drama have made Downton Abbey a hugely successful show that appeals to many viewers.

Can you watch iPlayer in France on iOS devices?

If you want to stream your favorite BBC shows on your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple device, then follow these steps:

  1. Subscribe to AstrillVPN.
  2. Download the AstrillVPN app from the App Store and sign up.
  3. Connect to a UK server.
  4. Open BBC iPlayer and log in or sign up.
  5. Enjoy streaming BBC iPlayer!

How can I get BBC iPlayer in France on Android Devices?

The basic steps are:

  1. Subscribe to AstrillVPN service and download its Android app.
  2. Open the app, sign up, and connect to a UK server.
  3. Download the BBC iPlayer app from the Google Play store.
  4. Open BBC iPlayer and login or sign up
  5. Start streaming your favorite shows.

How can I watch BBC iPlayer on Smart TV in France?

Once you’ve signed up for AstrillVPN, here’s how to get started:

  1. Download the AstrillVPN app on your smart TV.
  2. Install the app on your TV and sign in with your VPN account details.
  3. Connect to a UK VPN server.
  4. Open the BBC iPlayer app on your TV.
  5. Connect your Smart TV to Wi-Fi.
  6. The app should now load as usual, giving you access to live TV channels and on-demand content.

Can I watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK without a VPN?

Unfortunately, BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted only to allow streaming within the UK. However, there are a few ways to access your favorite BBC shows from France without using a VPN.

  1. You could also look into IPTV services that offer BBC channels and on-demand content. Some IPTV providers have servers in the UK that give you a UK IP address, allowing you to stream iPlayer. IPTV does typically require an internet-connected set-top box and monthly subscription fees.
  2. You might find episodes of your preferred BBC programs on streaming sites like YouTube, Dailymotion or Vimeo. Fans frequently upload shows, though quality and selection can vary. These streaming sites are free to use but content is sometimes removed for copyright issues.

What to do if your VPN does not work with iPlayer?

Don’t worry, there are a couple of things you can try to get it working again.

  1. First, double-check that your VPN app is up to date. iPlayer often blocks older VPN versions, so updating to the latest release may fix the issue.
  2. You should also try toggling your VPN on and off or switching to a different server location. iPlayer’s targeting of VPN IPs is constantly changing, so a server that didn’t work yesterday may work today.
  3. If that doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to contact your VPN’s customer support. Explain that you can’t access iPlayer, but they should be able to help troubleshoot. Many VPNs maintain a list of currently working iPlayer servers they can provide.
  4. As a last resort, you may need to try an alternative VPN or streaming service to access your favorite BBC shows.

What Channels are on the BBC iPlayer?

The BBC iPlayer offers a wide range of popular channels to choose from. Some of the major channels include:

BBC One – The BBC’s flagship channel showing a mix of news, drama, entertainment and documentaries. Popular shows include EastEnders, Strictly Come Dancing and Match of the Day.

BBC Two – Focusing on documentaries, arts, culture and comedy. You’ll find shows like University Challenge, Newsnight and Mock the Week.

BBC Four – Specializing in documentaries, arts, music, culture, drama and comedy. It’s the home of acclaimed shows like Detectorists and This is Pop.

BBC News – 24-hour news channel with the latest news, breaking news, news features and analysis.

CBBC – Channel dedicated to children, showing live action, animation, drama and entertainment. Popular shows include Horrible Histories, The Dumping Ground and Danger Mouse.

CBeebies is a channel aimed at preschool children. It offers a range of educational and fun shows, such as Hey Duggee, Sarah & Duck, and Clangers.

In addition to the major channels, the BBC iPlayer offers several radio stations and regional TV channels from BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Scotland, BBC Wales and BBC Yorkshire. No matter your interests, the BBC iPlayer has something for everyone.

FAQs

Do you need a BBC account to stream their content outside the UK?

 No, a BBC account is not required to access BBC iPlayer in France. You can easily watch your favorite BBC shows with a VPN.

Is using a VPN to access BBC iPlayer legal?

Yes, using a VPN to access geo-restricted content like BBC iPlayer is perfectly legal. A VPN simply tricks the service into thinking you’re in the UK by masking your real IP address. As long as you have a valid TV license, you can access BBC iPlayer wherever you are.

Should you use a free VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer?

Free VPNs often lack the speed, security, and reliability needed for streaming BBC iPlayer. It’s best to use a premium VPN service to ensure you can watch without buffering or connectivity issues.

Do BBC shows expire on BBC iPlayer?

Most BBC programmes are available at least 30 days after their initial broadcast. Some series and films stick around longer. However, the selection is regularly refreshed so it’s best to watch your favorites before they disappear from the service.

Conclusion

While the BBC may try to restrict who can access their streaming content, technology has allowed expats like you to continue watching your favorite BBC shows, no matter where you live. With just a little prep work to set up AstrillVPN on your devices, you’ll be all set to stream BBC iPlayer from anywhere in France. You can make yourself virtually British again and enjoy the BBC shows and media you’ve been missing. The world is getting smaller every day thanks to the internet, so take advantage of it.

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About The Author

Bisma Farrukh

Bisma is a seasoned writer passionate about topics like cybersecurity, privacy and data breach issues. She has been working in VPN industry for more than 5 years now and loves to talk about security issues. She loves to explore the books and travel guides in her leisure time.

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