Reading Time: 5 minutes
UKTV-Play-Outside-UK

UKTV Play is the on-demand free streaming service unavailable to viewers outside the UK due to geo-restrictions. Despite that, you can still watch UKTV Play outside UK with a VPN. Choose the best VPN like ExpressVPN, connect to a UK server, and stream your favorite Brutish shows.

Whether you’re a fan of classic comedies, gripping dramas, or informative documentaries, UKTV Play brings you the best British entertainment from channels like Dave, Drama, and Yesterday. It includes well-known TV shows and movies, including New Tricks, Father Brown, Last Of The Summer, and more.

But, if you’re outside the UK, you might face geo-blocks that prevent you from accessing this content. Therefore, you’d require a premium VPN service to change your current IP to any UK IP address. This comprehensive guide will show you how to get UKTV Play outside UK, ensuring you don’t miss out on your favorite programming.


How to Watch UKTV Play Outside UK [Easy Steps]

It is easy to watch UKTV Play outside UK with the best UK VPN. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

  1. Choose a reliable VPN service known for its streaming capabilities. (We recommend ExpressVPN).
  2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
  3. Connect to a UK-based server to obtain a UK IP address. (Use the Docklands server).
  4. Navigate to the UKTV Play website and sign up or log in.
  5. Start streaming your favorite shows from anywhere outside the UK.
Watch UKTV Play Outside UK with ExpressVPN Try Risk-Free with 30 days Money Back Guarantee

Why Do You Need a VPN to Unblock UKTV Play Outside UK?

You need a VPN to access UKTV Play because the streaming service is geo-restricted and unavailable everywhere outside the UK. In short, UKTV can only be streamed from within the United Kingdom.

If you try to access UKTV Play abroad, you will receive the following geo-restriction error on your screen:

Error Code 2 Could Not Download the Video. Please use the retry button

uktv-play-geo-restriction-error-outside-uk

We got this error while accessing UKTV Play without a VPN service.

Therefore, you need a VPN to stream UKTV Play outside UK. A VPN routes your internet traffic via multiple servers in UK. It masks your location and changes your IP address to the UK. This way, you can easily access UKTV Play’s content without issues.

However, not every VPN works efficiently with UKTV Play. This is why we highly recommend using ExpressVPN to access UKTV Play outside the United Kingdom.


3 Best VPNs to Watch UKTV Play Outside UK [Quick Overview]

Here’s a list of the best VPNs that can easily access UKTV Play outside UK:

  1. ExpressVPN – The Best VPN to Watch UKTV Play Outside UK. Offers 3000+ servers worldwide, with four server locations in the UK. It comes with an exclusive MediaStreamer feature, a kill switch, AES 256-bit encryption, and more. Available at GB£ 5.28/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee and five multi-logins.
  2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN to Get UKTV Play Outside UK. Available at an affordable price of GB£ 1.97/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) and comes with a risk-free 30-day refund policy. Offers 3200+ servers worldwide, with four server locations in the UK. Comes with a Whitelister, MultiHop, CleanWeb, etc. Offers unlimited multi-logins.
  3. NordVPN – Largest Server Network VPN to Unblock UKTV Play Outside UK. Offers 6000+ servers worldwide with 440+ servers in the UK. Comes with obfuscated servers, Nordlynx, CyberSec, etc. Available at GB£ 3.16/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) , and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee and six multi-logins.
Watch UKTV Play Outside UK Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free

Best VPNs to Watch UKTV Play Outside UK [In-Depth Analysis]

After extensive testing, we recommend the following VPNs to stream UKTV Play outside UK. Each of these VPNs offers a seamless streaming experience, ensuring you can watch UKTV Play without interruptions or buffering.

