How to watch UK TV in the USA and abroad in 2023

The UK TV industry is responsible for multiple super popular and highly regarded shows. Unfortunately, many UK exclusive streaming services like Channel 4, ITV, Sky, and BBC are geo-blocked and cannot be accessed outside of the UK.

To get around this issue, you can use a VPN. This will bypass geoblocks and enable access to UK streaming services and content from anywhere in the world. A VPN works by changing your IP address and letting you connect to a server in the UK.

In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to watch UK TV in the USA and abroad in 2023 .

How to watch British TV in USA with VPN

1. Register for a reliable VPN with UK servers. We recommend NordVPN, now 63% OFF!
2. Download and install the software.
3. Connect your VPN to a UK server.
4. Login to the streaming service of your choice. If you’re not registered yet, you’ll need to sign up with a UK zip code.
5. Search for the show, sit back, and enjoy!

Why do you need a VPN to watch UK TV in USA?

UK TV is often subject to geo-blocks because the content needs to comply with licensing restrictions and laws. As a result, you will need a reputable VPN to watch UK TV if you are outside of the country.

With a VPN, you can overcome geo-restrictions and connect to a UK server. A VPN works by changing your IP address so that you appear to be logging in from a country where the content is readily available. By using a VPN with UK servers, you will gain access to UK TV.

Best VPNs to watch UK TV

When it comes to watching UK TV, here are the two great VPNS that will do the job. Both VPN options offer a 30 day money-back guarantee.

You can also check out our article which takes you through the best VPNs for streaming here.

1. NordVPN - best VPN to watch UK TV in USA

Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is a strong contender when it comes to picking a VPN for UK TV. The service has plenty of UK servers, meaning that you will always have reliable access to UK TV content. It also promises fast connection speeds, security features, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Thanks to advanced encryption, NordVPN keeps you safe and entirely invisible online. It also boasts the largest network in the market!

2. Surfshark - good VPN to watch British TV in US

Visit Surfshark

Surfshark is easy on the wallet and promises rapid streaming speeds. With no connection limit (you can use it on multiple devices at once) and a wide range of security features - Surfshark is a brilliant option for streaming UK TV.

The service keeps you completely anonymous, and you will be well protected with 256-encryption and an automatic malware scanner and ad-blocker.

How to sign up to UK TV providers outside the UK

As we mentioned above, you’ll need to be signed up to a UK TV provider if you wish to access the content. We’ve used the BBC iPlayer as an example, but the steps will be the same for any TV provider of your choice. Check them out below:

1. Download a VPN with UK servers. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Once your VPN is downloaded, connect to a UK server.
3. You will now be able to access the streaming service website.
4. Click sign in on the BBC iPlayer website to create an account.
5. You will be prompted to register your details, which will include providing a UK zip code.
6. Once you’ve completed the process, submit your details and login!

How to watch UK TV in USA on your device

The process of watching UK TV tends to differ slightly based on the device you are using. This section provides an overview of how to stream your favourite UK shows on your chosen devices.

Check out our list of most popular devices below:

PC

• VPNs for Windows
• VPNs for macOS
• VPNs for Linux

Phone

• VPNs for iOS
• VPNs for Android

Streaming

• VPNs for Kodi
• VPNs for Firestick
• VPNs for Roku

Smart TV

• VPNs for Smart TV

Watch UK TV on PC

If you’re looking to watch UK TV on your PC, simply follow the steps below:

1. Download a VPN with UK servers on your PC. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Install the VPN and select a UK server.
3. Search for the website of your chosen streaming service.
4. If necessary, create an account using a UK zip code.
5. Select your show of choice, sit back, and enjoy!

Watch UK TV on Android

Want to watch UK TV on your android? Here’s how:

1. Download a VPN with UK servers. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Install the VPN on your router or a laptop that can create a mobile hotspot.
3. Select a British IP address, then connect your Android to your wifi network or mobile hotspot.
4. In the Google Play Store, download the app for your chosen streaming service.
5. Open the app, choose a show, and enjoy!

Watch UK TV on iOS (iPad and iPhone)

This process is much like that outlined above for Androids. Follow the steps below:

1. Download and install a VPN on your router or a laptop that can create a mobile hotspot. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Choose a British IP address.
3. Connect your iPad or iPhone to your router or mobile hotspot.
4. Go to the App Store and install the app for your chosen streaming service.
5. Sign up or sign in and enjoy the show!

Watch UK TV on Smart TV

Want to watch UK TV on your Smart TV? Check out these simple steps:

1. Download a VPN with UK servers. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Connect to a UK server.
3. Connect to your VPN network in your router’s admin.
4. Download the streaming service app of your choice onto your Smart TV.
5. Login, create an account, and enjoy!

