How To Watch Sky Go Abroad in 2024: A Straightforward Guide

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

You’re paying for your Sky subscription every month. So, you decide you want to watch a blockbuster on your iPad while you’re outside the UK. You settle down and fire up your Sky Go app, but instead of the latest from Hollywood all you get is a message telling you you’re not allowed to access Sky while you’re abroad.

In this 10 minute guide we’ll show you how to unblock Sky’s streaming service Sky Go, no matter where you might be in the world.

Sky Go

Sky Go is your way of watching Sky when you’re outside the house. Sky Go let’s you register two devices you can use to watch your favourite Sky channels and movies, but to stream on both at the same time you have to subscribe to Sky Go Extra. You register on the Sky Go website or in the app and away you go. They offer a dedicated mobile and iPad/Android tablet app (Apple | Google Play), or you can use the desktop app on your Mac or PC.

Everything from your Sky subscription is available here, so you can catch up on the shows you’ve missed, if you’re a Sky Sports subscriber you’ll be able to watch your team live, and if you’ve got the film channels all that content is yours.

It’s also possible to download shows and films, but only if you have a Sky Go Extra subscription that costs a little more each month. With the Sky Go Extra subscription you also get access to the Xbox and Playstation apps, which are not available otherwise.

Why can’t I watch Sky Go from abroad?

The short answer is geo-blocking. TV broadcasters are licensed by geography. Your UK Sky subscription is available in the UK, but when you’re abroad it’s not valid - unless you have a VPN.

With a VPN it is possible to watch Sky Go no matter which country you find yourself in. With your iPad on a holiday in Spain? A work trip to Germany? Even an exchange trip to Japan? It’s still possible to get the latest from Sky. And in this article, we will show you how to do it.

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network or VPN is a way for you to increase your privacy when using the internet. With a VPN app working in the background while you’re surfing you can mask your location from the web. Or, you can use it to change your location so that Sky Go thinks you’re still in the UK.

There are lots of VPN providers available. If you use a reputable service, you can hide your computer from the web and increase your digital safety. A VPN acts as a gateway between you and the world, protecting your information and hiding your location. So you can watch Sky Go while relaxing in your hotel room.

Out of the country? Use a VPN and watch Sky Go

If you subscribe to a VPN service and download their app, you can use it to alter your internet location. So, when you’re ready to catch up with Sky Atlantic, you can.

VPN providers operate servers in different countries. This lets you select a server in the country of your choice. So, if you’re abroad and want to watch your team in the derby, use your VPN app to select a server in the UK and Sky Go thinks you’re still in the country.

Normally, when using the internet your device talks directly to the service you’re using. So, Sky Go knows exactly where you are. VPN providers use servers across the globe to provide you the opportunity to decide on the location you need. 

A VPN provides a detour between your device and the Sky Go server (or any other service you choose). Sky Go sees the VPN is in the UK and thinks you are too.

Step-by-step: how to watch Sky Go abroad

1. Download the Sky Go app to your mobile device or computer

Click the link: Sky Go or go to an app store (Apple if you have an iPhone or iPad | Google Play if you have an Android device) and download.

Once the app’s installed, log in with your Sky account. If you haven’t already, you will need to register the devices you use. Sky allows up to 2 devices, although you can change which devices are registered.

2. Sign up for a VPN subscription

Search for VPN in Google and you’ll be bombarded with results and most of them do not work well with UK streaming services. Fortunately, we’ve tested lots of VPN providers so that you don’t have to. We know which ones work with the UK broadcasters, which have the most reliable service and who has decent customer support.

The best services offer different lengths of subscription. So, if you only want to use it while you’re away you can. Or you can keep a VPN when you get back home and use it to access many of the world’s best channels from your own sofa.

Our investigations have found that these three providers are the best:

#1 ExpressVPN - Our top recommendation

ExpressVPN is by far the best VPN we've tested. They have extensive server locations around the world and offer excellent speed, unlimited bandwidth and 24/7 live chat customer support. ExpressVPN unblocks Sky Go and is one of the few VPNs that actually work for unblocking Netflix.

Click here to unblock Sky Go using ExpressVPN

#2 Surfshark - Best alternative

Surfshark is another excellent choice, with subscriptions from just £2 a month. The app is easy to navigate and their customer service is friendly and useful. Surfshark works with Sky Go and other national broadcasters and you can also use it to unblock more Netflix regions. A feature that sets Surfshark apart is the fact that they allow unlimited simultaneous connections. So, you can be watching Hollywood’s finest while all the kids are doing their own thing.

Click here to unblock Sky Go using Surfshark

#3 NordVPN - Popular choice

NordVPN is a popular choice. Their speeds are excellent and the customer service is great. They offer a variety of subscription lengths so you can choose the option that suits you best.
NordVPN works very reliably with Sky Go and the other UK broadcasters.

Click here to unblock Sky Go using NordVPN

Which VPN to choose?
We think, If you’re mainly looking for UK streaming, ExpressVPN can’t be beat. 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

3. Set up the VPN on your devices

Once you’ve signed up for a VPN, download and install the app on your electronics.

How? The apps for our recommended VPNs are very easy to use.

1. First, get the app from their website or an app store.
2. Use your registered email and password to log in.
3. Start the app and you’ll find a list of servers available for you to use. Choose one in the UK.
4. The internet now thinks you’re in the UK, no matter where you are. 

Sky Go is yours to command! It’s time to settle down with Sky Cinema.

(And, once you’ve finished, check out all the other broadcasters, from all corners of the globe, that you can access thanks to your new VPN)