How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Canada for Free in 2023? [Easy Guide]

How-To-Watch-BBC-Iplayer-in-Canada

Can I get BBC iPlayer in Canada? Yes, you can get BBC iPlayer in Canada but with a VPN service to bypass the geo-restriction of the platform. We recommend ExpressVPN for its high-speed servers and top-rated security features.

BBC iPlayer is a UK based streaming service and due to content rights, it is only available within the UK territories. Therefore, to watch BBC iPlayer in Canada you need a VPN to conceal your IP address with a UK IP address. You can also watch King Charles’s Coronation on BBC iPlayer in Canada.

You will be happy to know that you can get BBC iPlayer on multiple devices without any hassle. So now, without any delay let’s just find out how you can get BBC iPlayer in Canada swiftly in this article.


How do I Watch BBC iPlayer in Canada in 2023? (Step-by-Step Guide)

Are you wondering, how to use BBC iPlayer in Canada? It’s simple, just follow these five simple steps to watch BBC in Canada free:

  1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN service. Recommended is ExpressVPN.
  2. Download the VPN app and sign in with your credentials.
  3. Connect to a UK server (Recommended: Docklands).
  4. Go to BBC iPlayer and log in with your credentials
  5. Start streaming your favorite BBC iPlayer channels in Canada.

Note: If you don’t have an account on BBC iPlayer yet, just sign up for a BBC iPlayer account to watch your favorite content on the platform.

Watch BBC iPlayer in Canada with ExpressVPNRisk-free 30 days money-back guarantee

How Do I Get BBC iPlayer Canada in 2023? [Video Tutorial]

Seems like you’re still lost. Don’t worry! check out this video to learn how unblock BBC iPlayer Canada free:


Why a VPN is needed to Watch BBC iPlayer in Canada?

Why is BBC iPlayer not available outside UK? BBC iPlayer is subjected to strict copyrights and distribution laws, makings its content exclusive for audiences residing in UK. This is why, you will need a VPN to bypass its geo-blocks in Canada.

When we tried to access BBC iPlayer in Canada, without a VPN, we got the below geo-error message:

“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to the right issues.”

geo-restriction-error-bbc-iplayer-canada

Geo-error message on BBC iPlayer in Canada

Now, you must be thinking, can you watch BBC iPlayer without VPN? Unfortunately, No. When you try to log into BBC iPlayer from Canada, it tracks your IP address and restricts your access if you are not in UK. Therefore, you need a VPN like ExpressVPN to hide your real IP address to get BBC iPlayer in Canada.

On the contrary, did you know that BBC iPlayer is a free streaming service? In fact, if you do not have an account on iPlayer yet, you can go for a BBC iPlayer free trial right now to watch all the latest shows and movies.

And if at any point in time, you feel like you no longer want the streaming service, you can also delete BBC iPlayer at your convenience.


How to Sign Up for BBC iPlayer Account in Canada?

Can I subscribe to BBC iPlayer from Canada? Yes, you can. All you need is to follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit BBC iPlayer website and click on the “Sign in” button.

how-do-i-get-bbc-iplayer-bbc-iplayer-sign-in

Step 2: Next step is to click on “Register Now” for a new account.

register-now-bbc-iplayer

Step 3: Click on “16 or over” and then confirm it by entering your date of birth.

geo-error-bbc-iplayer-canada

Step 4: Now enter your credentials and select “United Kingdom” as your country. if you have already connected to a UK VPN server, then your country will be, by default the United Kingdom; otherwise, select it from the scroll-down menu.

Step 5: When prompted whether you have a TV license, you click on Yes, you are good to go for BBC iPlayer live and online in Canada.

Step 6: Voila! You are successfully registered on BBC iPlayer in Canada.

