UKTV Play not working with my VPN: how to solve it (2024)

UKTV Play is still one of the most popular streaming services in the UK, but you might have trouble using it abroad. A reliable VPN is designed to let you watch English TV shows from anywhere, but what should you do if UKTV Play isn’t working with your VPN?

If you’re on this page, there’s a high chance your VPN doesn’t unlock UKTV Play – that means the website or app have blocked the server you’re using. Our list of fixes will help you identify the issue and stop it from happening again when abroad.

Which VPNs work with UKTV Play?

Why you can trust GadgetMouse: Our content is written by a team of humans and we refuse to use AI. Plus, we own (and use) every VPN that we write about. For more details, see our editorial policy.

Why doesn’t UKTV Play work?

UKTV Play won’t load correctly if you’re trying to use it from a restricted territory outside the UK. A better VPN can help you solve that problem by assigning a temporary IP address, or you can try fixing your current software to potentially save money.

A message on the UKTV Play website plainly states: “You can only watch UKTV Play in the UK.” But that’s not true if you have a working VPN.

How does UKTV Play know about my VPN?

If your VPN isn’t secure, UKTV Play will blacklist (block) the server you’re using, which means your VPN fails. The worst ones we’ve tried take a long time to replace blacklisted servers. If lots of users are making the most of the same temporary IP address, there’s a higher chance of it getting spotted and blocked by UKTV Play.

The best VPNs for UKTV Play are quick to replace servers that aren’t working. Even if the TV streamer disables a server, a replacement will be up in no time. That means you’ll spend more time enjoying favourites such as Tipping Point, Masterchef USA and Classic Eastenders.

UKTV Play solutions

1. Update your VPN

From your computer, load up your VPN and go to Settings. Look for Update.

If you’re using an Android, update your VPN via the Play Store app. Start by tapping on your profile picture and select Manage apps

Alternatively, from an iPhone, open the App Store and tap your user profile.

2. Use another server

VPNs are hit by server outages every so often, so we suggest switching to a different VPN server based in the UK to use UKTV Play.

The steps you take to do this differ depending on the VPN you’re using. For instance, if you’re using ExpressVPN, you can usually select the three dots icon to access a list of alternative servers within the same country.

3. Chat with support

Our recommended providers manage teams that deal with problems you’re having. If you can’t watch UKTV Play shows outside the UK, message them.

4. Test your internet

Check to see if your internet is to blame for UKTV Play troubles. Disconnect from your wi-fi, reconnect and try the VPN again. You can also run a full network reset by resetting your router.

Note your download speed using an internet speed tool, like this one from Ookla. The test lets you compare download speeds with your ISP’s ‘minimum guaranteed speed.’

5. Restart your VPN

If switching VPN servers doesn’t unlock the UK streaming site and app, uninstall and then reinstall your VPN. Then, open your VPN and the streaming app or website to see if the issue has been resolved.

Even more UKTV Play fixes:

Clear cache and cookies. From a Chrome browser, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. And on Safari, head to Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data.

Type your VPN username and password once again. Check you’ve entered your VPN login details correctly.

Find out if you’re impacted by a DNS issue. A DNS (domain name system) leak shares your true IP address and location to websites and apps even if you have a VPN. Use our IP Address Lookup tool to see if your IP address adjusts when you activate your VPN and visit UKTV Play.

Check your servers. If you can’t connect to a UK server that unlocks UK TV shows, your provider might be at fault.

Check your firewall. On Windows, open Windows Security > Allow an app through the firewall. On Mac, try System Settings > Network > Firewall.

Are you using the right browser? Ensure that your web browser is compatible with your VPN. If you’ve updated your VPN, don’t forget to update your browser as well. On Chrome, access Settings > About Chrome.

Best VPNs for UKTV Play

ExpressVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.53 per month
• 6-month subscription: £8.12 per month
• 1-year subscription + 3 months free: £5.42 per month (49% off)

🌎 Number of servers	160
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	5
⏱️ Our speed test results	-8.7% download, -5.5% upload (London)

If the VPN you’re using right now can’t unlock UKTV Play, give ExpressVPN a shot. This software is easy to use, fast and works well if you’re aiming to stream shows from outside a supported country.

Even if UKTV Play disables an IP address you’re using, it’ll have a replacement server (with a new IP) up and running in no time. To access your account, all you need to do is open up ExpressVPN and connect to a server in the UK.

Pros: Smartphone app lets you connect in seconds, 'favourite' most-used VPN servers for quick access, performed remarkably well in our chat support speed test

Cons: Rival VPNs are cheaper, can't use many devices at once

Try ExpressVPN today

NordVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.49 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3.99 per month (40% off)
• 2-year subscription: £2.79 per month (58% off)

🌎 Number of servers	5,200+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	6
⏱️ Our speed test results	-14% download, -7% upload (London)

Another VPN to research if you can’t stream TV through UKTV Play. NordVPN has servers across the globe and they’re encrypted – that means you’ll be safe when using public wi-fi networks.

