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How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Spain for Free?

Last updated May 2, 2024
Written by:
Novak Bozovic
Novak Bozovic
Senior VPN Editor

BBC iPlayer offers a wide variety of captivating content, from thought-provoking documentaries to gripping dramas. But unfortunately, BBC iPlayer is blocked outside the UK. This is due to broadcasting regulations and licensing agreements that the service has to abide by. Even if you have an iPlayer account, if you travel outside the UK, including Spain, you won't be able to watch it.

The good news is that you can use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in Spain. All you have to do is connect to a UK VPN server. Once you do that, you’ll be able to unblock BBC iPlayer because the streaming service won’t see you’re in Spain. Instead, it will look like you’re in the UK, so you won’t be affected by geo-restrictions anymore. 

In this article, we’ll teach you how to unblock BBC iPlayer in Spain and discuss why you need a VPN to accomplish this. After that, we’ll share the top 3 VPNs for streaming BBC iPlayer. Plus, we’ll give you some ideas of what you can binge-watch on iPlayer and tell you if you can download BBC iPlayer on your device in Spain. Finally, we’ll answer the most important FAQs.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Spain

You simply need to use a VPN and connect to a UK server if you want to stream BBC iPlayer in Spain. This will change your IP address to one from the UK, tricking iPlayer into giving you access to its free content. Follow these steps to make things easy: 

  1. Subscribe to a powerful iPlayer VPN (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Download and install the VPN on your device.
  3. Launch the VPN and log in with your new account.
  4. Connect to a UK-based server.
  5. Using any Web browser, go to iPlayer’s website.
  6. Click "Sign in" at the top of the home page.
  7. BBC iPlayer Home Screen
  8. Create a new account by clicking "Register now."
  9. BBC iPlayer login screen
  10. Set the age for the account user.
  11. BBC iPlayer account age selection
  12. Add your birthday to verify your age.
  13. Register BBC iPlayer Date of Birth
  14. Complete your profile. Set the country as United Kingdom and enter any UK postcode.
  15. BBC iPlayer account creation
  16. Pick any title you wish to stream and click "Play." 
  17. Confirm that you have a TV license.
  18. iPlayer Asking for TV License
  19. Decide whether you want to use iPlayer’s parental controls.
  20. iPlayer Asking for Parental Guidance Controls
  21. That's it! Now your video will begin streaming.

You can watch BBC iPlayer for free no matter where you're located because it only requires a UK TV license. Don't worry if you don't have one because no one has ever gotten in trouble for using iPlayer without it.

Is a VPN Necessary for Watching BBC iPlayer in Spain? 

Yes, you absolutely need a VPN to use BBC iPlayer in Spain. This is because BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK, and it blocks anyone who tries to play its content from other countries. At the moment, using a VPN is the most reliable solution for bypassing these geo-restrictions.

You'll be able to access BBC iPlayer's site and browse its content, but you won't be able to play anything. Unless you use a VPN, iPlayer will check your location by reading your IP address. If you don’t have a British IP, you’ll see the following message: “BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.”

BBC iPlayer Geo-Block Error Message

This is when your access to iPlayer will be blocked. As you can already see, the solution to iPlayer’s geo-block is to change your IP address. That’s precisely what VPNs are designed to do. However, since you need a UK IP address, you need to use a VPN that offers a server fleet in the United Kingdom. This is the only way you can watch BBC iPlayer from anywhere.

That said, you need the best iPlayer VPN, as not every VPN will be able to unblock the streaming service. Our top recommendation is NordVPN because it works with iPlayer every single time, delivering fast speeds when connecting to UK servers from Spain. It's also user-friendly and works on any device, so you can watch BBC iPlayer on your computer, phone, tablet, and more.

The Best VPNs to Watch BBC iPlayer in Spain

To choose the best VPN, make sure that it can easily unblock BBC iPlayer. The VPN should come with enough UK servers, so you won’t have problems with overcrowding. At the same time, having a large global server network is also necessary because you’ll be able to unblock other streaming services. 

The VPN needs to deliver reliable performance and fast connection speeds so you get a smooth streaming experience. Premium VPNs must offer tons of security and privacy features to protect your data like obfuscation and a kill switch. You also need a strict no-logs policy, secure protocols, and robust encryption. 

Look for a VPN that provides apps compatible with your devices (smart TVs, tablets, PCs, smartphones, and so on). The ability to connect simultaneous devices for streaming is also important. Make sure the provider has plans that are reasonably priced. Last but not least, you should have access to 24/7 live chat support and a money-back policy. 

Based on the criteria mentioned, here are the best VPNs to stream BBC iPlayer in Spain: 

  1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Spain
  2. Surfshark – Fully Obfuscated VPN for Using BBC iPlayer in Spain
  3. ExpressVPN – Stream BBC iPlayer in Spain with Fast UK Servers 

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Spain

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NordVPN is the best VPN for accessing BBC iPlayer in Spain. It consistently unblocks BBC iPlayer, boasting an extensive server network comprising over 6,300 servers across 111 countries, including 440+ UK servers in 4 cities strategically located in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. It also works well with other streaming services.

