BBC Radio 4 is the UK’s hottest discuss station, dwelling to marquee reveals and podcasts like Desert Island Discs and The Unbelievable Reality, Infinite Monkey Cage and In Our Time.
Its lofty standing is why, when BBC administration inexplicably blocked worldwide entry to BBC Sounds, an exception was made for Radio 4.
Is there a option to entry BBC Radio 4 from the US, Australia, and Canada? Or wherever else? You need to use a VPN – NordVPN works finest – to unblock BBC Sounds and get probably the most out of Radio 4. Learn on for all the small print.
Learn how to take heed to BBC Radio 4
Within the UK, BBC Radio 4 is accessible on digital radio, the BBC Sounds web site, the BBC Sounds app (iOS/Android) and the BBC Radio 4 web site. The BBC Radio 4’s medium wave frequencies have been switched off in April 2024.
You will want a BBC account to tune in – register right here.
For those who miss your favourite present, you’ll be able to catch up through BBC Sounds, with the vast majority of reveals obtainable on-demand as podcasts.
In July 2025, worldwide entry to BBC Sounds was controversially shut down. Nevertheless, there are nonetheless methods to entry Radio 4 from outdoors the UK.
Can I entry BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds from overseas or on vacation?
Sure. Brits overseas can entry BBC Radio 4 immediately by the worldwide BBC.com web site and the BBC app (iOS / Android). Nevertheless, each platforms are far inferior to BBC Sounds.
Though worldwide entry to BBC Sounds has been blocked worldwide, you should still be capable of entry it with the assistance of a VPN, like NordVPN. It is low-cost, simple to make use of, and has a 30-day money-back assure. Extra under…
Learn how to unblock BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds with a VPN
For those who’re outdoors the UK for the time being and blocked from listening to BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds, you’ll be able to nonetheless entry the app due to the wonders of a VPN (Digital Personal Community).
The software program could make your units seem as in the event that they’re again in your house nation no matter the place on this planet you’re. Ultimate for listeners away for work or on trip wanting a style of dwelling.
NordVPN is our favourite:
BBC Sounds Troubleshooting Ideas
For those who nonetheless cannot entry BBC Radio 4 through BBC Sounds, even with the help of a VPN, there are just a few extra issues you’ll be able to strive.
Ensure your BBC account is related to a legitimate UK put up code, reminiscent of W1A 1AA.
The BBC Sounds app (iOS / Android) would not seem in Google’s Play Retailer or Apple’s App Retailer outdoors the UK, however you might be able to get round that by altering your telephone’s area within the settings menu.
The BBC, like most broadcasters and networks, is engaged in a unending cat-and-mouse battle with VPN suppliers.
Though we have ranked one of the best iPlayer VPNs, one thing we have labored out by thorough testing, if certainly one of them works in the present day there is not any assure the identical shall be true tomorrow, by which case you’ll be able to increase the problem together with your VPN supplier’s buyer help staff, and ask them to advocate one of the best server to connect with.
Can I take heed to BBC Radio 4 from outdoors the UK with out BBC Sounds?
Sure. Listeners primarily based outdoors the UK can entry a restricted choice of BBC audio programming through the BBC.com web site and the BBC app (iOS / Android). And the excellent news is BBC Radio 4 is certainly one of them!
Though you’ll be able to pay attention through BBC.com and the BBC app with out an account, it’s a must to register if you wish to obtain, observe or save reveals.
Go to the web site linked above immediately by an internet browser and it really works. It is a crude platform that does not help key options obtainable on BBC Sounds, like the choice to set a radio station as your alarm, however it carries BBC Radio 4.
Nevertheless, one essential factor to notice is that solely a really restricted number of Radio 4 reveals can be found on-demand to worldwide audiences through BBC.com and the BBC app.
What are the largest BBC Radio 4 podcasts and reveals?
Eight of the highest 10 hottest reveals on BBC Sounds, as of July 2025, are Radio 4 properties.
These embrace The Archers, Desert Island Discs and The Unbelievable Reality – none of which can be found to worldwide audiences on catch-up by BBC.com and the BBC app on the time of writing.
All three reveals, nevertheless, are on BBC Sounds, as are Thought for the Day, You and Yours, Lady’s Hour, From Our Personal Correspondent and the Delivery Forecast.
This implies the one option to take heed to them through BBC.com and the BBC app is reside.
Of Radio 4’s largest properties, solely What’s Up Docs? and the At the moment program are each obtainable and updated on BBC.com and the BBC app.
Infinite Monkey Cage and In Our Time are additionally obtainable on-demand by BBC.com and the BBC app, however episodes are topic to a delay of roughly a month.
We take a look at and overview VPN providers within the context of authorized leisure makes use of. For instance: 1. Accessing a service from one other nation (topic to the phrases and circumstances of that service). 2. Defending your on-line safety and strengthening your on-line privateness when overseas. We don’t help or condone the unlawful or malicious use of VPN providers. Consuming pirated content material that’s paid-for is neither endorsed nor authorised by Future Publishing.
