How to watch Disney+ Hotstar in the USA 2025

To unlock Hotstar outside India, you’ll need a VPN with reliable Indian servers. After testing over 14 providers, NordVPN quickly became our top-rated VPN for Hotstar. With 27+ virtual Indian servers, NordVPN easily bypasses Hotstar’s geo-restrictions and lets you enjoy smooth, uninterrupted streaming. However, do note that you’ll also need an Indian phone number to sign up for Hotstar’s premium content.

Disney+ Hotstar was originally launched in 2015 as Hotstar, a popular Indian streaming platform. In April 2020, it was integrated into Disney+, creating Disney+ Hotstar – a platform offering Disney+ Originals, Disney movies, Hotstar Specials, live sports, local films, and TV shows.

However, Disney+ Hotstar is geo-restricted due to regional licensing agreements, so its Indian content is unavailable outside of India. So, if you’re in the USA or any other country, you can only stream Hotstar’s Indian content by changing your IP address using a VPN.

That said, keep reading for our 100% tested and working guide on how to watch Indian Disney+ Hotstar in the USA using NordVPN.

🏷️ LIMITED OFFER: Get 77% OFF + 3 extra months! 🏷️

Why Hotstar is not working in USA

Disney+ Hotstar is available in India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. You can also watch Hotstar without Disney+ in the UK, Canada, and Singapore, although Singapore’s content library is a bit more limited. However, if you try to watch Hotstar from the USA or other unsupported countries, all of the content will be region-locked.

This is because Disney+ Hotstar checks your IP address to determine your geographical location. It’s how Hotstar manages what you can (and can’t) watch based on licensing agreements. So, if you travel to another country, the available content may change according to that region’s library or be entirely unavailable.

Here’s the good news: there’s a simple solution. To watch Disney+ Hotstar in the US, you’ll need a reliable VPN with Indian servers to get an Indian IP address. When you connect to a VPN server in India, you get assigned an Indian IP, allowing you to bypass Hotstar’s geo-restrictions and unlock its full Indian library. Just keep in mind that you’ll also need an Indian phone number to create an account.

How to pay for Disney+ Hotstar outside India?

The best way to access Disney+ Hotstar India from abroad is to use a reliable streaming VPN. However, to pay for a Disney+ Hotstar subscription from the USA, you’ll need both an Indian phone number and a local debit/credit card. Here’s how you can get them:

Indian phone number: ask a friend or relative in India to share their number for verification. Alternatively, you can use virtual mobile number services that offer temporary Indian phone numbers. However, keep in mind that Hotstar may not recognize some virtual mobile numbers, so reliability can vary.

Indian payment method: reach out to someone in India who can pay on your behalf. Another option is to use virtual payment services or hire a trusted intermediary through online marketplaces to complete the subscription for you.

That said, here are the steps on how to pay for Disney+ Hotstar outside India:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN. I recommend NordVPN, now 77% off.
2. Install the VPN app and connect to a server in India.
3. Visit the Disney+ Hotstar website and click on "Subscribe."
4. Choose a subscription plan and provide an Indian phone number for OTP verification.
5. Enter the OTP and select your payment method to complete the transaction.
6. You’re all set! Enjoy Disney+ Hotstar from anywhere in the world.

Note: with an Indian VPN, you can watch Hotstar in the USA and get much cheaper subscription plans through India. Indian Disney+ Hotstar plans cost several times less when compared to other regions, letting you enjoy top-tier streaming on a budget.

Access Hotstar from US using NordVPN

Disney+ Hotstar subscription cost

In India, Disney+ Hotstar offers two plans:

• Super plan: ₹299/3months (~$3.49 USD) or ₹899/year (~$10.49 USD). This plan includes ads, full HD streaming, and two device connections.
• Premium plan: ₹499/3months (~$5.82 USD), ₹1499/year (~$17.49 USD), or ₹299/month (~$3.49 USD). It includes ad-free content, 4K streaming, and four device connections.

For comparison:

• In Canada, Disney+ Hotstar costs C$49.99/year (~$34.93 USD).
• In the UK, the prices are £5.99/month (~$7.51 USD) or £49.99/year (~$62.72 USD).

When compared to the US version of Disney+, which costs $10.99/month for the ad-supported bundle or $19.99/month for ad-free streaming, Disney+ Hotstar in India offers much more for less. Not only do you get access to Disney+ Originals and movies, but also exclusive Hotstar Specials, local Indian content, and live sports like cricket – all for as low as ~$10.49 USD per year with the Super Plan.

So for those looking for value, the Indian Disney+ Hotstar plans offer premium content and extra features at a lower price than US, Canada, or the UK.

Unblock Disney+ Hotstar with NordVPN

Best VPNs for Hotstar streaming in the USA

1. NordVPN – overall best VPN for Hotstar with 27+ servers in India
2. Surfshark – the most affordable VPN for Hotstar with 50+ virtual servers in India
3. Proton VPN – fast VPN with 30+ servers in India, perfect for watching Hotstar in the USA

To find the best VPNs for Hotstar streaming in the USA, I tested 14+ VPNs. In the end, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN emerged as the top choices.

