How to Watch Hotstar Outside India from Anywhere October 2024

Avatar of Peter Thompson
Last Updated by on December 6, 2023

Can I watch Hotstar outside India? Unfortunately not, Due to its geo-restrictions, you will not be able to access Hotstar outside India to watch iconic television shows, original movies, and much more.

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However, a high-quality VPN can help you watch Hotstar outside India. Continue reading our blog & find out how to watch Hotstar outside India.


How to Watch Hotstar Outside India 2024

  • Subscribe to ExpressVPN (our top recommendation).
  • Log in and select an Indian server from the list of servers.
  • Now, you can access Hotstar’s service and begin streaming.


What is Disney+ Hotstar? And what content is on Hotstar?

Disney+ Hotstar is a video streaming platform owned by Novi Digital Entertainment Private Limited, a fully owned Star India Private Limited subsidiary. It offers more than 100,000 hours of TV and movie content across nine languages and lives coverage of every major sport.

With Hotstar, you can stream several Bollywood films, including Jolly LLB 2, Pink, Housefull 3, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and Hollywood movies like Deadpool and Guardian of the Galaxy vol 2, as well as the most popular TV series and cartoons.

Additionally, you can access Disney Plus’ original content, legacy Disney titles, and hundreds of other movies and television programs, including those from HBO, Fox, and Showtime. It also offers a variety of sports coverage and can be seen broadcasting live professional cricket matches.


3 Top VPNs to Access Hotstar outside India [Quick Overview February 2024]

  1. ExpressVPN — It comes with lightning fast VPN connection to ensure you Ultra HD streaming from anywhere at any time. You can access 3000+ global servers, including 20+ location servers in the US. In addition to this, you can save up to 49% on its 1-year plan, cutting the original cost to only $6.71/month.
  2. Surfshark — Features smart DNS to unblock streaming platforms and channels that don’t support the app. You can access 3200+ global servers at low prices, including 20+ US servers. So you will always have something to watch when the cost is $2.30 a month. In addition, you can get an 82% discount on its 2-year plan and an unlimited device connection.
  3. NordVPN — It ensures reliable VPN connection & buffer-free streaming from anywhere. With many servers, you can stream restricted content without violating your privacy. The subscription comes with easy access to 5000+ global servers, including 1970+ servers in the US. In addition, a huge 68% discount is available on its 2-year plan, so you will only need to pay $3.71 a month.


Why is Disney Plus Hotstar geo-restricted outside India?

Is Disney Plus Hotstar geo-restricted outside India? Yes, let’s find out why?

The licensing and distribution of premium content are two main reasons for the geo-restrictions on streaming services like Disney Plus Hotstar. Broadcasting premium and original content outside serviceable areas demand much more than money.

Aside from India and a few other countries, Hotstar does not offer premium content or live sports. However, channels such as SonyLiv outside IndiaZee5 outside India, and Voot outside India are also geo-restricted outside India and a few other countries.


What will happen if I try to watch Hotstar abroad?

If you reside outside India, such as in the United States, Australia, or Canada, you will not have access to the complete Bollywood catalog. Most of the streams, movies and TV shows available to Indian audiences are unavailable to US and Canadian audiences.

It is similar to watching Netflix outside the US. You get far less content than you can get when you are in the United States. Streaming companies often obtain geographical licenses due to competition or to reduce costs.

For instance, HBO Now, Amazon Prime, or some other network may already hold a particular TV show license. Under such circumstances, Hotstar will not be permitted to stream the television show within the United States.

Or Hotstar may simply purchase an Indian license for a TV show instead of buying the license for other countries to keep the cost low. But, once again, Hotstar users outside India will not be able to access that TV show.

In this scenario, you may be wondering. How can I access Hotstar outside India, where it is currently available? Don’t worry; I have a solution to help you find out how to watch Hotstar outside India.


3 VPNs To Unblock Hotstar Outside India? [February 2024]

You need a credible VPN provider that actually works best when it comes to its services and functionality. The following 3 best VPNs can help you watch Hotstar outside India.


