How to watch Disney+ Hotstar in UK 2025

Disney+ Hotstar is an Indian platform filled with popular Bollywood titles like S.S. Rajamouli's RRR and Vada Chennai. Besides action-packed Indian movies, you can also watch exclusive Indian programming, live sports, international TV shows, and mainstream movies. However, you can’t watch it in the UK due to geographic broadcasting restrictions.

Fortunately, there is a solution – you can download a reliable VPN service to bypass these geo-restrictions and watch the Indian version of Hotstar within the United Kingdom. When you connect to an Indian VPN server, you’ll have unrestricted access to Disney+ Hotstar in UK.

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Note: To register with Disney+ Hotstar, you need an Indian phone number – this is how you’ll get your one-time password. If you don’t have one, consider using a virtual phone number service. However, to pay for your Disney+ Hotstar subscription, you’ll also need a debit or credit card issued by an Indian financial institution. I’ve seen users have success asking family or friends in India for help, or you can try a pre-paid card.

Why Is Disney+ Hotstar not available in the UK?

Disney+ Hotstar isn't ordinarily available in the United Kingdom because broadcast licensing agreements forbid it. Streaming platforms use geographic restrictions to block viewers in countries where the content cannot be shown to protect their broadcast agreements. Since Hotstar is an Indian streaming service, you can’t simply visit the site and start watching. If you try, you’ll see an uninformative error message.

However, you can watch Disney+ Hotstar in the UK if you download VPN (virtual private network) software. When you connect to an Indian VPN server, you’ll be allocated an Indian IP address. This masks your UK IP address and makes it look like you’re in India, unblocking the platform and allowing you to access it. According to my tests, NordVPN is the best choice for unblocking Hotstar from the UK.

Get NordVPN and unblock Disney Plus Hotstar

Can you get Disney+ Hotstar UK subscription?

Unblocking and accessing Disney+ Hotstar with an existing account is straightforward when you use a VPN. However, creating a new account from the UK poses a challenge. When you first create an account, you’re given a one-time password. This means that you need an Indian phone number. Additionally, you need to subscribe to Hotstar using an India-issued payment method. If you have friends or family in India, they could help you bypass this issue. If your problem is with paying for Disney+ Hotstar, you can try using a virtual payment card from a provider like Volopay, HDFC, or Axis Bank.

Best VPNs to watch Disney Plus Hotstar in 2025

1. NordVPN

   Best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar with Indian servers
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Inexpensive Hotstar VPN with Indian servers
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Watch Hotstar in the UK with a user-friendly interface
   8.6

To watch Hotstar in the UK, you'll need a reliable VPN with servers in India. I tested more than 20 VPNs to find the most suitable solutions, with a focus on VPNs that used virtual servers in India to avoid the new data-retention directive. These are the best VPNs for unblocking Indian Disney+ Hotstar in the UK:

1. NordVPN - best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar overall

NordVPN is the best VPN to unblock Disney+ Hotstar in the UK thanks to the fastest speeds available for HD and 4K streaming. India recently introduced a new data-retention directive, but NordVPN responded by changing its India servers from physical hardware to virtual servers. As a result, your privacy isn’t at risk. In my tests, I easily unblocked Hotstar and streamed sports and movies with no lag or interruptions.

In total, NordVPN offers 7400 servers in 118 countries. In my tests, I could also unblock every other streaming platform – Prime Video, HBO, Sling TV, and more. My download speeds peaked at around 82% of my original speeds thanks to NordLynx VPN protocol, which meant I never saw any lag or buffering while streaming.

You can get NordVPN for as little as $3.09, with a huge 77% NordVPN coupon code. This comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can test the process and see how it works for you, risk free. Alternatively, get NordVPN in the App Store or Google Play Store for a 7-day free trial. Read more on our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark - inexpensive Hotstar VPN with servers in India

Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for unblocking Disney+ Hotstar India. From my location in Manchester, UK, I was able to connect to either Mumbai or Delhi servers. My research also revealed that Surfshark has removed its physical hardware from India, replacing it with virtual servers. This meant I could unblock Hotstar and stream without any concerns for my privacy.

During my speed test circuit, Surfshark achieved top download speed retention of 82.6%, leaving me with a connection fast enough to stream in HD and even 4K. In addition to Hotstar, I also tested and was able to unblock Netflix, Prime Video, HBO, Peacock TV, and numerous other streaming services in the US and Europe. This was made easy with Surfshark’s broad fleet of 3200 servers in 100 countries.

Surfshark’s already one of the cheapest premium VPNs with Indian VPN servers, but Surfshark coupon codes can get you the best deal possible. You can start a subscription from as little as $1.99 or launch a 7-day free trial on the dedicated iOS and Android mobile apps. You’ll also get a 30-day money-back guarantee for all platforms so that you can try the service out for yourself without cost. Find out more on our Surfshark VPN review.

3. Proton VPN - watch Hotstar in UK with a user-friendly VPN

ProtoVPN can easily unblock Disney+ Hotstar India from the UK or anywhere else. In 2022, Proton VPN removed its hardware from India, replacing it with the virtual servers I used for my tests. These servers avoid the mandatory data-retention laws implemented by the Indian government while offering lightning-fast speeds thanks to the WireGuard VPN protocol.

