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How to watch Channel 4 in Canada


Channel 4 is one of the most popular TV channels in the UK, known for its great mix of dramas, comedies, documentaries, and reality shows. Such Channel 4 programs as The Great British Bake Off and Black Mirror have huge followings worldwide. However, if you're in Canada, you can’t watch Channel 4 shows online because the streaming service is only available in the UK.

Luckily, there’s a way around this. By using a VPN, you can watch Channel 4 from Canada or, for that matter, anywhere else. With this guide, I walk you through the steps that show how to use a VPN to unblock Channel 4 so you can watch your favorite shows no matter where you are.

How to watch Channel 4 in Canada with a VPN

watch channel 4 in canada
  1. Choose a VPN with servers in the UK, like NordVPN currently 74% OFF
  2. Download and install the VPN app on your device
  3. Open the VPN app and connect to a UK server
  4. Go to Channel 4 website or download the app on your mobile device and sign in
  5. Watch your favorite shows on Channel 4 without restrictions

Why do you need a VPN to watch Channel 4 in Canada?

The Channel 4 streaming service is only available in the UK because of licensing rules. When you try to access the website, Channel 4 checks your IP address, and if you’re outside the UK, you are met with the following message: “Not Available. Channel 4 is only available in the UK."

Channel 4 not available outside the UK notification
Channel 4 not available outside the UK notification

A reliable VPN can solve this problem and enable you to access Channel 4 content from anywhere. It does that by connecting you to a server located in the UK and virtually changing your IP address to make it appear like you yourself are located in the UK.

Channel 4 from Canada via a UK server
Unrestricted access to Channel 4 from Canada via a UK server

A trusted VPN can also help you watch other UK streaming services like BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub. Of course, besides unblocking video content, a VPN can be useful in many other scenarios.

For one, it can enhance your online security by hiding your location and keeping your data private. Top VPNs also come with powerful ad and malware-blocking capabilities, ensuring protection against cyberattacks. A VPN can even help you save money as certain services and products cost less in other regions.

Best VPNs to watch channel 4 in Canada

Not all VPNs work well with streaming services like Channel 4. After reviewing 41 providers, I found the top 3 VPNs that work best for watching Channel 4 from Canada. These VPNs demonstrate fast speeds, have plenty of UK servers, and I found them to work seamlessly on all popular devices.

1. NordVPN – overall best VPN for fast and secure streaming of Channel 4 in Canada

NordVPN banner
Unblocks Channel 4: ✅ Yes
Servers in the UK:440+
Global server network:6900+ servers in 111 countries
Current deal:Get 74% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free

NordVPN is the best VPN for watching Channel 4. It’s fast, secure, and has lots of UK servers to choose from.

Number of servers. NordVPN has more than 6900 servers worldwide, with 440+ in the UK. This availability means you’ll always have a good connection to Channel 4.

In-house speed test. During in-house NordVPN tests, the provider retained 93.4% of the original speeds on average while connected to UK servers. This allowed me to stream Channel 4 in HD or 4K without buffering.

Supported devices. NordVPN works on smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and tablets, and you can connect up to 10 devices at once. And all that is available from just CA$4.16/month.

2. Surfshark – best VPN for affordable streaming on Channel 4

Surfshark banner
Unblocks Channel 4: ✅ Yes
Servers in the UK:212
Global server network:3200+ servers in 100 countries
Current deal:Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 4 months FREE

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that’s great for families or people with multiple devices as it supports unlimited simultaneous connections. Plus, with prices starting at just CA$2.69/month, it’s highly affordable. And it works beautifully for streaming Channel 4.

Number of servers. Surfshark has over 3200 servers globally, and 212 of them are located in the UK, which provides a reliable connection for streaming Channel 4.

In-house speed test. Surfshark performed very well during speed tests. On average, this VPN retained about 94.4% of the original internet speed, which means it’s evern slightly faster than NordVPN. Undeniably, it’s perfect when you want to watch Channel 4 shows in HD without delays.

Supported devices. One of the greatest Surfshark benefits is that allows you to connect as many devices as you want using just one account. This is a great choice for homes with lots of gadgets.