During our testing of NordVPN's UK locations, we experienced remarkable streaming speeds, with HD and 4K videos loading swiftly and playing back seamlessly without buffering. Notably, there were no discernible quality drops even when skipping through content. We were also able to connect to any servers without encountering overcrowding.

Beyond its exceptional performance, NordVPN stands out with top-notch security features. It includes a customizable kill switch, robust encryption (AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20), obfuscation, a stringent no-logs policy, and fast protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx). For an additional fee, you can also get dedicated IPs, which are less likely to be detected by streaming services. 

NordVPN is compatible with major operating systems like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, as well as streaming devices like smart TVs. Moreover, it allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.

This VPN is pretty cheap, with a 2-year plan ringing up as low as $3.09 per month. Your purchase will be protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee. For added convenience, NordVPN provides 24/7 customer support for any assistance.

PROS

  • 440+ UK servers. 
  • Unblocks BBC iPlayer effortlessly. 
  • Fast streaming speeds.
  • 10 simultaneous devices.
  • 24/7 live chat. 
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.  

CONS

  • Only some servers have obfuscation.

2. Surfshark – Fully Obfuscated VPN for Using BBC iPlayer in Spain

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Windows
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Mac
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Linux
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Chrome
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Surfshark is another excellent VPN for streaming BBC iPlayer in Spain because it unblocks BBC iPlayer with ease, as well as other streaming platforms. This VPN stands out as a broad and dependable service with over 3,200 servers across 100 countries, including 212 UK servers in 4 cities: Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Manchester.

Surfshark delivers swift speeds and optimized performance, as demonstrated in our tests where HD and 4K videos loaded promptly with minimal buffering. It didn’t matter whether we were connected to servers closer or further away—we always enjoyed super-fast connections.

Prioritizing user privacy, Surfshark incorporates features like network-wide obfuscation and a kill switch. Additionally, it employs advanced protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard with high-end AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption. It also follows a strict no-logs policy.

A standout feature is its allowance of unlimited simultaneous connections, providing exceptional convenience. Compatible with various devices including computers, phones, tablets, smart TVs, and more, Surfshark ensures wide accessibility.

Surfshark is great for users looking for a budget-friendly solution. It has a 2-year plan for only $2.29 per month. With a straightforward 30-day money-back guarantee, it also offers 24/7 support via live chat for any inquiries related to its plans. Last but not least, on the VPN’s website, you can also find up-to-date guides and in-depth troubleshooting articles. 

PROS

  • Consistently unblocks BBC iPlayer. 
  • Servers in 4 UK locations. 
  • High-speed connections for streaming. 
  • Unlimited simultaneous devices allowed. 
  • 24/7 customer support. 
  • 30-day refund period.

CONS

  • iOS app reportedly has glitches.

3. ExpressVPN – Stream BBC iPlayer in Spain with Fast UK Servers 

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chromebook
Kindle
Nook
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Apple TV
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Chromecast
Roku
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

ExpressVPN is ideal for watching BBC iPlayer on-the-go because it effortlessly unblocks BBC iPlayer and numerous other services. Once you subscribe to a plan, you can connect to thousands of servers across 105 countries, including 5 UK server locations: Docklands, the Midlands, London, East London, and Wembley.

ExpressVPN ensures high performance and impressive speeds for smooth HD and 4K streaming on BBC iPlayer. We didn’t experience buffering during any of our tests.

Security-wise, ExpressVPN is backed by obfuscation on all servers, a strict no-logs policy, and a reliable kill switch. Your data is also under protection because it has AES-256 encryption and top-notch protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and the exclusive Lightway (with WolfSSL), which was developed in-house and is the best option for streaming.

The VPN supports major platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Firestick, smart TVs, and more. Plus, for your convenience, it also has a dedicated router app. All its apps work flawlessly, and we didn’t experience any crashes or bugs when we tested them. ExpressVPN allows up to 8 simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN is one of the more expensive VPNs, with an annual plan that costs $6.67 per month. It also has 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. We tested the live chat support feature and the reps were always knowledgeable and answered our inquiries quickly. 

PROS

  • Works well with BBC iPlayer.
  • Fast speeds on all servers. 
  • Coverage in 5 UK cities. 
  • 8 simultaneous connections. 
  • Live chat support available 24/7. 
  • 30-day money-back policy.

CONS

  • On the expensive side.

Can I Download BBC iPlayer in Spain on My Device?

Yes, you can download BBC iPlayer in Spain on your device, but only if you use a VPN. Since the streaming service is geo-restricted and available in the UK only, you’ll need to change your IP address. That means replacing your real IP with one from the VPN by connecting to a UK server. This way, BBC iPlayer won’t see your real location. 

