How to watch BBC iPlayer in Hong Kong.
How to watch BBC iPlayer in Hong Kong.

The BBC is one of the biggest and best broadcasters in the world but finding BBC content in Hong Kong can be difficult.

If you’re one of the many Brits in Hong Kong or you just love the BBC’s British TV shows then you’ll want to access the service in Hong Kong. In this guide I’m going to show you the best way to watch the BBC in Hong Kong on a range of different devices.

The quickest way to watch BBC in Hong Kong is to use their online streaming service the BBC iPlayer but if you’ve already tried to watch then you’ll know you’re blocked. Below I’ll show you how you can unblock this and watch on all types of devices from computers to tablets and mobiles.

You can even watch BBC in Hong Kong on a Smart TV if you’ve got the BBC iPlayer app installed. So read on to find out how it’s possible.

What is BBC iPlayer?

BBC iPlayer is a video on demand service from the BBC. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including mobile phones and tablets, personal computers and smart televisions. iPlayer services delivered to UK-based viewers feature no commercial advertising. The terms BBC iPlayer, iPlayer, and BBC Media Player refer to various methods of viewing or listening to the same content. Viewing or recording live television broadcasts from any UK broadcaster or viewing BBC TV catch-up or BBC TV on-demand programmes in the UK without a TV licence is a criminal offence.

In 2015 the BBC reported that it was moving towards playing audio and video content via open HTML5 standards in web browsers rather than via Flash or its Media Player mobile app.

On 17 October 2018 the BBC iPlayer Radio brand was replaced with BBC Sounds.

BBC iPlayer in Hong Kong

BBC iPlayer has a lot to offer on a wide range of devices. Although the BBC is restricted to UK residents, people in Hong Kong can still access it using a VPN. They can even avoid the geo-error message:

“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.”

BBC iPlayer Geo-Error. Photo: Screenshot
BBC iPlayer Geo-Error. Photo: Screenshot

Unblock BBC iPlayer in Hong Kong

VPNs are internet tools that were originally dedicated to increasing a user’s online security. However, they now can also help bypass regional restrictions by shifting your location elsewhere. If you connect to a certain VPN server, you’ll appear to be browsing in the country where that server is based. You’ll end up having an IP address in that region and full access to its restricted content.

For example, if the server is in the UK. You’ll obtain a UK IP address once you connect. With that, you can stream BBC iPlayer although you’re physically abroad. With that said, follow these steps and unblock BBC iPlayer in Hong Kong:

  1. First, you need to subscribe to a credible VPN service. Based on my experience, I highly recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Now, you need to get their dedicated app. Download it from their website or your device’s native App Store.
  3. Install it and sign in with your VPN credentials.
  4. Next, look for a UK server and connect.
  5. Chill for a few seconds until a connection is in place.
  6. Launch BBC iPlayer‘s website or app.
  7. Stream the best BBC content in Hong Kong.

Picking the right VPN for the job can be a bit daunting. Well, that’s why I’m here. ExpressVPN is considered to be one of the best VPN for Hong Kong. It comes with blazing fast servers in the UK and high-level security features. If you don’t like their service, ask for a refund during a 30-day period and check other best VPNs for BBC iPlayer in the table below.

Best VPNs to watch BBC iPlayer in Hong Kong

Best VPNs to watch BBC iPlayer in Hong Kong. Photo: Screenshot
Best VPNs to watch BBC iPlayer in Hong Kong. Photo: Screenshot

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is well-known in the VPN business because it’s been around for over a decade and has built a winning product. It’s fast, doesn’t store any user data, allows multiple connections, and has an excellent network of servers.

NordVPN retains no metadata about browsing habits, timestamps, or choice of servers. The policy has thwarted attempts by authorities to obtain user information; there simply wasn’t anything available on its servers. The company is also based in Panama, which means there aren’t any mandatory data retention laws to comply with.

NordVPN has over 5,700 servers in 59 countries – with options to connect depending on your specific requirement. There are 82 servers in their Hong Kong server network.

The service works with Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer without breaking a sweat. A total of six connected devices can be used with a paid subscription.

All internet traffic is secured by 256-bit AES encryption, which comes as standard. It’s coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys and DNS leak protection.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a highly versatile service, with 1,700+ servers across 60+ countries. It’s fast enough for flawless live streaming and unblocks some of the most stubborn services abroad, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

It uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks to keep your activities hidden from prying eyes. There’s also a NoBorders feature that reshapes your traffic, hiding the telltale characteristics of VPN data, and concealing the fact that you’re using a VPN at all.

This service is based in the British Virgin Islands, a country with no mandatory data retention laws. Accordingly, it doesn’t keep any personally identifiable information, which means that once connected, you’re effectively untraceable. If you’d prefer even greater protection, you can pay in Bitcoin, Ripple, or Ethereum.

Surfshark has apps for Android, Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Linux. Manual installation is required for use on supported internet routers.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers fast speeds combined with military-grade encryption protocols and attractive design. It’s easy to setup and simple enough for even newcomers to the VPN world to figure out.

The company operates over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries. Hong Kong is included in the list. Local residents can use this choice of server location to access local content and information services.

ExpressVPN doesn’t store any detailed user logs. The only information recorded is the metadata of the “date (not time) of connection, choice of server location, and total bandwidth used”. Your individual IP address will never be logged. This should ease privacy concerns.

Encryption parameters are hardy and DNS leak protection is included as standard. ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES-CBC protocols as well as HMAC authentication and perfect forward secrecy. There’s an internet kill switch included, which the company calls a ‘network lock’. This excellent security feature means all web traffic will be temporarily halted if the connection drops unexpectedly.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Hong Kong Using a Smart DNS

Bypassing regional restrictions doesn’t only rely on VPNs. There’s another way that specializes with that but doesn’t protect the user’s data, Smart DNS Proxy.

The service doesn’t give an extra layer of protection in terms of strong encryptions and security protocols. No, it’s strictly to get around blocks. However, since it doesn’t encrypt your data, you’ll be operating at full internet speed.

Not to mention that although your identity won’t be cloaked, you get to watch both BBC iPlayer and your local channels at the same time since your IP is not hidden.

Let’s start unblocking BBC iPlayer with Smart DNS, shall we?

  1. You also need to subscribe to a reputable provider here. WHich one? Well, of course, Unlocator. They do offer a 7-day free trial.
  2. All you have to do is sign in with your account using their website and configure the DNS by using these tutorials based on the platform you’re using.
  3. You’re done. You can stream BBC iPlayer in Hong Kong and all over the world.

A 7-day free trial is more than enough to test a provider out. Don’t forget, during that period, everything included in Unlocator’s services can be used, even their VPN service. Go ahead, give it a try, you get to have dozens of UK services in Hong Kong.

Supported Device?

As we mentioned, BBC iPlayer is one of the biggest channels in the world. That’s why it’s fair to have a plethora of devices to work on. Here they are

WindowsPC

AndroidOS

ioS

Amazon Fire TV

Mac

Xbox One

Apple TV

PlayStation

How to Watch BBC iPlayer for Free, Live Broadcast Anywhere in the World How to Watch BBC iPlayer for Free, Live Broadcast Anywhere in the World

If you are not in the UK, you can still watch BBC iPlayer. Check out how to watch for free anywhere in the world.