How to Watch ABC Outside the US in 2024
ABC is a cable channel and streaming provider that offers quality content like Abbott Elementary, award shows like the Oscars, and extensive sports coverage. While some titles are made available on Hulu the day after they air, due to international rights agreements, ABC is not accessible outside the US, even if you’re just vacationing abroad.
Luckily, you can watch ABC outside the US by using a VPN. Then all you have to do is subscribe to a live TV provider that offers the ABC channel. Note that you may face limited content or local restrictions on all these services depending on which US server you connect to.
In the following guide, we’ll explain how to stream ABC outside the US and why you need a VPN, plus list some providers that can unblock it. We’ll also go over some guides for how to watch ABC on your devices, provide must-watch recommendations for ABC content, explain how to watch ABC Live without cable, and answer some FAQs on the topic at the end.
How to Watch ABC Live Outside the US
To watch ABC Live outside the US, you’ll have to get a US IP with a VPN. After that, you can watch content through the ABC website by linking to an Internet TV provider (such as YouTube TV). See the step-by-step guide below on how to stream ABC outside the US:
- Get a VPN that can unblock ABC from anywhere (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the provider’s app and launch it.
- Connect to a US server from the provider’s list.
- Go to the ABC website and choose something to watch.
- No padlock icon? Click the episode to start watching. Otherwise, proceed to step 6.
- After clicking on a “locked” episode, choose your TV provider (e.g., YouTube TV).
- Sign in with your TV provider’s account and enjoy watching ABC!
Heads up: subscribing to any of the ABC TV providers (Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, or Vidgo) requires a US credit card or PayPal. If you don’t have one of those, you can also sign up through their respective mobile apps by creating a US Google/Apple ID and paying with a US Google Play/Apple gift card.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch ABC Online Outside the US?
You need a VPN to watch ABC online outside the US because the channel is only available within the US and its territories. Aside from cable, the channel is offered through US-only Internet TV services like Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, or YouTube TV. However, availability depends on the location of the VPN server you connect to.
Regardless, attempting to stream any ABC content outside the US without a VPN will result in the following error: “1002: You appear to be outside the United States or its territories. Due to international rights agreements, we only offer this video to viewers located within the United States and its territories.”
A VPN helps you unblock ABC and other US-exclusive services by letting you obtain a US IP address. You’re basically changing your virtual location, thus allowing you to browse, stream, and access anything just as any regular user in the States. And if you’re an expat or traveling outside the US, a VPN will let you stream ABC content from back home.
We recommend NordVPN to watch ABC outside the USA. Not only do you get 1,970+ high-speed servers in 16 US locations, but its SmartPlay feature will mask your DNS requests to avoid being detected by online services.
The Best VPNs for Streaming ABC Outside the US
The best VPN to look for should have everything you need to unblock ABC everywhere, as well as other streaming platforms. This includes an extensive server network in the US and internationally, plus obfuscation if you’re planning to watch on VPN-restricted networks.
The VPN should deliver fast speeds and impeccable performance anywhere, come with a kill switch in case of random disconnects, and follow a strict no-logs policy to guarantee your online privacy. Its apps should include tried-and-tested protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard, with strong encryption (e.g., AES-256) to protect you against hackers and other threats.
Look for VPNs with multiple concurrent connections and apps for all your devices (whether you’re on PC, mobile, and so on). Subscriptions should be decently priced and include a generous money-back guarantee, plus 24/7 live chat support for any issues.
Based on the criteria listed above, these are the 3 best VPNs to watch ABC outside the US:
- NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch ABC Channel Online
- Surfshark – Stream ABC Outside the USA on Unlimited Devices
- ExpressVPN – Fully Obfuscated VPN to Watch ABC Outside the US
1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch ABC Channel Online
NordVPN is the best VPN for watching ABC outside the US, easily capable of unblocking ABC and others with the help of its SmartPlay tech. It has a massive network in the US and worldwide (1,970+ servers in 16 US locations, with a total of 6,300+ servers in 111 countries). You also get obfuscated servers in multiple locations to bypass restrictive networks.
