ARD: Mediathek - how to get around the time lock

The time lock can throw a spanner in the works if you want to watch a movie or series in the ARD Mediathek. However, you should not be dissuaded from your desired program. Because with a simple trick you can bypass the time block.

Bypass the ARD Mediathek time lock

The time lock was set up by the Mediathek to control which viewers can watch the program.

1. Public television, unlike private providers, is obliged to implement the youth protection measures on the Internet as well. Due to this, you can stream all content marked with an FSK 12 or higher only after 8pm.
2. To get around this annoying regulation, you should download the free program MediathekView. It is available for both Windows and Mac.
3. Once the program is downloaded, follow the guided installation. Now it may take a few minutes to get access to the entire media library.
4. When you have access to all the content, you can set the channel on the left side. In the "Topic" section, you now add the search term or the program.
5. To play the desired content, you must use the VLC player and click on the start icon there.

Why do the public broadcasters use this method?

Even in the age of the Internet, the time lock does not seem the ideal way to ensure the protection of minors. However, public broadcasters are under special supervision and the time spear offers, compared to profiles and youth protection pins, the greatest possible security.