How to Watch Disney Hotstar in USA [5 Easy Steps]

Disney+ Hotstar is a popular streaming service offering a variety of content, from movies and shows to live sports coverage. Unfortunately, since 2021 Hotstar is no longer available in the US as a standalone platform.

It’s content is now available as Disney+ Hulu and ESPN, which is very expensive in comparison. If you try to watch Disney+ Hotstar in USA, you will get an error message saying “Access Denied”.

This poses a problem for Hotstar fans. Luckily, you can easily bypass Hotstar’s geo-restrictions and access the streaming service from the US by using a VPN.

With a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN, you can change your IP address to India, and trick Hotstar of your location, thus accessing the platform. Here’s everything you need to know about watching Disney+ Hotstar in USA or anywhere outside India.

5 Simple Steps to Watch Hotstar in USA

To watch Disney+ Hotstar in USA, just follow these simple steps:

Subscribe to ExpressVPN as it offers several fast Indian servers.
Download and install the ExpressVPN app on your device.
Open the app and log in using your credentials.
From the server list, select an Indian server. The Mumbai server is known for its speed.
Once connected, visit the Hotstar website or open the Hotstar app.
Start watching your favorite shows on Hotstar in the USA.

Why a VPN Is Needed to Watch Disney+ Hotstar in USA?

Disney Hotstar is not available in the US. The streaming service was discontinued in the US, so you need a VPN to access Hotstar in USA.

Currently, you can watch Hotstar in India, and a few other regions like the UK and Canada. However, if you try to access the streaming service in the US, you will get an error message.

This happens because of geo-restrictions placed on Hotstar because of copyrights. Luckily, you can bypass these geo-restrictions using a VPN. With a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN, you can connect to a server in India. It will give you an Indian IP address, allowing you full access to Hotstar’s content in the US.

Even though Hotstar is available in Canada and the UK, the Indian version has more content, along with Sports coverage, at a dime.

3 Best VPNs to Watch Disney Hotstar in USA

Here is a list of the best VPNs that we’ve tested and found to provide a smooth, hassle-free streaming experience.

1. ExpressVPN – The Best VPN to Watch Disney Hotstar in USA

ExpressVPN is the best VPN known for its strong security, fast speeds, and extensive server network, making it a top choice for streaming Hotstar in USA. It also offers a user-friendly experience.

With more than 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including multiple in India, ExpressVPN makes it easy to obtain an Indian IP address for Hotstar access in the USA. As India no longer allows physical VPN servers, therefore, ExpressVPN offers multiple virtual servers in India.

ExpressVPN consistently delivers speeds above 80 Mbps, ideal for uninterrupted streaming of Hotstar shows and movies.

In our testing, ExpressVPN provided flawless streaming of Hotstar in the USA, with no buffering or lag. It’s also excellent for accessing other global streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, 9Now, Stan, Starz Play, and more.

ExpressVPN includes advanced features like Threat Manager, Split Tunneling, and Stealth Servers to protect your privacy. Its MediaStreamer tool supports devices that don’t natively work with VPNs.

The service is compatible with a range of devices including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, and more, allowing up to eight simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN is priced at $6.67 per month with its annual plan, which also includes additional free months and a 30-day money-back guarantee. A 7-day free trial is available for Android and iOS users.

2. Surfshark – Budget-Friendly VPN for Streaming Hotstar in USA

Surfshark is an excellent choice for those seeking strong security and the ability to connect unlimited devices at an affordable price. With over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including several in India, Surfshark ensures reliable and fast access to Hotstar from the USA.

We tested the WireGuard protocol, which maintained 86% of the original speed, ensuring smooth, high-quality streaming of shows on Hotstar.

Surfshark’s Indian servers performed exceptionally well in our tests, providing consistent streaming without buffering. The service also unblocks other Indian channels like SonyLiv, and international streaming platforms, offering a broad entertainment selection.

Key features include split tunneling, ad-blocking, and SmartDNS technology for devices that don’t support VPN apps, enhancing both security and streaming experience.

Surfshark supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and streaming devices like Roku and Firestick, with unlimited simultaneous connections.

Priced from just $2.19 per month, Surfshark delivers excellent value, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial.

