Streaming

How to Watch Channel 4 in Australia in 2024

By Richard Ernszt / January 26, 2024

Channel 4 (formerly known as All 4) is the best place to get your fill of British comedies (The IT Crowd), great cinema (Knives Out), and thousands of hours of entertainment on live channels like E4, Film 4, 4 Seven, Channel 4, or More 4. Regrettably, the platform is only available in the UK. If you want to watch Channel 4 in Australia, you’ll need a VPN to obtain a UK IP address.

We’ll teach you how to stream Channel 4 in Australia and list some of the best VPNs for the job. You'll also learn why you need a VPN, how much Channel 4 costs, how to pay for it, and how to stream it on all your devices. Then, we’ll finish off with options of what to watch and answers to some frequently asked questions.

How to Watch Channel 4 in Australia

The easiest way to watch Channel 4 in Australia is to get a British IP with a VPN. Once connected to a UK VPN server, you’ll be able to sign up and start watching. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Subscribe to a VPN that can unblock Channel 4 (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Download the VPN on your device(s).
  3. Open the VPN app and connect to a UK server.
  4. Visit the Channel 4 website, then click “Sign in to My4.”  

Navigating the Channel 4 Landing Page with A Sign In To My4 Call-To-Action Button
  1. Click “register” to continue.

Signing in or registering to Channel 4 using your email address
  1. Add your account details and click “Next.

Inputting your email and password to register an account on Channel 4
  1. Add your profile info. Any UK postcode works (try SW1P 2TX) to search for an address.

Entering personal details to create a profile on Channel
  1. Choose to either "Opt in and register" or simply "register."
  2. Click "Confirm email address."
  3. Chanel 4 confirm email address
  4. Check your email to verify your account via the link sent to you.
  5. Verifying your Channel 4 account by confirming your email address
  6. After verifying, select a show, and start watching Channel 4 in Australia.

Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch Channel 4 in Australia?

You need a VPN to watch Channel 4 in Australia because the platform is blocked outside the UK. Not even actual UK residents with active subscriptions can watch the service from abroad. This is due to licensing agreements between Channel 4 (formerly All 4) and the studios it gets its content from.

Funnily enough, you can create a Channel 4 account even if you’re not in the UK. Once you try to play any show or movie, though, you’ll encounter this geo-block message: Not Available. Channel 4 is only available in the UK. You can find more details on our FAQs.

Channel 4 Geo-Block Message for Unsupported Regions

This error no longer occurs if you use a VPN to get a UK IP. Basically, once you’re connected to a UK VPN server, your device gets assigned a local IP address. This tricks services like Channel 4, BBC iPlayer, and others into thinking you’re streaming from the UK.

It’s not a foolproof solution, though, as plenty of VPNs are blocked by Channel 4. Remember those licensing agreements we talked about? Well, Channel 4 is contractually bound to enforce them in any way they can. If they still want to get any more content, that is. So, if you want to watch Channel 4 outside the UK, you need to get a premium VPN.

NordVPN is our top choice because it can easily unblock Channel 4 in Australia. It employs 440+ lightning-fast servers in the UK, so it's a piece of cake to stream Channel 4 in 4K. Moreover, it has obfuscation on most of its network, so Channel 4 won't be able to see that you're using a VPN.

The Best VPNs to Watch Channel 4 in Australia

The best VPN for streaming Channel 4 in Australia should provide every tool you need to get around geo-blocks and unblock Channel 4 from anywhere. This includes a hefty UK (and worldwide) server fleet, plus obfuscation to mask your VPN activity online. It goes without saying that the VPN should provide fast speeds and decent performance on any server.

You’ll want a kill switch to prevent IP leaks upon disconnecting, as well as a strict no-logs policy to ensure maximum privacy. The VPN should also offer industry-standard protocols like OpenVPN (with AES-256 encryption) or WireGuard to secure your data against hackers.

Naturally, the VPN you choose should also work on most systems out there, be it macOS, Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, and more. This way, you can access Channel 4 (formerly known as All 4) on all your devices. 24/7 live chat is a must for troubleshooting. Finally, the VPN should come with enough simultaneous connections and a money-back guarantee in case you change your mind.

