How To Watch BBC iPlayer in Russia? [Easy Ways In 2023]

bbc-iplayer-in-russia

Is BBC iPlayer available in Russia? Officially, BBC iPlayer is only available in UK but you can get it in Russia with a VPN service. A VPN will help you watch BBC iPlayer in Russia within seconds and you can enjoy your favorite content from anywhere.

BBC iPlayer is a geo-restricted platform that is only available for UK viewers. Now, we recommend that if you want to watch BBC iPlayer in Russia, get a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.

Wondering what to watch on BBC iPlayer? It has some of the best shows, movies, sports events, and documentaries such as The Warship: Tour of Duty, The Apprentice S17. The Young MasterChef, Crazy Rich Asians, Margot, and Young Adult.

So now, if you want to watch BBC iPlayer in Russia, continue reading this article to get all the information.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Russia? [3 Quick Steps]

To access BBC iPlayer in Russia follow these quick easy steps:

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN and log in with your credentials
  2. Download and install a premium VPN service on your streaming device like ExpressVPN and connect to a UK server (Recommended: Docklands).
  3. Go to the BBC iPlayer website, log in with your credentials, and start streaming BBC iPlayer in Russia.

Note: If you don’t have an account on BBC iPlayer yet, you will happy to know that there is no BBC iPlayer subscription cost.

Sign up to BBC iPlayer today and try out the streaming service to enjoy your favorite content in Russia.

Get BBC iPlayer in Russia with ExpressVPNOur Top Recommendation for buffer-free streaming

Why do you need a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer?

As mentioned, BBC iPlayer is a location-locked platform that is only limited to UK viewers, so if you are in Russia, you will need a VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer.

Due to stringent copyrights and licensing issues, the content available on BBC iPlayer cannot be viewed by audiences residing outside UK territories.

If you try to access BBC iPlayer in Russia without a VPN, you will get the below geo-error:

“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.”

bbc-iplayer-geo-error-russia

We got the geo-error message of BBC iPlayer when we tried to access in Russia without a VPN.

While you are in Russia, a VPN will conceal your real IP address and give you a UK IP address to make it look like you are streaming from the UK.

Our top recommended VPN is ExpressVPN. It is a reliable VPN with the best features to offer to the end-users like its high-speed servers and security protocols.

Let us remind you, the geo-blocking technology of BBC iPlayer is one of the toughest to bypass but with ExpressVPN, you can watch BBC iPlayer on Smart TV easily while sitting in Russia.

Stream BBC iPlayer in Russia with ExpressVPNOur Top Recommendation for buffer-free streaming

How to Sign-Up for BBC iPlayer in Russia?

If you don’t have an account on BBC iPlayer as yet, just follow the below steps to sign-up for BBC iPlayer in Russia:

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install a VPN service on the streaming device.
  3. Connect to a UK server (Recommended: Docklands).
  4. Go to BBC iPlayer website and click on Sign inbbc-iplayer-sign-in
  5. Then click on Register Now option on the website.register-now-bbc-iplayer
  6. Verify your age, and insert your DOB and Email ID.verify-age-bbc-iplayer
  7. Select the United Kingdom as your current location and put a UK postal code like PO16 7GZ or 0NY.verify-region-bbc-iplayer
  8. When prompted if you have a valid UK TV license, click “Yes.”
  9. Start streaming your favorite content on BBC iPlayer in Russia.

If somehow, BBC iPlayer not working for you, you can try to reinstall the BBC iPlayer App Russia and try the above process one more time.

Access BBC iPlayer in Russia with ExpressVPNOur Top Recommendation for buffer-free streaming

What are the Best VPNs To Watch BBC iPlayer in Russia? [Detailed Analysis]

Want to find out the best VPNs to watch BBC iPlayer in Russia? We tested about 50+ VPNs in the market for you to watch BBC iPlayer in Russia.

We have shortlisted 3 VPNs that have stood out amongst all in terms of unblocking technologies, buffer-free streaming, security and privacy features. Continue reading to know more.

ExpressVPN: Best VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Russia

ExpressVPN is the best VPN to watch BBC iPlayer for the wide range of features it offers to the end-users. It has the best security protocols and also guarantees fast streaming on BBC iPlayer for the those of you in Russia.

It has a server network of 3000 servers in 105 countries. Currently, it has 4 servers in the United Kingdom London, East London, Docklands, and Wembley.

bbc-iplayer-express-vpn-russia

ExpressVPN unblocked BBC iPlayer in a matter of seconds

The security protocols of ExpressVPN are also unmatchable like the 256-bit encryption, Lightway Protocol, Threat Manager, split tunneling, automatic kill-switch, and no backlogs policy.

It offers 5 simultaneous connections on multiple devices on only a single account subscription. You can watch BBC iPlayer on iPhone with ExpressVPN as it supports different operating systems like iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux.

