How to Watch CBS All Access Outside the US

In 1920, a lot of world-shaping events occurred, including the formation of the League of Nations. However, that same year, the United States introduced CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System). Ninety-four years later, the channel gave viewers the opportunity to stream content online via CBS All Access. This OTT service is one of the top platforms in the United States. Ironically, the All Access part isn’t part of the deal as viewers abroad can’t view what the channel has to offer. Well, not quite, I’ve got a solution for you. Here’s how you can watch CBS All Access anywhere.

How to Watch CBS All Access Outside the US

CBS All Access – A Quick Look

In a world of streaming war, some traditional broadcast channels are creating their own streaming services. CBS is one of them, as it introduced CBS All Access back in 2014. You’ve probably heard of the worldwide hit Star Trek: Discovery, right? Well, the only way to see this show is through CBS All Access. That’s not all; you also get to see the likes of The Good Fight, The Twilight Zone, and the Grammy Awards in the US as they air.

When it first launched, it was a bit slow to gain the recognition it deserves. However, throughout the years, more and more subscribers joined. As of February 2019, over 4 million subscribers have signed up for CBS All Access. It first started with around 100,000, but look at it now.

CBS All Access is an OTT service that doesn’t require a cable subscription to operate. All you have to do is pay a monthly/yearly fee and thousands you’ll have thousands of titles at your disposal. You have two types of plans, and they’re as such:

• Limited Commercials Plan ($5.99/month)
  CBS All Access on-demand shows with limited commercial interruptions and live TV.
• Commercial Free Plan ($9.99/month – $99.99/year)
  Premium viewing of CBS All Access on-demand shows and live TV commercial-free.
  

Device Compatibility

All Access is available on a wide variety of streaming platforms. So, rest assured, whatever device you may have, you’re getting CBS content in no time.

CBS – Not “All Access” After All

As amazing as this is for streamers, you’ll always find problems in this domain. More often than not, you’ll either find several programs unavailable for streaming, or the service itself completely non-existent in certain regions.

Well, that’s exactly the case with CBS All Access as the channel only operates within US borders. Anyone living abroad won’t be able to tap into the channel’s content. Even if you already have a valid subscription, once you leave the country, your access will be instantly terminated.

You see, just like any website/service, CBS All Access relies on your IP address to determine your location. As soon as it figures out that you’re abroad (don’t have a US IP), it will block you from viewing its programs.

This is the geo-error message you’ll be getting while overseas:

“Platform Error; code: 403; PID: NrSKOFLufbI3; null; GeolocationBlocked. This content is not available in your location.”

Is there a way to circumvent the geo-restrictions imposed on the channel’s content? Yes. Find out how to watch CBS All Access next.

CBS – All Access Around the World

Licensing issues abroad won’t allow you to watch your favorite CBS All Access programs outside the US, but a VPN does. Short for Virtual Private Network, this internet cybersecurity tool is your ultimate way to bypass regional restrictions.

A VPN works by rerouting your internet traffic through a server in a gateway city of your choosing. Once you hit connect, your data will appear to be coming from that region (As if you are a resident there). Next, you’ll obtain an IP address in that country and direct access to what was once blocked in yours. Any service or website in that region will think that you’re accessing them from within their area of coverage. 

For example, CBS All Access only allows viewers holding an American IP address to stream its content. If you connect to a US server, a US IP address you shall get. As a result, you’ll be able to watch not just CBS All Access, but the likes of Hulu, HBO, and CW as well.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. First, sign up with a credible VPN provider. I highly suggest you use ExpressVPN.
2. For an easier connection, get their dedicated application from their website or your native App Store.
3. Next, sign in with your username and password.
4. Open the server list and connect to one in the United States.
5. Wait a few seconds and check your connection using this IP Verifier (You should have a US IP Address now).
6. Launch CBS All Access and stream its content anywhere in the world.

ExpressVPN – My Top Recommendation

I’ve been using this VPN even before CBS All Access was available.ExpressVPN has been around since 2009, offering top quality services to users in terms of privacy, security, and content unblocking. The VPN has more than 2000 servers around the world, 25 in the US. 

Quality over quantity always, but what if you can get both? A VPN encryption will tamper with your internet speed. However, with blazing-fast servers like ExpressVPN’s, you won’t even notice the drop. The service’s servers are well-optimized for HD-streaming, which is an option you can use while watching CBS All Access.

When it comes to streaming, speed is all that matters. Despite having excellent speeds, you can always use MediaStreamer, a feature that strictly exists to bypass regional restrictions. However, using this will compromise your identity as there’s no encryption or cloaking present. On the bright side, you’ll be operating at maximum speed. Furthermore, you get to expand your device’s compatibility.

You see, CBS All Access is available on several devices. MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) can be configured on the likes of PlayStation, Xbox, Chromecast, Smart TVs, Apple TV, Android, PC, Mac, and iOS. So, whatever device you might own, you’ll be accessing restricted content with ease.

ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day refund policy. So, in case the service doesn’t suit your needs, you can benefit from that (No questions asked). Finally, with so many VPNs out there, it can get a bit daunting to choose an alternative. But I did the job for you. Here are a couple of VPN providers that work well with CBS All Access.

Rank

VPN Provider

Link

1

• 30-Day Money-back Guarantee
• Unlimited Bandwidth
• Apps For All Your Devices
• 24/7 Live Support

Visit ExpressVPN

2

Visit BulletVPN

3

Visit IPVanish

4

Visit NordVPN

CBS –  All Access to What Exactly?

CBS is one of the top channels in the US, so expect to see a lot of streaming material to navigate through. In case you still don’t know your way around, let me show you a couple of titles to start your All Access journey.

Watch CBS All Access Anywhere – Parting Words

When it’s called All Access, the channel shouldn’t be limited to a certain audience. Despite being so, you can now access CBS’s streaming service anywhere in the world thanks to VPNs. All you have to do is connect to an American server, obtain a US IP address, and stream CBS All Access no matter where you reside. 

The channel has a lot to offer. Which series are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments below.