BBC Radio 4 is the UK’s most popular talk station, home to notable programs and podcasts such as Desert Island Discs and The incredible truth, infinite monkey cage and In our time.
Its elevated position is the reason why, when BBC management inexplicably blocked international access to BBC Sounds, an exception was made for Radio 4.
Is there a way to access BBC Radio 4 from the US, Australia and Canada? Or anywhere else? You can use a vpn – NordVPN works better – to unlock BBC Sounds and get the most out of Radio 4. Read on for all the details.
How to listen to BBC Radio 4
In the United Kingdom, BBC Radio 4 is available on digital radio, the BBC Sounds website, the BBC Sounds app (iOS/Android) and the BBC Radio 4 website. BBC Radio 4’s medium wave frequencies were taken offline in April 2024.
You’ll need a BBC account to tune in; register here.
If you miss your favorite programme, you can catch up via BBC Sounds, as most programs are available on demand as podcasts.
In July 2025, international access to BBC Sounds was controversially closed. However, there are still ways to access Radio 4 from outside the UK.
Can I access BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds from abroad or while on holiday?
Yeah. Britons abroad can access BBC Radio 4 directly via the international website BBC.com and the BBC app (iOS/Android). However, both platforms are far inferior to BBC Sounds.
Although international access to BBC Sounds has been blocked worldwide, you may still be able to access it with the help of a VPN, such as NordVPN. It’s affordable, easy to use, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Below…
How to unblock BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds with a VPN
If you’re outside the UK right now and can’t listen to BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds, you can still access the app thanks to the wonders of a VPN (virtual private network).
The software can make your devices appear as if they are in your home country, regardless of where you are in the world. Ideal for listeners who are away for work or vacation and want a taste of home.
NordVPN is our favorite:
Tips to fix BBC sounds problems
If you still If you can’t access BBC Radio 4 through BBC Sounds, even with the help of a VPN, there are a few more things you can try.
Please ensure your BBC account is associated with a valid UK postcode such as W1A 1AA.
The BBC Sounds app (iOS/Android) does not appear in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store outside the UK, but you may be able to avoid this by changing your phone’s region in the settings menu.
The BBC, like most broadcasters and networks, is engaged in a never-ending cat and mouse battle with VPN providers.
Although we’ve ranked the best VPNs for iPlayer, something we’ve resolved through extensive testing, if one of them works today there’s no guarantee that the same will happen tomorrow, in which case you can raise the issue with your VPN provider’s customer service team and ask them to recommend the best server to connect to.
Can I listen to BBC Radio 4 from outside the UK without BBC Sounds?
Yeah. Listeners located outside the UK can access a limited selection of BBC audio programming via the BBC.com website and the BBC app (iOS/Android). And the good news is BBC Radio 4 is one of them!
Although you can listen via BBC.com and the BBC app without an account, you must log in if you want to download, follow or save programmes.
Visit the website linked above directly through a web browser and it works. It’s a clunky platform that doesn’t support key features available on BBC Sounds, such as the option to set a radio station as an alarm, but it does include BBC Radio 4.
However, one important thing to note is that only a very limited selection of Radio 4 programs are available on demand for international audiences via BBC.com and the BBC app.
What are the top podcasts and programs on BBC Radio 4?
Eight of BBC Sounds’ top 10 shows, as of July 2025, are Radio 4 properties.
These include the archers, Desert Island Discs and The incredible truth – None of which are available for international audiences to catch up via BBC.com and the BBC app at the time of writing.
All three shows, however, are on BBC Sounds, as are Thought of the day, you and yours, woman’s hour, From our own correspondent and the Shipping forecast.
This means the only way to listen to them via BBC.com and the BBC app is live.
Of Radio 4’s most important properties, only What’s up doctors? and the Today The program is available and updated on BBC.com and the BBC app.
Infinite monkey cage and In our time They are also available on demand via BBC.com and the BBC app, but episodes are subject to a delay of approximately one month.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or tolerate illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Future Publishing does not endorse or approve the consumption of paid pirated content.