The USP of ExpressVPN is its Media Streamer feature which allows it to connect to devices that do not support VPN configuration now you can easily get BBC iPlayer on Roku in USA and Firestick devices with ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN also supports different devices like Android smartphones, Smart TVs, Gaming consoles, Laptops, PCs, iPads, Tablets, and many more.

When we tested ExpressVPN, it gave us amazing results with a download speed of 89.38Mbps and an upload speed of 84.66Mbps on a 100Mbps connection. With such speed you can easily stream your favorite shows from BBC iPlayer in Malaysia as well.

express-vpn-speed-test-russia

The speed test results of ExpressVPN were outstanding

If you want to get a subscription to ExpressVPN, then you are in luck. It is currently coming at an offer of US$ 6.67 /mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free with a 30-day money-back guarantee as well. Subscribe to ExpressVPN today!!

Pros

    • Fast speed servers
    • 30 days money back guarantee
    • MediaStreamer feature to connect to devices that do not have VPN configuration
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Threat manager feature
    • AES 256-bit encryption and no backlogs

Cons

    • A bit more pricey than other VPNs in the market
    • Speed is inconsistent sometimes
    • Advanced configuration tools

Watch BBC iPlayer in Russia with ExpressVPNOur Top Recommendation for buffer-free streaming

Surfshark: Budget-friendly VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Russia

Surfshark is considered budget friendly due to the price tag attached to it. In comparison with the other VPNs in the market, Surfshark is extremely reasonable. Currently, it is priced at US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee with a 30-days money-back guarantee.

It has a widespread server network as well, with 3200 servers in 100 countries. It has 4 server in United Kingdom that is located in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Manchester. 

bbc-iplayer-surfshark-russia

Surfshark gave us a smooth streaming experience on BBC iPlayer in Russia

Surfshark also offers some of the best features like the kill-switch, DNS IP/leak, MultiHop, Camouflage, and 256 bit encryption as well.

Moreover, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections on multiple devices like iPhones, smartphones, Smart TVs, tablets, iPads, PCs, laptops, and many more. You can also get BBC iPlayer on Firestick with Surfshark.

When we tested Surfshark, the speed test results were outstanding. We received a download speed of 88.48 Mbps and an upload speed of 79.42 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection. This means you can also unblock BBC iPlayer in Ecuador easily.

surf-shark-speed-test-russia

Surfshark speed results were quite satisfactory in Russia

If you want to try out Surfshark, it offers a 7 days free trial for mobile users, so try Surfshark and unblock BBC iPlayer in Russia. You can also access BBC iPlayer in Thailand with Surfshark VPN.

Pros

    • Budget-friendly VPN
    • AES 256 bit encryption
    • 24/7 customer support
    • 30-days money-back guarantee

Cons

    • Inconsistent speed
    • Apps on iOS devices are weak
    • Bugs found in browsers

NordVPN: Largest Server Network VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Russia

NordVPN has the largest server network with 6000 servers in 61 countries. Currently, it has 400+ servers in London (United Kingdom) only.

bbc-iplayer-nord-vpn-russia

NordVPN smoothly unblocked BBC iPlayer in Russia

You get 6 simultaneous connections on multiple devices on a single subscription. NordVPN is found to be supported by different operating systems like iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux and it is compatible with iPhones, iPads, tablets, PCs, laptops, gaming consoles, and many more.

NordVPN has top-notch features to offer as well like 256-bit encryption, MultiHop, automatic kill-switch, Camouflage Mode, and DNS/IP leak protection.

When we tested NordVPN for BBC iPlayer, the speed results were absolutely phenomenal. The download speed was 93.42 Mbps and the upload speed was 87.68 Mbps on a 100Mbps connection.

nord-vpn-speed-test-russia

Speed test results of NordVPN were extraordinary while streaming BBC iPlayer in Russia

If you subscribe to NordVPN today, you will get it at an amazing offer of US$ 3.99 /mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend with 30 days money-back guarantee as well.

Pros

    • Large server network
    • AES 256 bit encryption, IKEv4 protocol
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Manual WireGuard
    • Fast connection with huge bandwidth

Cons

    • Mobile App gets glitches
    • IP address remains static
    • No router App

How to Watch BBC iPlayer without paying a single penny in Russia?

BBC iPlayer is a free-of-cost streaming service in the UK but if you want to watch without paying a single dime in Russia, there are two ways to achieve that:

  • Get your hands on a valid UK TV license.
  • Get a UK-based postal code.

What are the UK-based Postal Codes to sign up for BBC iPlayer in Russia?