NordVPN ranks first as the best VPN for Hotstar, with 27+ virtual Indian servers and the fastest speeds on the market. During my tests, NordVPN delivered an impressive average of 413 Mbps on a 500 Mbps baseline, ensuring smooth 4K streaming without buffering. Plus, it could easily unblock Hotstar letting me access its full Indian library without any hiccups. With features like SmartPlay technology, secure AES-256, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, NordVPN is a secure and reliable choice.

Surfshark is second on the list as the most budget-friendly option and offers 50+ virtual Indian servers. During tests, I recorded average speeds of 356 Mbps, enough to stream in HD and 4K with ease. Surfshark bypassed geo-restrictions, and I had no trouble accessing Hotstar’s Indian content library. Overall, Surfshark stands out for its affordability, unlimited device connections, and CleanWeb feature, which blocks ads and malware. It’s an excellent option for families or users with multiple devices.

Proton VPN takes third place with 30+ Indian servers and a focus on privacy. It handled the testing well, delivering average speeds of 409 Mbps and successfully unblocking Hotstar. Proton VPN offers advanced features, like the VPN Accelerator technology, that improve connection stability and boost streaming performance. While Proton VPN stands out as a freemium service, you would need to go for the paid version to use its Indian servers.

Each VPN shines in its own way: NordVPN excels in speed and performance, Surfshark balances affordability and features, and Proton VPN prioritizes privacy for seamless Hotstar streaming.

Stream Hotstar with the best VPN on the market

Detailed guide on how to get Disney+ Hotstar in USA

Disney+ Hotstar isn’t available in the USA due to geo-restrictions, but you can easily bypass them with a VPN. Connecting to a VPN server in India gives you an Indian IP address, which then lets you access Disney+ Hotstar’s full content library.

Step 1. Get a reliable VPN with servers in India

To stream Disney+ Hotstar in the USA, you’ll need a VPN with servers in India. I personally recommend NordVPN, which has more than 27 virtual Indian servers. During my tests, it proved to be one of the fastest India VPNs, with speeds averaging 413 Mbps on a 500 Mbps baseline.

When selecting a VPN, prioritize providers with reliable server coverage in India, strong unblocking capabilities, and features like AES-256 encryption for secure connections. Do note that some VPNs removed physical Indian servers due to India’s demand for VPN companies to store and collect user data. However, virtual servers from reputable providers like NordVPN or Surfshark still work seamlessly to unblock Disney+ Hotstar outside India.

Step 2. Download and install the VPN on your device

After choosing your VPN, download the application from the provider’s official website or your device’s app store. VPNs such as NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN support a wide range of devices: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, and even streaming devices like Fire Stick.

For mobile users, simply head to Google Play or the App Store. In case you are using a Smart TV or gaming console, you may need to configure the VPN on your router. Make sure you download the application from a trusted source to avoid third-party risks. Installation is usually straightforward – if anything, every reputable VPN provider has a help center and customer support to guide you through the installation steps.

Step 3. Connect to a server located in India

Once you have installed the VPN, open the application and log in with your account credentials. Then, select India from the list of countries or the interactive map.

An Indian IP is necessary to trick Hotstar into thinking that you are accessing the service from India. Virtual servers act like physical servers and can assign you an Indian IP address, even when the actual server is elsewhere. This way, you can bypass Hotstar geo-restriction and access Indian content without risking your data and privacy. Besides, during my tests, virtual Indian servers provided consistent speeds and reliability for streaming.

Step 4. Open Disney+ Hotstar, log in or sign up, and start streaming

After the VPN connects to an Indian server and assigns you an Indian IP address, visit the Disney+ Hotstar website or open the streaming application. Disney+ Hotstar supports most platforms, including Smart TVs, laptops, and mobile devices.

If you already have an account, log in with your credentials. However, if you do not have one, create a new account with an Indian phone number and a local payment method (you can ask a friend or use online services for this). Once logged in, you will have full access to Hotstar's Indian content library for seamless streaming!

Enjoy an uninterrupted Disney+ Hotstar streaming experience today!

Disney+ Hotstar not working with VPN: quick fixes

If Hotstar isn’t working with your VPN, it’s likely because Hotstar has detected your VPN usage and is blocking access due to licensing restrictions. The platform uses your IP address to determine your location and actively monitors for IPs linked to known VPN servers.

Here are a few common reasons why Hotstar might not work with your VPN:

• Blocked IP addresses: Disney+ Hotstar blocks IPs hosted by VPN servers. So if your assigned IP is on their blacklist, you won’t be able to access the platform.
• Poor VPN server selection: overloaded or poorly optimized servers are more likely to be flagged. Hence, it’s crucial to choose a high-quality VPN with reliable servers.
• Outdated VPN software: an outdated VPN app may lack the updates needed to bypass detection systems. Always ensure you’re using the latest version of your VPN software.
• Incorrect region selection: Disney+ Hotstar isn’t available in every country. Double-check if you’re connected to a region where Hotstar is available, such as India, Indonesia, or Malaysia.

