How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Portugal [Quick Guide]

Ever tried to watch your favorite BBC iPlayer show from Portugal and hit a roadblock?

You’re not alone. As an avid fan of BBC content, I’ve faced this challenge whenever I found myself outside the UK. But I have a solution.

See, BBC iPlayer blocks access because you access it with a Portuguese IP address. Therefore, the way in would be to mask your IP with one from the UK.

Here’s a simple VPN guide to help you achieve that without any fuss.

Why do I need a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in Portugal?

You need a VPN to bypass geo-restriction errors and watch BBC iPlayer from Portugal. This tool can reroute your Internet through a server in the UK, which will give you a British IP address, making it seem you access BBC from within the country.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK due to licensing agreements. If you try accessing it from Portugal without a VPN, you’ll likely encounter error messages like BBC iPlayer only works in the UK or This content is not available in your location.

Think of a VPN as a virtual passport that lets you travel to the digital UK from anywhere in the world.

Now that I’ve got that covered, let’s move on to the how-to.

How to watch BBC iPlayer in Portugal

Many VPNs have UK servers, but not all of them can effectively unlock the iPlayer in Portugal.

There are several good options, but I personally recommend ExpressVPN because I’ve been using it for a long time and it always worked, from the very first try.

Here’s what to do:

1. Choose a reliable VPN with UK servers:
   From my personal experience, ExpressVPN stands out because of its big network of UK servers and ability to bypass errors on BBC iPlayer.
2. Install and set up the VPN:
   Download the ExpressVPN app for your device. It supports everything from PCs, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and routers.

3. Connect to a UK server:
   Launch the VPN app and click on the ellipsis under the power button to open the server list. Select the UK from the list of countries and connect to a server.
   

4. Visit BBC iPlayer:
   With ExpressVPN active, head to the BBC iPlayer website or app. It should now grant you access as if you’re in the UK.

📝 Before diving into some content on BBC iPlayer, it’ll ask if you have a UK TV license. Just confirm, and you’re all set!

Now you can pick a show or program and start streaming! I recently binged Sherlock without any hitches.

Having tried multiple VPNs over the years, ExpressVPN stands out for its impressive speed rates.

During my binging session, I was impressed by the seamless streaming. Even after hours and hours of staying connected, I didn’t notice any decrease in quality and didn’t experience any buffering.

That said, in case you experience any issues, ExpressVPN is adequately equipped.

You have multiple servers in East London, London, the Midlands, and Docklands. So in case your speed isn’t as good as you’d like or the connection seems unstable, all you have to do is switch to a different one.

All in all, ExpressVPN is a top choice for watching BBC iPlayer in Portugal. It’s a premium tier but definitely offers value for money.

However, if you’re not convinced it’s the best option for your needs, I also recommend NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost. All have big server networks in the UK and work well on BBC iPlayer.

ExpressVPN

Unlock BBC iPlayer in Portugal! Connect to ExpressVPN and get unlimited access to everything on the streaming platform!

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What can I watch on BBC iPlayer in Portugal?

BBC iPlayer offers a variety of channels, each packed with exciting content. Here’s a glimpse:

• BBC One: This channel is home to some of the most popular shows like EastEnders, Strictly Come Dancing, and the thrilling drama The Woman in the Wall.
• BBC Two: Known for its diverse content, you can catch gripping documentaries, series like Celebrity Race Across the World, and the intriguing Wolf drama series.
• BBC Three: A channel tailored for the younger audience, it boasts shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Heartstopper Season 2, and the comedy Dreaming Whilst Black.
• BBC Four: Dive into cultural programs, documentaries such as Planet Earth III, and classics like Monarch of the Glen.

Is it legal to watch BBC iPlayer in Portugal with a VPN?

Using a VPN to access content from another country, like BBC iPlayer in Portugal is legal. There are no laws in Portugal that prohibit using VPNs to watch foreign TV.

However, while VPNs themselves are legal and widely used for various legitimate purposes, bypassing geo-restrictions can violate the terms of service of platforms like BBC iPlayer.

It’s essential to be aware of this and proceed with caution.

Related reads:

• How to Fix BBC iPlayer Error Code 02066

Conclusion

Geo-restrictions are definitely not fun when you try to enjoy UK TV from abroad.

But with the right knowledge and tools, you can watch BBC iPlayer from Portugal as if you never left the UK.

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