3. NordVPN – Large Server Network to Unblock Hotstar in USA

NordVPN is highly regarded for its exceptional security and strong performance, making it an excellent option for streaming Hotstar in the USA.

With 6,448 servers across 111 countries, including numerous locations in India, NordVPN provides fast and reliable connections for seamless streaming. It maintains 90% of your original internet speed, ensuring high-quality streaming of Disney+ Hotstar in the USA.

During our tests, NordVPN’s Indian servers delivered fast speeds and excellent streaming quality for Hotstar, with no buffering or delays. In addition to Hotstar, NordVPN can unblock other Indian streaming services as well as global platforms like Amazon Prime, Voot, Hulu, Max, and more.

Key features of NordVPN include AES-256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy to ensure secure streaming. It also offers Meshnet and SmartDNS for connecting restricted devices.

NordVPN is compatible with all major operating systems and devices, including Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Roku. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections.

Priced at $3.39 per month, NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial, providing an excellent mix of features, coverage, and affordability.

How We Chose the Best VPNs to Watch Hotstar in USA

We carried out extensive tests to determine the top VPNs for streaming Hotstar in the USA. Here’s what we focused on:

Reliability: Each VPN was tested on various servers over several weeks to confirm consistent access to Hotstar without interruptions.
Server Locations: We tested servers in India to guarantee reliable access to Hotstar and stable connectivity for continuous streaming.
Speed: We evaluated VPN speeds during peak and off-peak hours to ensure smooth streaming without buffering or delays.
Privacy and Security: We examined key security features such as a kill switch, no-logs policy, and malware protection. Additional tests were conducted to detect potential security vulnerabilities and ensure a secure connection.
Cost: We compared the pricing and features of different VPNs to find those that offer great value without being overly expensive.
Device Compatibility: The VPNs were used on various devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and streaming devices. We ensured they performed well across multiple devices simultaneously and provided a user-friendly experience.

Start by subscribing to a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.
Download the VPN app on your device and log in.
Connect to an Indian server.

Visit the Hotstar website and click the option ‘Subscribe’ at the top left sidebar.

Now choose your desired subscription and click Continue.

Since Hotstar requires an Indian phone number, download the VPN app on your mobile device and connect to a server in India. Now scan the QR code that appears on the Hotstar sign-up screen.

If will open the signup link on your phone. Confirm your payment, and add your email address.
That’s it, you have signed up for Hotstar in USA.

Pricing Plans for Disney Hotstar Subscription

Disney+ Hotstar is a popular streaming service not only in India but in US as well because of its cheap subscription plans. There are two plans available right now:

Super Plan for INR 299/3 months
Premium Plan for INR 499/ 3 months

Hotstar vs Other Popular Streaming Services

Hotstar

Content: Hotstar features a vast library of movies, TV shows, live sports, and Disney+ content. Includes popular series like “The Mandalorian” and major sports events.

Pricing: Offers VIP and Premium subscription plans.

Strengths: Strong selection of international content, including Disney and Marvel series. Excellent for live sports, especially cricket and IPL.

Voot

Content: Voot offers a rich selection of Bollywood movies, TV shows, and original series. It also features live TV channels and various reality shows.

Pricing: Voot provides different subscription plans, including mobile-only and full-access options.

Strengths: Voot is well-regarded for its wide range of Bollywood and regional content. It’s great for fans of Indian reality shows and original series, offering a good mix of entertainment for diverse tastes.

SonyLIV

Content: SonyLIV offers a broad variety of movies, TV shows, live sports, and exclusive SonyLIV originals. It includes live events such as IPL cricket and WWE.

Pricing: Available in yearly, half-yearly, monthly, and mobile-only plans.

Strengths: It provides extensive live sports coverage, including major cricket leagues and WWE. Ideal for fans of Bollywood movies, TV shows, and exclusive Indian programming.

Zee5

Content: Zee5 focuses on Bollywood movies, TV shows, and original series in various Indian languages. It also includes live TV channels.

Pricing: Available in yearly and monthly plans.

Strengths: Known for its extensive regional and Bollywood content. Great for diverse language options and exclusive shows.