Proton VPN’s premium server fleet is vast, with 9900 servers in 117 countries. While connected to the Indian server, I was able to unblock Disney+ Hotstar and Jio Cinema, but it could easily unblock Netflix, Prime Video, and many of the other most popular streaming sites too. Download speeds peaked at 85.7% of my original speed during my tests, delivering perfect-quality streams.

Proton VPN pricing starts at $3.59 with a Proton VPN coupon code. While there is a respectable free VPN subscription, I couldn’t unblock Disney+ Hotstar when I tested it. There’s no free trial unfortunately, but you can still get a 30-day money-back guarantee which works the same way if you decide to cancel and get a refund. Check out our Proton VPN review for more information.

How to get Disney Plus Hotstar: detailed guide

I tested more than 20 VPNs to find providers that have the required VPN servers in India to unblock Hotstar. NordVPN proved the most reliable option; it has the fastest speeds available, which you'll need to stream in HD and 4K over long distances. Here’s a guide to getting Disney Plus Hotstar with NordVPN:

1. Choose a reliable VPN with Indian VPN servers and create an account. NordVPN performed best in my tests.
2. Download and install your chosen VPN on your streaming device.
3. Connect to an Indian VPN server. It needs to be fast enough to stream in HD for the best experience. My tests proved NordVPN to be well-suited to watching Hotstar.
4. Go to Disney+ Hotstar and log into your account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to try a virtual phone number and virtual payment card.
5. Start streaming Indian Disney+ Hotstar from the UK or anywhere else.

Note: In 2022, India’s Computer Emergency Response Team ruled that VPN providers must gather and retain user data. NordVPN shut down its physical India servers and replaced them with this virtual server option. This means your data won’t be at risk, and as a result, I strongly recommend choosing NordVPN.

NordVPN: unblock Hotstar in the UK and protect your privacy

Can I watch Hotstar on Disney+ with a free VPN?

You can’t watch Indian Hotstar on Disney+ with a free VPN. While Proton VPN can unblock Disney Hotstar, this only applies to premium accounts – even the free version of Proton VPN won’t work. In most cases, this is due to free VPNs lacking server choice beyond popular locations like the US and UK. If there are no servers in India, you can’t change your IP address and bypass geo-restrictions. Even if they did work, free VPN speeds are usually poor and likely to cause lag.

Instead, I recommend choosing NordVPN and taking advantage of the 7-day free trial on Android and 30-day money-back guarantee on all platforms. If there’s a particular title or TV show you want to watch, you’ll have time to unblock the platform and enjoy your content, before getting a full refund within your first month.

What's on Disney+ Hotstar UK?

Disney+ Hotstar UK offers far fewer titles than Hotstar India. Here’s a look at some of the best Disney Hotstar India content that you’ll be able to watch when you install a VPN and connect to an Indian VPN server:

Stream Disney+ Hotstar India in the UK with NordVPN

Final thoughts

Disney+ Hotstar India isn’t available in the UK due to broadcasting restrictions, but you can access it by using a VPN. I tested more than 20 VPN servers to see which ones had servers located in India and could unblock Hotstar. While there were a number of options, some VPNs still have physical servers located in India, which could put your privacy at risk due to the country’s 2022 mandatory data retention laws.

NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, and Proton VPN all excelled in my tests, retaining over 80% download speeds that let me stream in high definition. What’s more, each of these VPNs only have virtual servers located in India that are not subject to the new data retention laws, and thus your privacy is kept secure. Right now, you can get a large 77% discount on the best VPN for Disney+ Hotstar – NordVPN.

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FAQ

Is Disney Plus Hotstar available in the UK?

No, Disney Plus Hotstar is an Indian streaming service that blocks residents of the UK to protect its broadcasting agreements. However, you can watch Hotstar in the UK by downloading a VPN and connecting to an Indian VPN server. I recommend using NordVPN to maintain the fast speeds you’ll need to stream Hotstar programming over long distances.

Does Hotstar work in the UK with a VPN?

Yes, Hotstar works in the UK if you choose a reliable VPN with Indian servers, like NordVPN. Surfshark and Proton VPN also offer Indian VPN servers that can unblock Hotstar. Bear in mind you'll need an existing account – or an Indian phone number and payment method if you need to create a new subscription.

How to get Disney Plus Hotstar if I am in the UK?

Since Disney Plus Hotstar isn’t available in the UK, you’ll need to download a VPN and connect to an Indian VPN server to unblock it. I’ve tested NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN, and they can all access the platform from the United Kingdom. You’ll also need to log into an existing Hotstar account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need an India-issued phone number and payment card. Ask friends and family for help, or get a virtual phone number and payment card.

When will Disney+ Hotstar be available in the UK?

Disney+ Hotstar is already available in the UK, but it is not the same, nor does it show the same programming as the Indian version. There are no plans to release the same content in the United Kingdom. Instead, you’ll need to choose a VPN with Indian servers like NordVPN if you want to unblock Hotstar India and watch top Bollywood movies and TV shows.

How much is a Hotstar subscription in the UK?

A subscription to Disney+ Hotstar UK costs £5.99/month or £49.99 for a discounted annual plan. There is currently no free trial available. Subscriptions renew monthly and annually unless canceled at least 24 hours prior to renewal.