If you are a British citizen on vacation, traveling for work, studying abroad, or an expat who has moved to another country, you will need a VPN to watch ITVX on Apple TV. A VPN lets you get a UK IP address from abroad, making you appear back home in Britain.
This guide explains how to unblock ITVX on Apple TV from anywhere with a VPN. To make your life as easy as possible, we’ve included some VPNs with custom apps for Apple TV. We will also provide instructions for sharing a VPN connection to Apple TV from a laptop or router.
If ITVX isn’t working on Apple TV, we’ll provide troubleshooting tips to help you get your VPN up and running. Keep scrolling to find the best VPNs and for a step-by-step guide to watching ITVX on Apple TV from anywhere.
Why isn’t Apple TV working with ITVX?
Below, we will address all the reasons why ITVX might not be working with your Apple TV. We have covered why ITVX isn’t working in Britain and abroad. We will also provide VPN troubleshooting tips to ensure you have all the necessary information.
I am in Britain. Why isn’t ITVX working on Apple TV?
If you are in Britain, you’re already within the official licensed region for ITV. This means ITVX should work without the need for a VPN. If you are in the UK and have issues loading the ITVX application, we recommend force-quitting it and relaunching it.
If the app still doesn’t work, we advise checking whether an Apple TV update is available. Keeping your Apple TV device up to date with the latest versions of tvOS will help your apps and Apple TV services to work smoothly.
If your Apple TV device is already fully up-to-date with the latest operating system version, and ITVX still will not work, we recommend deleting the ITVX app and re-installing it. This should get the app working properly.
I am outside of Britain. Why isn’t ITVX working on Apple TV?
If you are outside Britain, you are outside the official licensed region for ITV. This will cause you to receive a location error when you try to stream live TV or on-demand shows. The best way to watch ITVX overseas is to connect to a VPN server in Britain.
By connecting to a VPN server in Britain, you will get a valid IP address that works to watch ITVX, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, Sky Go, TNT Sports, Netflix UK, or any other British streaming platform.
Not all VPNs work to watch ITVX, so we recommend sticking to one of the VPNs in this guide. We tested the market to find reliable VPNs that work to watch ITVX on Apple TV. If you haven’t got a VPN yet, keep scrolling for our recommendations and a guide that explains how to unblock ITVX from abroad.
If you already have a valid VPN subscription with a VPN that is recommended for streaming ITVX, you can follow the tips below to get your VPN working.
How to fix VPN not working with ITVX on Apple TV
If you have a valid VPN subscription and have already installed your VPN onto your Apple TV device (or shared the VPN connection from another device if it doesn’t have a custom app for Apple TV), you can follow the troubleshooting tips below to get the VPN working:
- Ensure that your Apple TV device is up to date with the latest operating system
- Restart your device and relaunch the VPN.
- Ensure you are connected to a VPN server in Britain
- Restart the ITVX app, and if that fails, re-install it.
- Uninstall your VPN and re-install the latest version.
- Try switching to a different VPN protocol. We recommend OpenVPN UDP or WireGuard for streaming ITVX)
- Switch to a different UK server location. Check with your VPN provider to find out which server is optimized for streaming ITVX.
How to watch ITVX on Apple TV with a VPN
If you are new to VPNs, you may be confused about using a VPN to get a British IP address. Using a VPN with Apple TV is straightforward, especially if you opt for a VPN that has a custom VPN app for Apple TV.
Below, we will explain everything you must do to watch ITVX outside the UK. We will even explain how to share your VPN connection to Apple TV from another device (necessary if your VPN doesn’t have an Apple TV application yet).
Here are the steps needed to watch ITVX on Apple TV from abroad:
- Choose a VPN for ITVX: To stream ITVX on Apple TV from abroad, we advise using NordVPN. NordVPN features ultra-fast NordLynx connections, making it ideal for streaming British TV in HD from abroad. It also has a dedicated app for Apple TV.
- Subscribe to your preferred VPN: By subscribing through our link, you can secure the best possible price. We’ve arranged exclusive discounts with each of the VPNs we recommend, allowing our readers to get the VPN cheaper! If you’re looking for more options, keep scrolling for our comprehensive list of the best VPNs for ITVX.
- Set up the VPN connection on your Apple TV: Many VPNs don’t have a dedicated app for Apple TV. If you choose a VPN without, you must set up the VPN on another device and share the connection with your Apple TV. We will explain how to do this below.
