If you have been using Encrouter to watch British TV abroad, you may have noticed reports that the service is shutting down. Many users are now searching for a reliable replacement that can still provide access to UK streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and My5.
Encrouter gained popularity because it offered a router-based VPN setup. The problem for former users is finding an alternative that works just as smoothly, especially for Smart TVs and streaming boxes that cannot run VPN apps directly.
The good news is that there is a straightforward replacement that matches the simplicity Encrouter users are used to while offering even better reliability for UK TV abroad.
Many people choose a router-based VPN because:
A dedicated router also avoids the restrictions of ISP routers that cannot handle VPN tunnels or custom configurations.
If you try switching to a standard VPN app after Encrouter, you will quickly run into problems.
Most VPN providers use commercial IP addresses that BBC iPlayer and ITVX block instantly. Streams may work for a short period before failing again.
The key requirement for watching UK TV abroad in 2025 is a UK residential IP address. This is the same type of IP that real UK households use, and it is far more reliable for accessing geo-restricted services.
The most stable and simple alternative for former Encrouter users is a pre-configured VPN router that connects through a genuine UK residential broadband IP.
This gives you:
Your router arrives ready to use. You simply connect it to your existing internet and join its Wi-Fi network.
Services such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Channel 4 are designed to block commercial VPNs.
Residential IPs are not flagged the same way and behave like a normal home connection in the UK.
This is why the experience is much smoother than typical VPN apps or manual setups.
There is no software to install and no settings to adjust.
The UK residential IP service is available in 1, 3, 6 or 12 month blocks.
You can let the subscription lapse when you are not travelling and renew it later without fees.
This works well for holiday homes, winter stays abroad, digital nomads and expats who only need UK TV during certain parts of the year.
If you have been affected by Encrouter shutting down, you do not need to give up watching British TV abroad.
A pre-configured VPN router with a UK residential IP provides a simple, stable and long-term replacement that works across all of your devices.