How to Watch Hotstar in the USA on Any Device

To enjoy Hotstar in the USA on different devices, follow these easy steps:

How to Watch Hotstar on Windows and Mac

Choose a VPN like ExpressVPN with servers in India. Download and install the VPN on your PC.
Open the VPN app, log in, and connect to an Indian server.
Open your web browser and go to the Hotstar website.
Enter your Hotstar credentials to log in or create a new account.
You can now watch Hotstar on your Windows PC/ Mac.

How to Watch Hotstar on iOS & Android

iOS:

Download and connect to a VPN like ExpressVPN with servers in India.
Go to Settings, tap your name, then ‘Media & Purchases,’ select ‘View Account,’ and tap ‘Country/Region.’ Choose India, agree to the terms, and update your payment info.
Open the App Store, download the Hotstar, and log in.
You can now watch Hotstar on your iOS device.

Android:

Download and connect to a VPN like ExpressVPN with servers in India.
Open the Google Play Store, go to Settings > General > Account and device preferences > Country and profiles, and change your region to India.
Search for and install the Hotstar app from the Google Play Store, then log in.
You can now watch Hotstar on your Android device.

How to Watch Disney Hotstar on Smart TV

Select a VPN with Smart TV support like ExpressVPN.
Install the VPN app directly from your Smart TV’s app store.
Connect to an Indian server to bypass geo-restrictions.
Open the Hotstar app or use a web browser on your Smart TV to log in and start streaming.

Router-Based Smart TV Approach:

For Smart TVs that don’t have native VPN support, you can set up a VPN connection on a router and connect your TV with it to stream Disney+ Hotstar. Here are the steps:

Configure a VPN like ExpressVPN on your router. This will cover all devices connected to the router, including your Smart TV.
Connect your Smart TV to the router’s VPN network, ensuring it’s connected to an Indian server.
If the Hotstar app isn’t available on your Smart TV, you might need to sideload it.
Enter your Disney Hotstar details to log in.
You can now watch Hotstar on your Smart TV.

How to Watch Hotstar on Firestick

Subscribe to ExpressVPN for streaming Hotstar.
Go to the Amazon Appstore on your Firestick and download ExpressVPN.
Open the VPN app, log in, and connect to an Indian server.
Go to Settings on your Firestick, then My Fire TV, Developer Options, and turn on “Apps from Unknown Sources.”
Use the search function on your Firestick to find and download the Downloader app from the Amazon Appstore.
Open the Downloader app and use it to sideload the Hotstar APK.
Enter your Hotstar details to log in.
Open the Disney+ Hotstar app and start watching your favorite shows on your Firestick.

How to Troubleshoot Common Hotstar Streaming Errors

Why is Hotstar not working on my TV?

If you are unable to watch Hotstar on your TV, unplug your TV from power for at least 1-3 minutes. While the TV is unplugged, press and hold the power button on the TV for 5 seconds and release it. Plug the TV back and try again.

How can I restart the Hotstar app on TV?

Follow these steps to restart your Hotstar app on TV:

Press the home button from your remote.
Select Settings and go to Apps.
Select Disney+ Hotstar.
Click the Clear Cache and Clear Data options.
Now click ‘Force Stop the app’.
Now open the Disney Hotstar app again.

Why am I not able to cast Hotstar on TV?

If you are unable to cast Hotstar on your TV, update your Google Home and Google Play Service. You can also try rebooting your Chromecast device and log back into the Disney Hotstar app.

Conclusion

Disney+ Hotstar has great content, with both local shows and Disney+, along with Hulu shows. However, Hotstar was discontinued in the US in 2021. This is a problem for Hotstar fans, as its alternate service, Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN is much more expensive.

With a VPN like ExpressVPN, you can easily watch Disney+ Hotstar in USA. A VPN helps you connect to an Indian server, helping you virtually appear in India, this allowing you to access Hotstar content easily.

FAQs – Hotstar in USA

No, Hotstar is no longer available in the US. If you are in the USA, you will have access to Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN. But you can watch Hotstar in USA using a VPN.

You can stream Hotstar without Disney+ in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the UK, Canada, and Singapore.

Yes, Hotstar works with a VPN. To access the channel, make sure to choose a reliable VPN provider like ExpressVPN that offers servers in India.