How To Watch Channel 4 Abroad in 2024: A Straightforward Guide

Written by: Tomas Mazowski, TV enthusiast and streaming expert
Last updated: July 30, 2024

You're out of the country but still want to catch up on your favourite Channel 4 programs. Instead of the latest melodrama from Chester with Hollyoaks or a shockingly bad celebrity date, you're faced with a warning – you're in the wrong country.

In this 10 minute guide, we’ll show you how to unblock Channel 4’s streaming service, and watch it no matter where you are. Let’s go!

Abroad? Unblock Channel 4 with a VPN

By installing an app from a VPN service provider, you can change your internet location to anywhere the VPN provider has a server. Using this app, you can change your internet address to a different country. So, if you wish to watch Channel 4, you use your VPN app to select a server in the UK.

And now it appears to Channel 4, and any other website you access, that you’re in the UK. The streaming service is no longer blocked, and you can watch Hollyoaks, and all your other favourites whenever you choose.

When not using a VPN, your computer talks directly to the website or service you’re using. This makes it easy to see where you are. VPN companies operate servers all over the world so that you can choose the server in the country you need. 

A VPN acts as middle ground between you and, in this case, the Channel 4 server. Channel 4 talks to the VPN server and sees it’s in the UK and therefore thinks you are too.

Step-by-step: how to watch Channel 4 if you're outside the UK

1. Get the Channel 4 app

Super easy. Go here: Channel 4 or download the app in the Apple or Google Play stores.

If you don’t have a Channel 4 account, you’ll need to register. You can’t access Channel 4 without an account. And remember, to get an account you’ll need a valid UK address. 

First, they’ll confirm your email address and then you can carry on with the registration.

2. Sign up for a VPN service subscription

We know there are dozens (hundreds?) of VPN services out there and a majority of them do not work with Channel 4. UK Broadcasters try to deter VPN service providers and attempt to block access. That’s why you need a good VPN provider who has lots of servers. We've tested most VPNs and selected the three best ones. These are the ones that we know, for a fact, can unblock All4.

Thanks to having different subscription lengths available, you can choose if you want a VPN only while you’re abroad or would prefer to keep it and access all sorts of the world’s best TV while you’re at home in the UK. That’s because a VPN isn’t just useful when you’re away. You can use it to watch global TV from the comfort of your own home.

If you want uninterrupted service for a reasonable price, we recommend one of these services:

#1 ExpressVPN - Our top recommendation

ExpressVPN is considered the premium service provider and is by far the best VPN we've tested. If you want to watch UK TV from all over the globe, ExpressVPN is definitely the right option. The server speeds are fast and the service is reliable. With servers everywhere, it means you get access to more geo-blocked TV than any other VPN, and it is also one of the few VPNs that manage to unblock Netflix.

Click here to unblock Channel 4 using ExpressVPN

#2 Surfshark - A great alternative

If you choose a two-year subscription, Surfshark will only cost you approximately £2 per month. Their app is straightforward and their customer service is very helpful. Surfshark is a great budget alternative that lets you unblock Channel 4 and other UK streaming services. You can stream on an unlimited number of devices, a feature we really like since it makes it easy to share the VPN with the rest of the family.

Click here to unblock Channel 4 using Surfshark

#3 NordVPN - Popular choice

NordVPN is reliable and has been around for a long time, which is why it’s one of the most popular services right now. And, if you choose a longer plan, they’re very reasonable in price. NordVPN works great with Channel 4 and other UK broadcasters, and it will also give you access to a few more streaming services like ABC and Eleven Sports.

Click here to unblock Channel 4 using NordVPN

Which one to choose?
If your main reason for choosing a VPN is to stream video, then we recommend ExpressVPN. They are currently offering 3 extra months for FREE with their 12-month plan - a great choice for you and all the family. Together with their 30-day money-back guarantee it means you can try it out risk free and get a full refund if you're not happy!

ExpressVPN - Get 3 extra months FREE
30-day money-back guarantee

3. Set up the VPN on your computer, phone and/or tablet

Once you’ve signed up for a VPN,  you just need to install the app onto your computer, phone or tablet (or all three).

All the apps for these VPN’s are easy to install and use:

1. Get the app from their website or the relevant app store and install it.
2. Log in with the same email and password you used to sign up.
3. Once in the app you will find a drop-down list or map showing the servers available. Pick one in the UK.
4. Your computer is now running through a UK server.  

4. That's it! Channel 4 is now unblocked.

Go back to the Channel 4 website (or app) to watch any of your favourite Channel 4 shows.

(And, once you’ve caught up, you can now find dozens of other TV channels to watch thanks to your new VPN)