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN to Watch UKTV Play Outside UK

ExpressVPN

  • UK servers: 4 server locations are available in Docklands, East London, Wembley, & London.
  • 3000+ servers in 105 countries
  • Five simultaneous connections
  • MediaStreamer feature for Smart TVs and gaming consoles
  • Compatible with macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, routers, browsers, and more

ExpressVPN is the best VPN to watch UKTV Play outside UK because of its user-friendly interface and robust performance. It offers 3000+ servers in 105 countries, including multiple highly optimized servers in the UK.

For the best streaming experience on UKTV Play, we recommend using the London and Docklands servers, known for their high-speed connectivity and reliability.

expressvpn-unblocked-uktv-play-outside-uk

We could enjoy watching all our favorite shows using ExpressVPN’s Docklands server.

Moreover, besides being the best VPN for UKTV Play, ExpressVPN enables access to many other geo-restricted streaming platforms, such as BBC iPlayer and Now TV. It’s also the best VPN for Alibi, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.

One of ExpressVPN’s standout features is its blazing-fast streaming speeds. On a 100 Mbps internet connection, ExpressVPN gave a good download speed of 87.78 Mbps and an upload speed of 42.22 Mbps.

expressvpn-speed-test

We got these super-fast speeds on a 100 Mbps connection.

This VPN is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, FireStick, and Smart TVs. You can also easily set up ExpressVPN on a router for any device you like.

This VPN offers top-tier encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch feature for security purposes, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure. This level of security is crucial, especially when accessing streaming services from regions with strict digital privacy laws.

ExpressVPN costs only GB£ 5.28/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free and offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee and five multi-logins. Learn more about this VPN in our detailed ExpressVPN review.


2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN to Get UKTV Play Outside UK

Surfshark

  • UK servers: 4 server locations are available in Manchester, Edinburgh, London, & Glasgow.
  • Servers: 3200+ servers in 100 countries
  • Simultaneous connections: Unlimited devices
  • Money-back guarantee: 30-day
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Browsers (Chrome, Firefox), SmartTVs, PlayStation, and routers

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN to stream UKTV Play outside UK. It costs only GB£ 1.97/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee and includes a one-week free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

With over 3200+ servers in 100 countries, including 200+ servers in the UK, Surfshark ensures reliable access to UKTV Play. We recommend Edinburgh and Manchester servers for their consistent performance and streaming quality.

surfshark-unblocked-uktv-play-outside-uk

We could enjoy HD-quality streaming easily using Surfshark.

Surfshark also offers impressive streaming speeds, which means you can enjoy UKTV Play content in high definition with minimal buffering. When we tested Surfshark’s speeds, it delivered an amazing download speed of 81.32 Mbps and an upload speed of 76.12 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

surfshark-speed-test

These speeds let us enjoy UKTV Play without any delays.

Surfshark doesn’t compromise on security. It offers AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch feature. These security measures ensure your online activities remain private and secure, an essential aspect for users concerned about digital privacy.

The best thing about Surfshark is that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections to users. Moreover, it’s compatible with various devices, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Roku, Kodi, FireStick, and more.

To know more about this VPN, go through our Surfshark review.

Watch UKTV Play Outside UK with Surfshark 30 Days Money Back Guarantee

3. NordVPNLargest Server Network VPN to Unblock UKTV Play Outside UK

NordVPN

  • UK servers: 440+ available in London
  • Servers: 6000+ servers in 61 countries
  • Simultaneous connections: 6 devices
  • Money-back guarantee: 30-day
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Browsers (Chrome, Firefox), SmartTVs, PlayStation, and routers

NordVPN offers the largest network of servers to watch UKTV Play outside UK. This VPN boasts 6000+ servers located worldwide, with 440+ servers in the UK.

By connecting to its London server, we faced no issues unblocking UKTV Play, and the quality of the video was excellent.

nordvpn-unblocked-uktv-play-outside-uk

We faced no buffering or lags while streaming UKTV Play with NordVPN.

