How to Watch Sky Go Abroad – Unblock outside the UK
Sky Go is, by far, one of the best channels to get you unsurpassed British TV to your screens. The online streaming service has it all, be it premium TV series, live channels, and the best sports from all over the world.
However, if you are an ex-pat abroad, a student overseas, or on vacation outside the UK, you will notice that Sky Go no longer operates in your region due to geo-restrictions.
In this simple how-to guide, we will show you how to unblock and watch Sky Go abroad in around 5 minutes.
Get Sky Go Outside the UK – Quick Steps
Time needed: 5 minutes
Unblocking Sky Go is pretty straightforward. We’re not going to take too much of your time here. So, here’s how you can watch Sky Go anywhere:
- First, you must subscribe to a reputable VPN service.
Not all VPNs can unblock Sky Go abroad, so we highly recommend ExpressVPN for the job.
- Download and install the VPN application on your device.
Most VPNs have dedicated clients on Android, PC, macOS, iOS, as well as Fire Stick.
- Activate the VPN app, sign in with your account, and connect to a UK server.
This will provide you with a British IP address.
- Launch the Sky Go app on your streaming platform.
If you don’t have the app, we’ve included a step-by-step guide to help you install it.
- Log in with your Sky credentials and start watching.
Enjoy premium content wherever you may be.
Unblock Sky Go Anywhere – Complete Guide
We still have a lot to talk about when it comes to unblocking Sky Go abroad. Check out this full review to know more:
What You Need
Before you get to watch Sky Go in your region, make sure you have all of the following:
- A VPN subscription.
- Sky TV subscription.
- Sky ID.
- A Sky Go-compatible device.
- A friend or a relative in the UK.
Sky Go – Going Nowhere Outside the UK
Sky Go one of the biggest streaming services in the United Kingdom. In fact, the channel has over four million household users and over 1.4 million unique users a week.
However, while the numbers are outstanding, Sky Go’s viewership is only allowed within UK borders. The channel geo-blocks its content mainly for copyright reasons.
It can determine your location by examining your IP address. Once it pinpoints your whereabouts, it’ll block your access accordingly.
If you try watching Sky Go programs overseas, you will get one of the following geo-errors:
- “Sky go is only available to users connecting from within the UK or Republic of Ireland. You appear to be outside of these territories.”
- “Sky ID Error 288.”
- “Sorry. The video you are trying to watch cannot be viewed from your current country or location. Please try selecting a different video.”
- “Your Sky content cannot currently be viewed in this country. For more information, please go to www.sky.com/EUPortability. Code: 1314”
Your location dictates what you get to access online, and your IP address is the main issue when it comes to geo-blocking.
With a VPN, you get to change your IP address to one in the UK and access Sky Go wherever you may be. The steps above will get your task fulfilled instantly.
What a VPN Can Do!
VPN refers to a Virtual Private Network. It sends your Internet traffic to a new server of your choosing to spoof your location.
In this instance you a VPN service with UK servers. This way the Sky Go servers would assume you are physically in the UK. That’s all.
Sky Go does provide a great range of channels, and it supports a wide array of devices. To unblock Sky Go abroad you have to follow the steps provided above.
However, a VPN is so much more than a tool to bypass geo-restrictions. In fact, with a VPN, you get the following benefits:
- All Internet traffic is encrypted. Your traffic cant be interrupted or inspected.
- VPN is resistant to restrictions applied by ISPs that can affect Smart DNS. Some examples are DNS Hijacking and Transparent Proxies.
- A VPN hides your IP address so that no one can spy one what you do online.
- If your ISP is throttling your connection, a VPN can bypass that by concealing your identity.
I have tested a lot of VPN providers. ExpressVPN works best if you want to get Sky Go in the USA, Canada, Australia, or elsewhere outside the UK. You can also use any of the top VPN services listed below.
- Best for streaming and privacy
- High speed servers in 160 VPN locations
- Works for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu
- 24/7/ live chat support
- 3 extra months free on annual plan
- UltraHD streaming
- Free Smart DNS proxy
- Unblocks all major streaming services
- Limited Time 72% Discount
- Unlimited VPN connections
- Over 1000 servers
- Ad-blocking feature available
- User-friendly application
- Exclusive Smart VPN feature
- Standalone Smart DNS subscription available
- Extra security features
- Extensions for Firefox and Chrome
- Split-tunneling available
Not All VPNs Are Equal!