Get ExpressVPN for BBC iPlayerRisk-free 30 days money-back guarantee

Which VPN is Best for BBC iPlayer in Canada? – [Quick Comparison]

Which VPN works with BBC iPlayer? Here’s a quick look at the 3 best VPNs that still work with BBC iPlayer in Canada:

VPNs Total Server Count Simultaneous Connections Price
ExpressVPN 3000 servers in

94 countries

5 CA$ 0/mo (US$ /mo)
Surfshark 3200 servers in

100 countries

Unlimited CA$ 3.1/mo (US$ 2.30/mo) - 82% off VPN deal on 2 year plan with 2 months free
NordVPN 5671 servers in

59 countries

6 CA$ 0/mo (US$ /mo)
CyberGhost 6000+ servers in 88+ countries 7 CA$3.78/mo (US$2.75/mo) (Save 79% on 1-year plan)
IPVanish 2000+ servers in 75+ countries Unlimited CA$ 4.22/mo

What are The Best VPNs To Watch BBC iPlayer in Canada? – In-depth Analysis (Updated 2023)

How do I Get BBC iPlayer outside the UK? The above 5 VPNs for BBC iPlayer have been shortlisted, check the detailed analysis in the section below:

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for BBC iPlayer

3,000+ Servers, including servers in 4 UK locations| 5 Multi-Logins | 94 Countries  |Best Offer: CA$ 8.98/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save 49% and get 3 extra months FREE with 12-month plan

Based on our testing, ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN, with a downloading speed of 92.26 Mbps to unblock BBC iPlayer Canada. Relatively pricier than most other VPNs in the market, ExpressVPN offers extremely reliable features which make it worth the cost.

With some of the fastest speeds among its competitors and security features that prioritize the user, ExpressVPN performs consistently when it comes to unblocking BBC iPlayer from Canada and lets you watch BBC programs in 4K streams without any buffering.

bbc-iplayer-unblocked-by-expressvpn

BBC iPlayer smoothly unblocked by ExpressVPN

Its no-logs policy makes it safe, while its  5 simultaneous logins make it a great option for a group of people looking to invest in a premium VPN to access American Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and also ITV Hub in Canada. Read more about ExpressVPN’s review for Canada.

It recorded a download speed of 92.26Mbps and 89.45Mbps of upload speed on a 100 Mbps connection. It was fast more than we expected!

Expressvpns-speed-test-on-100-mbps

Speed test results of ExpressVPN

It has a network of 3,000+ servers in 94 countries (including 4 servers in the UK), making it the best option as Soccer VPN to watch FIFA WC on BBC iPlayer.

Owing to its stable infrastructure, you can stream your favorite geo-blocked content on it without any lag or interruptions. In our opinion, ExpressVPN is the best BBC iPlayer VPN by all means.

Watch BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPNRisk-free 30 days money-back guarantee

2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN for Watching BBC iPlayer

3,200+ Servers, including servers in 4 UK locations | Unlimited Multi-Logins | 65 Countries  |Best Offer: CA$ 3.1/mo (US$ 2.30/mo) - 82% off VPN deal on 2 year plan with 2 months free

A British Virgin Islands-based provider, Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that has proved to be effective for watching BBC iPlayer in Canada. Its fast streaming speed lets you stream BBC iPlayer without any lagging or buffering issues.

surfshark-unblocked-bbc-iplayer-ca

Surfshark unblocks BBC iPlayer in Canada

With a network of 3200+ servers in 65+ countries, including 3 servers in the UK, it is one of the dependable VPNs for streaming purposes and has an impressive collection of security features.

Moreover, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which makes it all the more irresistible, and it is also considered a better choice for streaming HBO Max, and YouTube TV in Canada.

In our speed test, Surfshark delivered 88.14 Mbps of download speed and 83.72 Mbps of upload speed on a 100 Mbps base connection.

surfshark-speedtest-for-bbc-iplayer

Surfshark speed test results

Lastly, thanks to its no-logs policy, you don’t have to worry about being tracked down. Check out our review on Surfshark VPN for Canada to get more information.

