One clever app lets you stream UK shows while you’re on your summer hols – here’s how

Summer is here, and many Brits will be jetting off overseas for some much-needed sun, sand and relaxation – and, maybe, some TV. 

If you’ve struggled to watch your favourite programmes on iPlayer or ITV due to geo-blocking while outside the UK, there’s an easy way to sidestep the issue.

Holidaymakers often tuck a tablet or laptop into their luggage, ready to catch up on some guilty-pleasure TV while cooling down after a day at the beach.

But while you’re soaking up the rays, you might still want to keep up with your favourite UK TV shows, whether it’s the latest drama on BBC iPlayer, reality hits on ITVX, or binge-worthy boxsets on All4.

And for many, staying up to speed with all the latest dramas on ITV2’s Love Island is a non-negotiable. 

Unfortunately, many Brits who travel overseas quickly realise that streaming UK TV abroad isn’t as simple as it sounds.

Once you’re outside of the UK, platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and All 4 enforce ‘geo-blocking’ restrictions, meaning you can’t access their content due to your IP address’s location.

Not ideal. Luckily, there’s a clever way to bypass these restrictions and continue streaming UK TV abroad.

The solution? Downloading a VPN service like Surfshark.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that routes your internet connection through a secure, remote server.

It encrypts your data and masks your IP address, ensuring your privacy and protecting your online activities from prying eyes.

Not only does this keep your browsing safe, but it also allows you to change your virtual location – making it appear as though you’re accessing the internet from the UK.

With a VPN, you can enjoy your favourite UK shows, including Love Island, without worrying about geo-blocking, all while ensuring your connection remains secure and private.

This is a handy device that we’ve put to the test ourselves – read our Surfshark VPN review to find out more.

It’s important to note that using VPNs to access content from these platforms is legal, but all users of BBC iPlayer should have a TV license. 

To find out more about VPNs and how they work, read our what is a VPN explainer.

Surshark VPN, from £1.49 per month

How to stream UK TV abroad with Surfshark VPN

Using a VPN to stream UK television is straightforward.

Just follow these simple steps:

1. Choose a VPN provider from a provider like Surfshark.
2. Install the VPN app on your streaming device, whether it’s your phone, tablet, or laptop.
3. Connect to a UK server. Open the VPN app and select a UK-based server to mask your location.
4. Create an account on the streaming platform. Head to ITVX, BBC iPlayer, or All4 and sign up for an account if you don’t already have one.
5. Start streaming! Once connected to the UK server, you’ll be able to access your favourite shows, including Love Island, and enjoy uninterrupted streaming abroad.

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SurfsharkVPN Pricing

Surfshark offers three VPN packages to suit different budgets, with its advanced One and One+ services providing additional features.

Prices become more affordable with longer subscription plans, including rolling, 12-month, and 24-month options.

• Surfshark Starter, £1.49 per month – buy here
• Surfshark One+, £2.99 per month – buy here
• Surfshark One, £1.89 per month – buy here

With an affordable VPN package like Surfshark, you can make sure UK television comes with you on holiday.

Surshark VPN, from £1.49 per month

Heading abroad? Make sure you read about the risks of using public wi-fi in places like airports, cafes and open spaces.

Surshark’s One package is also a great way to protect your online activity – read our digital footprints explained article to find out more.