In the past, it was an easy task for any VPN to unblock Sky Go outside the UK. Even some free providers were able to get the job done.
However, since Sky TV is only permitted to broadcast in the UK and it pays big money for this privilege, the major broadcaster waged a war against VPNs.
Let’s think logically for a second. Sky and BT Sport pay around £4.464 billion for the Premier League, while NBC Sports got that for 1 billion only.
That’s when you start to understand why viewing territories are protected. They pay big money for the rights and lose a lot as users start streaming from abroad.
Now, Sky Go is tightening its grip on VPNs by blacklisting any IP address that has an abnormal level of activity. If you try to access any video from abroad using an unreliable VPN, you’ll get this:
“Content not available.”
We’ve included 4 of the top VPN providers that proved to be up for the test. According to our tests, all the VPNs on our list can and will unblock Sky Go anywhere.
How to Stream Sky Go Overseas – DNS Proxy
Smart DNS Proxies are different from VPNs by design. Smart DNS Proxies only redirect the segments of traffic-related to identifying your location. See a few more notes about DNS Proxies :
- Unblocks multiple regions at once. You can watch Sky Go, American Channels “Netflix, Hulu, Fox, ABC Go, WWE Network“, Canal Plus all at once without change of configuration.
- All Network devices are supported and setup is quite easy. This includes Smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV and other devices not supported by VPN.
- No bandwidth speed hit, as not all traffic is re-routed.
All the VPNs in the list above offer a Smart DNS service. They’re all reliable when it comes to unblocking Sky Go abroad. However, BulletVPN is the only one that allows you to test the service for free as it offers a 1-day free trial.
Creating a Sky Account – The Steps
Getting the Sky Go app isn’t enough to stream the outstanding Sky content. You need a Sky TV subscription first, then everything will fall into place. Here’s how you can do it:
- First, head over to sky.com
- On the next page, select “Build Your Package.”
- Choose your bundle and customize your package with TV Extras if you want.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and hit Continue.
- Click continue with just TV and submit your information.
- Next, you should enter your property details and install the app.
- Submit your payment method so you could finalize the process.
- You now have a Sky TV account.
Please note that you cannot subscribe to Sky TV from abroad. If you have a relative or friend there, you might want to contact him/her to help you out.
Getting the Sky Go App Overseas
If you’ve reached this part, we’re assuming you already have a Sky ID and a VPN subscription. Now, it’s time to teach you how to download and install the Sky Go app on any device you might be operating:
To get Sky Go on your Android or iOS device, follow the steps below:
Are you using a desktop device? Then this is what you need to do:
- Download the VPN application on your Windows PC or Mac.
- Sign in with your VPN account and connect to a UK server.
- Head over to https://www.sky.com/watch/ and the website will redirect you to your respective download page.
- Download the Sky Go Setup and install the app on your device.
- Launch Sky Go, sign in, and start watching.
Chromecast doesn’t have a native Sky Go App, which is why these steps are required:
- On your Android or iOS, download the Sky Go app.
- Install the VPN on your router (Connect to a UK server) or configure Smart DNS on it.
- Launch the Sky Go app on your mobile and sign in.
- Play your video and hit cast.
- Watch any Sky Go content on your big screen using Chromecast.
Just like Chromecast, Apple TV does not support the Sky Go app. To watch the channel on the platform, here’s what you need to do:
- Install the VPN on your router or configure Smart DNS on your iPhone and Apple TV.
- Get the Sky Go app on your iPhone and sign in.
- Start playing your video.
- Click on the AirPlay icon at the bottom of the screen.
- You’re done.
Sky Go Anywhere – The FAQ Section
Aside from unblocking Sky Go abroad, we also answered some of your frequently asked questions below:
Can I watch Sky Go on a Browser?
Unlike most channels, Sky Go has a dedicated app on desktop devices, which is the only way to stream Sky’s content. However, if you want to watch sports, you can stream via the Sky Sports website.
