If you’re looking for ways to watch BBC iPlayer in Canada on your FireStick, then you’re in the right place. This article covers everything you need to know about BBC iPlayer and how you can access it in Canada using ExpressVPN.
What is BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer is a popular live and on-demand streaming service. It offers access to a variety of BBC channels and programs. This includes channels such as BBC News, Radio 1 and 2, BBC Two, BBC Three, and others.
BBC iPlayer works similar to other popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. Except that BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK. So if you’re outside the UK you’ll need to use a VPN to get past the geo-restrictions.
To access all BBC services, you must first create a BBC account, which is free of cost. iPlayer, BBC Media Player, and BBC iPlayer all refer to different ways of watching or listening to the same content. Without a TV license, it is illegal to watch or record live TV broadcasts from any UK broadcaster, as well as BBC TV catch-up or BBC TV on-demand content.
BBC iPlayer is compatible with most devices including your FireStick, allowing you to enjoy your favorite shows and movies wherever you like. No commercial advertising is present in the iPlayer services for viewers in the UK.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN on FireStick in Canada?
- Get ExpressVPN .
- Download ExpressVPN app on FireStick.
- Launch the app and connect to a UK server.
- Launch BBC iPlayer app and stream content without any restrictions!
Why is BBC iPlayer Unavailable on FireStick in Canada?
BBC iPlayer is only accessible from IP addresses allocated to the UK. This is because TV productions are paid for by the UK TV licence fee and rights agreements with third parties. For legal restrictions, numerous pieces of the platform’s content cannot be aired outside of the UK. However, most radio programmes can be accessed globally, except for some sports broadcasts affected by rights issues.
An international version of the iPlayer was launched in 11 western European countries in 2011, but it has a limited amount of free content supported by pre-roll ads and sponsorship, and its core business model is subscription-based.
The global iPlayer app includes some features that are not in the UK version, such as the ability to stream shows over 3G and a downloading feature for offline viewing.
The global iPlayer was also launched in Australia and Canada in 2011 as a one-year pilot, but it was discontinued in 2015.
A large collection of BBC original programs is also available on the platform. The BBC can generate more money at the expense of being unable to broadcast its programs everywhere since other businesses have to pay for the exclusive rights to display that material in other nations.
Why do you need a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Canada on FireStick?
The BBC iPlayer will only load material if you access it with a VPN. This is because the streaming service system monitors your IP Address and will quickly ban you if you are accessing it from outside the United Kingdom. A VPN will encrypt and reroute all of your data through the connected server while also giving you a UK-based IP address.
As a result, when you connect to the UK server with a VPN, you are virtually accessing the internet through that place. This allows you to access BBC iPlayer from anywhere on the planet.
As mentioned above, you need a reliable VPN to access BBC iPlayer on FireStick in Canada because the service is only available to residents of the UK due to licensing and rights agreements.
A premium VPN service like ExpressVPN, will mask your IP address and make it appear as if you are accessing the service from the UK, allowing you to bypass the geographic restrictions and access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Sign up for BBC iPlayer outside the UK: [9 Easy Steps]
The service restricts access from locations outside the UK. Consequently, it’s Important to connect to a VPN server located in the UK.
You can sign up for BBC iPlayer outside the UK through the following steps:
- Launch a web browser such as Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. Enter the following link to access the BBC registration page: https://account.bbc.com/register?
- Opt for one of the provided choices:
- Below 13
- 13 or older
- I am selecting 13 or older
- Input your birthdate and proceed by clicking the “Continue” button.
- Ensure that you designate the United Kingdom as your selected country in the Country field.
- Email address
- Password
- Ensure that you designate the United Kingdom as your selected country in the Country field.
- After you put in your email and password and pick your country, you’ll see more boxes pop up. Now, type in:
- Where you live (postcode)
- Whether you’re a boy or a girl
- Make sure you use a real postcode from the UK. If you don’t know any, you can get a random one from here.
- Click the “Register” button to keep going with signing up.
- Congratulations! You’ve successfully joined.
Head to your email, find the email from BBC, and open it. Click on the link inside to confirm your account.
On the next page, decide if you want to get news and updates in your email: - Sure, I’d like that
- No, thanks
- Hit “Continue” to proceed
Here’s how you create a BBC iPlayer account when you’re not in the UK
How You Can Watch and Use BBC iplayer on Firestick or Any Outside Counrty?