NordVPN has consistently been named one of the fastest VPNs in the industry, and offers seamless performance - whether you’re streaming live shows on ABC, or exploring its vast library of on-demand content.
The VPN comes with a kill switch to keep your IP safe if the VPN connection happens to drop at any point. What’s more, the provider has a zero-logs policy that’s been audited multiple times.
NordVPN secures your activity with 3 different protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and NordLynx. The first two have impenetrable AES-256 encryption and offer top security. Meanwhile, NordLynx (based on WireGuard) uses the ChaCha20 cipher and offers equivalent security without compromising streaming speeds.
You get modern apps on Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, Android, and more, with a generous 10 simultaneous connections to boot. You can also install it on routers to protect all your tech that won’t support direct VPN installation.
Subscription prices are fair and start at $3.39/month for the 2-year tier. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can contact 24/7 live chat support for help with anything regarding the service.
PROS
- Excellent speeds worldwide.
- Unblocks ABC reliably.
- 6,200+ servers in 111 countries.
- Stealth servers and SmartPlay.
- 24/7 live support.
- 30-day money-back plan.
CONS
- Network isn’t fully obfuscated.
2. Surfshark – Stream ABC Outside the USA on Unlimited Devices
Surfshark is an affordable VPN that can help you unblock ABC (and multiple others) outside the USA with features like smart DNS. With a single subscription, you gain access to 600+ US servers in 25 cities, adding up to 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Obfuscated servers are also included under the name of Camouflage Mode, which covers its entire network.
Surfshark offers impressive speeds all around the world, with its unique Nexus technology making use of the provider’s whole network to route your traffic. This stabilizes your connection for improved performance while streaming, gaming, and more.
Its apps include a kill switch feature to prevent IP leaks during unexpected disconnects. And as with any industry-leading VPN, you get a strict no-logs policy to ensure complete privacy.
Security-wise, Surfshark comes with 3 excellent protocols: the speedy WireGuard (with ChaCha20 encryption), as well as the classic IKEv2 and OpenVPN alternatives, both equipped with robust AES-256 bit encryption.
Best of all, you get unlimited concurrent connections and sleek apps for Mac, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and more - a great choice for larger households or if you have lots of gadgets lying around.
Prices start at $2.29/month (for 2-year subscriptions). Whether you’re subscribed or not, Surfshark delivers expert help through 24/7 live chat. Moreover, all plans come with a hefty 30-day money-back plan for added peace of mind.
PROS
- Very affordable.
- Coast-to-coast servers in the US.
- Nexus for stable connections.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 live chat.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Below average connection times.
3. ExpressVPN – Fully Obfuscated VPN to Watch ABC Outside the US
You can count on ExpressVPN to unblock ABC (and any other streamers) outside the US with its extensive network in the US (24 locations) and internationally (thousands of servers in 105 countries). Its entire network is equipped with built-in obfuscation technology to hide your VPN usage on ABC and other streaming sites.
ExpressVPN’s speeds are fantastic, so you get to enjoy seamless performance on platforms like ABC and others - whether you’re watching from across the border or from overseas.
As always, the VPN has a useful kill switch in place to prevent IP leaks, both during sensitive transactions and while streaming. Your true location is never compromised, and ExpressVPN also has a no-logs policy to ensure your browsing habits remain a secret.
Speaking of which, the VPN comes with 3 solid protocols to protect your data. You get the usual OpenVPN/IKEv2 options with AES-256 encryption, and ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol. The latter uses lightweight WolfSSL encryption for unbeatable security without putting a strain on your speeds.
You can use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices simultaneously on platforms like Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android, and others.
Plans are a bit pricier than average, starting at $6.67/month for the yearly option. Luckily, you get the standard 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can contact 24/7 live chat support if you have any concerns.
PROS
- Streamlined VPN apps.
- Great streaming support.
- Built-in obfuscation.
- 8 simultaneous connections.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 live support.
CONS
- Not as affordable as competitors.
