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3 Ways to Fix BBC iPlayer when It’s Not Working with VPN
Make BBC iPlayer work again with your VPN!
6 min. read
Updated onFebruary 21, 2024
updated onFebruary 21, 2024
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Key notes
BBC iPlayeris a pretty cool internet streaming, TV and radio, and catchup service from BBC, which is available for users of mobile phones, tablets, PCs, and smart TVs.
However, the service, which is only delivered to viewers based in the UK, usually has ads (what most people don’t like), but just for non-UK users, so if you’re in the UK, you’re safe from the annoyances.
However, not everyone can reside in the UK simultaneously to stream and enjoy the content, as some may be traveling. In contrast, others reside in countries where geo-restrictions on content apply. This is why they get VPNs to access such content.
Thankfully, thebest VPNs for BBC iPlayerknow how BBC bans their IP addresses and other streaming services. Most providers usually replace the blocked IP with a new one, but then it becomes a huge game betweenBBC iPlayerand theVPNvendors.
So what do you do whenBBC iPlayerVPNis not working?
One of the most straightforward troubleshooting methods is restarting your device, but if this doesn’t help and you don’t know what else to do, try the solutions below.
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What can I do if BBC iPlayer VPN is not working?
1. Preliminary checks
SometimesBBC iPlayerVPNis not working because yourVPNaccount may have expired, so you cannot connect. In this case, check with your VPN’s support team to confirm if your account is still valid or has expired.
It is also good to check third-party app settings likeyour antivirus or firewall settings, which sometimes block the PPTP and L2TP protocols, especially when your security level has been set higher than the average level.
In this case, disable thethird-party apps or security softwareand try connecting again. If this helps, allow PPTP, L2TP, and IPSec through your antivirus and firewall, and then enable thesecurity softwareagain.
Check your router settings if you’re connected to a Wi-Fi router, and check for pass-through options for PPTP, L2TP, and IPSec under Router Firewall/Securitytab and enable them.
If you don’t have these pass-through options, disable the router firewall and try again. If this works, allow PPTP, L2TP, and IPSec through your router firewall, then enable the firewall again.
You also need to ensure, first and foremost, that you’re entering the correct user credentials, which are your username and password for logins. You can confirm these details also with yourVPNprovider.
2. Change your VPN
Find aVPNthat will replace IP addresses as soon asBBC iPlayerblacklists them. Similarly, some time may pass between when the IP address was banned and when theVPNprovider changes it, and this can be a few days up to several weeks.
In this case, disconnect and then connect again, and try until you find an IP andserversthat work. There are goodVPNproviders like Private Internet Access and CyberGhost. Remember, it’s vital to choose a reliable VPN solution. Otherwise, you may encounter theBBC iPlayerError code: 02062.
Private Internet Access
Our top choice regarding VPNs is Private Internet Access. This US-based provider has been in this industry for some time and has maintained an impeccable reputation amongprivacy-conscioususers.
Private Internet Access focuses on privacy and performance and has a vast network of over 3200 servers.
Here are the top reasons we recommend it:
Private Internet Access
CyberGhost
ThisVPNhas 6300serversin over 90 countries, so you can accessBBC iPlayer, whether the services are blocked or not where you reside.
Its Unblock Streaming feature lets you access many popular streaming services, including BBC, without testing servers manually. Kape Technologies also owns them.
By default, it provides features such as the hiding of IP, IP sharing as an additional security layer, and Leak Protection against IPv6 leaks, DNS, and port forwarding leaks.
Once you’re successfully connected to theserver, CyberGhost will send feedback about thewebsiteyou’re connected to and want to watch, the currentserverlocation, and protection status.
CyberGhost
3. Download the latest version of your VPN
Uninstall theVPNapp you’re running, sign in to yourVPNaccount and follow the instructions to set up theVPN. Find the latest version for your device and then connect again, then see if you can access BBC iPlayer.
For Windows 10 users, here’s how to set up aVPN:
Connect again to yourVPNand see if you can accessBBC iPlayer.
We also have a great guide on how to fixBBC iPlayer error code 02050, so don’t miss it.
Let us know if any of these solutions helped fix theBBC iPlayerVPNnot working issue by leaving a comment in the section below.
When they do that, they block the entire VPN server and all the users connected there.
Due to content licensing, geographical restrictions are put in place to respect those limits imposed.
For an updated list, take a look at ourtop VPN for BBC iPlayerguide.
More about the topics:BBC iPlayer,VPN errors
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
