If you’ve been watching Channel 4 with ExpressVPN and it’s stopped working, all of ExpressVPN’s IP addresses have been blocked by the streaming service.
This is happening because ExpressVPN is no longer staying one step ahead of Channel 4’s VPN blocking techniques.
This is frustrating, but there are a few things you can try to fix this issue. This article will explain some fixes you can try so you can watch Channel 4 with a VPN again.
Follow these fixes in order. If one doesn’t work, move onto the next until you’ve resolved ExpressVPN not working with Channel 4.
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Delete Cookies
Channel 4 may be scanning your Cookies to determine where you’re located. And if it finds you’re outside of its broadcast zone, it will block your connection.
When you go online, some websites and apps will ask you to accept Cookies. These are small files designed to make your online experience better. However, to do that, they contain information about your location.
Channel 4 will be able to access this information whether you’re using ExpressVPN or not.
A good place to start when trying to fix ExpressVPN not working with Channel 4 is deleting your Cookies.
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Change to a different UK server
ExpressVPN isn’t working with Channel 4 because Channel 4 has blocked the IP address ExpressVPN has given you.
This doesn’t necessarily mean Channel 4 has been able to block all the IP addresses ExpressVPN can provide.
Changing to a different UK server will give you a new IP address, and if this one hasn’t been blocked, Channel 4 will work with ExpressVPN again.
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Upgrade to a better VPN
If deleting your Cookies and changing to a different UK server doesn’t resolve ExpressVPN not working with Channel 4, all of ExpressVPNs IP addresses have been blocked by the streaming service.
You could wait for Express to release new, unblocked IPs, but there’s no telling how long this will take, and the VPN will also need to upgrade its measures to stay ahead of Channel 4’s blocks otherwise, the new IPs will be blocked as well.
The best way to get around this problem is to upgrade to a better VPN for Channel 4’s VPN blocks.
The best VPN for getting around All4’s blocks is NordVPN ($3.79/month). This VPN plays a game of cat and mouse with All4. When an IP address provided by this VPN is blocked, NordVPN ($3.79/month) will close that IP and open a new one.
Why does Channel 4 block ExpressVPN?
Channel 4 is a UK streaming service that only has the rights to broadcast its content in the UK.
If it broadcast its content internationally, it would be breaching the copyright and licensing agreements it has with its content partners and could potentially face severe financial repercussions.
Because ExpressVPN allows you to watch Channel 4 anywhere in the world, it could potentially result in Channel 4 breaching those agreements.
To stop this from happening Channel 4 blocks ExpressVPN.
How does Channel 4 block ExpressVPN?
Channel 4 cannot block ExpressVPN entirely, but it can block the IP addresses it provides.
It does this using three main techniques:
- The most common technique is to do with the IP addresses that your VPN can provide. VPN providers have more customers than IP addresses; this means that customers are forced to share the same IP addresses. Usually, only a household with a few devices uses the same IP address. When Channel 4 sees hundreds or even thousands of connections coming through on the same IP address, it knows that it is a VPN and it blocks it.
- Channel 4 monitors for IP, DNS and WebRTC leaks that can tip the service off you are using a VPN.
- Channel 4 teams up with GeoIP databases like Maxmind to identify IP addresses. If the IP address your VPN provides is on one of these databases, Channel 4 will be able to find out where in the world you are connecting to the internet from and it will block you.
Does Channel 4 still work with VPNs?
Channel 4 still works with a VPN. I’ve been watching it here in New Zealand reliably all year. However, you’ll need a VPN that has a lot of IP addresses and has measures in place to stay ahead of Channel 4’s VPN blocking methods.
NordVPN ($3.79/month) has measures in place to get around Channel 4’s VPN blocking techniques. Not only does it have a large amount of IP addresses, meaning you will have less chance of sharing an IP address with other customers, its also capable of staying ahead of Channel 4’s blocks.
When Channel 4 blocks an IP address provided by NordVPN ($3.79/month). This VPN will close that IP address and open a new one. This will allow you to watch Channel 4 anywhere in the world reliably.
The best VPNs to watch Channel 4
1. NordVPN $3.79/month
An incredibly fast and trustworthy VPN
- ✔Over 5,000 servers worldwide
- ✔6 simultaneous devices
- ✔Reliable customer service
- ✔Fast NordLynx protocol
- ✔Cybersec ad and tracker blocker
- ✔Easy to use interface
NordVPN is the most widely-used VPN in the world. And it’s easy to see why. It’s a polished app that delivers fast connections (more on this later) to a massive network of VPN servers.
It’s the most reliable at unblocking popular streaming services too – US Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, etc. This is because NordVPN hired a full-time technical team (that’s responsible for monitoring its servers’ connections with popular TV streaming services) and has been aggressively investing in its network of IP addresses in key locations.
Read our full NordVPN review.
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2. Private Internet Access $2.03/month
An affordable, reliable VPN
- ✔35,000 servers worldwide
- ✔Unlimited simultaneous devices
- ✔24/7 chat support
- ✔Servers in over 80 countries
- ✔MACE ad blocker included
- ✔Supports multiple protocols
Private Internet Access is one of the leading no-log VPN services with over 1-million paying customers.
This VPN is one of the best in the industry at beating streaming sites’ VPN bans. It provides reliable connections with US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, MAX, Disney+ Amazon Prime, and many more.
Even better, it allows for an unlimited number of simultaneous devices to be connected to its servers at the same time. So you can share the account with all of your friends.
Read our full Private Internet Access review.
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3. Ivacy $1.00/month
A trustworthy and affordable VPN
- ✔5700+ servers worldwide
- ✔10 simultaneous devices
- ✔24/7 customer support
- ✔Dedicated IP address option
- ✔Available on all major platforms
- ✔Great price
If you’re looking for an excellent VPN, with an even better price tag, Ivacy ($1.00/month) is a great option.
While it doesn’t do much more than the other VPNs on this list, the main attraction is the price. This is an affordable VPN that will allow you to stream BBC iPlayer, in HD, from any country in the world on Mac, PC, Android, iOS and FireStick. You’ll also be able to unlock other services like US Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, MAX, Amazon Prime, etc. with ease.
Read our full Ivacy review.
Special Offer for you!
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4. CyberGhost $2.19/month
A solid VPN package
- ✔Deloitte verified no logs policy
- ✔Servers in 91 countries
- ✔7 simulatenous devices
- ✔Proprietary NoSpy servers
- ✔Multiple protocol options
- ✔Split tunneling support
CyberGhost is one of the more established VPNs on the market. It has a well-established, and well-tested global network of servers that perform well.
It also offers NoSpy servers which are specially designed to provide an extra layer of security and privacy for users.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
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Is watching Channel 4 with a VPN legal?
There are only a handful of countries (spot the authoritarianism link) where using a VPN is illegal; these are: China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, North Korea, Iraq, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Egypt, Eritrea, Seychelles, Suriname, Namibia, Slovenia, Nicaragua and Tajikistan.
If you’re outside these countries and are using a VPN, you’re legally allowed to do so. However, it’s important to know that using a VPN with Channel 4 may breach the service’s terms of use.
Channel 4 being a free streaming service doesn’t require any sort of subscription. This means you aren’t obliged to accept a contractual agreement with the streaming service so there’s less restrictions when it comes to using a VPN with the streaming service.
This means, Channel 4 will try and block your VPN, however it won’t ban your account for using one.
For more information you can check out our article answering Is streaming with a VPN legal?