How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Germany in 2024
BBC iPlayer is the best way to enjoy Call the Midwife, Doctor Who, and other hit shows for free. You also get various documentaries, reality TV, and game shows, along with streams of live BBC channels. Bad news, though - you can’t watch BBC iPlayer in Germany due to rights issues.
Even if you already have an account, if you travel outside the UK, you won't be able to stream anything. Thankfully, you can get a UK IP address with a VPN to mask your true location and trick iPlayer. This will bypass any geo-restrictions.
Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to unblock BBC iPlayer in Germany. You'll also learn why you need a VPN and which providers work best with the streaming platform. Plus, we include a watch guide, several fixes in case your VPN stops working with iPlayer, and answers to some FAQs on the topic.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Germany
To watch BBC iPlayer in Germany, you have to connect to a UK VPN server and sign up for a free account on the iPlayer website. Full guide below:
- Subscribe to a BBC iPlayer VPN for Germany (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download the VPN app and connect to a UK server.
- Access the BBC iPlayer website and click “Sign In.”
- Select “Register now” to begin.
- Click on one of the two options according to your age.
- Add your birthday (only really relevant for the “Under 16” option).
- Create your account (look up “UK postcodes” online and enter any one), and click “Register.”
- Select a title to watch and click, “I have a TV License. Watch now.”
- Choose whether to enable parental controls or not.
- That's it! Now you can press "Play" and start streaming.
Do You Need a VPN for Streaming BBC iPlayer in Germany?
You need a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in Germany because iPlayer is a UK-exclusive service. Interestingly enough, not even residents can watch iPlayer outside the UK, thanks to pesky licensing issues.
The website is a bit misleading, as you can access it and browse BBC iPlayer's content with no geo-block errors in the way. However, once you try to play a video, a message will pop up saying: “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues. In the UK? Here’s some advice.”
To bypass the BBC’s geo-blocks, you need to use a VPN to obtain a UK IP address. That way, the streamer won't be able to tell your true physical location, and you can watch BBC iPlayer abroad for free. You'll also need a VPN if you want to download BBC iPlayer's app outside the UK.
Of course, the BBC is well aware that people get around their filters with a VPN. As a result, they block VPN IPs, so only a handful of providers can unblock the platform. This means you need the best VPN for BBC iPlayer to avoid any difficulties. Our top choice is NordVPN because it easily unblocks BBC iPlayer from anywhere and supports blazing-fast streaming speeds.
The Best VPNs to Watch BBC iPlayer in Germany
The VPN you choose should provide an easy way to unblock BBC iPlayer in Germany. That means it needs to offer an extensive global and UK server network, complete with obfuscation, so you can bypass any potential VPN blocks on other streaming services.
Find a VPN with fast speeds and impressive performance worldwide, since no one likes annoying buffering. It should also have a kill switch so your IP isn’t exposed when disconnected. Moreover, you need a VPN with a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy, plus all the latest protocols available, like OpenVPN and WireGuard, with strong AES-256 encryption to boot.
Naturally, you’ll want a VPN app that works on all popular platforms (from Windows to Linux and mobile to smart TVs), with plenty of simultaneous connections for your streaming needs. Finally, get a VPN with 24/7 live chat and a solid money-back guarantee in case of any trouble.
Based on these criteria, here are the 4 best VPNs to unblock BBC iPlayer in Germany:
- NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Germany
- Surfshark - Stream BBC iPlayer from Anywhere with High-Speed Servers
- ExpressVPN - Fast VPN for Unblocking BBC iPlayer from Germany
- CyberGhost VPN - Get BBC iPlayer in Germany on Any Device
1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Germany
NordVPN is the best VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer in Germany thanks to its hefty set of features, including SmartPlay, that masks your DNS queries to keep you hidden online. It comes equipped with 6,000+ servers in 61 countries (including 440+ UK servers in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Manchester). This allows it to unblock any other streaming services, too.
As with any top-notch VPN, you can expect excellent speeds and consistent performance both locally and internationally. You won’t encounter any buffering issues on BBC iPlayer or other UK services (like Channel 4), whether you’re watching from Germany or elsewhere.
And with NordVPN’s obfuscated servers, you can bypass any VPN filters when you’re abroad, at work, or on school Wi-Fi networks. You also get a whole suite of specialty servers (double VPN, Onion-over-VPN, P2P, and more) for different purposes.
If there's a disruption in the VPN connection, NordVPN’s advanced kill switch can disable specific apps (say, the BBC iPlayer app) to prevent such services from discovering your true location. Plus, its strict no-logs policy has been audited by an independent third party.