Below is a list of UK postal codes that you can use while filling out the registration form at BBC iPlayer:

Country Postal Code
England BA21 5BT
England BA21 5BZ
England BA21 5BW
England BA22 9RH
England BA22 9SJ
Wales CF10 1AA
Wales CF10 1BA
Wales CF10 2WT
Wales CF10 3EQ
Wales CF10 4BX
Scotland IV12 4AA
Scotland IV12 4AB
Scotland IV12 4AL
Scotland IV12 4AF
Scotland IV124AD

What are the different channels of BBC iPlayer?

There are a number of different channels of BBC iPlayer and you can easily get access to these channels in Russia. All you need to do is get a subscription to ExpressVPN and unblock BBC iPlayer in Russia and anywhere in the world.

Following is a list of channels of BBC iPlayer:

BBC One BBC Parliament
BBC Two BBC News Live
BBC Four S4C
BBC Alba CBeebies
BBC Scotland Radio 1

What can I Watch on BBC IPlayer in Russia in 2023?

There is plenty for you to watch on BBC iPlayer on Russia in 2023. From movies to TV shows to sports events to documentaries, you name it and BBC iPlayer has that coming on their streaming platform.

TV Shows Films Documentaries Comedy Shows
Young Masterchef The Incredibles Panorama Bad Education
The Apprentice S17 The Eighth Grade Putin VS the West Our Flag Means Death
Eurovision Song Contest: Handover and Allocation Margot Humza: Forgiving the Unforgivable Search Party
Luther The Piranhas Surgeons: At the edge of Life Ghosts US
The Watch Crazy Rich Asians Hooded Men-Britain’s Torture Playbook Uncle
Pursuit of Love The Man with Iron Heart Big Little Crimes Ghosts
Amanda and Alan’s Italian Job Defiance The Warship: Tour of Duty Detectorists

What Sports are available to Watch in Russia?

Following is a list of all the upcoming and ongoing sports shows and events available to watch in Russia on BBC iPlayer:

  • Six Nations 2023
  • Scottish Championship 2023
  • Wheelchair World Cup
  • NBA
  • Scottish Women’s Premier League 2023
  • Women’s FA Cup

What are BBC iPlayer Alternatives?

There are several alternatives for BBC iPlayer for online streamers. We have done a comparison of BBC iPlayer with the major players in the world of streaming.

Check out the table below and choose for yourself:

BBC iPlayer Netflix Peacock TV Disney+ Hotstar
A UK-based on-demand video streaming platform. Netflix is available in multiple regions. A US-based over-the-top video streaming platform. A subscription video-on-demand streaming service in the United States
BBC iPlayer has a wide variety to offer from different genres. A variety of content to offer. Currently, offering 4000 movies and over 1800 TV shows It offers material from NBC Universal Studios and other third-party content providers. Has all the content created by The Walt Disney Studios
Limited audience Mass Appeal Limited audience Limited audience
No subscription cost Subscription cost Only the basic plan is free Subscription cost

Which Devices are compatible with BBC iPlayer?

There are many devices that are found to be compatible with BBC iPlayer, such as:

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on iOS Devices?

Want to watch BBC iPlayer on your iPhone or iPad? Follow these steps to get BBC iPlayer in Russia:

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install ExpressVPN on your streaming device.
  3. Connect to a UK server (Recommended: Docklands).
  4. Go to Apple App Store.
  5. Select your Apple ID.
  6. Go to Media and Purchases < Country/Region < United Kingdom, and select agree.
  7. Use a UK postal code and address in your personal information.
  8. Search BBC iPlayer App and download it.
  9. Run the new Application on your iOS device.
  10. Log in with your credentials.
  11. Start streaming your favorite content on BBC iPlayer in Russia.
Get BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPNOur Top Recommendation for buffer-free streaming

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Android Devices?

Want to watch BBC iPlayer on your Android device? Follow these steps to get BBC iPlayer in Russia:

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install ExpressVPN on your streaming device.
  3. Connect to a UK server (Recommended: Docklands).
  4. Go to Google Play Store.
  5. Go to Settings
  6. Select the Country tab and change the region to the United Kingdom
  7. Search BBC iPlayer App and download it.
  8. Log in with your credentials.
  9. Start streaming your favorite content on BBC iPlayer in Russia.
Get BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPNOur Top Recommendation for buffer-free streaming

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Roku?

If you want to watch BBC iPlayer on Roku, follow the below steps:

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install ExpressVPN on your streaming device.
  3. Connect to a UK server (Recommended: Docklands).
  4. Go to streaming channels and select Search Channels.
  5. Click on Add Channel.
  6. Search for BBC iPlayer and Click on it to add it to the list.
  7. Start streaming your favorite content on BBC iPlayer in Russia.
Get BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPNOur Top Recommendation for buffer-free streaming

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Firestick?