ExpressVPN — Best VPN to Watch Hotstar outside India

  • Ultra-Fast speed with unlimited bandwidth for bufferless streaming.
  • 3000+ Servers in 90+ Countries, including 20+ location servers in US.
  • Comes with five simultaneous device connections
  • Compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOS, Smart TV, Linux, and more.

ExpressVPN has incredible server speed to ensure smooth and high-quality streaming from anywhere. It has 3000+ optimized servers installed in 90+ countries and 20+ location servers in the US only. It comes with Ultra fast connection speed, allowing users to have top-quality streaming without error.

Its high-speed servers can easily unblock geo-restricted streaming platforms, encrypt your data, bypass the IP tracking system, and provide unlimited bandwidth for bufferless streaming.

Regarding device compatibility, ExpressVPN has a dedicated VPN app designed for all compatible devices and routers. It offers five simultaneous device connections that you can run on macOS, iOS, Android, Fire devices, browsers, gaming consoles, routers, smart TVs, and more.

Now, let's talk about its price!

Its yearly subscription will cost you $6.67/month, with an extra three months for free. Furthermore, you can connect up to 5 simultaneous devices with a single subscription.


unblock hotstar with expressvpn

Unblock Hotstar outside India with ExpressVPN


Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Compatible with all streaming sites
  • Connect up to 6 devices
  • It works in China & UAE
  • Follows Zero Log Policy
  • 7-day free trial

Cons

  • A bit costly service


Surfshark — Affordable VPN to Access Hotstar outside India

  • Comes with SmartDNS to unblock content on non-native devices
  • 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including 20+ location servers in the US.
  • Compatible with Android, Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux,  smart TVs, and more
  • Offers minimum price of about $2.30/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark's minimum price tag makes it the most wallet-friendly VPN for streaming. It is equipped with 3000+ global servers in 100 countries, including 20+ location servers in the US. Surfshark stands out among all is non, but it's a Smart DNS server that enables users to access geo-restricted content without a native app.

Moreover, a Surfshark subscription ensures unlimited device connection on all compatible devices, whether Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, smart TVs, or more.

Regarding price, you can expect to have $2.30/month, saving 82% on its two-year plan along with two extra months. It offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, ultra HD streaming, Unlimited bandwidth, and Zero log policy, all wrapped under its modest pricing plan.


unblock hotstar with surfshark

Unblock Hotstar outside India with Surfshark


Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Compatible with all streaming sites
  • Connect up to 6 devices
  • It works in China & UAE
  • Follows Zero Log Policy
  • 7-day free trial

Cons

  • Poor Customer Support
  • Some user experience low speed


NordVPN — Reliable VPN to Stream Hotstar outside India

  • NordLynx Protocol to help boost streaming experience
  • 5000+ Servers in 60 Countries including 17 location servers in the US.
  • Comes with 6 simultaneous device connections.
  • Compatible with Android, Windows, iOS, Linus, Smart TVs & Routers.

When it comes to reliability, you won't find any other option better than NordVPN!

Apart from its giant web of VPN servers, including 17 server locations in the US, NordVPN has recently launched NordLynx. This new-generation VPN protocol provides an improved connection for an uninterrupted streaming experience.

NordVPN has SmartPlay integration that unblocks various content with its IP spoofing feature. Like Surfshark, NordVPN incorporates its dedicated SmartDNS service that can easily unblock geo-restricted content on devices with no native app.

You can connect Nord with almost all devices, including windows, macOS, Android, Apple, Smart TV, Xbox, PS series, and more. The cost will drastically reduce if you opt for its two-year plan, which will cost you $3.49/per month, six device connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.


unblock hotstar with nordvpn

Unblock Hotstar outside India with NordVPN


Pros

  • 5000+ global servers
  • Secure VPN System
  • Zero Logs Policy
  • Works in China and the UAE
  • 24/7 Live Chat Support
  • Military grade Encryption
  • Private DNS System

Cons

  • Little Expensive
  • No app for router


Testing Methodology for Choosing the best VPNs for Hotstar

Although hundreds of VPN services are available, this does not mean all of them will provide similar services.

VPNs have significant differences when considering network size, security, speed, reliability, and customer support factors.