That said, if you have encountered any streaming issues, don’t worry – here are some steps to try if Hotstar is not working with your VPN:

1. Switch VPN servers: disconnect and reconnect to a different VPN server in the same region. Premium VPNs like NordVPN offer multiple servers and IP options to bypass restrictions.
2. Clear cache and cookies: clear your browser’s cache and cookies, or use incognito mode to avoid location-based errors.
3. Restart your device: a simple restart can sometimes resolve connectivity issues.
4. Contact your VPN provider’s customer support: if the issue persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to your VPN provider for further assistance and information.

These simple steps should get you back to streaming your favorite shows in no time. However, if you still can’t access Disney+ Hotstar, consider switching to a premium provider like NordVPN or Surfshark.

Use NordVPN to stream Hotstar from anywhere

Can I watch Disney+ Hotstar for free?

Yes, Disney+ Hotstar offers a free subscription in India, but its content is limited. With the free plan you get access to select movies, TV shows, and live sports, but features like Disney+ Originals, ad-free content, and 4K streaming are only available with premium plans. The paid Super plan offers full HD streaming with ads and two device connections, while the Premium plan grants access to 4K streaming, no ads, and four simultaneous connections. So, while the free subscription is a good start, a premium plan is vital for the full Disney+ Hotstar experience.

Overall, the best option to save money would be to combine Disney+ Hotstar with a premium VPN that offers a free trial or money-back guarantee. For example, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, 27+ virtual Indian servers, and the fastest speeds around for seamless 4K streaming. Then there's Surfshark – a more wallet-friendly alternative boasting 50+ virtual Indian servers, unlimited device connections, and a similar 30-day money-back guarantee.

However, I do not recommend using free VPNs to stream Disney+ Hotstar in the USA. Based on our extensive testing, free VPNs often don’t even have Indian servers, and in cases when they do, because of smaller server pools, they can’t unblock platforms like Hotstar. They also come with unstable connections, limited data, and questionable privacy practices. To ensure seamless and secure streaming, it is better to invest in a good VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark that offers strong features and free trials.

Stream Disney+ Hotstar in the US with NordVPN’s free trial

What is included in Disney Plus Hotstar?

Disney+ Hotstar has a diverse library of content that differs significantly between supported regions. While Disney+ is available in over 120 countries worldwide, Disney+ Hotstar is accessible only in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, with additional versions available in Canada, the UK, and Singapore. However, the Indian version of Disney+ Hotstar has the biggest library, including live sports, Bollywood blockbusters, and regional TV shows.

While Disney+ Hotstar in Canada, the UK, and Singapore focus more on Disney content with fewer regional films and no live sports, its Indian version contains a mix of Disney+ Originals (The Mandalorian, Loki), Bollywood hits (RRR, Drishyam 2), regional TV dramas (Anupamaa, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai), and live sports events like IPL cricket, football, and kabaddi.

That said, here’s a comparison of Disney+ and Disney+ Hotstar India:

Conclusion: Watch Disney+ Hotstar in the USA with a VPN

Accessing Disney+ Hotstar from the USA can be frustrating due to regional restrictions that block its rich Indian library. The solution? A reliable VPN that can give you an Indian IP address to bypass these pesky limitations.

After rigorous testing, NordVPN emerged as the best VPN choice for Hotstar. With its blazing-fast speeds and 27+ virtual servers in India, NordVPN delivers a smooth Hotstar’s library streaming experience, letting you enjoy Disney+ Originals, Bollywood blockbuster hits, live IPL cricket, and more – all in 4K. With a simple setup and a 30-day money-back guarantee, NordVPN is the easiest way to unlock Disney+ Hotstar in the USA.

---

---

FAQ

In what countries is Disney+ Hotstar available?

Disney+ Hotstar is available in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. It’s also available in Canada, the UK, and Singapore, although with fewer regional options and no live sports. If you’re outside these countries, you will need a VPN to unblock Disney+ Hotstar.

Which VPN to use for Hotstar?

The best VPN for Hotstar is NordVPN, thanks to its 27+ Indian servers, blazing-fast speeds, and exceptional unblocking capabilities. Surfshark and Proton VPN are great alternatives, with Surfshark being budget-friendly and Proton VPN ensuring robust privacy for streaming Hotstar in the USA.

Is Hotstar part of Disney Plus in the USA?

No, Hotstar is not part of Disney+ in the USA. Hotstar has unique regional content like Bollywood hits and live sports, while Disney+ focuses on global shows and movies. To access Hotstar’s full Indian catalog from the USA, you’ll need a VPN with Indian servers, like NordVPN.

Can I use my Disney Plus Hotstar account in another country?

Yes, you can use your Disney+ Hotstar account in another country, but the available content will change based on your location. If you’re outside India, a VPN, like NordVPN, could give you an Indian IP address to unlock the full Indian library no matter where you are.

How to get an Indian mobile number to watch Hotstar in USA?

To get an Indian mobile number to watch Hotstar in USA, virtual number services can provide you with temporary numbers for verification. However, since Hotstar sometimes blocks these numbers, the safest method is to use a friend or family member’s Indian phone number to sign up for Hotstar.