Top tip: many smart TVs will let you download a VPN app. If yours doesn’t, simply follow the steps above to connect your router to a VPN. Then you are all set!

How to watch UK TV on streaming devices

If you’re outside of the UK and wish to watch UK TV on your streaming device, you will need a VPN. We recommend that you pick a reliable service like NordVPN or Surfshark - all of which have UK servers and a great reputation.

In the next section, we’ll explain how to stream UK TV on a variety of popular devices.

Stream UK TV on Roku

If you’re looking to stream UK TV on Roku, it’s worth mentioning that the media player doesn’t support VPN apps on a native level. Fortunately, it’s still possible to change its IP address and stream UK TV by following these steps:

1. Download a VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Set up the VPN on your router and connect to a UK server.
3. Ensure your Roku device is connected to your router.
4. Download and install the streaming service app of your choice.
5. Find your favourite show and start streaming!

Stream UK TV on Kodi

Want to stream UK TV on Kodi? Look no further, we’ve laid out the process below:

1. Download a VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Set up the VPN on your router and connect it to a UK server.
3. Install the relevant addon for whichever streaming service you want to use.
4. Search for your show.
5. Sit back and enjoy!

Stream UK TV on Amazon Fire Stick

If you have an Amazon Firestick, you can stream UK TV with ease! Here is how:

1. Download and install a VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Turn on unknown sources on your Amazon Firestick.
3. Connect your VPN to a server in the UK.
4. Search for the app for your chosen streaming service.
5. Login and find your favourite UK TV shows!

Stream UK TV on Chromecast

Chromecasts do not support VPNs or configurable network settings, but fortunately, you can still stream UK TV with this device by installing a VPN that is compatible with your router. We’ll show you how below:

1. Install a VPN that is compatible with the router you have. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Set up your VPN on your router.
3. Connect to a UK server.
4. Open up your Chromecast app.
5. Search for the streaming service of your choice.
6. Find your favourite UK TV show and start streaming!

For more information on using VPNs with your Chromecast, check out our article here.

How to watch UK TV outside the UK without cable

A VPN makes it possible to watch UK TV from outside the UK. Wherever you are in the world, you simply need to follow these five steps to access UK TV:

1. Download and install a reliable VPN with UK servers. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Open the VPN app on your chosen device.
3. Connect to a UK server.
4. Choose the streaming service that you wish to watch UK TV on. Open the relevant app if you’re on a mobile device or smart TV, or head to the website if you’re on a PC.
5. Search for your show and enjoy!

Can’t access UK TV with a VPN?

Nothing is foolproof, and you may find that sometimes you can’t access UK TV - despite having a VPN on at all times. When this happens, it’s likely that you need a different VPN.

If you’re met with an error message that says the content you wish to watch is not available in your country, it means your VPN is not working. The chances are that you are still connected to a server outside the UK.

In this instance, the first step you should take is to check whether your VPN is running. If it is, then you likely need to find a more reliable VPN provider.

Some other issues that may interfere when trying to watch UK TV with a VPN include:

• The streaming service has blocked servers used by your VPN
• You have cookies on your device that indicate you are outside of the UK
• The IP address and GPS location of your device do not match
• Your real IP address is leaking
• The VPN you are using isn’t able to unblock your chosen streaming service

To help with the above mentioned issues, we’ve compiled some effective solutions:

• Search for the leak protection setting on your VPN. Enable it!
• Change your VPN
• Get in touch with customer support for your VPN
• Try a different browser
• Clear your cache and cookies

How to watch British TV in USA free

It’s relatively easy to find a free VPN option online, but they are often ineffective and can cause your internet connection to slow down. They also don’t have the same security measures in place as more reputable alternatives, and are more likely to sell traffic data to third parties. (We’ve put together a list of free VPNs that don’t sell data and can usually unblock streaming providers for free)

What can you watch on UK TV?

There’s no doubt about it - UK TV has so much to offer, whatever your taste may be. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite British TV channels and shows below:

Conclusion

The UK TV industry continues to impress a global audience with a multitude of popular shows and movies. Though many UK exclusive streaming services geo-block this content, it’s possible to watch UK TV anywhere in the world with a reliable VPN.

With a VPN you can bypass geo-blocks and change your IP address so it looks like you are based in the UK. Not only does this enable you to watch your favourite UK TV, it also keeps your online activity safe and private.

Have you tried using a VPN to watch UK TV? We’d love to hear all about your experiences in the comments below!

More VPN guides from Cybernews:

FAQ