How to Avail Showtime’s Free Trial in the UK?
Showtime is renowned for its premium content, including hit series like Billions, Dexter: New Blood, and Yellowjackets. While the service is primarily available in the U.S., UK viewers can still access Showtime by taking advantage of its free trial. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of signing up for Showtime’s free trial from the UK, ensuring you can explore its vast library without paying a penny upfront.
Why is Showtime Not Directly Available in the UK?
Showtime is a U.S.-based streaming service, meaning it’s geo-restricted to the United States. This means that if you try to access Showtime’s content from the UK, you’ll likely encounter a message indicating that the service is not available in your region. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can bypass these restrictions and enjoy Showtime’s content.
How to Access Showtime’s Free Trial in the UK
To sign up for Showtime’s free trial in the UK, you’ll need to follow a few extra steps compared to U.S. users. The main requirements are a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) and a suitable payment method.
Step 1: Set Up a VPN
A VPN is crucial for bypassing geo-restrictions. It masks your IP address, making it appear as if you’re browsing from the U.S.
Recommended VPNs for Showtime:
- ExpressVPN: Known for its fast speeds and reliability, making it ideal for streaming.
- NordVPN: Offers a large network of U.S. servers and excellent security features.
- Surfshark: A budget-friendly option with unlimited device connections.
How to Set Up a VPN:
- Choose a VPN Provider: Sign up for one of the recommended VPN services.
- Download and Install the VPN: Install the VPN app on your device (PC, smartphone, or smart TV).
- Connect to a U.S. Server: Open the VPN app and connect to a server in the United States. This will give you a U.S. IP address, allowing you to access Showtime as if you were in the U.S.
Step 2: Sign Up for the Free Trial
Once your VPN is set up, you can proceed to sign up for Showtime’s free trial.
Steps to Sign Up:
- Visit the Showtime Website: Go to the Showtime website (www.showtime.com) while connected to the U.S. server via your VPN.
- Click on “Start Your Free Trial”: You’ll find this option on the homepage. Click on it to begin the sign-up process.
- Create an Account: Enter your email address and create a password to set up your Showtime account.
- Enter Payment Information: Showtime requires a payment method to start the free trial. You can use a virtual U.S. debit card, a U.S.-based PayPal account, or Showtime gift cards. Your payment method will not be charged until the trial period ends.
- Confirm and Start Watching: Once you’ve entered your payment details, confirm your subscription. You’ll now have full access to Showtime’s content library for the duration of the free trial.
Step 3: Enjoy Showtime Content
With your free trial active, you can now explore Showtime’s vast array of original series, movies, documentaries, and more. Whether you’re interested in binge-watching a new series or catching up on exclusive films, you’ll have seven days to enjoy everything Showtime has to offer.
Step 4: Cancel Before the Trial Ends (If Needed)
If you decide that Showtime isn’t for you, or if you want to avoid being charged, make sure to cancel your subscription before the trial period ends. Showtime allows you to cancel your subscription anytime during the trial without any fees.
How to Cancel Your Showtime Free Trial:
- Log In to Your Showtime Account: Go to the Showtime website and log in.
- Navigate to Account Settings: Find the account or subscription settings in your profile.
- Select “Cancel Subscription”: Follow the prompts to cancel your subscription before the trial ends.
FAQs
1. Can I Use the Free Trial More Than Once?
- The Showtime free trial is generally available only once per user or account. If you’ve used the trial before, you may not be eligible for another free trial.
2. Will I Be Charged During the Free Trial?
- No, you won’t be charged during the free trial. However, if you don’t cancel before the trial ends, your payment method will be charged for the next subscription period.
3. Is It Legal to Use a VPN to Access Showtime in the UK?
- While using a VPN is legal in the UK, it may violate Showtime’s terms of service. However, many UK viewers use VPNs to access geo-restricted content without issues.
4. What Happens If I Forget to Cancel Before the Trial Ends?
- If you forget to cancel, your subscription will automatically renew, and your payment method will be charged. You can still cancel afterward, but you may be billed for at least one month of service.
5. Are There Any Alternatives to Using a VPN?
- Besides VPNs, you can use a Smart DNS service to access Showtime in the UK. However, a VPN is generally more reliable and offers additional privacy and security benefits.
Conclusion
Getting a free trial of Showtime in the UK is entirely possible with the help of a VPN and a suitable payment method. By following the steps outlined above, you can explore Showtime’s extensive library of high-quality content for seven days without any upfront costs. Whether you’re new to Showtime or just want to catch up on the latest series, the free trial is a great way to experience what the platform has to offer. Just remember to cancel if you decide not to continue your subscription, and enjoy your week of free streaming!