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.
How to sign up for BBC iPlayer outside the UK?
You can sign up for BBC iPlayer outside the UK through the following steps:
- Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
- Search for ExpressVPN on your FireStick and install the app.
- Launch the app and input your login information.
- Connect to the UK server.
- Open Amazon Silk web browser.
- Enter the following URL in your browser: https://account.bbc.com/register.
- Enter your birthdate, then select “Continue.”
- Enter your email and password information.
- Choose the UK from the Country drop-down menu.
- Input your gender and a UK postcode.
- To proceed, click Register.
- Open the BBC email verification link in your email and click to proceed.
Now you can enjoy your favourite material on BBC iPlayer outside of the UK.
What to Watch on BBC iPlayer?
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.