Based on these criteria, here are the 4 best VPNs to watch Channel 4 in Australia:

  1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch Channel 4 in Australia
  2. Surfshark - Stream Channel 4 in Australia on Any Device
  3. ExpressVPN - VPN for Unblocking Channel 4 from Australia
  4. CyberGhost VPN - Get Channel 4 in Australia on a Budget

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch Channel 4 in Australia

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NordVPN is the best VPN to watch Channel 4 in Australia for many reasons. With SmartPlay, it employs elements of smart DNS to help you unblock Channel 4 in Australia and plenty of other services from around the world. And with 6,000+ servers in 61 countries (including 440+ in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Manchester), you have plenty of connection options at your disposal.

Better yet, NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs available, with servers that offer blazing-fast speeds with consistent performance regardless of your chosen server. It doesn't matter whether it’s for Channel 4 streaming, secure browsing, online gaming, or other activities.

Speaking of which, NordVPN comes with a variety of specialty servers (P2P, double VPN, Onion-over-VPN) fit for every occasion. There are even obfuscated servers to get around annoying VPN filters on streaming sites or stricter networks (like those at school or work). You also have a kill switch that can be customized on a per-app basis.

NordVPN has a thoroughly audited no-logs policy in place to guarantee the privacy of your data. It also uses secure protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx with virtually impenetrable encryption (AES-256 and ChaCha20) to keep you safe online.

You can use NordVPN on up to 6 devices simultaneously, and it supports platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, various smart TVs, and other streaming gadgets. As always, the provider has 24/7 live chat to deal with any issues. Plus, you get a generous 30-day money-back guarantee on any of their plans in case you change your mind.

PROS

  • 440+ high-speed UK servers.
  • Unblocks Channel 4 with ease.
  • Variety of specialty servers.
  • Obfuscation and SmartPlay.
  • 24/7 live chat.
  • 30-day money-back policy.

CONS

  • Obfuscation isn’t network-wide.

2. Surfshark - Stream Channel 4 in Australia on Any Device

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Windows
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Surfshark is another excellent VPN that can seamlessly unblock Channel 4 in Australia. It also works well with any other streaming services. This is all thanks to its 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, including 212 servers in 4 UK locations (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, and London).

This VPN uses Nexus IP rotation technology to boost streaming speeds and connection consistency. Overall, Surfshark delivers lightning-fast speeds and dependable performance on its entire network of servers. This goes for both nearby and distant servers—you'll be able to stream in 4K without buffering on all of them.

Surfshark comes with obfuscation on all its servers, so Channel 4 won't be able to detect your VPN usage. There is also a reliable kill switch to prevent IP leaks and a no-logs policy that has been independently audited. Plus, you'll get to choose from WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols that are secured by AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption standards.

You will be able to install Surfshark on any devices you might have, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs. It also works on routers, so devices that don't support VPNs can be protected, too. Best of all, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections.

Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its plans, so you can test it out and make sure it's a good fit for your needs. If it's not, or if you encounter any problems, you can contact their helpful customer support, which is available 24/7 through live chat on their website.

PROS

  • 212 servers in the UK.
  • Handily unblocks Channel 4.
  • Super-fast connection speeds.
  • Obfuscation on all servers.
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.

CONS

  • Might be slow to connect.

3. ExpressVPN - VPN for Unblocking Channel 4 from Australia

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Windows
Android
Mac
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Linux
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Chromebook
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Chrome
Firefox
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Apple TV
Xbox
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Nintendo Switch
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Chromecast
Roku
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

ExpressVPN can easily unblock Channel 4 in Australia without a fuss. This is due to its 3,000+ high-speed servers in 105 countries (including a cluster in East London, Docklands, London, Wembley, and the Midlands). Its entire network comes equipped with obfuscation. This keeps your VPN activity a secret on Channel 4 and other websites.

What’s more, ExpressVPN delivers impressive speeds and reliable performance no matter which server you’re connected to. Enjoy hit movies, originals, live TV, and documentaries in HD and 4K quality, even from all the way in the land down under.

ExpressVPN has a reliable kill switch to shut off Internet traffic in case the VPN disconnects. That way, streaming services won’t detect your true IP and location.

There’s also an audited no-logs policy to ensure the provider doesn’t collect or store your browsing activity. Moreover, the provider uses top-notch encryption (AES-256 and WolfSSL) with strong protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway) to secure your data. 

ExpressVPN runs on every modern system, from Windows to Linux, from smartphones to smart TVs, and so on. You're allowed to make 8 simultaneous connections on any devices you'd like.

