How to Watch ARD Outside Germany
ARD is one of the most popular streaming services in the German region. The channel offers German residents premium content ranging from TV series to major sports events. You read it right, only Germans.
In other words, due to geo-restrictions, German ex-pats and people outside Germany don’t get the chance to experience what this channel has to offer.
Well, geo-blocked can be a hassle, but this doesn’t mean that viewers abroad are out of luck completely. We’ve done our research and tests. Once you’re done with this guide, you’ll be watching ARD wherever you are in no time.
Unblock ARD Anywhere – Quick Guide
Time needed: 4 minutes
The process is as easy as they get. All you have to do is follow the steps below and stream ARD anywhere:
- Subscribe to a VPN service provider.
Based on our tests, ExpressVPN works well with unblocking content such as ARD.
- Install the VPN app on your device.
VPN clients are usually compatible with Android, PC, Mac, as well as iOS.
- Activate the VPN app.
Sign in with your username and password.
- Connect to a German server.
This will grant you a German IP address.
- Launch ARD Mediathek’s website or app.
No sign-in or any kind of subscription is needed.
- Watch ARD Wherever you are.
Enjoy top movies, series, as well as sports, live anywhere.
Watch ARD Anywhere – Full Walkthrough
We have everything you need to know about ARD, how it operates, and which VPN to use in order to unblock it. All you have to do is check this comprehensive guide:
The Requirements:
To unblock ARD outside Germany, you’ll need the following:
- ARD-compatible device.
- A reputable VPN service.
- Good connection speed.
ARD – Strictly German
The ARD is the world’s second-largest public broadcaster, which was founded on the basis of representing common interests of the new, decentralized, post-war broadcasting services.
With a budget of 6.9 billion Euros, ARD offers a variety of well-known German channels like Das Erste, Arte, 3sat, EinsPlus, Einsfestival, tagesschau24, KiKa, Phoenix, Bayerischer as well as live sports such as the Olympic games, Champions League, and Bundesliga.
What’s even more exciting about ARD is that it will be streaming the World Cup 2022 for free to German citizens. Let’s rephrase that: German Residents.
No one abroad can access the channel as it’s geo-restricted to Germany only. The channel examines your IP address once visited to determine your location. If you’re abroad (non-German IP address), you’ll receive one of the following error messages:
- “Hinweis. Dieses Video ist aus rechtlichen Grüden leider nicht verfügbar.”
- “Dieses Video kann leider nicht abgespielt werden. Wichtig: Inhalte mit Geoblocking Können nur von Deutschland aus abgerufen werden. Wir bitten um ihr verständnis.”
When a channel like ARD is geo-blocked, streamers should do anything to get their hands on it. It’s free and it broadcasts everything a user could ask for.
With the steps above, you can unblock ARD, and watch everything you want from its library wherever you may be.
A VPN’s Main Role
Germans who want to practice their German citizenship abroad must make use of VPNs services. Otherwise, they won’t be able to watch ADR or any German channel based in their hometown.
Aside from top-level security and anonymity, a VPN can grant you an IP address in a country of your choosing. For example, if you connect to a server in Germany, the channels you are trying to access would think that you’re in the country as opposed to your actual location.
Then, you’ll no longer face any restrictions when trying to access channels, websites, and services of different countries.
A VPN is the ultimate tool to use while browsing the web, but it’s not only due to the fact that it unblocks geo-restricted content. In fact, here’s what a VPN can actually do:
- Hides your IP Address: Once connected to a VPN, you will no longer appear to be using your actual IP address.
- Encrypts Internet traffic: Your data and online activities are kept secure and private so sites and apps can’t track you.
- Browse the web privately: With an IP address different than yours, you can go online without worrying about anyone finding out it’s you.
- Bypass Geographic restrictions: You can access all kinds of restricted content anywhere in the world.
- Download torrents anonymously: Once you mask your IP, your ISP won’t be able to track your torrenting activities.
When it comes to choosing a VPN, ExpressVPN tops the list. This service provider has proved to be a solid product that guarantees its users a smooth experience.
Bypassing geo-restrictions and securing Internet connections is what ExpressVPN is known for. For more information on other VPN service providers, check out the table 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
Get ARD MediaThek Anywhere on Any Device
Now that you have a VPN, we can teach you how to get the channel on your preferred streaming platform. Just follow this guide based on the device you’re using:
If you want to stream ARD on your Android or iOS mobiles, you have to download the app first. To do so, connect to a German server, Change your device Store’s region to Germany (Android/iOS), download the app, and start streaming.
On your PC or Mac, use your VPN to connect to a German server. After that, all you have to do is launch your preferred browser, head over to ARD Mediathek’s website, and start streaming.
For those operating Chromecast or Apple TV, there’s no dedicated ARD client on the platforms. However, if you get the app on your mobile device, while an established German VPN connection on your router is present, you can share the screen with these devices and watch ARD on your TV.
ARD Anywhere – FAQ
If you have more questions, make sure to check the following section:
Is ARD Free?
Yes, ARD is completely free. You don’t have to pay anything to stream its content, whether it’s live or on-demand.
What Devices is ARD available on?
According to their website, you can stream ARD on Android, iOS, PC, and Mac. However, with screencasting, you can extend the compatibility to include Apple TV and Chromecast as well.
Does ARD Have Live Streaming?
Aside from a very big library of on-demand content, ARD has a live feature, especially when it comes to sports.
Is ARD Showing the 2022 World Cup?
Yes. Along with its sister channel ZDF, ARD is one of the official broadcasters of the FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Can I Watch ARD on Kodi?
Kodi users can easily download the official ARD add-on on Kodi.
Watch ARD Outside Germany
ARD is one of the oldest and most-watched public-service broadcasters since 1950 so it’s pretty understandable why Germans would want to continue watching it even when abroad.
Let’s recap. After signing up for a VPN, you visit the website, service or channel that will locate your physical location.
So that when your IP address appears to be coming from Germany, no restrictive messages will pop up. Instead, you’ll be able to access the most happening TV shows, movies, and sports events wherever you are in the world.
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About The Author
Charles
Streaming gadgets geek. Interested in every little thing there is to know about bypassing regional restrictions. An avid believer in the right to protect online privacy. Charles has also reviewed plenty of VPN service providers and knows how to separate the good apples from the bad ones.
