Unlocking the world of ARD Mediathek in the UK might seem like a puzzle, but with the right steps, you can seamlessly access your favourite German shows. This guide unravels the mystery of how to watch ARD Mediathek in UK. Due to regional restrictions, ARD Mediathek is off-limits in the UK, but do not worry! We’ll show you a straightforward method involving a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN.
Picture this: cosy evenings on your couch, streaming engaging German content on ARD Mediathek, all from the comfort of your home in the UK. So, let’s get into the steps that will whisk you away to the captivating world of ARD Mediathek, breaking down barriers and making your viewing experience borderless.
How to Watch ARD Mediathek in UK?
- Get a premium VPN [Recommended: ExpressVPN ]
- Download the VPN app and sign in
- Connect to a server in Germany [Recommended: Frankfurt-1 server ]
- Visit ARD Mediathek and log in to your account
- Start streaming ARD Mediathek in UK
What is ARD Mediathek?
ARD Mediathek is a streaming platform based in Germany that started in 2008. It lets you watch various German shows and movies whenever you want. They have everything from news and dramas to comedies, kids’ shows, sports, and more.
If you want to watch content in German, ARD Mediathek has much to offer. In the ARD library, you’ll find amazing movies and shows like The Net – Promised Land, Snöänglar, Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood, Twin, and Watzmann Ermittelt.
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Sign Up To Watch ARD Mediathek in UK
Can I watch ARD Mediathek in UK?
The ARD Mediathek is a really popular streaming service in Germany. However, the content in its online library is limited to viewers in Germany due to licensing agreements. Basically, you can only access it in Germany.
But if you use a reliable and trustworthy VPN (an internet tool), you can make it look like you’re in Germany and watch ARD Mediathek in UK.
Which error will appear upon trying to watch ARD Mediathek in UK?
Since ARD Mediathek is not available in the UK, if you try to watch ARD Mediathek in UK without a VPN, you’ll get an error saying:
“Diese Sendung steht Ihnen aus rechtlichen Gründen leider nicht zur Verfügung.“
OR
“Unfortunately, this program is not available to you for legal reasons.”
This is because ARD Mediathek only allows IPs that belong to Germany. When the service detects any other IP, it immediately blocks it.
How can a VPN help to watch ARD Mediathek in UK?
To watch ARD Mediathek in UK, you can use a VPN. ARD Mediathek restricts access to its shows outside of Germany, but a VPN helps you get around that. Using a VPN hides your location and gives you a new one, so it seems like you’re in Germany.
This way, you can enjoy the same content people in Germany are watching, even though you’re in the UK. Without a VPN, if you try to watch ARD Mediathek in UK, you’ll see an error message because of the location restrictions.
How can I sign up to watch ARD Mediathek in UK?
- Sign up for a trustworthy VPN service. We suggest using ExpressVPN because it’s really fast.
- Install the app and log in with your username and password.
- Connect to a German server using the VPN. We suggest the Berlin server.
- Next, go to the ARD Mediathek website or open the app on your device.
- Click on Sign-Up and create an account by entering your email and password. Pick a username you like.
- Now, you’re ready to start watching ARD Mediathek in the UK.
ARD Mediathek Price & Plans
How much does it cost to watch ARD Mediathek in UK?
The ARD public broadcasting service in Germany is funded by a general fee called the Rundfunkbeitrag, which everyone living in the country pays. The ARD Mediathek service is available for free.
Best VPNs to watch ARD Mediathek in UK
Being a VPN Product analyst, I can confidently say ExpressVPN is a wonderful choice for your daily streaming needs. For the following reasons, we believe it is the best VPN.
However, we recommend that you make your buying selection after carefully considering all of the values you need:
ExpressVPN
Eight connections
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NordVPN
Six connections
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83.7 Mbps upload speed
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Unlimited connections
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79.4 Mbps upload speed
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ExpessVPN – Our Recommended VPN to Watch ARD Mediathek in UK
ExpressVPN, the optimal choice to watch ARD Mediathek in UK, boasts a vast network of 3,000+ servers spanning 94+ countries, with a strong presence in Mexico. Its MediaStreamer feature ensures compatibility across diverse devices. The VPN’s robust AES encryption enhances data protection, which is particularly beneficial on public Wi-Fi networks.