In case of any issues, you may contact ExpressVPN’s expert customer support available 24/7 via live chat. Or, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to explore other VPNs.

PROS

  • Easy-to-use VPN apps.
  • Plenty of fast UK servers.
  • Built-in obfuscation.
  • Works excellently on Channel 4.
  • 24/7 support via live chat.
  • 30-day refund policy.

CONS

  • Limited options for customization.

4. CyberGhost VPN - Get Channel 4 in Australia on a Budget

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

CyberGhost VPN is a great choice to unblock Channel 4 in Australia and 40+ other platforms from around the world without breaking the bank. With a single affordable subscription, you get access to tons of streaming-optimized servers, for a total of 11,000+ servers in 100 countries (1,000+ in Berkshire, London, and Manchester).

While it may not have stealth servers for obfuscation, CyberGhost still delivers medium-fast speeds and stable performance across the globe. There might be some hiccups on highly remote servers but nothing that will hamper your streaming experience.

CyberGhost has an always-on kill switch, so your IP never leaks by accident. The provider’s no-logs claims have also been recently audited, and they provide frequent transparency reports to show the company’s “privacy-first” attitude.

As expected, CyberGhost offers all the best protocols in the industry, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard—all equipped with AES-256 encryption or the ChaCha20 cipher. WireGuard is the most lightweight option of the three, making it great for streaming.

CyberGhost allows 7 simultaneous connections that you can use on Windows, Linux, macOS, smartphones, smart TVs, and various other streaming devices.

Moving on, if you go for a longer subscription, you'll get a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee. Try it out at your leisure, and feel free to contact their 24/7 customer support through live chat if you experience any technical problems.

PROS

  • 1,000+ UK servers.
  • Unblocks 40+ streaming services.
  • Streaming-optimized servers.
  • 45-day money-back guarantee.
  • 24/7 customer support.

CONS

  • No obfuscation available.
  • Slowest option on list.

How Much Is Channel 4 in Australia? 

If you don’t mind streaming your favorite shows with ads, Channel 4 offers a free version. For extra content and ad-free streaming, a Channel 4+ subscription starts at £3.99/month (AUD 7.72) and goes up to £39.99/year (AUD 77.35)

What’s more, the monthly Channel 4+ plan offers a 7-day free trial. But if you go with the annual subscription, you get 12 months for the price of 10. Either way, you can stream content without ads, and you also get early access to hit shows. 

Here’s a complete pricing and features breakdown: 

Subscription Price in GBP Price in AUD Perks
Channel 4+ (monthly)  £3.99 AUD 7.72 7-day free trial, early access to popular shows
Channel 4+ (annual)  £39.99 AUD 77.35 12 months for the price of 10, early access to popular shows

How to Pay for Channel 4 in Australia

To pay for Channel 4 in Australia, you can do it in 3 different ways: with a UK credit card, a Google Play gift card, and an iTunes gift card. All 3 methods require connecting to a VPN server in the UK first.

Below are step-by-step guides for each method. 

Method 1: Pay for Channel 4 with a UK Credit Card

If you have friends or family living in the UK, this is the easiest method you can use to get Channel 4 in Australia. But keep in mind that you’ll still need a VPN for this, so here’s how to do it: 

  1. Subscribe to a VPN that unblocks Channel 4 (we recommend NordVPN). 
  2. Download and install the VPN on your device. 
  3. Open the VPN app and connect to a UK server. 
  4. Create a Channel 4 account by following the process from the intro of this article.
  5. After you verify your email, click on the green upgrade banner.
  6. Channel 4 home screen
  7. Choose the plan you want (either monthly or annual). 
  8. Channel 4 plan selection
  9. Insert your UK credit card details and click “Start my 7-day free trial.
  10. Channel 4 checkout screen
  11. Choose a movie or TV show episode and click “Play.” Enjoy streaming!

Method 2: Pay for Channel 4 with a Google Play Gift Card

To pay for Channel 4 with a Google Play gift card, you need to create a new Google account that has a UK billing address. Here’s exactly what to do: 

  1. Subscribe to a trustworthy Channel 4 VPN (we recommend NordVPN). 
  2. Download the VPN app and connect to a UK server
  3. Create a new Google account that has a UK address
  4. Buy a UK Google Play gift card and redeem it in the Play Store. 
  5. Purchase UK Google Play gift card
  6. Download the Channel 4 app from the Google Play Store on your Android device. 
  7. Channel 4 in the Google Play Store
  8. Open the Channel 4 app and subscribe with your gift card money. 