As for speeds, while enjoying UKTV Play shows with NordVPN, we got a download speed of 83.83 Mbps and an upload speed of 44.64 Mbps on our 100 Mbps connection, which was fantastic.

nordvpn-speed-test

We could stream all our favorite content on UKTV Play with these speeds.

NordVPN upholds a strict no-log user policy with additional features, including DoubleVPN, Onion Over VPN, Obfuscated server, and ads and malware blockers.

This VPN provider further offers compatibility with iOS, FireStick, Android, Apple TV, and more. While it took a while to work on Windows, the service was flawless on all other devices.

You can get NordVPN for only GB£ 3.16/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend, along with six simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To know more about this VPN, read our in-depth NordVPN review.

Watch UKTV Play Outside UK With NordVPN 30 Days Money Back Guarantee

How do I Choose the Best VPN for UKTV Play?

When streaming UKTV Play outside the UK, choosing the right VPN is crucial for a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience. Here are key factors to consider when selecting the best VPN for UKTV Play:

  1. Server Network in the UK: Look for a VPN with a wide range of servers in the UK. This ensures you can always find a server with optimal speed and reliability, reducing the risk of overcrowding and slow connections.
  2.  Streaming Speed and Reliability: A VPN with high-speed servers is essential for streaming UKTV Play content in high definition without buffering. Check for VPNs known for their speed and performance.
  3. Ability to Bypass Geo-Restrictions: The VPN should reliably unblock UKTV Play and other UK-based streaming services. Look for a VPN with a proven track record of bypassing geo-restrictions.
  4. Robust Security Features: Opt for a VPN with strong encryption standards and a strict no-logs policy to keep your streaming activities private and secure.
  5. Compatibility with Devices: The VPN should be compatible with various devices and platforms, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs, for versatile streaming options.
  6. Customer Support and Service: Good customer service is vital. Choose a VPN that offers responsive and helpful support, ideally with 24/7 availability.
  7. Pricing and Value for Money: Consider the pricing plans and ensure a good balance of features. Look for VPNs that offer a combination of affordability and functionality.

Which Devices Are Compatible with UKTV Play Outside UK?

UKTV Play is compatible with a wide range of devices, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite shows on the device of your choice. These include:

  • Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, etc.)
  • Streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Firestick & Fire TV, Chromecast)
  • Mobile devices (iOS and Android smartphones and tablets)
  • Computers (via web browsers)

Ensure your VPN is compatible with these devices for a hassle-free streaming experience.

How can I stream UKTV Play outside UK on Android

Follow the steps below to watch UKTV Play on your Android device outside UK:

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.
  2. Install the VPN app on your Android device.
  3. Connect to a server in the UK (Use the Docklands server).
  4. Create a new Google account.
  5. Open the Google Play Store using this newly created ID.
  6. Search for the UKTV Play app and install it on your Android device.
  7. Enjoy watching UKTV Play outside UK on Android.

How to get UKTV Play outside UK on iOS

Follow the steps below to install UKTV Play on your iOS device outside UK:

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.
  2. Install the VPN app on your iOS device.
  3. Connect to a server in the UK (Use the Docklands server).
  4. Go to Settings and change the Country/Region to the United Kingdom.
  5. Then, visit the App Store and install the UKTV Play app.
  6. Enjoy watching UKTV Play outside the UK on iOS.
Watch UKTV Play Outside UK on iOS Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free

What are the Best UKTV Play Channels

Here’s a list of UKTV Play channels that you can stream outside the country:

  • W
  • Dave
  • Drama
  • Yesterday
  • Gold

Famous TV Shows You Can Watch on UKTV Play in 2024

UKTV Play offers a diverse range of content catering to various tastes. Here’s a list of popular shows that you can stream on UKTV Play this 2024:

  • The Heart Guy
  • New Tricks
  • Secret Nazi Bases
  • Shameless
  • Victoria
  • Wanderlust
  • Utopia
  • The Game
  • The Office
  • Crashing
  • Heartbeat

What’s New on UKTV Play in February 2024?

