How to watch Channel 4 in the US in May 2025
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Channel 4 – also known as All 4 or 4oD – continues to be one of the UK’s most popular streaming platforms, offering a wide range of shows, documentaries, and original content. However, due to licensing restrictions, it remains inaccessible outside the UK.
The good news? In 2025, it’s entirely possible to watch Channel 4 from the US or abroad using a reliable VPN.
A VPN works by routing your internet connection through a UK server, giving you a UK-based IP address. This allows you to bypass geo-blocks and access Channel 4 as if you were streaming from within the UK.
At Cybernews, our team has tested and compared leading VPN services to identify the most effective ones for unblocking Channel 4. In this guide, we’ll show you how to set everything up, recommend the best VPNs for smooth streaming, and help troubleshoot common issues. Whether you’re catching up on British reality TV, dramas, or Channel 4 exclusives – we’ll help you watch it all, wherever you are.
How to watch Channel 4 in the US with a VPN
- Choose a reliable VPN that has UK servers. I recommend using NordVPN, now 76% OFF
- Download and install your VPN then connect to a UK server
- Go to channel4.com or download the All 4 app
- Register with a UK postal code
- Sit back and start streaming Channel 4 videos outside the UK!
Need a legitimate UK postal code? Head to Google Maps, find a convenient location with a postal code, and use it to register on Channel 4. Alternatively, you can also use a random postcode generator – though these postcodes are less likely to work.
Why do you need a VPN to watch Channel 4 in the US?
Channel 4 is only available in the UK. The Channel 4 app may display "forbidden" because its content is geo-restricted to comply with UK distribution rights and copyright laws. Therefore, if you want to watch Channel 4 or the All 4 streaming service from outside the UK, you will need to use a VPN to connect to a UK server. This will then issue your device with a UK IP address, which will allow you to bypass these restrictions.
If you try to access Channel 4 platforms from the US or anywhere else outside the UK without a VPN, you will get an error message saying that Channel 4 content is not available in your area or your current location.
If this happens to you, all you need to do is use the best VPN to connect to a server in the UK and get UK IP address. This will make it appear as if you are in the UK, which will get around Channel 4’s region restrictions and allow you to watch Channel 4’s content.
A VPN also has the added benefit of protecting your online privacy by encrypting your data. This keeps it hidden from third parties and hackers.
Best VPNs to watch Channel 4 in the US and elsewhere – shortlist
- NordVPN – the best Channel 4 VPN overall
- Surfshark – top VPN to watch Channel 4 on all of your home devices
- PureVPN – a good choice for a fast connection and a buffer-free streaming on Channel 4
If you want to watch Channel 4 in the US, you will need a reliable VPN with fast speeds and plenty of servers in the UK. The Cybernews research team tried and tested dozens of VPNs and picked out ones that unblock Channel 4 without any issues. I looked for fast speeds, high-quality streaming, and impeccable security to keep you safe and private at all times.
Below you will find top three VPNs that unblock Channel 4 and lots of other popular streaming platforms like Netflix.
1. NordVPN – best VPN to watch Channel 4 in US
| Based in: | Panama |
| UK servers: | 440+ |
| Unblocks Netflix: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Get 76% OFF NordVPN + free eSIM data |
NordVPN is our favorite VPN for watching Channel 4 platforms from anywhere in the world because it has more than 440+ servers in the UK alone. This means you will not be short of servers to choose from. If the UK server you are connected to doesn’t successfully unblock all the UK content you want to watch, you can simply switch to a server in another UK city.
Servers and streaming. NordVPN has 7700 servers worldwide, making it great for accessing different country versions of Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other region-locked streaming services
Security. NordVPN is also an extremely secure option. It offers 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. So it will protect your privacy by hiding your online activity.
Speeds. During our NordVPN's testing, connection speeds had not gone below 90% of the original baseline speed. When streaming, there were no lag issues whatsoever, and the video quality stayed high.
Price. NordVPN’s pricing starts at $3.39/month. If you want to try it out, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark – good VPN option to stream Channel 4
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| UK servers: | 212+ |
| Unblocks Netflix: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark doesn't have as many servers as NordVPN, but it's a cheaper option that will still help you bypass Channel 4’s location restrictions. It has server locations in London, Manchester, and Glasgow, so you will be able to get a UK IP address without any issues.
Servers and streaming. Overall, Surfshark has a total of 3200 servers around the world, so you can also use it to unblock different countries' content on Netflix, Max, and other websites.
Security. Surfshark comes with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch and DNS, and IPv6 leak protection, so it is a very secure option that will protect your privacy. There are also features such as CleanWeb that act like an ad blocker, protecting you from malicious websites.
Speeds. Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs out there. When we tested Surfshark VPN last time (May, 2025), it stayed true to itself and maintained speeds above the 86% threshold of the original baseline speed. You can be sure that Surfshark will not slow down your browsing or streaming experience whatsoever.
Price. Surfshark’s subscription pricing starts at $1.99/month. It also comes with a free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can see if you like it first, and commit to it later.