Watch BBC iPlayer with Surfshark30 days money-back guarantee

3. NordVPN – Safest VPN for BBC iPlayer

5,200+ Servers| 6 Multi-Logins | 59 Countries |Best Offer:  CA$ 4.43/mo (US$ 3.29/mo) - 2 years with 60% off + Threat Protection for free

A powerful VPN for unblocking BBC iPlayer and other streaming services, NordVPN comes with more than 440 servers in the UK alone. Besides BBC iPlayer, it also helps unblock Channel 4 and many other US-based streaming services like Hulu live TV and ESPN Plus from Canada, etc.

nord-vpn-unblocks-bbc-iplayer-ca

NordVPN unblocks BBC iPlayer in Canada

It has an excellent no-logs policy, double-hop VPN, 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and many added security features to safeguard you when connected to public WIFI. Canada NordVPN can easily connect to all major devices and provides Mac, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux apps. It connects 6 devices simultaneously.

In our speed testing, NordVPN delivered 86.49 Mbps of download speed and 79.42 Mbps of upload speed on a 100 Mbps connection.

nordvpn-speedtest

NordVPN speed test results

Its only major con is that its desktop app may take slightly longer to connect. Learn in detail about NordVPN’s features in the Review of NordVPN for Canada.

Watch BBC iPlayer with NordVPN30 days money-back guarantee

4. CyberGhost – User-friendly VPN for BBC iPlayer

CyberGhost is considered to have the most user-friendly interface with a 45-day money-back guarantee. It currently has a network of 6000+ servers in 88+ countries with servers located in UK to swiftly unblock BBC iPlayer in Canada.

cyberghost-unblocks-bbc-iplayer-ca

CyberGhost unblocks BBC iPlayer in Canada

It allows seven simultaneous connections on multiple devices with a single account. CyberGhost is compatible with iPhones, iPads, tablets, laptops, PCs, smartphones, Smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

The security features are also top-notch, like split tunneling, malware filtering, AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a no backlog policy. 

When we tested CyberGhost, it gave us amazing speed results. We received a download speed of 75.12 Mbps and an upload speed of 39.48 Mbps on a 100Mbps connection.

cyberghost-speed-test

CyberGhost speed test results on 100 Mbps.

Moreover, it also comes at a fantastic rate of CA$3.78/mo (US$2.75/mo) (Save 79% on a 1-year plan) which is amazing. Subscribe to CyberGhost now and get BBC iPlayer on Firestick.

Watch BBC iPlayer with CyberGhost45 days money-back guarantee

5. IPVanish – Reliable VPN for Streaming BBC iPlayer

IPVanish is the most reliable VPN when it comes to streaming BBC iPlayer in Canada. It offers extremely secure servers for encrypted communications.

It has a server network of 2000+ servers in 75+ countries with its UK servers efficiently unblocking BBC iPlayer in Canada.

ipvanish-unblock-bbc-iplayer

IPVanish unblocks BBC iPlayer in Canada

It allows unlimited simultaneous connections on multiple devices with a single account subscription. It is supported by iPhones, iPads, tablets, laptops, PCs, gaming consoles, and much more. 

When we tested IPVanish, the speed test results were quite satisfactory while streaming BBC iPlayer. It gave us a download speed of 70.05 Mbps and an upload speed of 32.15 Mbps on a 100Mbps connection.

ip-vanish-speed-test-results

IPVanish speed test on a 100 Mbps connection!

Currently, it is priced at CA$ 4.22/mo. So what’s the wait for now, get IPVanish and unblock BBC iPlayer on PS5.


What is the Criteria to Choose the Best VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Canada?

We shortlisted the VPNs, on the following criteria:

  • Ability to unblock All BBC iPlayer content, BBC channels, and other streaming services.
  • Multiple U.K. servers to connect to.
  • Must have unlimited bandwidth.
  • Connections that deliver fast and stable TV streams.
  • High-quality encryption and privacy features.
  • No user logs can identify your location.

Can you Make a BBC iPlayer Account for Free?

Is BBC iPlayer free? Yes, the BBC iPlayer account is completely free. All you need to do is register your account on the platform and you are all set to watch BBC iPlayer in Canada.