Do I Have to Pay Extra on top of My Sky Bundle?
The first time you subscribe to Sky TV, the setup costs up to £68.95 aside from the bundle.
What Devices is the Sky Go App Available on?
You can download and watch Sky Go on Android, iOS, PC, and Mac. If you want to watch on your gaming consoles (PlayStation/Xbox), you need Sky Go Extra, which can be obtained if you have one of the following Sky products:
- Sky Mobile
- Sky Q experience
- Ultimate on Demand
- Sky Multiscreen
What Channels Do I Get on Sky Go?
With Sky TV account, you get access to 300+ channels, including Sky Atlantic, Sky One, Sky Comedy, Sky Replay, The Food Network, MTV, SYFY, Comedy Central, E!, TLC, Eurosport, Sky Sports, National Geographic, Discovery, Animal Planet, and more.
What Sports Can I Watch on Sky Go?
Once you get the Sky Go app, you can watch the likes of UEFA Nations League, Premier League, EFL Cup, Cricket, The Open Championship, US Open, Formula One, Top Rank boxing, more.
Can Any VPN Unblock Sky Go?
No. A lot of VPNs we tested couldn’t access the channel abroad. The providers in the table above were successful.
Unblock Sky Go Outside UK – Watch as an Expat Abroad
Whether you are a UK ex-pat working or on holiday in Spain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Cyprus, Australia, USA, Canada, France, you now have the ability to watch Sky Go anywhere.
Getting Sky Go might be tricky at times, but we’re also here to help. If you stumble upon any issue, don’t hesitate to contact us in the comment section below.
Related Posts
About The Author
William Reeves
A technical wizard of 10 year experience. Certified in Linux, Ethical Hacking and all sorts of technical stuff . I did work on projects around the world worth millions of dollars. My aim is to free you the reader from location restrictions and protect your privacy.
Add a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Have been using express VPN with Sky go for ages
It’s giving a message “unable to stream” on all my devices
Is it express VPN or have sky done something
This is as at 3/1/19
Hello Geoff. That’s weird. Have you tried connecting to a different UK VPN server?
I’m getting the “Error 200: Please sign in again on the website”
I’m running Express VPN in Singapore, using Chrome, Sky Go and MacBook Pro…any suggestions?
Have a express vpn on phone paid for. Trying to get it on laptop ia hot-spot on phone its still blocked. Help I just want my sky based in saudi
Hello Geoff. Try visiting WhatIsMyIP.network and verify that you get a British IP address. That way you can make sure that your current setup is OK.
I have a new holiday home near Barcelona and have no idea how to get my Sky TV there. I have a full sky package here in the UK with q box and mini boxes for multi – room. Please can you tell me what i need to do/bring to set up in my Spanish holiday home
Here’s a weird one. I can access sky go on my phone whilst in turkey using a vpn and local WiFi. But my laptop, connected to the same internet connection won’t play any programme. The TV guide is accessible but clicking play just freezes the screen.
Check that all internet traffic is directed through your vpn connection on the Laptop. Search for “vpn split connection” if you want to search for more info.
I can only provide the fix for ExpressVPN.
No need to change your time settings either and, as of today, doesn’t appear to matter what UK server you are on.
The fix is this – ensure ExpressVPN is off, i.e. disconnected from a server. In the top left hand corner of the app there is three horizontal lines. Click this and go to options. Then go to the ‘Protocol’ icon, then select ‘TCP – OpenVPN’ and click OK.
Connect to your chosen UK server and voila.
ExpressVPN isn’t cheap but definitely the best of the best.
In my haste I note that the default UK server didn’t work but the ‘UK – East London’ server does, as of today.
I’m using Ukproxy.tv for a DNS and manage to view BBC Iplayer but not SKY GO. I’m getting an error message that I need to register my device but it is registered.
FIXED!!!!! JUST CHANGE TIME ZONE OF DEVICE TO UK
I am using ExpressVPN and none of their servers were working. However I emailed them and they replied promptly with the location that works, and told me to change the time zone on my device to UK. I did it and it works
which location are you using and is it still working as i can’t get it working!
