Is your CyberGhost app not working with BBC iPlayer? Don’t worry. It’s not an uncommon problem, and can usually be fixed easily.
In this quick guide, we’ll show you the most common solutions for problems that prevent you from accessing BBC iPlayer using CyberGhost. And if those don’t work, we’ll give you the best alternative VPNs to switch to.
How to stream BBC iPlayer with CyberGhost
First, let’s make sure your CyberGhost app is configured correctly for BBC iPlayer.
CyberGhost has apps for many devices that are compatible with BBC iPlayer, including some smart TV brands.
The setup process is generally the same for all of them:
- Sign up for CyberGhost. You’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee to try it risk-free.
- Download the app onto your BBC iPlayer device.
- Connect to a server in the UK.
- Clear your browser or BBC iPlayer app cache and cookies.
- Sign in on your browser or the BBC iPlayer app.
That’s it!
Clearing your cache and cookies is essential in case BBC iPlayer has logged your location in a previous session.
If you still can’t access BBC iPlayer, connect to a different server. Or, keep reading to find alternative VPNs that work with BBC iPlayer if CyberGhost is completely blocked.
How well does CyberGhost work with BBC iPlayer?
Generally, CyberGhost works very well with BBC iPlayer, thanks to its many UK servers, most of which are optimized for streaming. It also uses lightweight VPN protocols and the latest software, which ensures a smooth, reliable, fast connection from anywhere.
Our global test team connected to CyberGhost’s UK servers from countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa and could stream BBC iPlayer in 4K HD with minimal buffering.
However, unlike many top VPNs, CyberGhost doesn’t offer obfuscated servers. This makes it more likely to get caught and blocked by BBC iPlayer. You may need to try different servers until you find one that works with the streamer.
A few technical issues may prevent CyberGhost from working with BBC iPlayer, which we’ll discuss now.
Why does CyberGhost not work with BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer is a UK-only streaming site. Due to its broadcast licenses, you’re not supposed to watch its content outside the country, even if you’re a UK citizen. As a result, it actively blocks anyone outside the UK from accessing its content.
BBC iPlayer also invests heavily in detecting and blocking VPN servers, as most people use VPNs to access its content outside the UK. Even if you’re in the UK and using CyberGhost to improve your online privacy, BBC iPlayer will still block you.
The best BBC iPlayer VPNs constantly find ways to bypass these blocks – but it's not easy. They’re in a constant battle with the streamer.
However, software limitations and technical glitches in CyberGhost can also contribute. Here are the most common issues, and their solutions:
1. BBC iPlayer is reading old location data from your browser or device. Your old location will conflict with your VPN servers – causing an error on the BBC iPlayer app.
Solution: Clear your cache and cookies, and restart BBC iPlayer.
2. BBC iPlayer has identified and blocked your CyberGhost server. It won’t accept connection requests from that server’s IP address. CyberGhost has many UK servers, and you can switch to another easily in the app.
Solution: Switch to another server in the UK.
3. BBC iPlayer is using GPS to establish your location. Mobile apps often log your location by reading other apps using GPS – like Google Maps. There is no way for CyberGhost to hide this data.
Solution: Access BBC iPlayer on your mobile device’s browser or use a GPS spoofing app.
Best alternative VPNs for streaming BBC iPlayer
If you've exhausted all the solutions mentioned earlier and CyberGhost still can’t connect to BBC iPlayer, consider trying a different VPN.
After extensively testing numerous VPNs with BBC iPlayer and other well-known streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc.), we've narrowed down our recommendations to just five options.
Take a quick look at them below, or read our complete VPN reviews, to see exactly how every VPN performs in streaming, privacy, security, value, and much more.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer, thanks to its industry-leading security, lightning-fast connections, and uninterrupted access. ExpressVPN is the best-performing VPN for BBC iPlayer. Its extensive UK server network ensures smooth, buffer-free 4K HD streaming, maintaining stable connections on BBC iPlayer and other streaming platforms. It uses industry-best tools like automatic kill-switches, DNS/IPv6 leak protections, and 256-bit AES encryption (the same standard used by banks, governments, militaries, and spy agencies) to hide your data, location, and identity. Its exclusive Lightway VPN protocol enhances network speeds without compromising encryption or other security standards. While ExpressVPN does come with a slightly higher price than many VPNs, it is worth it. This is particularly true for regions often overlooked by its competitors, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. If CyberGhost has stopped working with BBC iPlayer, give ExpressVPN a try with its risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark is the most affordable VPN for BBC iPlayer. It combines security, speed, affordability, and the perk of unlimited device connections. It also offers advanced privacy. Surfshark is an absolute bargain for a few reasons. Firstly, it allows unlimited device connections on a single plan. Secondly, it is equipped with a variety of tools often absent in more costly competitors. Particularly notable are its ad blocker, malware detection, IP address rotation, and stealth mode (which conceals your VPN from BBC iPlayer by obfuscating your server). Together, these tools not only guarantee access to BBC iPlayer. They also significantly reduce your vulnerability to tracking, viruses, and online surveillance. Lastly, while Surfshark may not match NordVPN's speed, it comes very close. Our globally distributed team tested its servers from various locations, and we were able to stream in 4K HD without encountering buffering or lag. You can explore Surfshark thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN is a premium VPN that delivers fast streaming on BBC iPlayer, reliable connections worldwide, excellent privacy, and much more. NordVPN boasts a massive server network in 60+ countries – including many in the UK. We tested a lot of them and enjoyed fast, reliable connections from test locations across the globe. It also