How To Watch Channel 5 Abroad: The No-Nonsense Guide for 2024

By: Tomas Mazowski, TV enthusiast and streaming expert
Updated: April 2024

Geo-blocking. You may have heard of it. If you’ve ever tried to use My5 from outside the UK, then you’ll definitely have experienced it. Instead of Aussie accents and dodgy relationships, you’re faced with a black screen telling you, you’re in the wrong location.

TV licensing is geographical. That means even if you are a UK resident, and have just hopped on a plane to escape the weather, you won’t be able to catch up on your favourite Channel 5 programmes until you get back. Unless you use a VPN.

That’s right, you can catch up on your favourite programmes no matter where you are. And we’re going to show you how. Want to watch My5 from abroad? No problem.

In this 10 minute guide we’ll show you how to unblock My5 and regain access to all of your favourite TV programmes even when you’re outside the UK. Let’s get started.

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and it can be used to hide your computer from the internet. There are many reasons why you might want to do this. Privacy being the main one. Using a VPN protects your privacy by masking your location and other information from the websites and services you connect to.

Many reputable companies offer VPN services. By using their service, you can hide your computer - or make it look like you’re somewhere you’re not. Like still being in the UK, when in fact you’re sitting on a balcony abroad wishing you could catch up on your favourite soap.

Outside the UK? Use a VPN to unblock My5

A VPN service installs a little app on your computer, tablet or phone. Using this app, you can change your internet address to a server in a different country. So, if you wish to watch My5 you use your VPN app to select a server in the UK.

Just like that - it appears to My5, and any other internet service, as though you’re in the UK. No longer geo-blocked, you’re ready to catch up on your favourite channel 5 programs.

A VPN service can do this because they operate servers in different countries across the globe. Without a VPN your computer connects directly to the server you’re trying to access, from whichever country you’re in at the time. So, it’s easy to see where you are.

A VPN acts as middle ground between you and, in this case, the My5 server. The My5 server talks to the VPN, sees it’s in the UK, and thinks you are too.

Step-by-step: how to watch My5 if you're outside the UK

1. Get My5

Super easy. Go here : My5. Or download the app in the Apple or Google Play stores.

You don’t even have to register to watch My5, although they offer benefits if you do. But note: If you do register, you’ll need to use a UK postcode.

2. Sign up for a VPN subscription

Not all VPN services play nicely with UK broadcasters as they actively work to prevent VPN access.

Most services offer a few different subscription lengths, so you can decide if you want a VPN just for the holiday, or if you’d like to use it to access some of the world’s best TV from the UK when you get home. That’s right, a VPN doesn’t just work for My5 abroad. It also works for all sorts of channels when you’re in the UK.

We have tested most of the reputable services out there. For the smoothest experience we recommend one of these three:

#1 ExpressVPN - Our top recommendation

Slightly more expensive than the other two but by far the best VPN that we have tested. It is widely considered to be the “premium option” due to the number of countries it operates servers in. They offer excellent speed, unlimited bandwidth and 24/7 live chat customer support. Because they have servers all over the world, it means you get access to more geo-blocked streaming services. ExpressVPN unblocks Sky Go and is one of the few VPNs that actually work for unblocking Netflix.

Click here to unblock My5 using ExpressVPN

#2 Surfshark - An excellent alternative

The cheapest option is around £2 per month for a two-year subscription, but they offer other plans as well. Surfshark have a very easy to use application and support unblocking many streaming services including UK broadcasters such as Channel 5, iPlayer or All4. You can stream on an unlimited number of devices, a feature we really like since it makes it easy to share with family members.

Click here to unblock My5 using Surfshark

#3 NordVPN - Popular choice

One of the most popular and reliable VPN companies out there, NordVPN is quite cheap if you go for one of the longer plans abd their VPN works with My5 and the other UK broadcasters. With NordVPN you’re allowed 6 devices connected simultaneously.

Click here to unblock My5 using NordVPN

Which one to choose?
If all you do is stream, we think ExpressVPN can't be beat.  They are currently offering 3 extra months FREE with their 12-month plan. 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

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

Once you’ve signed up for a VPN, you need to download their software onto your computer, phone or tablet (or all three).The apps for all three of these VPN services are very easy to use:

1. Download and install the app from their website or the relevant app store.
2. Log in with the email and password you used to sign up, pick the UK from the list or map of servers available, and select connect.
3. You are now running your internet connection through a VPN server in the UK.

4. That’s it! - My5 is now available.

Go back to the My5 website or app and start watching your favourite Channel 5 programs.

(And once you’ve done that, you can check out some of the other geo-blocked channels you can now access thanks to your VPN)