BBC Radio 4 is the UK's most popular talk station, home to high-profile shows and podcasts such as Desert Island Discs And The Incredible Truth, The Infinite Monkey Cage And Nowadays.
It was his position that led to the fact that when the BBC 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 somewhere else? You can use VPN – NordVPN works best – to unblock BBC Sounds and get the most out of Radio 4. Read all the details.
How to listen to BBC Radio 4
In the UK, BBC Radio 4 is available on digital radio. BBC Sounds websiteBBC Sounds app (iOS/Android) And BBC Radio 4 website. BBC Radio 4's mediumwave frequencies were switched off in April 2024.
To tune in you will need a BBC account – register here.
If you miss your favorite show, you can catch up via BBC Sounds as most shows are available on demand as podcasts.
In July 2025, international access to BBC Sounds has been closed for controversial reasons. However, there are still ways to access Radio 4 outside the UK.
Can I access BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds from abroad or on holiday?
Yes. Brits abroad can access BBC Radio 4 directly via the international network. BBC.com website and BBC app (iOS / Android). However, both platforms are vastly inferior to BBC Sounds.
Although international access to BBC Sounds is blocked worldwide, you can still access it using a VPN, such as NordVPN. It's cheap, easy to use, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. More details below…
How to unblock BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds using a VPN
If you're currently outside the UK and are blocked from listening to BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds, you can still access the app thanks to the wonders of VPN (Virtual Private Network).
The software can make your devices look like they're back in your home country, no matter where in the world you are. Ideal for those who are away for work or on vacation and want to feel at home.
NordVPN our favorite:
Tips for troubleshooting BBC audio problems
If you still Can't access BBC Radio 4 through BBC Sounds, even with a VPN, there are a few other things you can try.
Make sure your BBC account is linked to a valid UK postcode, such as W1A 1AA.
BBC Sounds app (iOS / Android) does not appear in Google's Play Store or AppleApp Store outside the UK, but you can get around this by changing your phone's region in the settings menu.
The BBC, like most broadcasters and networks, is in an endless cat-and-mouse battle with VPN providers.
Although we have rated the best iPlayer VPNWhat we've found through extensive testing is that if one of them works today, there's no guarantee that the same will be true tomorrow, in which case you can raise the issue with your VPN provider's customer support and ask them to recommend the best server to connect to.
Can I listen to BBC Radio 4 outside the UK without BBC Sounds?
Yes. Listeners outside the UK can access limited choice BBC audio programs via BBC.com BBC website and app (iOS / Android). And the good news is BBC Radio 4 one of them!
While you can listen via BBC.com and the BBC app without an account, you'll need to log in if you want to download, follow or save shows.
Visit the website above directly through your web browser and it works. It's a crude platform that doesn't support key features available on BBC Sounds, such as the ability to set a radio station as an alarm clock, but does support BBC Radio 4.
One important thing to note, however, is that only a very limited selection of Radio 4 shows are available on demand to international audiences via BBC.com and the BBC app.
What are the most popular BBC Radio 4 podcasts and shows?
Eight of BBC Sounds' 10 most popular shows as of July 2025, Radio 4 facilities.
These include Archers, Desert Island Discs And The incredible truth – none of which are available to international audiences on BBC.com and the BBC app at the time of writing.
However, all three shows are on BBC Sounds, as is Thought for the day, You and yours, Women's hour, From our correspondent And Delivery forecast.
This means the only way to listen to them via BBC.com and the BBC app is live.
Of Radio 4's largest properties, only How are you, documents? And Today The program is available and constantly updated on BBC.com and the BBC app.
Endless Monkey Cage And Nowadays are also available on demand on BBC.com and the BBC app, but episodes may be delayed by up to a month.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal entertainment use. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and enhance your online privacy when you're abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. The use of paid pirated content is not approved or endorsed by Future Publishing.
