How to Watch S4C Abroad [Step-by-Step]

Your ticket to accessing S4C from virtually anywhere!

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watch s4c abroad

Do you want to watch S4C abroad? Iโ€™m here to help. 

This Welsh-based broadcaster boasts some of the best entertainment in the UK. Sadly, it airs limited content outside this region.

But, youโ€™re not out of luck!

If youโ€™re abroad, you need a VPN to unblock geo-restricted content. Other alternatives include using a proxy and the Psiphon app. 

Wondering how? Follow my lead to find out.

Quick Guide: How to watch S4C abroad

Hereโ€™s the step-by-step guide:

  • Download and install NordVPN.
  • Run the app, choose a UK-based server and connect.
  • Go to S4C and access content without limits.

Thatโ€™s simple, right?

Why you need a VPN to watch S4C abroad?

You need a VPN to watch S4C abroad due to copyright-related issues. Currently, the platform distributes content targeting viewers in Wales.

The service is also available for TV audiences in the United Kingdom (UK). However, youโ€™ll have to deal with restricted access if youโ€™re outside these regions.

Hereโ€™s what it means for you: 

S4C offers limited content to international audiences. As such, you will occasionally run into geo-restrictions in the middle of streaming. 

Youโ€™ll normally encounter an error S4CP04 stating: 

s4c geo-blocking error message

Weโ€™re sorry but this video isnโ€™t available in your country due to rights.

The good news? This error is easy to evade as youโ€™re about to discover.  

How to watch S4C abroad

A VPN is a must-have to enjoy unrestricted access to S4C abroad. It offers virtual servers, allowing you to spoof your location. 

The service secures your traffic with bank-grade 256-bit encryption to block intruders. This also ensures your activities remain private and protected from eavesdropping.

A kill switch is onboard to allow some apps to bypass your VPN. So, you can access local services aboard, while enjoying S4C seamlessly. 

There are other nifty options which I’ll outline below, but using VPN is the most surefire way.

This is why I recommend you:

1. Use NordVPN

NordVPN is a top-grade VPN designed to unblock geo-restricted content online. The service offers 6,000+ servers worldwide, including 440 in the UK. 

Such adequate coverage bridges the gap between you and S4C. This comes in handy for experiencing fast and low-latency streaming.

Hereโ€™s how it works:

  1. Go to NordVPN and sign up for the service.
  2. Download and install the application.
  3. Run the application and enable the kill switch under settings.

enable kill switch on nordvpn

  1. Open the VPN server lists and connect to a UK-based server. Alternatively, use the map to locate an ideal virtual location.
connect to uk-based servers on nordvpn
  1. Access S4C on your browser and enjoy unrestricted streaming.
s4c working with nordvpn

NordVPN supports up to six simultaneous connections. This gives you room to watch S4C across multiple devices within your household.

One thing I like about NordVPN is the intuitive map for locating servers. This shortens the time it takes to connect to a preferred region. 

Thereโ€™s a lot of goodies to talk about NordVPN. Some include geo-unblocking features, an app kill switch, multi-connection protocols, etc.

NordVPN

Enjoy lag-free and crystal clear images on S4C abroad using NordVPN.
Check price Visit website

2. Use SmartDNS Proxy

SmartDNS Proxy is a service that rerouts your connection through remote DNS servers. As a result, it spoofs your location to that of the connected DNS server. 

Unlike a VPN, this solution doesnโ€™t require any downloads and installations. Simply configure your devices using DNS addresses issued by the vendor.  

Check out the step-by-step below:

  1. Go to SmartDNS Proxy and sign up for the service.
  2. Check your account for the Preferred and Alternative DNS addresses. Ensure you obtain DNSs for the United Kingdom.
  3. Login to your routerโ€™s control panel. You can find these details behind your device.
  4. Locate DNS Settings under Advanced/Networking Settings on your router. This varies from one device to another.

configure smartdns proxy on your router

  1. Enter the details obtained in Step 2 above and Save. Then reboot your router.
  2. Access SmartDNS Proxy and stream any content of your choice.
s4c working with smartdns proxy

All devices connected to your home network will use SmartDNS Proxyโ€™s DNS. Still, you can configure it at the device level instead of your router. 