To rank our recommended VPNs, I research these features and use a variety of metrics. The following are the primary factors I used to evaluate the best VPNs for Hotstar.


1. Indian Servers

In order to unblock Hotstar from abroad, a VPN must offer servers in India (or virtual servers with an India IP address).


2. Streaming Capabilities

A VPN must have strong streaming capabilities to stream Hotstar from abroad successfully. On this list, all VPNs allow you to access a wide range of streaming services securely.


Unlimited Bandwidth

Some VPNs have data caps or bandwidth limits that throttle or halt downloads above a certain threshold. I have selected only VPNs that offer unlimited bandwidth to allow you to stream Hotstar as much as you want.


4. Logging Policy

A reliable VPN service must be zero-logs, meaning that it does not store or record any information about your online activities. The same applies to IP addresses. Ideally, a VPN service provider collects no information regarding its customers; therefore, this information cannot be hacked or coerced.


5. Privacy and Security

Strong encryption ensures unauthorized parties cannot monitor the VPN user’s activities. In addition, a VPN must include kill switches and DNS leak protection features to ensure no private or sensitive information leaves your device.


Can I use a Free VPN to Watch Hotstar outside India?

Free VPNs won’t ensure your security and privacy as they offer free-of-cost services and aren’t reliable enough to be acquired. It is nearly impossible to watch it risk-free because free VPN services carry numerous risks.

Moreover, free VPNs won’t always provide you access to Hotstar. Their IP tracking system will soon realize your source and block you immediately.

Because of this, I do not recommend using a free VPN for watching Hotstar outside India, although if you wish to do so, you can use any VPN which offers free services.


Avoiding Free VPNs and Free Proxy Services to Watch Hotstar

The fact that free VPNs are commonly available makes them even more appealing.

Unfortunately, the appeal is typically short-lived. However, Purchasing a VPN will allow you to access high-speed, secure, and reliable servers.

Free VPNs usually lack these features because you can only choose from one or two server locations, and you will regularly face bandwidth restrictions and data limitations.

You should also expect low encryption standards that provide little privacy protection with free VPNs. It is also possible for your personal data to be stolen and sold to third parties.


Hotstar is Not Available in Most Countries

Currently, Hotstar is available in four countries: India, Indonesia, Canada, and the UK.

However, Hotstar has been discontinued in the US recently, but you can enjoy LIVE cricket, your favorite Indian entertainment, & more with The Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+).

Even though you can access it in the UK and Canada, you will find a much more limited version of the service with considerably less content than that is available in India. As such, I suggest you follow the instructions in the guide above to watch Hotstar most conveniently.


How to subscribe to Hotstar outside India?

To do that, check our 3 quick-step guides at the beginning of the page.

After connecting to the Indian server, it is necessary to have a debit/credit card accepted in India. To subscribe to Hotstar outside India, connect to a VPN and follow the steps below:

  1. Go to https://www.hotstar.com/in, then click on the Login button in the upper-right corner.
  2. Once you have selected “Have a Facebook/Email account?”, click Continue, then enter your email address.
  3. You will get an OTP (One-time Password) on your email or mobile number for verification. Enter that code (OTP) in the field provided and press the Continue button.
  4. Once you have entered your name and age and selected your gender, click Done. Hotstar will then ask you to pay for its Premium subscription. You can also continue to view regional TV shows while the free trial is active.
  5. If you still want a Hotstar subscription, click Get Hotstar Premium, then pick a plan.
  6. Now you can pay with a VISA or MasterCard debit/credit card by entering your card information, agreeing to the Terms of Use, and clicking Start Membership.


How much does Disney+ Hotstar cost Outside India?

Signing up for a Hotstar India account is actually free. However, if you are interested in viewing even more content, you can subscribe to a Disney+ Hotstar Premium or Super Plan for a lower price.

Hotstar prices depend on where you are in the world:

  • India: ₹299 a month and For Super Plan ₹75 a month
  • Canada: CAD 12.99 a month
  • UK: £5.99 a month

For Comparison, ₹299 is equivalent to $3.91. When you use a VPN to connect to Indian Hotstar, you can access a lot of extra content and save $6 per month.