Method 3: Pay for Channel 4 with an iTunes Gift Card

You can also pay for Channel 4 by using an iTunes gift card. Like in the example above, you’ll have to create a new Apple ID with a UK billing address. Here are the steps you need to follow: 

  1. Download a VPN that unblocks Channel 4 (we recommend NordVPN). 
  2. Install and open the VPN app on your iOS device. 
  3. Connect to any UK VPN server
  4. Create a new Apple ID, and make sure to add a UK billing address
  5. Buy a UK iTunes gift card and redeem the money in your App Store account. 
  6. Purchase UK iTunes gift card
  7. Get the Channel 4 app from the App Store. 
  8. Channel 4 in the App Store
  9. Launch the Channel 4 app and subscribe with your App Store funds. 

How to Stream Channel 4 in Australia on All Your Devices?

To stream Channel 4 in Australia on all your devices, it’s important to use a reliable VPN. That’s because some devices (like smart TVs and Roku) don’t natively support VPNs. So, you’ll have to set up the VPN on your router in those cases. 

Here are some quick guides on how to get Channel 4 on the most popular platforms or devices: 

Stream Channel 4 in Australia on Android 

To stream Channel on Android in Australia, you’ll need a UK-based Google account. You’ll also need a VPN to change your location to the UK, so the streaming platforms won’t see that you’re in Australia. Here’s what you need to do: 

  1. Subscribe to a VPN that unblocks Channel 4 (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Download and install the VPN on your Android device.
  3. Launch the VPN and connect to any UK server.
  4. Set your device’s region to the UK
  5. Create a new Google account and set its region to the UK as well. 
  6. Download the Channel 4 app from the Play Store. 
  7. Sign in and start streaming.  

Stream Channel 4 in Australia on iOS 

To watch Channel 4 on iOS, you’ll have to create a UK Apple ID. In addition, you need to get a VPN and connect to any UK server so you can watch your favorite content. Here’s a step-by-step guide: 

  1. Get a subscription to a good Channel 4 VPN (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Download and install the VPN from the App Store.
  3. Open the VPN and connect to a UK server
  4. Create a new Apple ID and set its address to the UK. 
  5. Get the Channel 4 app from the App Store. 
  6. Sign in to your account and start watching

Stream Channel 4 in Australia on Windows

To access Channel 4 in Australia on Windows, you just need a VPN. Once you connect to any UK server, you can enjoy your favorite titles. Here’s what you should do: 

  1. Get a VPN that unblocks Channel 4 easily (we recommend NordVPN). 
  2. Download and install the VPN app on your Windows device. 
  3. Connect to any UK server
  4. Use your favorite browser to access the Channel 4 website
  5. Log in to your account and pick something to watch

Stream Channel 4 in Australia on Firestick 

To watch your favorite Channel 4 content on Firestick, you’ll have to create a UK Amazon account. Just like in the examples above, you’ll also need to buy a VPN to change your IP address to a UK one. Here are the steps to follow: 

  1. Subscribe to a good Channel 4 VPN (we recommend NordVPN). 
  2. Install the VPN app on your Firestick.
  3. Connect to a UK server.
  4. Create a new Amazon account and set its region to the UK
  5. Connect your Amazon Firestick device to your TV and open “Settings.” 
  6. Log out and then sign in again with your new UK account
  7. Download the Channel 4 app from the Amazon App Store. 
  8. Launch it, log in, and start watching your favorite shows. 

Stream Channel 4 in Australia on Roku 

Because Roku doesn’t support VPNs, you’ll need to install the VPN on your router. Remember to set your location to the UK during the setup process. Follow the steps below to make things easy: 

  1. Get a VPN that has a router app (we recommend NordVPN). 
  2. Follow your provider’s setup guide for your specific router. 
  3. Set the location to the UK during installation. 
  4. Create a UK Roku account.
  5. Turn on Roku, sign out, and log in to your new UK account.
  6. Add Channel 4 to your list of channels. 
  7. Sign in to your Channel 4 account and start streaming

Stream Channel 4 in Australia on a Smart TV

While some smart TVs support VPNs, you might have a model that doesn’t. The good news is that you can still watch Channel 4 content by installing the VPN on your router. Just do the following: 

  1. Sign up for a VPN that works with Channel 4 (we recommend NordVPN). 
  2. Install the VPN on your router according to your provider’s guides. 
  3. During the installation process, make sure to set your location to the UK
  4. Turn on your TV and change its region to the UK.
  5. Download the Channel 4 app. 
  6. Sign in your Channel 4 account and start watching your favorite content. 

