How does iPlayer know if I am using a VPN? Like most geo-blocked services, BBC iPlayer determines the user's location by examining their IP address. If it points to anywhere outside of the UK, you simply won't be able to use the service.

How does BBC know my location?

Your IP address and information about your device might be used to confirm your location. This is so that we can find out if you are accessing the services from inside or outside of the UK, and to make your experience more relevant to where you live.

Does BBC iPlayer track your IP address?

The BBC tells people signing up to the iPlayer service that it automatically collects their data. It slurps a user's IP address, browser and device type, and a unique identifier.