A few leading VPNs now have an Apple TV application
Our top recommendation, NordVPN, has developed a dedicated app for Apple tvOS. This new application allows you to open the App Store on your Apple TV, search for NordVPN, and download the app directly.
Once installed, you will have full control over the VPN directly on your Apple TV. This includes switching server locations, changing the VPN protocol, and enabling other useful VPN features.
The advantage of using NordVPN is that you can easily switch your IP address to different locations on your Apple TV. This enables you to access region-locked streaming platforms like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and many other popular streaming services from around the globe.
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If you are on a tight budget and decide to subscribe to a VPN that doesn’t have a dedicated app for Apple TV, then you will need to share your VPN connection with your Apple TV device.
Below, we have included two methods to share your VPN connection with an Apple TV.
1. Set up the VPN on a compatible router
Install the VPN on your router: Most of our recommended VPNs for ITVX are compatible with popular routers and provide detailed setup guides on their websites. Configuring a VPN on your router will secure all the devices in your home, including your Apple TV.
- Configure the router: Follow the instructions provided by your VPN service to set up your router with the appropriate VPN settings. Ensure it is connected to a server in Britain to watch ITVX (you can access services in other countries by switching to a server elsewhere).
2. Set up a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot
- Install the VPN on your PC or Mac: Download and install the VPN app on your computer and connect to a server in the UK to watch ITVX. Remember that to share a connection from a Mac, you will need a VPN that supports L2TP/IPSec, so check that the VPN has this protocol before subscribing. On Windows, you can use other protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard.
- Create a Wi-Fi hotspot: Share the VPN connection by setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot on your Windows PC or MacBook.
- Connect your Apple TV to the hotspot: Link your Apple TV to the Wi-Fi hotspot you created on your computer. This will provide your Apple TV with protection and location spoofing via the VPN app on your PC.
What is the best VPN for watching ITVX?
Whether you want to watch ITV on vacation, at work, on campus, or on some other Wi-Fi network that blocks TV streams, it is crucial to pick a fast VPN that is compatible with British streams. We tested the market and found that many services have already been blocked by ITVX, which limits the number of ITVX VPNs available.
When it comes to watching ITVX on Apple TV, you need to decide whether you prefer a VPN with a dedicated Apple TV app or if you’ll share your VPN connection from another device, like a router or a laptop. We’ve already covered how to set up these different options above.
Our recommendations include solid encryption, a fully tested kill switch, and other useful features designed to keep you safe online. Later in this guide, you can find out more about how we test VPNs.
For now, here is our list of the best VPNs to watch ITVX on Apple TV:
- NordVPN: The Best VPN for ITVX. NordVPN stands out as a fast and reliable choice with top-notch privacy features. It operates servers in over 111 countries, including the UK, making it ideal for streaming ITVX while on vacation. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it risk-free.
- Surfshark: Best budget-friendly VPN for ITVX. Surfshark emphasizes privacy with a strict no-logging policy and strong encryption, making it ideal for streaming ITVX at work or on campus.
- ExpressVPN: Versatile and reliable for ITVX streaming. ExpressVPN has servers in over 100 countries and a custom app for Apple TV. However, it is a touch expensive compared to our top picks.
- CyberGhost VPN: No custom Apple TV app, but it has apps for Windows and Mac that come with labeled streaming servers for British TV platforms like ITV.
- PureVPN: Highly affordable and reliable. PureVPN provides servers in over 65 countries, including the UK, allowing ITV access while on holiday.
- ProtonVPN: While it is more expensive, it is ideal for users needing a wide range of advanced features and servers in the UK to watch ITVX.
How do we pick the best VPNs for ITVX on Apple TV?
At Comparitech, we have developed a comprehensive VPN testing methodology that we refined over many years. Our method allows us to consistently compare leading VPNs to find the most secure and reliable services.
During our evaluation process, we check for IP and DNS leaks, test the speeds of a variety of server locations, test the kill switch to ensure it works correctly, read the privacy policies, and check under the hood to see what protocols and encryption are available. This ensures that each VPN is rock-solid in terms of privacy and security.
Only when we are confident that a VPN provides online privacy will we consider its ability to access ITVX and its compatibility with Apple TV. Below, we have included a list of criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for ITVX:
- Multiple servers that work to watch ITVX: We recommend VPNs that offer a selection of streaming-optimized servers in the UK to watch ITVX.