How to set up a premium Hotstar account outside India?

Want to set up a premium Hotstar account outside India? Then follow these quick and easy steps to access your favorite streaming platform within minutes.

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN subscription
  2. Connect your device with any of its Indian servers.
  3. Now pick your preferred payment method and pay for its premium subscription.
  4. You can also use your friend’s payment credentials living in India.

How to Download Disney+ Hotstar on your Devices

If you want to download the Hotstar app outside India on your devices, then here’s how you can do it:


For Android users

  1. Open the ExpressVPN app on your Android device.
  2. Connect to a server in India.
  3. Sign up for a new Google account and log in.
  4. Search for the Hotstar app in the Play Store.
  5. Install it and sign up for a free account.
  6. Congratulations, Hotstar is now available on your Android device.

For iOS Users

  1. Begin by changing your Apple ID region to the United States in Settings > Network.
  2. Open ExpressVPN on your iOS device.
  3. Connect to a server in India.
  4. Search for Hotstar in the Apple App Store.
  5. Install the app and log in to your account to start streaming your favorite shows.

For Roku Users

  1. Download and install ExpressVPN and connect it to your Wi-Fi router.
  2. Connect to any Indian server.
  3. Now insert your Roku stick into your smart TV through the HDMI port.
  4. Turn on your device and select Hotstar on the Roku home screen, and you are good to go.

For Playstion Users

  1. Set up your console.
  2. Download ExpressVPN.
  3. Log in to connect with the Indian server.
  4. Find "TV/Video Services" on the PS.
  5. Search for Disney+ Hotstar and click on "Get."
  6. Your channels list has a new addition.
  7. You can stream all the big hits now!

For Xbox Users

  1. Set up and open your Xbox.
  2. Download ExpressVPN.
  3. Log in to connect with the Indian server.
  4. Go to My games and apps > Xbox Store.
  5. Do a quick search for Disney+ Hotstar
  6. Download the application.
  7. You are all set to play your favorites.

For Kodi Users

  1. Install a VPN that is compatible with Hotstar. I highly recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Connect your Kodi device to your VPN.
  3. Download the VPN software to your computer, save it to a USB stick, and plug it into your Kodi device.
  4. On your Kodi device, go to Settings, System Settings, and Add-ons.
  5. Now toggle on Unknown Sources.
  6. Install the VPN app on your Kodi device. Connect to a server in India after that.
  7. Go to Kodi's home screen by turning on your TV.
  8. Lastly, install the Hotstar add-on on Kodi to start watching.

For Firestick Users

  1. Start up your FireStick and go to Search.
  2. Switch to unknown sources, download ExpressVPN, and connect to an Indian server.
  3. Enter the word 'Hotstar' and press enter.
  4. The 'Hotstar app for Fire TV Stick' will appear in the search results.
  5. The app will be downloaded after you click 'Get.'
  6. After the Hotstar app has been installed, open it.
  7. Open the Hotstar app and sign up/log in with your credentials.
  8. Now you can start watching Hotstar on Firestick.

For Apple TV Users

  1. Choose a VPN service that allows you to use Smart DNS. I highly recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Find your Smart DNS addresses, go to your Apple TV's Settings menu, and select Network at the bottom of the page.
  3. Choose your Network by pressing the Wi-Fi button.
  4. Then go to DNS Configuration and choose Manual Configuration.
  5. Connect your Apple TV to an Indian server by typing in your DNS address and restarting it.
  6. You are done on your Apple TV; download and install the Hotstar app.

For Smart TV Users

  1. Download and install a premium VPN. I highly recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Connect to a US-based server
  3. Go into your Wi-Fi router's admin.
  4. Connect it to your VPN network.
  5. Download the Hotstar app on your Smart TV, and create a free account to start watching.

For PC Users

  1. On your computer, download and install a premium VPN. We highly recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Connect to an India-based server.
  3. Go to the Hotstar website, sign up for an account, or log in.
  4. If you're still having trouble watching Hotstar, delete your cookies and cache before logging in.

What to watch on Hotstar outside India?