While slightly pricier, ExpressVPN’s heightened security justifies the cost. It caters to both privacy-conscious users and those seeking fast, reliable streaming. In 2024 tests, it exhibited a minimal 18% speed reduction, ensuring an exceptional streaming experience. All in all, ExpressVPN excels as the premier VPN to watch ARD Mediathek in UK.
| Offering | Pros | Cons |
| – 20+ server locations US – 3,000+ servers in 94+ countries. – Data protection with AES encryption. – Lighting bolt fast servers. – 18% speed reduction in 2024 tests. | ✔️ Fast servers ✔️ Best device compatibility ✔️ 30-day money-back | ❌Subscription plans are slightly more expensive than others ❌ Feature-light service |
NordVPN – the Biggest Server Network to Watch ARD Mediathek in UK
NordVPN boasts an extensive server network, encompassing 5,310+ servers in over 59 countries, positioning itself as a server infrastructure leader. In 2024, it stands out as one of the top VPN choices due to its remarkable speed, robust online security features, and excellent support for streaming and torrenting.
Users are particularly impressed by its web browsing capabilities. Nevertheless, compared to ExpressVPN, it falls short in certain aspects, including the absence of a graphical user interface for Linux clients, speed variations, the lack of an unlimited free subscription, and limitations on simultaneous connections. As a result, ExpressVPN continues to be the preferred choice for these reasons.
| Offering | Pros | Cons |
| – 5,310+ servers in 59+ countries. – Good speed and security tools. – Not preferred over ExpressVPN by us due to fewer simultaneous connections and poor graphic interface for Linux. | ✔️ Biggest number of servers ✔️ Accesses almost all streaming sites ✔️ Good device compatibility | ❌ Graphic User Interface not good for Linux ❌ Limited simultaneous connections ❌ No unlimited free plan |
Surfshark – An Affordable VPN to Watch ARD Mediathek in UK
For individuals seeking robust online privacy protection, Surfshark emerges as the top choice. It stands out for its user-friendly interface, unrestricted simultaneous connections, blazing-fast speeds, and comprehensive security features. Notably, Surfshark is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding your privacy, upheld by a stringent no-logs policy that ensures complete online confidentiality.
With a global network of 3,200+ servers spanning 65+ countries, it offers impressive worldwide coverage at a budget-friendly rate. However, its limited support for iOS split tunnelling and slightly reduced compatibility with Apple product apps led us to favour ExpressVPN over Surfshark. Despite Surfshark’s strengths, ExpressVPN remains the superior choice for these reasons.
| Offering | Pros | Cons |
| – 3200+ servers in 100 countries. – No-logs policy in place for complete privacy. – Not preferred over ExpressVPN due to inconsistent compatibility with iOS devices. | ✔️ Cheaper long-term plans ✔️ Camouflage and NoBorders mode ✔️ Strong speed and security | ❌ Unsupportive to iOS split tunnelling ❌ iOS product apps weaker |
ARD Mediathek Device Compatibility
Watch ARD Mediathek in UK on Android Devices!
- Start by signing up for a good VPN service. ExpressVPN is a great choice for watching your favourite shows without any delays.
- Install the VPN software on the device you use for streaming.
- Open the app and enter your VPN login information.
- Connect to a server in Germany—specifically, we suggest the Berlin server.
- Visit the Google Play store and download the ARD Mediathek app.
- Open the app and enjoy streaming your preferred ARD Mediathek shows, even if you’re in the UK.
Watch ARD Mediathek in UK on iOS Devices!
- To start, sign up for a good VPN service. ExpressVPN is a great choice because it lets you watch your favourite shows quickly and without any pauses.
- Install the VPN software on the device you use for streaming.
- Open the app and enter your VPN login information.
- Next, connect to a server in Germany. We suggest using the Berlin server.
- Go to your App Store and download the ARD Mediathek app.