Let’s break down how to access BBC iPlayer on FireStick, browser, and Kodi. First up, for FireStick, start by finding and installing the BBC iPlayer app through the search option. Once installed, sign in and enjoy your favorite shows, Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install BBC iPlayer on your FireStick and how to stream on the Kodi player.
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How to Install and Download BBC iPlayer on FireStick?
Considering the absence of the BBC iPlayer app on the official Amazon Store, it is advisable to establish a connection to a VPN service such as ExpressVPN before proceeding to sideload the BBC iPlayer app. Here’s a step-by-step guide on acquiring the BBC iPlayer APK on FireStick:
- Start from your FireStick Home Screen.
- Click on the Settings icon.
- Choose My Fire TV.
- If Developer Options are not visible, go to About.
- Quickly click your Fire TV Stick seven times.
- A message at the bottom will say, “No need, you are already a developer,” showing that Developer Options are now on.
- Select the Developer Option.
- Turn on “Apps from Unknown Sources.”
- Go back to the home screen and choose Search.
- From the menu, pick Search.
- Type “Downloader” in the search bar.
- Select the Downloader icon in the Apps & Games section.
- Be patient while the app installs.
- Once installed, open it.
- Click “OK” if asked.
- Allow Downloader access to photos, media, and files by clicking “Allow.”
- In the Downloader app, click on the URL bar.
- Tap Download
- Simply wait for the app installation to complete.
- A pop-up will appear. Click on “Next” to continue with the Application Installation.
- Tap to install the Application on your FireStick.
Now, input the URL “https://bit.ly/3KCC3JR” exactly as shown, being mindful of uppercase and lowercase letters. Then, click the GO button.
How to use BBC iPlayer on Your FireStick?
- Open the BBC iPlayer app from the Your Apps & Channels section and Sign In.
- On your FireStick screen, a window will appear with a code. Take note of this code.
- Using a computer or mobile browser, visit https://bbc.com/account/tv.
- Sign in with your BBC iPlayer account username and password if prompted.
- Enter a Display name of your choice.
- Click Continue.
- Input the code shown on your FireStick screen.
- After successful authorization, you should see the following message in your browser.
- The BBC iPlayer app on FireStick will now show this screen. Click on Continue.
- On the Privacy Notice screen, click the “OK, got it” button.
- Welcome to your BBC iPlayer home screen. You’re all set to start streaming now.
Explore featured content directly on the home screen, or navigate to more options by selecting Channels and Categories at the top.
If you have something specific in mind, use the Search option in the top menu.
Watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK on web Browser [4 Easy Steps]
Open the BBC iPlayer VPN on your computer or mobile and connect to a UK server.
Open a web browser and go to https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer
- Click on “Sign in” at the top.
- Log in using your BBC iPlayer account details.
- Here’s the homepage of the website. Pick the content you’d like to watch.
- BBC iPlayer will prompt you about having a TV License. Select “I have a TV License” to proceed and watch now.
- Start streaming and enjoy
Now that you’ve successfully downloaded the BBC iPlayer on your FireStick, let’s explore how to use it.
Now you Can watch BBC Iplayer on Firestick
Here are some of the few most watched TV Shows and Movies on BBC iPlayer:
- Doctor Who
- Gossip Girl
- Peaky Blinders
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
- A Very British Scandal
- The Responder
- Four Lives
- Superman & Lois
- Vigil
- Fleabag
Frequently Asked Questions
What other devices is BBC iPlayer available on?
BBC iPlayer is compatible with almost all streaming devices including your FireStick and other devices like:
Android Devices – 4.4 and above, iOS 10.0, Samsung Smart TV (2018 models and onward), LG Smart TV with Web OS (4 and above), Apple TV (4th Gen onward), Fire TV, Windows, Mac and Blackberry etc..
Does BBC iPlayer in Canada require a VPN?
Yes, you must use a VPN to access the BBC iPlayer library anywhere outside the UK.
Is streaming BBC iPlayer permissible?
Yes, using BBC iPlayer to watch video is valid and legal because the BBC network has given it formal approval and a licence to broadcast the content.
Is BBC iPlayer Free?
All UK citizens who have paid the TV licence fee can access the BBC iPlayer service and BBC radio shows without further payments.
How can I Watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK?
The only method to access services outside of the UK is through a VPN since the platform is based only in the UK. For streaming BBC iPlayer from anywhere outside the UK, we advise using ExpressVPN and connecting to a UK server.