You can watch the following movies, TV shows, and channels on Disney Plus Hotstar outside India.


Best Movies on Hotstar

Here is a list of the best movies that you can binge-watch on Hotstar:

  • Bad Education
  • The Art of Racing in the Rain
  • Murder on the Orient Express
  • We Bought a Zoo
  • Gifted
  • Secretariat
  • Kingsman
  • The Shape of Water
  • The Martian
  • Independence Day
  • Black Swan
  • The Last King of Scotland
  • The Fault in Our Stars
  • Avatar
  • Hamilton
  • Mulan
  • Ford v Ferrari
  • Nomadland
  • All Marvel movies
  • All Star Wars films
  • The Favourite
  • Free Guy
  • The Last Duel
  • Glass
  • Ready or Not
  • Hidden Figures
  • Cruella

Best Shows on Hotstar

Here is a list of the best shows that you can binge-watch on Hotstar:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Special Ops
  • Out Of Love
  • Hostages
  • City of Dreams
  • Aarya
  • PariWar
  • Malgudi Days
  • Criminal Justice: Behind Closed Doors
  • Grahan
  • The Great Indian Murder
  • Human

Channels on Hotstar

Below is the list of channels that you can stream on Hotstar:

  • Hotstar Specials
  • StarPlus, Jalsha, Vijay, Parvah, Bharat, Suvarna, Utsav, Pravah, Suvarna, Utsav
  • Life OK
  • Asianet, Plus
  • Star World
  • HBO Original Programming
  • SHOWTIME
  • Select Picks
  • ABC Studios
  • Fox life
  • Channel V
  • ABP News
  • Star Sports 1, 2
  • Hindi 1
  • Tamil 1
  • Telegu 1
  • Kannada 1
  • Bangla 1
  • Marathi
  • 9XM
  • Star Sports Select 1 (HD), 2 (HD)
  • Star Maa
  • Maa Gold
  • Hotstar Originals
  • Boogle Bollywood

In which country is Hotstar available?

Hotstar is available in four countries: India, Indonesia, Canada, and the UK. However, Hotstar has been discontinued in the US recently, but you can enjoy LIVE cricket, your favorite Indian entertainment, & more with The Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+).


FAQs on Hotstar Outside India


Is Hotstar the same as Disney+ Hotstar?

No, it is not Disney+ Hotstar is the Indian version of Hotstar and gives you access to Hotstar content and Disney+ content. However, the international version of Hotstar does not come with Disney+ content.


Can I watch IPL Live On Disney Plus Hotstar?

As mentioned above, Hotstar has been discontinued in the US, but you can enjoy LIVE cricket, your favorite Indian entertainment, & more with The Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+). However, you can access Hotstar in the US by using a VPN.


Can I watch Hotstar for Free?

Yes, you can watch some of its content for free! There is no registration required for free content. Although the free content is only available in India, you can still watch it using a VPN outside India.


Which country has access to free Hotstar?

Hotstar offers both subscription-based and free content. Though the free content is exclusive to India, you can still view it outside India through a VPN.


How to get an Indian phone number to sign up?

With all the red tape involved, getting a mobile number in India is similar to getting a passport. I suggest you sign in to Hotstar with Facebook, which won’t ask you for the phone number.


What is Invizbox 2?

InvizBox 2 is a stylish and compact VPN router that provides safe and encrypted networks, which allows you to protect all your devices simultaneously.


How Can I Watch the T20 World Cup Live Outside India on Hotstar?

T20 World Cup Live is only available within India, but you can access your Hotstar account from anywhere using a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you’re not at risk.


Can Hotstar block me if I use a VPN?

You can be blocked if you use a VPN to watch Hotstar outside India. However, this is very unlikely. Millions of people around the globe use VPNs as privacy tools; Hotstar would never profit if users left their VPN on while streaming was prohibited. So without turning off the VPN, the worst-case scenario is that you won’t be able to watch Hotstar outside India.


Wrapping Up!

Wondering how to watch Hotstar outside India? As mentioned above, if you do not live in one of these countries, you can bypass the restriction and watch Hotstar outside India and anywhere else in the world by using a premium, encrypted, secure VPN.