If you are thinking, how to watch BBC iPlayer in Canada for free. Even though BBC iPlayer is a free platform, you will require a premium VPN service to watch BBC iPlayer in Canada, and you will have to pay a monthly fee for the VPN.

But, you can also get a free VPN, in that way you can get BBC iPlayer for free in Canada as well. However, we do not recommend a free VPN for BBC iPlayer.


What to Watch on BBC iPlayer in Canada in 2023?

What should I watch on BBC iPlayer at the moment? There is plenty of new content currently available on BBC iPlayer, from films to shows to documentaries to sports, you will find it all in one place.

What Shows Can I Watch on BBC iPlayer in 2023?

Here is a list of all the top shows on BBC iPlayer in 2023:

Top shows on BBC iPlayer

Magpie Murders Mood
Death in Paradise Eurovision Song Contest 2023: Handover and Allocation
Beyond Paradise Superworm
The Cleaner Dragons Den
Rain Dogs Inside The Factory
Highland Cops The Warship: Tour of Duty
Control Room I Kissed a Boy

What Movies are on BBC iPlayer in 2023?

What films are currently available on BBC iPlayer? Here is a list of all the latest films available on BBC iPlayer:

Top movies on BBC iPlayer

Mr. Jones An Irish Goodbye
Halloween The Last Right
Doctor Zhivago Sully
Spider-Man: Far from home Mud
The Beach Kung Fu Panda 3
Ready Player One Notebook
Moonstruck Fast Girls

What Sports Can I Watch on BBC iPlayer in 2023?

Does BBC iPlayer Show Live Sports? Yes, it does show live sports and also has other sports programs available for streaming as well.

What’s New on BBC iPlayer in May 2023?

Wondering, what’s new to watch on BBC iPlayer? Here is a list of all the upcoming new features in May 2023:


What Channels Does BBC iPlayer have?

BBC iPlayer is currently offering the following channels, as mentioned below:

  • BBC One
  • BBC Two
  • BBC Three
  • BBC News
  • BBC Alba
  • BBC Parliament
  • BBC Brit
  • BBC Earth
  • CBBC
  • CBeebies
  • BBC Entertainment

On What Devices can I Watch BBC iPlayer?

How many devices can BBC iPlayer be on? BBC iPlayer can be played on multiple devices. It allows 7 simultaneous connections on a single account as well.

  • Android
  • iOS (iPhone and iPad)
  • Roku
  • Firestick
  • Windows and Mac
  • Android Smart TV (specified support)
  • Apple TV
  • Xbox 360 & Xbox One
  • PS3 & PS4
  • Chromecast
  • Android Smart TV (specified support)

How Do I Download BBC iPlayer on Android in Canada?

Can you get BBC iPlayer on Android? Yes, you can, just follow these simple steps to download BBC iPlayer app on your Android devices in Canada and enjoy your favorite content for free.

  1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN service. We highly recommend ExpressVPN and connect to its UK server.
  2. Go to Play Store, and click on Account.
  3. Switch your location on the Play Store to the UK.
  4. Download the BBC iPlayer App from Google Play Store.
  5. Log in to the BBC iPlayer app to watch BBC in Canada, including BBC One Canada shows.

Note: Other than getting BBC iPlayer on Android, now you may also proudly flaunt by saying that you get BBC iPlayer on my Smart TV.

Get ExpressVPN for BBC iPlayer CanadaRisk-free 30 days money-back guarantee

How Do I get BBC iPlayer on iOS in Canada?

If you are wondering how to watch BBC in Canada on your iOS. You can just follow the steps to install BBC iPlayer app on your iOS devices in Canada:

  1. Log out of your current iCloud account.
  2. Connect to ExpressVPN and select a UK-based server.
  3. Create a new account by setting the UK as your location.
  4. Download the BBC iPlayer app Canada on your iOS device from the Apple store.
  5. Once downloaded, enjoy streaming BBC iPlayer Canada for absolutely free.