3. PureVPN – fast and reliable VPN to stream Channel 4 outside the UK
| Based in: | British Virgin Islands |
| UK servers: | 600+ |
| Unblocks Netflix: | Yes |
| Current deal: | Now 83% OFF PureVPN + 6 FREE months |
PureVPN is a very useful option for bypassing region restrictions in the UK and watching Channel 4 because it has three server locations in the UK. This means you can use it to get a UK IP address.
Servers. PureVPN has more than 6000 servers worldwide, so you can unlock not just Channel 4. You can also access Netflix, Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime libraries from different countries.
Security. In terms of safeguarding your online privacy, PureVPN has some excellent features. They include port forwarding, a functional kill switch, and industry-standard AES-256 encryption.
Speeds. PureVPN might not be the fastest VPN, but it's fast enough. When we tested PureVPN, it successfully retained over 67% of the original baseline speed. In terms of streaming or browsing, I experienced no major delays or drops in video quality.
Price. PureVPN’s price starts at $2.14/month. All plans also come with a 31-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out before committing.
How to sign up to Channel 4 from anywhere
Channel 4 is completely free to watch, so you won’t need to add any payment details. If you want to sign up for a Channel 4 account outside the UK, all you need to do is follow these steps:
- Choose a VPN with plenty of UK servers. I recommend NordVPN
- Sign in and connect to a UK server
- Head over to www.channel4.com or download the All 4 app from your app store
- Sign in or click Register for an account
- Enter your email address and set a password
- Verify your email address
- Enter your date of birth. This is to confirm you are at least 16 years old
- Enter a UK address with a UK postcode. To get a UK postal code, you can use any UK location you find on Google Maps, such as a cafe or a restaurant, or use a postcode generator
- Sit back and start watching Channel 4’s content. It really is as simple as that.
Watch Channel 4 (All 4) in the US, Australia or from anywhere
If you want to watch Channel 4 outside the UK, you will need a UK IP address. So, if you want to watch Channel 4 or All 4 outside the UK, you will need to use a VPN to connect to a UK server or the countries listed below:
| Countries where Channel 4 is available |
| The United Kingdom |
| Republic of Ireland |
Here is how to watch UK Channel 4 in the US and other countries:
- Download and install a streaming VPN that suits your needs. I suggest NordVPN
- Open up your VPN app and create an account
- Connect to a UK server
- Download the All 4 app or visit channel4.com
- Sign in or set up an account
- Grab the popcorn and watch Channel 4 in the US and other countries
So, keep in mind that whether you live in the US, Canada, Australia, Spain, France, or any other country, the best way to bypass Channel 4 geo-restrictions is to get a VPN. With a VPN, you can effortlessly connect to the UK server or any country where Channel 4 is available!
For more UK VPN alternatives, check our guide on the best VPNs for UK.
How to watch Channel 4 in the US on your device
You can watch Channel 4 in the US on any device, provided you can connect it to your VPN. This means that you can watch it on your mobile phone, laptop, or tablet. You can even watch it on a smart TV or streaming stick. All you need to do is connect your VPN to your Wi-Fi router.
Here, I will talk you through how to watch Channel 4 on some of the most popular devices:
- Watch Channel 4 on Windows or Mac
- Watch Channel 4 on Android
- Watch Channel 4 on iOS
- Watch Channel 4 on your smart TV
- Watch Channel 4 on your Roku
Watch Channel 4 on Windows and Mac PC
If you want to watch Channel 4 on your PC or laptop to watch Channel 4, you can do this directly on your web browser. This will work on either Windows or Mac. Here is what you need to do:
-
Download a reliable VPN onto your PC or Mac. You can try NordVPN – now 76% OFF
-
Install your VPN and set up an account
-
Use your VPN to connect to the UK server
-
Go to channel4.com and set up an account
- Enjoy Channel on your PC or laptop
Watch Channel 4 on Android devices
If you want to watch Channel 4 on Android device, all you need to do is follow these steps:
- Download a good VPN, such as NordVPN, onto your Android device
- Set up your VPN and connect to a UK server
- Go to your Google Play app and download the All 4 app
- Sign in or set up an account
- Enjoy watching Channel 4!
Watch Channel 4 on iOS devices (iPad and iPhone)
You can also watch Channel 4 on Apple devices by using a VPN. Here is how to do it:
- Download and install a VPN on your iPhone or iPad. Our top VPN choice is NordVPN
- Create an account and connect to a server in the UK
- Download the All 4 app from the Apple App Store
- Sign in or set up an account
- Start streaming Channel 4 content!
Watch Channel 4 on smart TV
Smart TV is an excellent option for streaming Channel 4 and here's how you can do that with a VPN:
- Choose and download a VPN, such as NordVPN, on your smart TV
- Create an account and connect to the UK-based server
- Download the Channel 4 UK app on your smart TV
- Sign up or create an account
- Start enjoying Channel 4!
