How To Watch ZDF Outside Germany

Content Verification Date: January 26, 2024

The Quick Guide to Unblock ZDF

  1. Create an Unlocator account
  2. Configure your device to use Unlocator Smart DNS or VPN
  3. Go to the website of ZDF or use their app if supported.
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Unblock ZDF

ZDF is a state-owned German TV channel that broadcasts live entertainment, news, politics, and sports programs. ZDF offers live online streaming of its programs in Germany. If you are a German expat working in France, Denmark, Austria, USA, UK, Switzerland, or Luxembourg, you cannot watch ZDF due to the fact that it is geo-blocked outside Germany. To overcome this geographic restriction and watch ZDF abroad, use Unlocator VPN and Smart DNS.

Unblock ZDF Outside Germany Using Unlocator Smart DNS

This is the geo-error message you get when trying to view ZDF abroad:

“Das Betrachten des Videos ist momentan aus technischen Gründen nicht möglich.”

With Unlocator Smart DNS, you can spoof your location online. Therefore, geo-restricted content and channels such as ZDF will think you are located in Germany. To setup Unlocator Smart DNS, sign up for Unlocator and follow the setup guides based on the platform you’re operating.

Unlocator is a Smart DNS service that only re-directs the parts of your traffic which reveal your location. Therefore, neither your Internet speed nor your IP address will change.

Access ZDF Abroad With Unlocator VPN

Unlocator VPN is a more secure approach to the process. By simply connecting to a VPN server in Germany, you’ll change your IP address to a local German one. This will trick the channel into thinking that you’re within its region. As a result, you will have full access to ZDF despite being abroad.

On the other hand, once you’re connected with Unlocator VPN, you’ll be encrypting your data. This way, no possible online threat can target your device. Moreover, your original IP address will be cloaked. Meaning that you’ll be able to surf the web completely anonymous and unmonitored.

All you have to do is subscribe to Unlocator, install the app on your Android, iOS, Mac or Windows, connect to a German server, and you’ll have ZDF regardless of where you might be.

Unlocator enables you to watch ZDF, ZDFinfo, ZDFkultur, ZDFheute, ZDFsport, ZDFtivi, ZDFmediathek, and ZDFneo outside Germany. Stream the UEFA Champions League in addition to German programs like Engel Unter Wasser, Westwind, Die Rosenheim-Cops, and Der Prozess anywhere in the world.

The Following List of Devices Work With Unlocator Smart DNS and ZDF

For a full list of compatibility between Unlocator Smart DNS, channels and devices please see our Channels & Devices Page