The Channel 4 streaming platform (formerly known as All 4) is the place to stream TV shows and movies broadcast on the main TV channel, as well as E4, More4, Film4 and 4Music.
Channel 4 is only available to watch if you are within UK borders due to the licensing issues related to the shows. That could be a problem if you’re going abroad and want to catch up on your favorite shows while you’re away, or if you live outside the UK but don’t want to miss hugely popular shows like Hollyoaks and Below Deck: Sailing Yacht.
Fortunately, there are ways to get around this. Here’s how to watch Channel 4 from outside the UK.
How to watch Channel 4 with a VPN
By far the easiest way to access Channel 4 from abroad is to use a VPN (or virtual private network) that allows you to surf the web while appearing to be in a different country than where you actually are .
This means that although the Channel 4 website is locked to people in the UK, you can still access it with a VPN, as it masks your true location.
There are tons of VPNs out there, although we managed to successfully unblock the Channel 4 website NordVPNwhich is known for its reliability, speed and affordability – especially if you take out a multi-year plan.
You can also check out our guide to the best VPNs for streaming video – our ranking of the best VPNs we’ve tested for watching movies and TV.
Once you’ve chosen a VPN service, simply install it on your device – most of them work on PC, Mac, iOS, Android and more. Then take the following steps:
- Tools Needed: NordVPN, Channel 4 website or app, smartphone or PC/laptop
Sign up for NordVPN
Jim Martin / Foundry
NordVPN chooses the standard two-year subscription, but you can also opt for an annual and a monthly subscription. Follow the steps to create a new account and sign up for a subscription
Install NordVPN
Jim Martin / Foundry
If you’re on PC, go to the NordVPN websitelog into your account and then download the PC app under the “Downloads” section
If you’re using a smartphone or tablet, look for NordVPN in the app store
Connect to a UK server on your chosen VPN
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Many VPNs have multiple servers to choose from, so if one doesn’t work, try another
On the login page, select “I don’t have an account and I’d like to register”
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
If you already have a Channel 4 account, just log in with your usual credentials
Choose an email address and password for your account
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
It’s free to create an account
Add a name, date of birth and UK address
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
You need a UK postcode for the address
Channel 4 will send a confirmation email to your email address once you’ve signed up
Search for the program you want to watch
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
Channel 4 requires you to disable all ad blockers – including any optional ad blockers in your VPN – so make sure you do that before trying to watch
If you still can’t connect, try a different server within your VPN until you find one that works for you
Remember that to watch Channel 4 you must disable all ad blockers (including any optional ad blockers in your VPN). If you still can’t connect, try another server in the UK. Content providers try to block VPN traffic, so you may have to try a few different connections to find one that works.
And in that regard, using such workarounds is against Channel 4’s terms and conditions, and there is a small risk that your account may be banned.