Thatโ€™s easy, right?

Smart DNS Proxy

A cheap alternative to a VPN that gets the job done.
Check price Visit website

3. Use Smartproxy

A proxy is another option that you can use to get unrestricted access to S4C abroad. The service acts as a middleman that routes your connection through a remote server. 

Like a VPN, it hides your IP address allowing you to cheat your actual location. This way, youโ€™ll have an upper edge evading geo-restrictions on the web.

One such service is Smartproxy, which was purposely designed to scrape the internet. However, you can use it for day-to-day activities like browsing and streaming. 

Hereโ€™s how to use it:

  1. Sign up for Smartproxy from its official website.
  2. Purchase a Residential Proxy plan.
  3. Check Residential under your account and create a New User.
create new user on smartproxy
  1. Configure a proxy using the Endpoint Generator. Ensure you set Great Britain under country and Port as the preferred protocol. 
use endpoint generator to generate proxies on smartproxy
  1. Find Proxy Settings under your Computerโ€™s Network and Internet Settings.
  2. Choose Manual Proxy setup, provide Smartproxyโ€™s proxy details, and Save.
configure smartproxy on your device
  1. Open your browser and access S4C. You may be required to provide your proxyโ€™s credentials created in Step 3. 
  2. Start streaming shows on S4C. 
s4c working with smartproxy

This method, though needs work, is pretty straightforward. Alternatively, opt for Smartproxyโ€™s X Browser to avoid modifying your deviceโ€™s network settings.

But what if youโ€™re short on cash?

SmartProxy

A cost-effective solution thatโ€™s ideal for lightweight streaming.
Check price Visit website

4. Use Psiphon

Psiphon is a VPN-like service thatโ€™s available for free. It offers multiple server locations, including the United Kingdom. 

The service is secure, thanks to 256-bit encryption for maximum security. Additionally, the company replaces servers frequently to maximize your privacy. 

Thereโ€™s also split tunneling that you find on premium VPN services. As mentioned, it allows services to bypass Psiphon, which is ideal for local content access. 

It works this way:

  1. Download and install Psiphon on your preferred device.
  2. Run the application and open Settings.
  3. Expand the Split Tunneling section and disable proxying services in your country.

    enable split tunnel on psiphon
  4. Go to the listed servers and choose United Kingdom to connect. 
  5. Access S4C and stream without restrictions.

    s4c working with psiphon

Psiphon offers decent speeds for streaming in decent quality. But you may need to purchase speed booster bundles to stream high-definition content.

Other tips for watching S4C abroad

Here are more tips to keep you glued to your screen. 

  • Use Brave Browser: Get Brave Browser to maximize your privacy when streaming. It also blocks trackers that might be collecting your browsing behavior unknowingly.
  • Choose UK-based servers: Always use servers and proxies in the UK. This unblocks geo-locked content and provides you with a faster streaming experience.  
  • Enable subtitles: Subtitles can be helpful if you canโ€™t speak Welsh. All you have to do is use the closed captions option and set English.
  • Watch the worldwide edition: Use this option if you canโ€™t implement the earlier-recommended workarounds. S4C broadcasts limited content targeting international audiences. Simply select the International section when youโ€™re on the platform to enjoy. 

Wrapping up

You came here looking for how to watch S4C abroad. As youโ€™ve seen, it doesnโ€™t require any technical know-how. 

A VPN should be your best pick. Itโ€™s easy to set up and offers other extras like protection against malware.

Other options work equally well, especially for SmartDNS Proxy and Smartproxy. But go with Psiphon if youโ€™re working on a tight budget. 

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