offers impenetrable privacy. NordVPN employs RAM-only servers that undergo automatic wiping whenever a VPN session terminates. They can also be unplugged in a second, in case NordVPN is ever raided! You also get automatic kill-switches, military-grade encryption, and zero-knowledge DNS tools to keep your location, identity, activities, and data hidden at all times. NordVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices used for BBC iPlayer, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and select smart TVs. You can also use its SmartDNS feature to install NordVPN on game consoles and other devices that don’t typically support VPNs. Every NordVPN user gets a 30-day money-back guarantee on new plans. IPVanish delivers consistently fast connections from over 2,000 global servers – including many in the UK. IPVanish is an excellent VPN for families who want to stream content and boost security at the same time. It offers unlimited device connections and a host of other cool features. Using IPVanish’s UK servers, we successfully streamed BBC iPlayer without buffering or video lag. IPVanish could also access Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and HBO, but struggled with Netflix US and Hulu. For these streaming services, premium providers like ExpressVPN or Surfshark might be more suitable. IPVanish boasts impressive security credentials, including 256-bit AES encryption, a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange, and SHA512 authentication – all of which add multiple layers of protection and cloaking to your data, location, and browsing activity. However, IPVanish is based in the US, a founding member of the secretive Five Eyes global surveillance alliance. While its policies are trustworthy, many excellent VPNs on this list are situated in more privacy-focused regions. A 30-day money-back guarantee is also included in every plan. PrivateVPN has a smaller server network (200 globally), but it’s still capable of streaming BBC iPlayer and offers excellent security. PrivateVPN stands out for providing excellent security measures. Its offerings include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill-switch – all of which we verified through testing. Upon installation, you can either retain the default settings or customize them to your specific requirements. As a result, PrivateVPN suits both newcomers and more advanced users. While its network of 200 server locations worldwide is much smaller than most top VPNs, we tested them extensively and were still impressed with the results. We could access every major streaming site, including BBC iPlayer. The connections were fast enough to stream in HD, and we never had to pause or let the streams buffer. It’s also an excellent value. You can install PrivateVPN on up to 10 simultaneous devices, including smart TVs, some routers, and game consoles. A 30-day money-back guarantee is also included on all PrivateVPN plans. 1. ExpressVPN
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How we tested CyberGhost and others with BBC iPlayer
We meticulously tested each VPN on this list to ensure they worked with BBC iPlayer and didn’t leak our location or data.
Our globally distributed team switched between servers, thoroughly grilled customer support, and indulged in extended Peaky Blinders marathons (yes, you read that right!).
Most VPNs failed our tests outright. The ones that passed did so based on the following.
- Large server network: We have only recommended VPNs with lots of servers in the UK, as part of a wider network of secure servers spread across the globe.
- Access any content from anywhere: The VPNs we have chosen accessed every streaming site around the world, and other websites that restrict access due to your location, including banks and personal tax portals.
- Fast connection speeds: Because you’ll be streaming lots of HD content, we only included VPNs that have minimal impact on your connection speed and can deliver consistent connections anywhere in the world.
- Excellent security: The VPNs on this list provide state-of-the-art security to keep you hidden and safe online, including 256-bit AES encryption, IP leak protections, automatic kill-switches, and much more.
- Easy to use: The sophisticated tech that powers VPNs doesn't mean they have to be complicated. We have only included VPNs with simple, user-friendly apps and easy configuration. Anything annoying to use didn't make it.
- Good value: The best thing about VPNs is how cheap they are – you will never have to spend more than a few dollars a month.
Look at our complete VPN review process to see the full list and use it to guide you when choosing a VPN for BBC iPlayer – or anything else.
Do free VPNs work with BBC iPlayer?
Most free VPNs don’t work with BBC iPlayer. The streamer easily catches their limited UK server networks, and they lack advanced VPN cloaking software and stealth modes.
However, that’s not the only reason we don’t recommend free VPNs. They come with a whole host of user experience and security concerns, including:
1. Free VPNs limit the number of locations you can access. Most only have servers in two to three countries that quickly get crowded with other free users.
2. Free VPNs are too slow for BBC iPlayer – or anything else. They either can’t deliver fast connections or throttle you, so you eventually upgrade to a paid plan.
3. Free VPNs come bundled with ads. They’re intrusive, irritating, and could be loaded with malware.
4. Free VPNs sell your information to data brokers and advertisers. Your privacy will be compromised, and you can’t be sure what malware and trackers are installed on your device to track you.
5. Free VPNs have been caught hosting malware and hackers on their networks. This malware can then infect your devices or be used to steal your personal data.
Numerous affordable VPNs work with BBC iPlayer and don’t compromise your safety or deliver sub-par service.
Avoid unnecessary hassles by opting for these reliable VPN providers and skipping free ones altogether.
CyberGhost and BBC iPlayer FAQs
Conclusion
CyberGhost is not the only VPN that occasionally faces blocks from BBC iPlayer. The streaming service consistently tries to curtail VPN usage on its platform. But don’t worry, VPNs consistently devise strategies to bypass these efforts.
If CyberGhost isn’t working on your BBC iPlayer account, try the quick fixes suggested in this guide. If you still can’t get access, an alternate BBC iPlayer VPN might be necessary, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Or read our top VPN reviews to find out which is best for you.