The servers boast top-notch security measures, allowing you to establish connections without divulging any personal information. NordVPN ensures absolute privacy by refraining from monitoring your usage patterns. We also appreciate the CyberSec feature, actively preventing access to dubious websites.

Pros: Built-in internet kill switch works well, profile page on app includes 'Security score' with privacy tips, takes less than a minute to reach a live chat agent (based on our tests)

Cons: Other VPNs tested are cheaper, some streaming services require multiple resets to work

Try NordVPN today

Ivacy

• 1-month subscription: £8.62 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3 per month (65% off)
• 5-year subscription + FREE password manager: 80p per month (90% off)

🌎 Number of servers	5,700
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

Ivacy can unlock UKTV Play and we’re fans of the budget-priced subscriptions on offer.

Utilize Ivacy to access UKTV Play discreetly, shielding your activity from third parties, including your own Internet Service Provider (ISP). This is made possible by Ivacy’s robust no-logs policy, ensuring that your sensitive personal data remains secure and is not sold to any unscrupulous third parties.

Pros: Connection is steady when using multiple devices, notifications mention if Ivacy is disabled, server locations split by country and city

Cons: We think the ExpressVPN mobile app is faster, below-average results in our chat support speed test

Try Ivacy today

PureVPN

• 1-month subscription: $10.95 per month (12% off)
• 1-year subscription: $3.74 per month (70% off)
• 2-year subscription + 4 extra months: $1.96 per month (84% off)

🌎 Number of servers	6,500+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

If your current VPN doesn’t work with UKTV Play, you need to swap to a better service. PureVPN is a nice example as it’s effective enough to bypass geo-locked websites and services. You’ll be able to log in to your streaming account even if you’ve roamed abroad.

With a network exceeding 6,000 servers, PureVPN ensures unparalleled security, strategically positioned across more than 70 countries for a truly global and robust coverage.

Pros: Surprisingly affordable considering features, lots of UK and US-based servers, generous with simultaneous devices

Cons: Takes a couple of minutes to reach live chat agents (based on our tests), performs better on iOS compared to Android (in our experience)

Try PureVPN today

How to watch UKTV Play abroad

At a glance: To watch UKTV Play while travelling, download a VPN, sign in to your account and connect to a server in the UK.

Step 1. Install a VPN on your device

To stream content that’s geo-locked, you need a trusted VPN. By choosing wisely, you’ll get instant access to a tool that’s both easy to use and secure.

Step 2. Sign in to your VPN

Once you’ve created your VPN account, sign in with your email/username and password. Make your password unique to your VPN account.

Step 3. Connect to a server for UKTV Play

As UKTV Play is designed to serve the UK, you should connect to a VPN server that’s appropriate.

Using ExpressVPN, open the app, tap the three dots icon and use the search box to enter a location. Then, click the power icon to connect and wait for the green light.

Common questions

Should I use a free VPN for UKTV Play?

Not really, because free VPNs for UK telly could sell your information for money. Connecting to a VPN server might take a long time and your connection could drop at any time, locking you out of UKTV Play.

How to watch UKTV Play on Windows

1. Pick one of our recommended VPNs and sign up – let’s use ExpressVPN for this example.
2. Once you’ve created your ExpressVPN account, sign in using your username and password.
3. From your Windows device, open ExpressVPN and select a server located in the UK.
4. Once you’re connected to that server, head to the UKTV Play website.

Watch UKTV Play on Mac

1. Pick one of our recommended VPNs and create your account – we’ll use ExpressVPN for this example.
2. Once you’ve created your ExpressVPN account, sign in using your username and password.
3. From your Mac, open ExpressVPN and select a server located in England.
4. Once connected, head to the UKTV Play website.

How to watch UKTV Play on iPhone

1. Head to the Apple App Store from your iPhone.
2. Download the ExpressVPN app to your device.
3. Download the UKTV Play app to your device – it’s on the Apple App Store.
4. Sign in to your ExpressVPN account, and then connect to a server based in the UK.
5. Now that you’re connected to a VPN, open the UKTV Play app and log in to your account.

Watch UKTV Play on Android

1. Head to the Google Play Store from your Android tablet or smartphone.
2. Download the ExpressVPN app to your device.
3. Download the UKTV Play app to your device – it’s on the Google Play Store.
4. Sign in to your ExpressVPN account, and then connect to a server based in England.
5. Now that you’re connected to a VPN, open the UKTV Play app and log in to your account.

As per our affiliate policy, we might earn affiliate commission when you select a retailer link. Prices and information correct at time of publication.