How to Watch ABC Live on Your Devices
You can watch ABC Live on your devices by changing your IP address to the US with a VPN. If your smart TV or other streaming device (like consoles) doesn’t support VPNs, the next best thing is to install a VPN on your router. We’ve prepared a few guides on how to watch the ABC Live stream on some popular devices:
How to Watch ABC Live on iPhone/iPad
You can watch ABC Live on iPhone and iPad through the main app while connected to a US VPN server. Note that you’ll need a US-based Apple ID for this. Use these steps to get started:
- Sign up for a reliable ABC VPN with an iOS app (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN from the App Store.
- Launch it and connect to a server in the US.
- Create a new Apple ID with a US billing address.
- Download the ABC app to your iPhone/iPad.
- Launch the app, then link your TV provider, and enjoy ABC Live!
How to Watch ABC Live on Fire Stick
Before you can watch ABC Live on Fire Stick, you’ll have to connect to a US VPN server and adjust a few settings. Follow the guide below:
- Subscribe to a VPN with an Amazon Fire Stick app (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download the VPN from the Amazon Store.
- Open the app and connect to a server in the United States.
- Access your Fire Stick settings.
- Switch your location to the US.
- Log out of your Amazon account, then wait a few minutes.
- Log in again, and download the ABC app.
- Launch ABC, and link your online TV provider to start watching.
How to Watch ABC Live on Roku
One workaround to watch ABC Live on Roku is to mirror your screen from Windows/Android or use AirPlay on Mac/iOS. Remember to connect to a US VPN server first. Full guide below:
- Get a VPN that will let you stream ABC online (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN on your device.
- Connect to a US server.
- Download the ABC app (you need a US-based Apple ID/Google account for this).
- Open the app, then link your provider (e.g., YouTube TV).
- Turn on your Roku.
- Watch ABC Live by using AirPlay or screen mirroring.
What to Watch on ABC
ABC is home to a series of popular shows like Abbott Elementary and Not Dead Yet. You can also stream several movies, such as Deadpool 2 or Bohemian Rhapsody - along with some more obscure titles (like Pizza My Heart) that don’t require an account.
And while its popularity has dwindled in recent years, you can still watch the Academy Awards (and other awards shows) on the ABC channel. Sports fans can catch Monday Night Football, NCAA College Football, La Liga, and more via ESPN on ABC. Moreover, ABC has a good chunk of unlocked content that is available 24/7 without signing in.
Here is some more stuff you can stream on ABC outside the USA with a VPN:
How to Watch ABC Live Without Cable?
You can watch ABC Live without cable through various Internet TV providers, like Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, or Vidgo. Note that ABC may not be available in every US location, as regional restrictions apply even within the United States. Thus, the US VPN server you connect to makes a difference.
Why? Well, it all boils down to money. Companies like ABC need to strike deals with the owners of local stations (like Nexstar) and production companies before they can show their content in certain areas. If they can’t reach an agreement (or choose not to renew their contracts), then the channel could get pulled from the area.
Luckily, you can unblock ABC anywhere by changing your IP with a VPN. We recommend NordVPN since the provider has multiple US locations to get past any annoying geo-restrictions effectively.
Can You Stream ABC Live with a Free VPN?
Yes, you can stream ABC Live with a free VPN, but there are several reasons why we don’t recommend it. First off, free VPNs tend to get blocked by ABC and other streaming services, so they can maintain region exclusivity.
Moreover, you’ll have to deal with bandwidth throttling, data logging that puts your privacy in danger, and a limited number of overcrowded servers if you try to use a free provider to watch the ABC Live stream. Instead, a premium VPN free trial will avoid all those issues and is sure to unblock the ABC channel (or ABC app).
You can get the NordVPN free trial for 7 days completely for free on Android, or take advantage of their 30-day money-back policy to test the service on other devices at your leisure. Or, if you prefer a more long-term solution, have a look at one of the many other top VPN providers with similar policies in place.
Final Thoughts
ABC is a cable TV channel and is only available to stream in the US and its territories. Besides cable, it’s also offered through US-only Internet TV providers like Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, and Vidgo. To unblock any of these (especially when traveling outside the US), you’ll first have to change your IP to the US with a VPN.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to stream ABC outside the US. It has great speeds, over 1,970 servers in 16 US locations to choose from, and advanced features like SmartPlay to help you elude geo-blocks on any streaming service out there.