If you want to watch BBC iPlayer on Firestick, you should be using Fire OS 5 at first. Then, just follow the below steps:

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install ExpressVPN on your streaming device.
  3. Connect to a UK server (Recommended: Docklands).
  4. Go to Amazon Appstore.
  5. Search for BBC iPlayer App.
  6. Click the install button and your download should start.
  7. Open your App and start watching your favorite content on BBC iPlayer in Russia.
  8. Start streaming your favorite content on BBC iPlayer in Russia.
Get BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPNOur Top Recommendation for buffer-free streaming

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Chromecast?

Want to watch BBC iPlayer on Chromecast device, just follow the below steps:

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install ExpressVPN on your streaming device.
  3. Connect to a UK server (Recommended: Docklands).
  4. Go to BBC iPlayer App on your device.
  5. The cast icon will appear as soon as your device is able to recognize it.
  6. Select the device you want to cast BBC iPlayer.
  7. Click on the Play Button and start watching BBC iPlayer on Chromecast in Russia.
Get BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPNOur Top Recommendation for buffer-free streaming

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Apple TV?

Want to watch BBC iPlayer on Apple TV, just follow these steps mentioned below:

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install ExpressVPN on your streaming device.
  3. Connect to a UK server (Recommended: Docklands).
  4. Click on the tiny magnifying glass on the top right corner of your screen and select BBC.
  5. You will get the Apple TV and the BBC iPlayer icon on the screen.
  6. Select the BBC iPlayer App.
  7. Click the install option on App details screen.
  8. Start streaming BBC iPlayer on Apple TV in Russia.
Get BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPNOur Top Recommendation for buffer-free streaming

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Smart TV?

If you have a Smart TV and you want to watch BBC iPlayer in Russia, follow these easy steps:

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install ExpressVPN on your streaming device.
  3. Connect to a UK server (Recommended: Docklands).
  4. Search BBC iPlayer App on the Channel Store of your Smart TV.
  5. Click on BBC iPlayer App and login with your credentials.
  6. Start streaming your favorite content on BBC iPlayer in Russia.
Get BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPNOur Top Recommendation for buffer-free streaming

Can I Watch BBC iPlayer in Other Countries Using a VPN?

Yes, you can definitely stream BBC iPlayer in the following countries with a premium VPN service.

BBC iPlayer USA BBC iPlayer in Philippines
BBC iPlayer Portugal BBC iPlayer in Brazil
BBC iPlayer in Turkey BBC iPlayer Denmark
BBC iPlayer in Belgium

FAQs – BBC iPlayer in Russia

Yes, BBC iPlayer is absolutely free to watch in the UK with no subscription cost. If you are in Russia, you will have to subscribe to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN to unblock BBC iPlayer.

Yes, you need a valid TV License to watch BBC iPlayer. This is a requirement set out by BBC that the user is in possession of a valid UK TV license to validate that you are located in UK only.

Yes, it is legal to watch BBC iPlayer with a VPN in Russia. Although internet anonymizers and VPNs are legal in Russia, the nation does block the VPN providers which provide access to restricted websites or those on its “reject list.”

Just follow the below steps to watch BBC iPlayer in Russia with Smart DNS:

  • Go to Unlocator and register for a 7days free trial.
  • Configure Smart DNS on your device.
  • Go to BBC iPlayer website.
  • Enjoy BBC iPlayer in Russia with Smart DNS.

Yes, you can watch BBC iPlayer with a free VPN but we suggest that you use a premium service VPN like ExpressVPN for unblocking. Free VPNs are unsafe and unreliable for the following reasons:

  • It is not entirely safe as they are not that effective in encrypting communications.
  • It also keeps back logs of user information.
  • They are also fairly slow in comparison with the other VPNs that ask for a subscription cost.

Therefore, it is for the better, if you use a premium VPN provider to get a better streaming experience on BBC iPlayer.

When users are using VPN services, they can probably face difficulty in accessing BBC iPlayer in Russia. You can try out the below fixes:

  • Try switching the servers on your VPN.
  • Clear the cookies on your browser and then restart.
  • Change your time zone to the United Kingdom.
  • Check if the IP leak location option on your VPN is switched on.
  • Switch off your device and then switch it back on.

Wrap Up!

BBC iPlayer is one of the best on-demand video streaming services but due to tough geo-blocks, it cannot be accessed outside UK territories.

Nonetheless, we have a fix for that too. If you want to watch BBC iPlayer in Russia, simply get a VPN to bypass its geo-restrictions.

Our top recommended VPN is ExpressVPN for its top-notch security features and fast-speed servers which will enable you to have a seamless and smooth streaming experience with BBC iPlayer.

Get ExpressVPN today and watch BBC iPlayer in Russia to enjoy your favorite content anytime. Do share your feedback with us in the comments section below.

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Christina William

An avid traveler, always thrilled with the idea of exploring new places, Christina loves to strike off destinations from her bucket list whenever she gets an opportunity. Two constants of her life, whether at home or on the go, are Disney and Marvel shows and movies.

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