3. PureVPN – best VPN for reliable access to Channel 4 in Canada

purevpn new
Unblocks Channel 4: ✅ Yes
Servers in the UK:212
Global server network:6000+ servers in 65 countries
Current deal:Now 83% OFF PureVPN + 3 FREE months

PureVPN is a solid choice for anyone who wants an easy, reliable VPN to watch Channel 4 in Canada. It’s simple to use and has more UK servers than NordVPN and Surfshark.

Number of servers. PureVPN has over 6000 servers globally, and you can choose from 670+ servers located in the UK. Just like NordVPN and Surfshark, PureVPN has enough servers so you can avoid crowding and can stream Channel 4 without buffering.

In-house speed test. PureVPN was the slowest out of the three providers on this list. During PureVPN analysis, it retained 83.4% of the original speed on average. Of course, that’s still good enough to offer a stable connection for HD streaming without lag.

Supported devices. PureVPN works on a variety of devices and this includes Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and even streaming platforms like Roku and Fire TV. You can connect up to 10 devices at once, and the prices are very reasonable – from CA$2.98/month.

Comparison of the best VPNs to watch Channel 4

Here’s a quick comparison of the top three VPNs for streaming Channel 4 in Canada. It shows their ratings, prices, server numbers, UK servers, and how much speed they retain when streaming via UK servers.

ProviderOur rating PriceGlobal server networkUK serversSpeed retention
NordVPN
4.9
From CA$4.16/month6900+ servers in 111 countries440+93.4%
Surfshark
4.7
From CA$2.69/month3200+ servers in 100 countries21294.4%
PureVPN
4.2
From CA$2.98/month6000+ servers in 65 countries670+83.4%

VPN not working when trying to watch Channel 4 in Canada?

If your VPN isn’t working with Channel 4, here are some simple fixes.

  • Try a different UK server. Some servers might not work if they’ve been blocked. Try switching to another UK server in your VPN app.
  • Clear your cookies and cache. Sometimes, Channel 4 stores location data in your browser’s cookies. Clear them and reconnect to your VPN again.
  • Turn off location services. Make sure location services or GPS are turned off on your device, as these might reveal your real location.
  • Reinstall the VPN app. Try reinstalling the VPN app. This can clear any bugs or issues that may be affecting your connection.
  • Upgrade your VPN. If all fails, you might be working with an inadequate VPN. Choose something like NordVPN or Surfshark for best results.

What can you watch on Channel 4?

Channel 4 has something for everyone, from a mix of drama, comedy, reality TV, and documentaries. No matter what you like to watch, there's always something to enjoy.

If you’re into dramas, Channel 4 has powerful shows like Black Mirror and It’s a Sin. Black Mirror tells stories about how technology could change our lives, often with a dark twist. It’s a Sin is an emotional drama that follows a group of friends during the 1980s AIDS crisis.

For fans of reality TV, The Great British Bake Off is a big hit. This show brings together amateur bakers to compete in fun challenges and create delicious cakes and desserts. First Dates is another favorite, where strangers go on blind dates in the hope of finding love. It’s heartwarming and often surprising.

If you prefer comedy, Channel 4 has some of the best British sitcoms and comedies. The IT Crowd is about the funny situations in a company’s IT department, while Derry Girls follows a group of teenagers growing up in Northern Ireland during the 1990s. Both shows are full of laughs and charm.

For those who enjoy documentaries, Channel 4 offers a wide range of programs. From exploring the natural world to looking at important social issues, the documentaries are both educational and entertaining. They’re perfect for viewers who love to learn something new.

Final thoughts

Watching Channel 4 in Canada is really easy with a good VPN. Since Channel 4 is only available in the UK, a VPN helps you get around the restriction by connecting to a UK server. With services like NordVPN, Surfshark or PureVPN, you can stream all your favorite shows, like The Great British Bake Off or Black Mirror, without any hassle.

Plus, using a VPN not only lets you access Channel 4 but also keeps your online activity private and secure. The steps are simple: choose a VPN, connect to a UK server, and start watching. You’ll be able to enjoy all the British dramas, comedies, and documentaries Channel 4 offers, right from Canada. So, don’t let geo-blocks stop you – grab a VPN and start streaming today.