- High-speed VPN: Our recommendations offer fast VPN speeds designed to stream ITVX in HD without buffering.
- Strong privacy features: Privacy should always come first when picking a VPN. Our recommendations let you watch ITVX without being tracked – perfect for watching ITVX at work or on campus.
- No-logging policy: Our recommendations include a no-logging policy and reliable encryption. This keeps your browsing habits private.
- Global network: Our recommendations have servers on every continent. You can use them to access dozens of popular services around the globe, including ITVX, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and many others.
- Optimized: We have recommended reliable VPNs that provide servers for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and video calls. This ensures your VPN is useful.
- Apps for all platforms: You can easily stream ITVX on Apple TV or a number of other devices thanks to these VPNs’ many apps.
- Customer support: Our recommended VPNs for ITVX all have superb customer support teams that are available via 24/7 live chat support.
Why is ITVX blocked outside of Britain?
Leading TV platforms around the globe, including ITVX, are nearly always region-locked. This prevents internet users living elsewhere from accessing their services. Unfortunately, these blocks also affect British citizens who go on holiday, study abroad, or UK expats who decide to move overseas permanently.
The primary reason for these blocks is licensing agreements. ITV licenses the content it broadcasts for the UK only, which means it must monitor each visitor’s IP address on its website. If a visitor is found to be located outside of Britain, they will receive a location error message stating:
“Due to our broadcast and content licenses, you can only watch ITVX in the UK.”
These restrictions allow copyright holders to license their content internationally. This creates the opportunity for ITV or third-party publishers to make money by licensing their content to other streaming services around the world.
You can get a valid IP address in Britain by connecting to one of our VPN recommendations. This will make you appear to be back home in Britain. As a result, you can get an ITV subscription from abroad and stream ITVX shows like Coronation Street without issues.
Can I use a free VPN to unblock ITV X on Apple TV?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Although a few reputable premium VPNs offer a basic free plan, these won’t help you access ITVX from abroad on your Apple TV.
Only a few premium VPNs offer a free plan and those that do so only for marketing purposes. These free plans are designed to let customers try their VPN on a limited basis.
For this reason, the free plan offers fewer server locations, speed limits, and data caps (monthly usage limits). To encourage users to upgrade, free VPN plans offered by trustworthy VPNs also block access to popular streaming platforms like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix. This ensures that users have to upgrade to a paid plan.
Besides these blocks, free VPNs also have slow servers, which means they won’t work to stream HD content and will cause a lot of buffering. It is also important to note that most free VPNs are risky, so if you decide to use them for any reason, you must be careful which one you pick.
Studies have revealed that most free VPNs circulating on platforms like Google Play have invasive privacy policies, weak or non-existent encryption, IP and DNS leaks, and other security vulnerabilities. Some even come with embedded spyware, which creates serious privacy risks.
To watch ITVX for free, we recommend sticking to the money-back guarantee provided by legitimate VPNs in this guide. These VPNs have secure apps and policies, meaning they will not harvest your data or install nefarious apps.
Unblock ITVX on Apple TV FAQs
Do I need a fast VPN to watch ITVX on Apple TV?
Yes. Many VPNs have sluggish servers that will slow down your internet connection. This makes those VPNs useless for streaming ITVX or other services from abroad.
To watch ITVX comfortably and without buffering issues, you will need a VPN that has fast protocols like WireGuard, or even a custom protocol purposely designed to give you faster speeds. In this guide, we were careful only to recommend the fastest VPNs that are suitable for watching live TV.
Is it legal to watch ITVX abroad with a VPN?
Yes, it is legal to watch ITVX abroad with a VPN and we know of no internet user who has ever been prosecuted for accessing ITVX on vacation or living overseas.
That said, using a VPN to access ITV technically violates ITVX’s terms of service. Many VPNs have already been blocked by ITV. As a result, it is important to stick to a reliable VPN that knows how to stay a step ahead of ITV’s VPN blocks.
Can I install a VPN directly on Apple TV?
Most VPNs do not have a native app for Apple TV, which means you will need to share the VPN connection from another device such as a desktop PC, laptop, or router.
A few leading VPNs have developed standalone apps for Apple TV. If you get a subscription with one of these VPNs, you will install the VPN directly onto your Apple TV from the official Apple App Store.