NordVPN features all the best protocols, including its proprietary NordLynx (built on WireGuard) with ChaCha20 encryption, as well as the standard OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec options with AES-256 encryption.
When it comes to device support, NordVPN can be installed on every major system nowadays, such as macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs, and more. You can use it on up to 6 devices at the same time.
In case you change your mind, NordVPN offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Of course, there’s always 24/7 live chat to resolve any issues before you get to the point of cancellation (which we don't think you will).
PROS
- 440+ high-speed UK servers.
- Unblocks iPlayer, ITVX, and more.
- Audited no-logs policy.
- Stream anything with SmartPlay.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 live chat.
CONS
- Obfuscation isn’t network-wide.
2. Surfshark - Stream BBC iPlayer from Anywhere with High-Speed Servers
Surfshark is another great choice because it easily unblocks BBC iPlayer in Germany. This is thanks to its 212 UK servers in 4 locations (Glasgow, London, Edinburgh, and Manchester). Its overall network is wide, spanning 100 countries with 3,200+ servers. This gives it the ability to unblock any other streaming services as well.
These unblocking capabilities are enhanced by network-wide obfuscation and Surfshark's Nexus technology, which rotates your IP without interrupting your connection. It also helps improve speeds and stability.
When it comes to speed, you won't be disappointed with Surfshark. It delivers blazing-fast speeds with reliable performance and easily supports 4K streaming on various platforms. During our tests, we connected to servers both nearby and far away from us, and they all performed impressively.
Surfshark comes with a powerful kill switch to prevent data leaks and an audited no-logs policy to guarantee your privacy. On top of that, it offers the latest and greatest protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 with AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption, depending on the protocol you choose.
You can install Surfshark on all popular streaming devices, like computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and many more. One super-handy perk of this VPN is it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. That means you can share a subscription with friends and family.
Surfshark offers an iron-clad 30-day refund policy, so you can test its services thoroughly. Lastly, if you need any help you can contact its customer support 24/7 through live chat.
PROS
- 200+ servers in the UK.
- Unblocks iPlayer easily.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Nexus technology enhances speed.
- 30-day refund period.
- 24/7 live chat support.
CONS
- Possibly slow to initially connect.
3. ExpressVPN - Fast VPN for Unblocking BBC iPlayer from Germany
ExpressVPN made our list because it unblocks BBC iPlayer in Germany effortlessly due to its high-powered servers in 5 UK locations (East London, Docklands, London, Midlands, and Wembley). Its entire network spans 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, are of which are equipped to deal with any geo-blocks, thanks to the built-in obfuscation technology. This allows it to unblock other streamers around the world.
Despite this technology (which can often slow down connections), ExpressVPN consistently shows dependable performance and super-high speeds. We had no issues watching BBC iPlayer shows at maximum quality or live streaming BBC programs on its various channels.
On top of that, ExpressVPN comes with a reliable kill switch that turns off your Internet if you happen to disconnect at any point. That way, your IP won’t be exposed online. Speaking of which, the provider’s no-logs claims have been audited to ensure your privacy.
Furthermore, the VPN uses all the latest protocols and encryption to protect against hackers. Its in-house Lightway protocol (with WolfSSL) strikes a good balance between security and performance, making it a great option for streaming. But you can also choose from AES-256-enabled OpenVPN and IKEv2.
Naturally, ExpressVPN has easy-to-use apps on every platform, including Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, and more. Install it on your router, and your entire household gets the benefits of a VPN, including unsupported devices like Roku, smart TVs, and others. You also get 8 simultaneous connections to use as you see fit.
All ExpressVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and the provider offers 24/7 live chat customer support for troubleshooting.
PROS
- User-friendly VPN.
- UK servers in 5 locations.
- Works perfectly on BBC iPlayer.
- Built-in stealth technology.
- 30-day money-back policy.
- 24/7 customer support.
CONS
- Not very customizable.
4. CyberGhost VPN - Get BBC iPlayer in Germany on Any Device
CyberGhost VPN comes with an incredible 11,000+ servers in 100 countries (including 1,100+ UK servers in Berkshire, London, and Manchester). This allows it to unblock BBC iPlayer and 40+ more services in Germany. Moreover, many of its servers are streaming-optimized for better performance.
While CyberGhost doesn’t have any obfuscated servers, we’ve had no trouble streaming on any of its reportedly supported services. You get decent speeds and stable performance, although highly remote servers may be a tad slower than others. Still, 4K streaming wasn't an issue for us.