Are you using chrome or Firefox still? Or only internet explorer now?
I cannot receive SKY GO from my hotel in Turkey. It has been working fine so far and at another location today. It just says ‘ unable to stream. I am a SKYGO CUSTOMER and have VPN Express + Hotspot shield. I do not use them together, but occasionally one is better than the other. It works fine in Ukraine where I live. ITV, CH4 Aand BBC iPlayer all work. Please, help me watch SKY. thank you.
How do you get sky go working on iPhone using the sky go app – it appears geo location taggging is enabled despite usuing a VPN? (IPVANIsh)
Good evening. I do not leave in the UK so I cannot have a SKY account. How is it possible to watch Sky here even with a VPN?
You’re better off signing up with Now TV which basically is the same as Sky but is a stand-alone VOD service. Of course you still need VPN to make it work outside UK.
Now that Chrome and Firefox are rejecting Sky GO I can only use Internet Explorer however, my sky GO is not recognizing my VPN. I use VPNUK for years without a single problem.
Any recommendations what I can do to get my SKY GO working again, the TV in Croatia is pretty poor!!
We have used vpnuk for last three years in Spain and no problem. Just come back and sky go says unable to stream!, what can I do.
I updated my sky go app yesterday. I was using my hola vpn prior to the update and all was well. After the sky go app updated, I opened it to continue watching but when I selected the channel a message said, unable to stream. I have installed and reinstalled, turned on airplane mode etc but no joy. Can anyone help?
I did exactly the same yesterday and find I can no longer stream sky go using vpn. Can anyone help?
I am using NordVPN in USA and no matter what their support say, Sky are able to identify I am not located in the UK and block me on the Andriod TabA app I have loaded for Sky Sports And Sky Movies. Seems the VPN suppliers have lost out to Sky
I have Express VPN and have been watching Sky Go for about three month now in the USA however last week it came up with it cannot confirm I’m in the U.K. Or ROI. I’ve tried everything from deleting the App and reinstalling etc, yet I can still watch BBC iplayer?
Hi John C. Have you tried connecting to a different UK server?
How do I do that?
If you are using the ExpressVPN app, click on ‘Choose Location’ -> UK -> Select a different server.
Hi the same thing happened to me two weeks ago and I have PureVPN. Looks like Sky are clamping down, but how do they work out we are not in the UK when BBC and ITV still work with PureVPN..?
Because Sky knows the range of IP addresses attached to the servers that PureVPN uses.
John – contact ExpressVPN support – I had a similar problem (on PC) which they were able to fix.
As of April 2017, do any VPNs actually work with enabling Skygo access when abroad?
IPVanish no longer works. Looks like Sky are winning this game.
Hi read all threads here – has anyone found a way round the Sky blocking problem or do we assume they’ll always be on top of this?
I use VPN unlimited and it was ok in early March but stopped working last week when I was in Spain. I contacted their support and they basically said that Sky go are actively blocking known vpn ip addresses. They didn’t offer me a solution. Worse luck is that I just upgraded from my free trial to their unlimited lifetime package!!
IPvanish has stopped working on sky go now. so annoying. only reason why i have IPvanish
I had tried hotspot VPN as a trial and it worked on my ipad, but that was a few weeks ago so it might have stopped working. I use unotelli which is a smart DNS not a vpn (they have a vpn option as well but I don’t need it). The advantage is that it will take advantage of your entire internet speed, but I don’t believe it hides your browsing activities from your ISP. Like Peter I have VPN Unlimited and it doesn’t work for sky go on my iPad but I use that mainly for the privacy anyway.
Change location on app, got it working.
Not going to say which location as those devils at sky will be watching
Hi,
I just downloaded Buffered VPN and it works great with iPlayer but Sky Go can’t confirm I’m from the UK and won’t let me run content. Have I picked the wrong VPN?
Seems a rethink is required.
UNLOCATOR, HMA, PureVPN all fail to get Skygo these days, although good for BBC and ITV.
A couple of years ago no problem getting Sky with VPN but nothings seems to work now, even after flushing cache of Java and Adobe Flash
Haven’t had any issues with Sky Go using Unlocator recently. Have you tried contacting their support?