Watch Channel 4 on Roku
If you want to stream Channel 4 outside the US with the help of Roku, follow the steps below:
- Download a VPN with plenty of UK servers. I recommend NordVPN – now 76% OFF
- Sign up for the VPN service and connect to the UK server
- Insert Roku stick to your smart TV using the HDMI port
- Choose Channel 4 on your TV’s home screen
- Log in or create an account for Channel 4 and start watching
Watch Channel 4 on Firestick
If you’re wondering how to watch Channel 4 on Firestick, here’s what you can do:
- Choose a VPN with UK servers. Our recommendation is NordVPN
- Download and open the VPN app
- After logging in to your account, choose UK location and server
- Once it’s connected, enjoy Channel 4 on Firestick
Channel 4 not working with a VPN? Here's how to fix
Even when you have a reputable VPN, it's possible that you may encounter some problems when trying to access Channel 4. Here are the possible reasons why you might still encounter a blocked page:
- You might experience IP leaks
- Your cookies and cache files might reveal your real location
- Channel 4 has blocked the IP addresses of your VPN
- Your IP and GPS location might clash
If Channel 4 is not working with a VPN, there are few things you can try:
- Clear the cookies and cache files from your device
- Google "what is my IP address" and check if the VPN doesn't leak your IP
- Try another browser or the Incognito mode
- Try changing the tunneling protocol or server
- Contact the customer support of your VPN
If nothing you try works, you might need to get a different VPN service. For example, NordVPN is less likely to have connection issues than other VPNs.
What can you watch on Channel 4?
Channel 4 is one of the most popular TV channels in the UK, and it boasts the largest library of free on-demand content in the country. It has several channels such as 4Music, 4News, Walter Presents, E4, More 4, Film4, 4Seven. Channel 4 offers lots of original content, including critically acclaimed movies, shows and series. Channel 4 is also home to some of the UK’s best-loved comedy shows, as well as documentaries and reality TV shows that will keep you entertained.
Take a look at what you can watch on Channel 4 in 2025:
| TV show | Seasons |
| Naked attraction | 2016 – today |
| Married at first sight UK | 2015 – today |
| I am Ruth | 2019 – today |
| The Undeclared War | 2022 |
| Big Boys | 2022 – today |
| Derry Girls | 2018 – 2022 |
| Feel Good | 2020 – 2021 |
| 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown | 2012 – today |
| Open House | 2022 – today |
| The Great British Bake Off | 2010 – today |
| Gogglebox | 2013 – today |
| It’s a Sin | 2021 |
| Tempting Fortune | 2023 – today |
| Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares | 2004 – 2014 |
Final thoughts
Channel 4 offers a wide range of channels like 4Music, 4News, and Film4, plus original movies, TV shows, and series. But it's blocked in many places, like the US. To watch Channel 4 from the US and anywhere, use a VPN.
NordVPN is the best VPN service to watch Channel 4 outside the UK. With it, you receive an extensive server fleet, light-fast connection speeds, and top-notch security features. Moreover, NordVPN provide round-the-clock customer support, ensuring assistance whenever you encounter an issue, day or night.
FAQ
Can I watch Channel 4 from outside the UK?
No, Channel 4 is not available outside the UK. But you can access it from anywhere in the world by using a reputable VPN. All you need to do is download a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN, create an account, and use the VPN to connect to a server in the UK. Then, go to channel4.com or download the All 4 app, create an account, and you will be able to watch Channel 4 from anywhere in the world.
How can I stream British TV in the USA?
If you want to access British TV in the US, all you need to do is download a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN, and use it to connect to a UK server. This will provide you with a UK IP address, which will allow you to bypass British geo-restrictions. You can then watch UK streaming services, including BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and the ITV Hub.
How do I get Channel 4 on my TV?
If you are in the UK, you can access Channel 4 on your freeview TV, or you can download the All 4 app onto your smart TV, PlayStation, or streaming stick. However, if you are outside the UK, you will need to use a VPN to access the All 4 app. Some smart TVs and streaming sticks will let you download a VPN app. If you can’t do this, you can connect your VPN to your Wi-Fi router. Once you have used your VPN to connect to a UK server, you should then be able to download the All 4 app and watch it on your TV.
Can you use a VPN to watch Channel 4?
Yes, you can use a VPN to watch Channel 4 from anywhere. Keep in mind that you’ll need a quality VPN such as NordVPN that prevents IP and DNS leaks, and a UK postcode to register an account on Channel 4.
Is Channel 4 free?
Yes, Channel 4 is free to watch for everyone. You only need a UK postcode to sign up with the service. If Channel 4 is unavailable in your location, you can use a VPN such as NordVPN to connect to a server in the UK and access it from anywhere.
Is All 4 the same as 4oD?
Yes, All4 is the same as 4oD. In 2006, 4oD was launched, and rebranded to All4 in 2015. In April 2023, All4 was rebranded to Channel 4.
Do All 4 block VPNs?
Yes, All 4 block VPNs. Channel 4 blocks VPNs by detecting abnormal traffic patterns from shared IP addresses. That’s why you should use a reliable VPN like NordVPN, which stands out with its unblocking capabilities, has obfuscated servers, and can easily hide your IP.
Is it legal to watch Channel 4 from outside the UK?
It’s not illegal to watch Channel 4 from outside the UK. However, due to rights agreements, All 4 service is only accessible in the UK. Even UK citizens can't use it abroad, except for watching previously downloaded shows on iOS and Android devices.
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