Note: It is important to make a new UK-based account and use it on the BBC iPlayer app rather than changing the region of your previous iCloud account. Otherwise, it would wipe out all your data stored on iCloud.

Get ExpressVPN for BBC iPlayer CanadaRisk-free 30 days money-back guarantee

How Do I get BBC iPlayer on Windows & Mac?

Can I watch BBC iPlayer on my Mac? Yes, you can. Below are the steps to install BBC iPlayer on Windows and Mac:

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service such as ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install VPN on your Windows and Mac.
  3. Connect to a UK server (Recommended: Wembley).
  4. Go to BBC iPlayer website and sign in with your credentials.
  5. Voila! Start streaming BBC iPlayer on Windows and Mac.
Get ExpressVPN for BBC iPlayer CanadaRisk-free 30 days money-back guarantee

Why Doesn’t my VPN Work for iPlayer?

Are you wondering, why can’t I watch BBC iPlayer with my VPN? There can be many reasons, such as:

  • The VPN servers are blacklisted by BBC iPlayer.
  • The device’s GPS location and the location from your IP address do not match.
  • Your VPN is not equipped enough to go around the geo-blocks of BBC iPlayer.
  • Your location is getting leaked.

There are some troubleshooting tips that can come in handy for you, like:

  • Disconnect and try a different VPN server.
  • Set up the VPN on your home WIFI router or a virtual router instead of using the VPN app.
  • Clear your cookies.
  • Flush your DNS cache.
  • Turn off your GPS on the device.
  • Perform a “hard” refresh to clean out your entire browser cache.

Which VPNs Services to Avoid for BBC iPlayer?

Based on our testing, the following VPN providers should be avoided for BBC iPlayer as they were not able to block it:

  • Private Internet Access (PIA)
  • IPVanish BBC iPlayer
  • Betternet
  • TunnelBear BBC iPlayer
  • ProtonVPN
  • SuperVPN
  • HideMyAss
  • Hide. me
  • VPNBook
  • Betternet
  • VPNTunnel

BBC iPlayer in Canada – FAQs

No. Unfortunately, BBC iPlayer is not available in Canada. It is UK based streaming service and is exclusively accessible to users in the UK. However, with a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN, you can easily watch BBC iPlayer in Canada on any of your devices. All you need to do is connect to the UK server of the VPN service provider.

Yes, only when you’re accessing it with a VPN. With a spoofed UK location, you can register a BBC iPlayer account in Canada using a valid UK postcode. Fortunately, the streaming service doesn’t seem to verify the UK postal code a viewer enters. So, even if you enter an invalid one but have a UK IP address, you will be able to stream all of its content in Canada.


No. BBC iPlayer will most likely detect that you’re using a proxy and prevent you from watching the show. It’s better to opt for a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN instead.


No. It is not illegal to use a VPN for accessing BBC iPlayer in Canada. Using a VPN for blocking geo-restrictions is a common practice worldwide. Nobody will take legal action or stop you from doing so.


Yes. You can watch BBC in Canada online with a free VPN but we do not advise using free VPNs due to the poor infrastructure that may leak your confidential information to third parties without your consent.

Moreover, it is likely that the free VPNs servers are blacklisted by BBC iPlayer IP-detecting technologies. Lastly, free VPNs give horrible speed while streaming that is continually disrupted by ads.


Yes, it does work for BBC iPlayer. If you want to access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world, you can easily use SmartDNS Proxy as it is secure method for online streaming.



Final Verdict

BBC iPlayer is one of the famous UK-based streaming platforms, but it is only accessible to UK residents, and it is not available in Canada without a VPN. In this article, we have covered all the information regarding the use of VPNs to unblock BBC iPlayer in Canada.

We recommend ExpressVPN as the best one for unblocking BBC iPlayer Canada. So, what are you waiting for? Subscribe to ExpressVPN today and access BBC iPlayer in Canada to start streaming your favorite shows already.