Set Up Smart DNS on Router for UK TV Abroad Access
If you’ve ever tried to watch UK catch-up or on-demand services like BBC iPlayer or ITVX while outside the UK, you’ll have likely run into a frustrating message: “This content is not available in your region.” This is due to geo-blocking — a system that restricts access based on your internet location.
One of the most popular ways to get around this is by using a Smart DNS service. Unlike a VPN, which routes all your internet traffic through another country, Smart DNS works by selectively redirecting only the parts of your connection that reveal your location. This allows services to think you’re accessing them from the UK, even if you’re in Spain or elsewhere.
📡 What Is Smart DNS and How Does It Work?
A Smart DNS service changes your device or router’s DNS settings so that certain requests are routed through servers in another country — typically the UK. This effectively “tricks” streaming platforms into thinking you are located in that region.
Unlike a VPN, Smart DNS does not encrypt your traffic or change your full IP address. Instead, it only reroutes location-specific data, which means:
- Faster streaming speeds
- No buffering caused by encryption
- Works on devices that don’t support VPNs
However, it also means less privacy protection compared to a VPN.
🌍 Why Use Smart DNS for UK TV Abroad?
Many UK TV services — including BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and My5 — are restricted to UK users only. They detect your location based on your IP address and block access if you are outside the UK.
A Smart DNS service bypasses this by making it appear as though your connection is coming from within the UK, allowing access to:
- Live TV streams
- Catch-up services
- On-demand content
This is especially useful for people living in Spain or travelling abroad who still want access to UK television.
⚙️ Why Set It Up on Your Router?
While you can configure Smart DNS on individual devices, setting it up on your router has major advantages:
- Works across all devices in your home automatically
- No need to configure each device separately
- Ideal for Smart TVs, Firesticks, and set-top boxes
- Ensures consistent access across your network
Once configured, every device connected to your internet will use the Smart DNS service without any additional setup.
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⚠️ Things to Be Aware Of
While Smart DNS is effective, it’s not perfect:
- Some services may occasionally block Smart DNS servers
- You may need to revalidate your IP after router resets
- Not all streaming platforms are supported
- It does not provide privacy or encryption
Broadcasters are constantly updating their systems to detect and block non-UK access, so reliability can vary over time.
Hi Jon, this looks like a really useful option – I think!
At present I use an Amazon Firestick to access Netflix, but I’m not able to view in Spain the entire content of BBC iPlayer or other UK streaming services. I presume the Smart DNS service would overcome this problem.
However, a couple of questions – we have Hola wi-fi so can it work with their router, and also, we are part-year residents so what is the DNS monthly charge, as I assume we would be paying for the entire year?
Yes, if you want to access UK content like iPlayer from outside the UK, then you need a VPN or Smart DNS service.
Yes it should work with Hola wifi router…just connect a second router to your hola wifi router and set the VPN or Smart DNS service up on that second router.
VPNs and smart dns services offer a range of payment options, usually monthly or yearly