What to Watch on Channel 4 in Australia

Channel 4 may have a more limited library than other streamers but still manages to offer great TV shows like The Americans, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and Taskmaster. You also get amazing movies like Airplane! and Knives Out, as well as nail-biting documentaries like Top Guns: Inside the RAF and Emergency to top things off. Then, there is sports coverage of football, rugby, MMA, among others.

Want a more traditional British telly experience? Channel 4 has a complete schedule on its website, where you can check out what’s airing on Channel 4, More 4, E4, Film 4, and 4 Seven. See what’s on Channel 4 News, catch up with Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, watch The Simpsons, get your dose of reality TV, and more.

To get you started, here’s a short watch guide for Channel 4 in Australia:

Channel 4 TV Shows Channel 4 Movies Channel 4 Live TV Channel 4 Sports Channel 4 Originals
The Americans (2013-2018) The Revenant (2015) Channel 4 UEFA Nations League Peep Show (2003-2015)
Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005) War of the Worlds (2005) 4 Seven MMA Black Books (2000-2004)
Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2000-2023) Airplane! (1980) Film 4 Para Swimming The IT Crowd (2006-2013)
The Killing (2011-2014) The Inbetweeners Movie (2011) E4 FA Disability Cup Shameless (2004-2013)
The X-Files (1993-2018) Mean Girls (2004) More 4 Formula 1 The Inbetweeners (2008-2010)

Final Thoughts

Channel 4 (formerly All 4) is a great video-on-demand service with free, ad-supported content for the UK. Unfortunately, you won't be able to watch it if you live anywhere outside the UK, including Australia. This can be worked around, though. You’ll need a VPN to obtain a UK IP address, which will unblock Channel 4. The same goes for downloading the Channel 4 app in Australia.

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to watch Channel 4 in Australia. Not only does it have outstanding speeds and 6,000+ servers in 61 countries (including the UK), but its obfuscated servers keep your VPN usage under wraps. With NordVPN, you can bypass any geo-restrictions on any streaming platforms and watch your favorite content in 4K.

FAQ

Is Channel 4 Free in Australia?

Yes, Channel 4 is free in Australia. However, you need a VPN to access it outside the UK. Besides its free offering, there is a paid plan called Channel 4+ (formerly All 4) which removes ads and gets you early access to hit shows.

Does Channel 4 Work in Australia?

No, Channel 4 doesn't work in Australia by default because it's a UK-only service. Luckily, you can unblock it by using a premium VPN like NordVPN. This will hide your real location and allow you to stream your favorite Channel 4 content from anywhere.

How Do You Get the Channel 4 App in Australia?

To get the Channel 4 app in Australia, you need to use a VPN and connect to a UK server. Then you'll have to set up a UK Google account or Apple ID. Once that's done, you can download the Channel 4 app from the UK versions of the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Can You Use a Free VPN to Watch Channel 4 in Australia?

Yes, you might be able to use a free VPN to watch Channel 4 in Australia, but we don’t recommend doing so. Free VPNs typically have weak unblocking abilities, sell user data, and come with data caps, slow speeds, and other annoyances. Try free trials from top VPN providers instead.

Can You Watch Channel 4 in Australia?

No, you can’t watch Channel 4 in Australia, as it’s a UK-exclusive service. However, you can use a VPN to bypass any geo-blocks and get Channel 4 outside the UK. We recommend NordVPN as it has obfuscated servers to hide your VPN activity online. 

Where Can You Watch Channel 4 Shows in Australia?

You can watch Channel 4 shows in Australia on many different devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chromecast, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Firestick, and Apple TV.

Channel 4 content is also available through other services like Freeview Play, Now TV, Sky, Virgin Media, and YouView.

Which VPN Works with Channel 4 in Australia?

Channel 4 works in Australia with every VPN on our list. That said, NordVPN is the best choice due to its fast speeds, strong unblocking abilities, and obfuscated servers, which mask your presence on any service.

That’s all there is to know about how to watch Channel 4 in Australia. Drop a comment below if you feel we’ve missed anything (or just want to say hi). Thanks for reading!



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