In this article, I will explain how to fix ExpressVPN not working with BBC iPlayer.
If you’re watching BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN and suddenly it has stopped working, the BBC has been able to identify and block all of the IP addresses ExpressVPN can provide.
This is obviously frustrating as what was once working now doesn’t work. However, there is an easy way to fix this issue.
To fix ExpressVPN not working with BBC iPlayer, follow the simple steps below. And to find out how you can prevent this issue from arising again, read the entire article, where I’ll go into more detail.
See also:
- How to watch BBC iPlayer abroad: The EASY 2-minute method!
- BBC iPlayer not working with VPN? Here’s how I FIXED that!
- How to get BBC iPlayer on the US App Store: The SIMPLE method!
ExpressVPN not working with BBC iPlayer: Quick Guide
There are a few simple steps you can take to try and resolve this issue. If one step doesn’t work, move onto the next one and see if that fixes ExpressVPN not working with BBC iPlayer:
Total Time: 2 minutes
Delete Cookies
When you visit websites, you may have come across a popup asking you to accept cookies. These cookies aren’t malicious, they are designed to streamline your online browsing. However, they do contain information that discloses your location.
The BBC can potentially use these cookies to determine where you are when you connect to BBC iPlayer. If the BBC finds you are outside of its broadcast zone (the UK), it will block you from accessing the content.
Deleting your cookies is a good first step to take when trying to fix ExpressVPN not working with BBC iPlayer.
Change to a different UK server
If ExpressVPN has suddenly stopped working with BBC iPlayer, then the BBC has managed to block the IP address that ExpressVPN has provided. Although this is the case with this particular IP, it doesn’t mean that all of ExpressVPN’s IP addresses have been blocked.
Changing to a different UK server will give you a new IP address, and if that one hasn’t been blocked by the BBC then ExpressVPN will work with BBC iPlayer.
Upgrade to a better VPN
If neither of the two steps above work, then the BBC has managed to block all of the IP addresses that ExpressVPN can provide.
The easiest way to get around this is to upgrade to a better VPN like Private Internet Access ($2.03/month). It has fast UK based servers, it works well with BBC iPlayer, and most importantly, it has measures in place that will prevent the BBC from being able to block all of its IP addresses.
If you want to watch BBC iPlayer reliably and not run into the problems you’ve run into with ExpressVPN, then Private Internet Access ($2.03/month) will do a great job.
How does the BBC block ExpressVPN?
Even though you may have been reliably using BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN, the BBC has been trying to block VPNs from connecting to its service for a long time.
Much like other streaming services, like Britbox, Sky Go and Amazon Prime, the BBC uses specific VPN blocking techniques to prevent VPNs from connecting to its service.
- The most common technique is all to do with the IP addresses ExpressVPN can provide. ExpressVPN more customers than IP addresses, and this results in customers having to share IPs. The BBC monitors for an abnormal amount (more than a standard household) of connections coming from the same IP address. When it sees hundreds or thousands of connections coming from the same IP, it knows that this is an ExpressVPN IP address, and it blocks it.
- The BBC monitors for IP, DNS and WebRTC leaks that can tip the service off you are using a VPN.
- The BBC teams up with GeoIP databases like Maxmind to identify IP addresses. If the IP address your VPN provides is on one of these databases, the BBC will be able to find out where in the world you are connecting to the internet from and it will block you.
Does BBC iPlayer still work with VPNs?
Yes, BBC iPlayer still works with VPNs. However, you need a VPN that is still compatible with BBC iPlayer. We recommend Private Internet Access ($2.03/month) because this VPN works well with BBC iPlayer. It has plenty of UK IP addresses, fast UK servers, and most importantly, it is very good at getting around the BBC’s VPN blocking techniques.
When the BBC blocks an IP address provided by Private Internet Access ($2.03/month), this VPN will close that IP address and open a new one. This cat and mouse game ensures that Private Internet Access ($2.03/month) stays one step ahead of the BBC’s blocks. This not only allows you to watch BBC iPlayer anywhere in the world reliably, but it also prevents the same issues occurring as you have found with ExpressVPN.
Below is a list of VPNs that all work well with BBC iPlayer, and all play that cat and mouse game staying one step ahead of the BBC’s VPN blocking techniques.
