How To Watch ITV Abroad: The No-Nonsense Guide for 2024

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

While we all cherish holidays in the sun, there's one frustrating reality that threatens to mar this delightful image: the inevitable disappointment of missing the latest episode of Coronation Street. You've been there before; instead of catching up on Corrie, a message flashes across the screen, reminding you that you are not currently located in the UK.

In this 10 minute guide we’ll show you how to unblock ITV’s streaming service ITVX (formerly known as ITV Hub), and show you how to catch up with all your favourites, from anywhere.

ITVX

ITVX is the streaming service for all things ITV. So, if you want to see Love Island, X-Factor, or I’m a Celebrity, this is the service you need. Almost everything available from ITV is on demand here, so that includes ITV, ITV 2, ITV 3, ITV 4, CITV and ITV Be.

Live streaming is also possible so if you want to catch up with Britain’s Got Talent in real-time you can. Although there are always adverts before you start the stream.

If you would like to download shows to watch later, then you’ll need an ITVX Premium subscription and an iPhone. The subscription (£5.99/month or £59.99/year) also means you can watch all your favourites ad free.

What is Geo-blocking?

TV broadcasters are location based and licensed. So, if you live in the UK, but are out of the country, you won’t be able to watch ITV until you get back home—unless you have a VPN.

Yes! It is possible to catch the latest drama from Manchester no matter where you are. And in this article, we will show you how to do it. Want to watch ITV on holiday? Let’s go!

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and using one is a way to hide your location and increase your privacy. A VPN masks your computer from the internet, protecting your information by disguising where you’re connecting from, and keeping your location hidden from the websites you use.

There are a lot of companies offering VPN services. Most of them provide quality service and reliable access. By using a reputable VPN provider, your computer is hidden from the world. You can use the VPN to fool a geo-blocked service into thinking you’re somewhere you’re not. Like still being in the UK, when in fact you’re enjoying the sunshine and relaxing by the pool. And now you can even watch your favourite soap.

Not in the UK? Unblock ITVX with a VPN

By signing up with a VPN provider you can use their servers to talk to the internet. By using the app they provide, you can change your internet address to another country. So, when you feel the need to see the latest ITV drama, you can.

Just use your VPN app to select a server in the UK. And now it appears to ITV, and any other website you access, that you’re in the UK. ITVX is available, and you can watch any ITV Channel you wish.

Normally, when you access the web your internet address is shown to the website or service you’re using. This makes it easy for ITVX to see you’re not in the UK. VPN companies operate servers all over the world, and you can use these servers as your location instead.

A VPN acts as middle ground between you and, in this case, the ITVX server. ITVX checks your address and sees the VPN server is in the UK, and therefore thinks you are too.

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

1. Get ITVX

Just go here: ITVX - or download the app in the Apple or Google Play stores.

If you’ve got an account, just sign in. If not, you’ll need to register. You can’t access ITVX without an account. And remember, to get an account you’ll need a valid UK postcode.

2. Sign up for a VPN subscription

There are dozens of VPN services, most of them are OK, one or two are dodgy, and a few are great. So that you don’t have to discover which is which by yourself, we tested them for you. Not all VPN services will allow you to stream ITV because the broadcasters try to stop them. That’s why you need a good VPN provider with lots of servers.

The best services provide multiple subscription lengths and most have a 30 day money back guarantee. That way, you can decide on whether your VPN is just for the holidays or you want to keep it and access the world’s best TV while you’re in the UK.

A VPN can be just as useful when you’re at home because you can use it to access TV from all over the world (such as watching American Netflix) without going outside your own front door.

If you want the best balance of price and service, we recommend one of these providers:

#1 ExpressVPN - Our top recommendation

ExpressVPN has servers in more countries than the other services, a reason why it is considered a premium provider. It is hands down the best VPN that we've tested. If you are interested in checking out TV from all corners of the globe, ExpressVPN is what you should use. They are also one of the few VPNs that reliably manage to unblock Netflix.

Click here to unblock ITVX using ExpressVPN

#2 Surfshark - A great alternative

The cheapest option is just £2 a month for a two-year subscription, but they offer shorter deals as well. Their customer service is helpful, and the app is easy to setup and use. Surfshark lets you unblock ITVX and many other UK streaming services. One feature we really like is the ability to stream on an unlimited number of devices. This means the whole family can enjoy access.

Click here to unblock ITVX using Surfshark

#3 NordVPN - Popular choice

NordVPN is a reliable service and one of the most popular VPNs around. Like the other providers we recommend, they offer different plan lengths, with the longer subscriptions being the cheapest. NordVPN works with ITVX and other UK broadcasters. You can also gain access to other streaming services such as ABC or Eleven Sports. NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous connections.

Click here to unblock ITVX using NordVPN

Which one to choose?
If you’re mainly looking for UK broadcasters our top recommendation is ExpressVPN. They are currently offering 3 extra months FREE with their 12-month plan (49% saving!). And thanks to their 30-day money back guarantee, you can try it out and get a full refund if you're not happy.

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