I am trying to watch SkyGo in France. I had downloaded HolaVPN and was using Chrome to watch 4OD. when I tried to watch SkyGo it says that it doesn’t work on that browser. I then tried on internet explorer but I don’t know how to get Hola working on internet explorer.
Hello Aisha. Try using a Firefox browser instead.
Been using HMA for three years with no problems to sky go. All of a sudden saying not available in your territory. Can anyone help?
Does anyone know how to get skygo on Ipad now,as a UK resident staying for a few weeks in Spain?(Aug.2016)
Hidemyass VPN used to work but now doesn’t.
I use Tunnelbear VPN which used to work fine. As of today my Sky Go has stopped working, stating that it is not available in my territory. Sounds like a familiar story based on the below comments. Can anyone help?
Hi Robin. It might be that Sky Go has flagged Tunnelbear VPN’s servers. Switch over to ExpressVPN or Unlocator as both still allow you to watch Sky Go abroad.
Express VPN worked for the first night, no I have no access to sky go again..
Hi Kevin. Have you tried contacting ExpressVPN support about the issue as I am still able to use their UK VPN servers to unblock Sky Go.
Help anyone?
Going back to Spain ( Costa Del Sol) for a few weeks in December.
Can anyone update me on how to get Skygo on an ipad or android and how to access Betfair etc.
I was using Cloud VPN for the past few months on my Sony Xperia here in the U.S. and was able to watch SkyGo no problem.
Made the mistake of doing an Android update this morning (to 5.0 from 4.4) and boom – SkyGo doesn’t work any more :(
Any thoughts?
I can’t easily go back to 4.4 (KitKat, I think) without firmware and flashing. Argh!!!!!
I’m using Private Internet Access (PIA) on an Android phone and I am having issues with either a Sky ID error 288 when trying to open the Sky Sports app login page, or if I open the Sky Sports app first, log in, and then open/log in to PIA, I get an, “Unsupported Territory” error saying that “Sky Sports is only available to users connecting from within the UK or Republic of Ireland. …”
Any ideas?!
Have you tried putting the phone in flight mode…..had the same issue was using a vpn but still said I was outside UK, I can only assume by the phones network provider being Spanish at the time.
I recently setup my SynologyNAS as a VPN server and can connect successfully. Recently went on holiday to Portugal and was able to connect to my VPN, googling my IP showed by home IP address and BBC iplayer and ITV hub worked fine. Sky Go did not and said “service was unavailable in your territory” and I was unable to use it. If I turned my phone into airplane mode but with wifi on and VPN enabled, Sky Go complained about not being able to access location services.
Can I assume Sky have locked down access via VPN? Or is my SynologyNAS server somehow inferior to other paid for services?
Thanks
Hi Dave. It seems that Sky Go have made it mandatory to have location services enabled on your iPad/iPhone. They can use these location services to pinpoint your location, bypassing the VPN service you are using in the process. You should still be able to unblock Sky Go in Portugal on devices which do not use location services by using VPN though.
You sir are a genius!
I was using my normal VPN (TorGuard) earlier today to receive Sky Go on my PC’s IE browser. It worked fine, even though it complained about an outdated version of Silverlight. I then made the error of allowing Silverlight to update and the latest version detected the VPN. It seems that if one can obtain an old version of Silverlight, that may circumvent Sky Go’s detection method via PC. I shall be looking, but if anybody knows of one, then please post.
Hi, I am in England now a days and using my cousins Sky Go on my iPad and will be going to Australia in March. Can you please tell me that how can I continue watching Sky Go there as well?
Seems like sky go & Iplayer are now blocking all UK VPN ip addresses.
Looks like smart DNS is the only way to go for the moment
do you have to be a Sky subscriber in the UK? i live in Australia, so not a subscriber, can i still get Sky Go?
Hi David. You can sign up with Now TV which is the same as Sky Go but does not require you to be a Sky subscriber.
Hi i tried signing up with Now TV via using ExpressVPN but they required a residential address on registration any ideas? I live in Australia. Regards
Rob.
Hi. Try searching Google for residential UK addresses.