You can download the BBC iPlayer app on streaming devices like your phone, tablet, Firestick, Roku, smart TV, and more. But keep in mind that you need to set your device’s location to the UK before that. To make things easier, we made simple, step-by-step guides on downloading the iPlayer app outside the UK. 

What to Watch on BBC iPlayer in Spain?

Unlocking BBC iPlayer with a VPN opens up a treasure trove of captivating content. Whether you crave gripping series, blockbuster movies, engaging shows, or thrilling sports events, BBC iPlayer has a little bit of everything.

You can watch critically acclaimed movies such as Aftersun and The Martian. The platform doesn't fall short on compelling shows either, offering a variety of titles that include Sherlock, Killing Eve, and Doctor Who

Sports enthusiasts can enjoy content like Match of The Day, Sportscene, and Slammed: The Eighties. There is also coverage of sporting events, such as Northern Ireland motorcycle racing, World Indoor Bowls Championships, boxing, cycling, field hockey, kabaddi, rugby, and more. You can also watch channels like BBC Radio 1, CBBC, and BBC News

Here are a few more recommendations you can add to your watch list: 

BBC iPlayer Movies BBC iPlayer Series BBC iPlayer Sports BBC iPlayer Reality Shows BBC iPlayer Channels
Beauty and the Beast The Gold Masters Snooker Glow Up Radio 1
Moonlight Boiling Point Africa Cup of Nations The Traitors UK BBC One
Kick-Ass 2 The Way Women’s Super League Race Across the World BBC Two
Relic Death in Paradise Premier League The Graham Norton Show BBC Three
Sicario Blue Lights FA Cup RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs the World BBC Four

BBC iPlayer Not Working with a VPN in Spain - How to Fix

If you can't get BBC iPlayer in Spain with a VPN, this could be due to a number of possible issues. For the most part, a VPN should give you a seamless experience, but errors can occur. Here are some troubleshooting solutions you can try: 

If you need additional tips, here’s our guide to troubleshooting VPNs. Furthermore, we also offer a guide on dealing with VPN error codes, which you'll find helpful if an error happens as you try to connect to your VPN. 

Final Thoughts

BBC iPlayer is a popular streaming service that offers tons of shows and movies. However, it’s available only in the UK due to various copyright agreements. This means you won’t be able to access it from Spain, even if you have an iPlayer account and you're traveling from the UK. Fortunately, you can use a VPN to bypass these restrictions and stream your favorite content anyway. 

NordVPN stands as the top VPN for watching BBC iPlayer in Spain. It has hundreds of UK servers and offers blazing-fast speeds for streaming in 4K. Plus, it has impressive security features, so your data won’t leak online. 

FAQ

Is BBC iPlayer Available in Spain?

No, BBC iPlayer isn’t available in Spain. This media streaming service only works in the United Kingdom, where it’s officially available. However, you can watch iPlayer in Spain by using a VPN like NordVPN. It will help you get a UK IP, giving you unrestricted access to the streaming service.

Can I Watch BBC iPlayer in Spain?

No, you can't watch BBC iPlayer in Spain unless you use a VPN to bypass iPlayer’s geo-blocks. NordVPN is easy to use, suitable even for first-time VPN users. And also, it works on pretty much any device or platform.

Does BBC iPlayer Work in Spain?

No, BBC iPlayer does not work in Spain. But that doesn't mean you won't be able to access it. Simply connect to a UK VPN server, and you'll be able to unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere.

Is It Illegal to Watch BBC iPlayer from Spain Using a VPN?

No, it’s not illegal to watch BBC iPlayer from Spain using a VPN because VPN services are legal across the world. So, you won’t be breaking any laws. Keep in mind that VPN services are illegal in a very small group of countries. So, be mindful of your country’s laws.

Aside from that, know that accessing iPlayer without owning a TV license is against the streaming service’s Terms of Use. Still, there’s not a single report of anyone being prosecuted for accessing iPlayer from outside the UK. The same applies to any other UK-based streaming service.

Is BBC iPlayer Free to Watch from Spain?

Yes, BBC iPlayer is free to watch, but it's not available in Spain unless you use a VPN to unblock it. Connect to a UK server from a premium VPN like NordVPN, and you'll be able to use BBC iPlayer in Spain for free.

Can I Get BBC iPlayer in Spain?

No, you can't get BBC iPlayer in Spain by default, but there is an easy workaround: using a VPN. We suggest using NordVPN to unblock iPlayer because it has 440+ UK servers and lightning-fast speeds.

Why Can’t I Watch BBC iPlayer in Spain?

You can't watch BBC iPlayer in Spain because it's a UK-exclusive service. It uses geo-restrictions to prevent people outside the UK from accessing it in order to comply with licensing agreements.

That would be all on how to watch BBC iPlayer in Spain. Feel free to use the comments section below if you have any questions. Lastly, thank you for reading!



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