Watch BBC iPlayer in Egypt: FAST method (2024)

BBC iPlayer is home to popular shows including The Traitors, Silent Witness and Eastenders. It’s region-locked, however, so you need a VPN to enjoy it while you’re in Egypt. Our simple guide explains how you can start streaming.

You can unlock the iPlayer website and mobile app from Egypt by using a VPN that issues a temporary IP address from the UK. That means that the BBC’s service will think you’re in the UK even though you’re watching from overseas.

Which VPNs work with iPlayer?

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How to watch BBC iPlayer in Egypt

At a glance: To use BBC iPlayer while you’re in Egypt, download a VPN, sign in to your account and connect to a server in the UK. Then, reload the website or app.

Step 1. Install a VPN on your device

To stream content that’s geo-locked for UK viewers, 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 UK server

As BBC iPlayer is designed to serve folk in England, you need to connect to a VPN server based in the UK to watch from Egypt.

Using ExpressVPN, open the app, tap the three dots icon and use the search box to enter a UK location. After that, click the power icon to connect.

For more details on how we identify the top VPNs for you, see how we test VPNs.

Why is iPlayer not working in Egypt?

If you’re struggling, we suspect iPlayer knows you’re based in Egypt. A superior VPN can help you disguise your location, or you can try troubleshooting your current software.

When you use a flawed VPN, BBC iPlayer will block the UK server you’re using, which means your VPN fails to operate. On the plus side, the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer in Egypt do a brilliant job of replacing servers that have stopped working.

We suggest you try these fixes if you’re based in Egypt:

1. Update your VPN

• From a computer, open your VPN and go to Settings. Look for the Update option.

• From Android, update your VPN through the Play Store. Tap your profile picture and select Manage apps.

• From iPhone, open the App Store and tap your user profile. Install any available updates.

2. Use a different server

We suggest switching to a different UK-based VPN server if you can’t use iPlayer in Egypt. Check if performance improves after making that change.

If you’re using ExpressVPN, you can select the three dots icon to access a list of alternative servers within the United Kingdom.

3. Contact VPN support

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

4. Test your internet

To do this, disconnect from your wi-fi, reconnect and try your VPN once more. Note your download speed using an internet speed tool, like this option from Ookla. The test will allow you to compare download speeds with your ISP’s ‘minimum guaranteed speed.’

5. Restart your VPN

If switching VPN servers doesn’t unlock BBC iPlayer from Egypt, uninstall and then reinstall your VPN. Then, open your VPN and the iPlayer app on mobile or PC to see if the issue has been resolved.

Best VPNs for BBC iPlayer in Egypt

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 iPlayer from Egypt, switch to ExpressVPN – it’s easy to use, fast and works well if you’re aiming to stream TV shows and movies from abroad.

We’ve noticed that ExpressVPN does a top job of replacing blacklisted servers. Even if the BBC service temporarily 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 from Egypt, 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 for your shortlist if you can’t stream from the BBC’s website or mobile app. NordVPN has servers across the globe and they’re encrypted – that means you can stay safe on public wi-fi networks.

The servers on offer are super secure and you can connect without handing over personal data. NordVPN never keeps track of how you’re using the service, so privacy is guaranteed. We like the CyberSec feature, which blocks suspicious-looking websites and reduces the risk of your device being infected with data-grabbing malware.

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 iPlayer from Egypt and we appreciate the choice of subscription options. It uses encryption technology to remain secure and offers public wi-fi security that protects against malware.

You can use Ivacy to unlock BBC iPlayer in Egypt without anybody (including your own ISP) knowing about it. That’s thanks to Ivacy’s strict no-logs policy, which prevents your valuable personal data from being sold to sinister 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 UK websites while you’re in Egypt, you need to swap to a better service. PureVPN is a lovely example as it’s powerful enough to bypass geo-locked websites and services. You’ll be able to log in to a BBC account even if you’ve roamed abroad.

There are over 6,000 super-secure PureVPN servers based in over 70 different countries.

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)

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