Using IPVanish on sky go and has worked perfectly until today. I did hear rumours that sky was going to block vpns and it now looks like they have achieved it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Hi. Have you tried using different UK VPN servers? I can confirm that Smart DNS still works when it comes to unblocking Sky Go outside UK.
Has anybody managed to fix this?
I have been using HMA through my router for over a year and gradually saw all my devices drop out.
Laptops, followed by the ps4 & now even the iPad and phone won’t work.
Is it that sky are identifying and blocking the Bon Ip addresses or am I missing something.
Surfeasy VPN no longer working with Sky Go as of yesterday afternoon.
Hi. You might consider using a different VPN service like ExpressVPN or HideMyAss.
Hi, I have a premium account with cyberghost was in Spain May/June this year and sky go working just fine have returned now and it will not work….error message ‘this channel is not available in your territory’…ideas anyone thanks.
Hi. You can use http://www.whatismyip.network to check whether your VPN provider is changing your IP address to UK. Alternatively, you could use Smart DNS to unblock Sky Go in Spain.
Hi, thanks for the reply, it would appear the vpn is working as iplayer is ok when it is activated but will not work when it’s turned off….I am thinking it’s the sky go app itself that might be the problem.
I’ve set up a free trial with unlocator, got all 3 green lights after logging in…tried to use sky go, same problem ‘this channel not available in your territory’…am I missing the point here or is it no longer possible with sky go?
I’ve used private internet access successfully in the past as a vpn to access sky go. However all of a sudden, it’s no longer working. All my settings are the same. Could anyone tell me whether sky go still works using a vpn.
Would a smart dns be any better? Does this still work?
I used hidemyass vpn successfully in Spain last year,but in May this year it was no good,both times on my ipad with unchanged settings.Are you quite sure Sky have not figured out how to block VPN?
OK, changed my vpn server from London to Southampton as well as setting to connect via tcp. Now working fine. I wonder whether sky is blocking some servers?
Hello,
I have tried all of the recommended VPN’s above (and others available on Android) to try to access the Sky Go (UK) app whilst in mainland Europe. So far none have worked for me. I use an HTC One M8 and the app works in the UK.
Is it the case that this app uses additional means of determining your location to block access?
Thanks,
Adam
What error are you getting? Also, have you faced similar issues with other UK channels like BBC or Itv, or did this only happen when accessing Sky Go?
Does unlocator work with Sky Go? Their web site doesn’t mention it.
Yup, Unlocator certainly works with Sky Go.
Thanks. So it does :)
I use ExpressVPN and Sky Go has stopped working on my iPad.
When trying to stream content is says: Video Unavailable – this operation could not be completed.
According to their own troubleshoot guide, the solution was to delete and re-install the app. This does not fix the problem.
Have Sky worked out how to detect a VPN connection?
If not, any idea what else might be causing the problem?
Have you tried accessing Sky Go on another device?
Hi, I’ve got sky go with van working, but can’t send it from my iPad to the TV. I’ve got the Apple made connecting cable, doesn’t work, and chromecast, also doesn’t work. Please can you help?
Have you tried SmartDNS directly on Apple TV ?
Does any of the above work for skygo abroad( honestly)?
Yup, they do work. You can always try Unlocator’s free DNS just to be sure.
Sky go is not working with vpn now
Hi What is your VPN provider ?
Watchuktvabroad.com
what is the cost of skygo
Please refer to their site
Surfeasy vpn no longer works for skygo. Have sky got round the entire vpn thing?
I can confirm the VPN and DNS above both still work.
Hi, I get my bb through sky and want to use sky go, I have just cancelled purevpn because it worked for one day then stopped working. I would like a recomendation for using during travel and one that can be used in a sky bb environment?
can you help, thanks
See the article, I have not had any complaints on the services evaluated.
Hi. I’ve got express vpn and trying to access sky go in dubai. However the error ‘it is not possible to connect to sky media whilst roaming’ comes up when trying to play a channel. I have switched roaming off and tried other methods. My device is a Samsung s4 with the latest 4.0 software. BBC iplayer works fine. …
Can u assist?
make sure you are set to send all traffic through VPN. If you did that contact their support, it should work.