- Now, you can enjoy watching your favourite ARD Mediathek movies in the UK.
Watch ARD Mediathek in UK on Roku!
- Sign up for a good VPN service to protect your online privacy. ExpressVPN is a great choice, allowing you to watch your favourite shows without any delays.
- Install the VPN software on the device you use for streaming.
- Open the app and enter your VPN login information.
- Connect to a server in Germany, specifically the one in Berlin.
- Sign in to your Roku account and add the ARD Mediathek channel.
- Now, you’re all set to enjoy your favourite shows on ARD Mediathek using Roku.
Watch ARD Mediathek in UK on Kodi!
- Begin by registering for a reliable VPN service; ExpressVPN is a recommended option for smooth streaming.
- Install the VPN software on your streaming device.
- Launch the app and input your VPN login details.
- Connect to a server in Germany, and we recommend selecting the Berlin server.
- Install the Kodi app on your device.
- Open Kodi and configure the VPN settings.
- Search for and install the ARD Mediathek add-on within Kodi.
- Now, you can enjoy streaming your favourite ARD Mediathek shows in the UK.
Watch ARD Mediathek in UK on Apple TV!
- Start by getting a membership with a reliable VPN service; ExpressVPN is a good choice for uninterrupted streaming.
- Download and install the VPN app on your streaming device.
- Open the app and enter your VPN credentials.
- Connect to a server in Germany, and we recommend opting for the Berlin server.
- Access the App Store and download the ARD Mediathek app on your TV.
- Launch the app and stream your preferred ARD Mediathek content, even if you’re in the UK.
Watch ARD Mediathek in UK on Firestick!
- Sign up for a good VPN service like ExpressVPN.
- Download the VPN software on your streaming device.
- Open the app and enter your VPN login details.
- Connect to a server in Germany, and we suggest using the Berlin server.
- Connect your Firestick to your TV and ensure a stable internet connection.
- Use the search bar to find and download the ARD Mediathek app.
- Once installed, open the app.
- Now, you can enjoy streaming ARD Mediathek on your Firestick in the UK.
What to watch on ARD Mediathek in UK?
Best Shows On ARD Mediathek
- Quiz Duel
- Carolin Kebeku’s Show
- Die Feste mit Florian Silbereisen
- Wer weiß denn sowas?
- Kleine Bühne, große
- Freitagnacht Jews mit
- Klein gegen Groß
- Verstehen Sie Spaß?
- Inas Nacht
- Gefragt – gejagt
Best Movies on ARD Mediathek
- Ramstein – Das durchstoßene Herz
- Dark Encounter
- Windstill
- Der Schrei der Eule
- Melancholia
- Räuberhände
- Hallo Hallo
- Der Patient
- Das Leben ist schön
- Tage am Strand
- Herbert
- Unter den Sternen von Paris | Tragikomödie
- Spur Des Blutes
- Weiber Weiber Tag
- Für Elise
FAQs
Why do I need a VPN to watch ARD Mediathek in UK?
ARD Mediathek is unavailable in the UK, but a VPN like ExpressVPN helps bypass geographical restrictions, allowing access to UPtv’s content.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that enhances your online privacy and security by creating a secure connection to another network over the internet.
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch ARD Mediathek in UK?
Yes, using a VPN for accessing geo-restricted content is legal. However, ensure you abide by the terms of service of the streaming platform.
Why should I use a premium VPN like ExpressVPN?
Premium VPNs like ExpressVPN offer advanced features, strong encryption, and a global network of servers, ensuring a secure and reliable internet connection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, unlocking ARD Mediathek in the UK opens a portal to a world of captivating German content. Following the steps outlined in this guide, including using a VPN to bypass regional restrictions, you’ve gained access to a treasure trove of entertainment. Whether it’s dramas, documentaries, or your favourite shows, the VPN solution ensures uninterrupted streaming from your UK location.
Say goodbye to geographical barriers and hello to the joy of exploring ARD Mediathek’s diverse offerings. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the seamless experience of watching ARD Mediathek in the comfort of your British abode.