CyberGhost includes an always-on kill switch, so you never accidentally disable your main defense against IP leaks. Its no-logs claims have also been recently audited to show the provider never records your browsing activity.
In addition, CyberGhost offers top-shelf protocols like WireGuard (with the ChaCha20 cipher), as well as OpenVPN and IKEv2 with AES-256 encryption to protect your data. WireGuard delivers the best performance for streaming BBC iPlayer.
With a single subscription, you can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously, making it ideal if you have lots of gadgets lying around. CyberGhost’s apps are compatible with Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, Android, some smart TVs, and other devices.
Needless to say, you can rely on their customer support via 24/7 live chat for help with any issues. Finally, you get a 45-day refund period on longer plans, which is among the most generous we’ve seen in the industry.
PROS
- 1,100+ servers in the UK.
- Works on 40+ streaming sites.
- Dedicated streaming servers.
- 45-day money-back guarantee.
- 7 simultaneous connections.
CONS
- No obfuscation.
- Inconsistent speeds on remote servers.
What to Watch on BBC iPlayer in Germany
BBC iPlayer has a ton of excellent options for binge-watching or movie nights with the family. Now that the series has ended, you’re right on time to watch Peaky Blinders on iPlayer, along with classic BBC shows like Doctor Who or Blackadder. Or, why not delve into its movie library - with old-school classics like Mary Poppins or modern thrillers like Relic.
And if you’re a sports fan, BBC iPlayer provides extensive coverage on NBA, MLB, Formula 1, football, boxing, athletics, and much more. Otherwise, feel free to try out one of their many live channels, including BBC One to BBC Four, CBBC/CBeebies, BBC Scotland, BBC News, BBC Alba, S4C, and BBC Parliament if you want to stay updated on current events.
Here’s a handy watch guide for more recommendations on what to stream on BBC iPlayer:
BBC iPlayer Not Working with a VPN in Germany - Here’s How to Fix!
There are a few causes for why BBC iPlayer isn’t working in Germany, such as your VPN server or protocol being blocked or browser cookies giving away your location. Here are some potential solutions to try and get your VPN working with BBC iPlayer:
- Restart Your Device/VPN – Sometimes the easiest solution is the right one. Rebooting your device and VPN can actually resolve a lot of problems, so always try this first.
- Check Your Internet Connection – If your Internet connection isn't strong or stable enough, it can affect your VPN's functionality. For obvious reasons, it negatively impacts streaming abilities as well. Try using a different Internet connection (like mobile data) to see if things start working.
- Use a Different VPN Server – As mentioned earlier, streaming sites tend to block VPN IPs to maintain region exclusivity. Most top providers have servers in multiple UK locations, so simply connect to a different one to see if it helps.
- Switch to Another Protocol – This tends to be a problem if you’re trying to stream BBC iPlayer on a network that blocks VPNs (college Wi-Fi, for example). Changing your protocol might help solve the issue.
- Clear Your Browser Cookies – Unlike the snacks they’re named after, cookie files help save your website preferences, including the location you’re accessing them from. Delete them along with your cache, then try accessing iPlayer while connected to a VPN again.
- Update Your VPN Application – If your VPN is out of date, it could be missing important updates and patches that may prevent it from working properly. Make sure it's updated to the latest version.
- Temporarily Disable Your Device Firewall – It's possible your firewall is interfering with the normal operation of your VPN. Try disabling it and see if that fixes the issue.
- Uninstall Other VPNs – Having multiple VPNs installed at the same time can create conflicts. Try uninstalling all of them except the one you want to use.
- Contact Your VPN's Customer Support – Sometimes customer support can have some helpful suggestions, so check with them to see if they can offer tips.
- Change VPNs – If nothing else works, and you’ve already contacted customer support about it, it might be time to switch to a different provider.
Final Thoughts
BBC iPlayer contains a lot of popular content, but it's only available in the UK, so you can't access it from Germany. Luckily, you can still access it. All you must do is change your IP to a UK one with the help of a capable VPN. This will trick iPlayer into giving you access from anywhere in the world.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to stream BBC iPlayer in Germany. Not only do you get 440+ high-speed servers in the UK, but many of them come equipped with obfuscation to hide your VPN activity anywhere. This is why NordVPN can easily unblock BBC iPlayer no matter where you are located.
And that’s everything you need to know about how to watch BBC iPlayer in Germany! Thanks for reading, and leave a comment below if you’d like some more pointers.