Here are a few popular shows that you can stream on UKTV Play in February 2024:

  • The Bill
  • Classic EastEnders
  • Pie in the Sky
  • Bergerac
  • Allo Allo
  • Last Of The Summer Wine
  • Father Brown
  • New Tricks

Why is UKTV Play not working with my VPN Outside UK?

You may encounter scenarios where UKTV Play won’t work outside the UK, even with a VPN connection. This could be due to VPN detection by UKTV Play. Other common reasons why UKTV Play not working with VPN:

  1. IP Address Blacklisting: UKTV Play may have blacklisted the IP addresses provided by your VPN, preventing access.
  2. Outdated VPN Software: Running an outdated version of your VPN software can lead to compatibility issues.
  3. Inadequate VPN Server Location: Not all VPN servers are optimized for streaming; choosing the right server location is crucial.
  4. VPN Leakages: Sometimes, VPNs can leak your actual IP address due to DNS or WebRTC leaks.

Troubleshooting Tips to Fix UKTV Play not working outside UK

At times like those, you are advised to try these quick fixes:

  1. Switch Servers: Try connecting to a different UK server. VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark offer multiple servers in the UK.
  2. Update Your VPN: Ensure your VPN app is updated to the latest version.
  3. Clear your browser cache, cookies, and history: Regularly clear your browser’s cache and cookies to prevent location tracking.
  4. Check for IP Leaks: Use online tools to check if your VPN is leaking your real IP address.
  5. Contact VPN Support: If issues persist, contact your VPN’s customer support for assistance.

Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch UKTV Play?

Yes, you can use a free VPN to access UKTV Play, which can offer a quick solution without any initial cost. Some of the best Free VPNs for UK often provide access to different server locations, allowing you to connect to a UK server and access geo-blocked content like UKTV Play from anywhere in the world. Additionally, they can be user-friendly and straightforward to set up, making them accessible even for those unfamiliar with VPNs.

However, Free VPNs often limit data usage and speed, leading to buffering and lower video quality. They might compromise privacy by selling user data or displaying ads, posing risks to personal information. Moreover, some free VPNs might not reliably work with services like UKTV Play due to server detection, reducing their effectiveness in accessing geo-blocked content.


More Guides to Stream outside UK

  • How to watch Sky Go outside UK – Enjoy Sky Go’s peak with our unblocking guide.
  • How to watch Sky Sports outside UK – Access top-tier Sky Sports entertainment using a VPN.

FAQs – Watch UKTV Play Outside UK

UKTV Play is a free and on-demand service from UKTV. It lets you watch different content from channels, including Drama, Dave, and Yesterday. Since it requires no payment, you don’t have to worry about the UKTV Play cost.

You can access UKTV Play outside UK through a VPN to watch famous UKTV channels’ content: Drama, Comedy, Entertainment, and Documentary. After getting a UK IP address, you may start watching several channels like Dave, Yesterday, and Drama for free.

UKTV Play is only available in the UK. The UKTV Play app is available on Smart TVs that are by new Samsung TVs and Freeview Play and offers channels like Drama, Yesterday, W, and Dave. You can also use it on Freeview, Freesat, and YouView set-top boxes.

Yes, UKTV Play is free outside the UK. But, due to geo-restrictions, you can only access the platform’s content using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.

You can stream UKTV Play online using your macOS and Windows computers. However, you’ll need the latest versions of any of these browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Mozilla Firefox.

Yes, you can stream UKTV Play after downloading its app on your Samsung Smart TV device in UK.


Conclusion

UKTV is not officially available outside the UK, but you can unblock it using a VPN. Remember that most VPN services don’t work with UKTV because it has a strong firewall and blocks most VPNs.

But all the VPNs mentioned in our guide work amazingly with UKTV Play outside UK. For optimal performance and a seamless streaming experience, our top recommendation remains ExpressVPN, which unlocks exclusive UKTV content abroad and ensures your online privacy and security.