How To Watch Hotstar From Anywhere in 2025: Easy Guide

JioHotstar (in India) is the go-to streaming service for live cricket matches, Bollywood blockbusters, and popular Indian TV shows. So, I was really disappointed when I got hit with the "not available in your region" message while traveling and trying to stream Special Ops and live IPL matches.

Can you watch Hotstar when traveling outside India? Hotstar's streaming rights are region-locked, so even my valid India subscription didn't work abroad. However, Disney+ Hotstar and Hotstar still operate separately in some countries, like Malaysia, the UK, and Singapore. However, these libraries differ significantly from JioHotstar, one of the world's largest streaming platforms with around 280 million subscribers (Business Standard, 2025)¹.

With a VPN, it's possible to securely access JioHotstar from anywhere. In this guide, I'll show you how to use a VPN and break down other options — from official regional access and bundled telecom offers to streaming Hotstar from the US via Hulu.

Where Can You Watch Hotstar Online?

JioHotstar (formerly Disney+ Hotstar) is now India’s leading streaming platform after merging with JioCinema in February 2025. This merger brings all content (including sports, movies, and TV shows) under one platform available in 19+ languages (Hindustan Times, 2025)². To watch JioHotstar, you need an Indian IP address.

Where is Disney+ Hotstar available? Hotstar is officially available in:

• India. The original, whole library version is available on JioHotstar.
• Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia). In these countries, Disney+ Hotstar has rebranded to Disney+, which still includes Hollywood and local content but not JioHotstar exclusives or full cricket coverage.
• UK, Canada, and Singapore. Hotstar remains available but offers a limited catalog of Indian TV and films. Some older Hotstar titles are available on free platforms like Tubi, but the content library isn’t as extensive as JioHotstar's.
• United States. Hotstar was discontinued in 2022. Some titles are available through Hulu (Disney Bundle). Cricket is available through ESPN+, but the Indian catalog is not accessible.

Securely Access JioHostar From Anywhere With a VPN

Why do you need a VPN to watch JioHotstar? JioHotstar’s full library is only available to users with an Indian IP address. When you try to stream from abroad, the platform checks your IP address and blocks access if it detects you’re outside the country.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) lets you change your virtual location by routing your internet traffic through a secure server in another country. This provides safe access to Hotstar by encrypting data and hiding IP addresses.

However, after the Indian government introduced strict data-logging and collection rules, most VPN providers removed their physical servers from India to protect user privacy. Instead, premium VPNs now offer virtual Indian servers — located in nearby countries that provide Indian IP addresses. This setup offers reliable access to JioHotstar’s content while keeping data private.

1. Get a VPN

Download a VPN that can provide you with an Indian IP address. Visit the VPN's website or get the app from your device's app store. Follow the setup instructions and sign in. Make sure you choose a VPN known for staying undetected while maintaining speed and security; obfuscation hides VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic.

Installing the VPN takes less than 5 minutes

2. Connect to a Server

Open your VPN and connect to an Indian location. If the app shows multiple options, choose the one closest to your physical location for the best speed. Wait until the connection is confirmed before opening Hotstar.

The VPN will clearly show when it's connected

3. Log in to Hotstar or Sign Up

If you already have a Hotstar account, skip to the next step. If you're creating a new account, open the JioHotstar website or app and enter your Indian phone number. You will receive a one-time password to verify your account.

Can I pay for Hotstar India from abroad? You can, but you need an India-issued payment method, such as a local credit/debit card, UPI, or netbanking. Some users keep their Indian subscription active before traveling to avoid issues. Without an Indian payment option, you won’t be able to start or renew a JioHotstar plan.

Hotstar lets you log in by scanning a QR code

Install the JioHotstar app on your streaming device. If you're using a smart TV or streaming box, make sure the app store region is set to India. Some users also sideload the app on Android TV or Fire TV if it's not automatically available in the store. And if you’re on a desktop or laptop, you can simply use the website.

4. Start Streaming JioHotstar

Open the app or website and log in. You should now see the full India catalog. If you run into region errors, clear your browser or app cache, then reconnect to your VPN. For the best streaming experience:

• Use the fastest protocol offered in your VPN app, usually WireGuard.
• Choose the nearest India location available.
• Restart the app after connecting if the quality drops.

With the Lightway protocol, you’ll get the fastest speeds for seamless streaming

Quick Comparison Table: Best VPNs for Hotstar

JioHotstar isn’t easy to safely access with just any VPN. The service is known to detect and block VPN connections to protect its regional licensing deals.

The platform is rolling out to other countries with time

The VPNs below work most consistently with JioHotstar thanks to their ability to conceal VPN use (obfuscation) and reliable Indian IP options through secure virtual servers. Here's a quick side-by-side comparison of the best Hotstar VPN features, including price, speed, and money-back guarantee.

Note. Base speed refers to our tester's speed without the VPN connected.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Hotstar

We tested leading VPNs to see which consistently work with JioHotstar without triggering the “content not available in your region” error. Each VPN was checked for its ability to maintain stable Indian IP connections, stream live cricket matches uninterrupted and on-demand shows in HD and 4K, and handle long sessions without buffering or drops. We also verified app performance across major devices like Android TV, Fire TV, and mobile apps.

Common Hotstar VPN Errors and Quick Fixes

Why is your VPN not working with Hotstar? JioHotstar can still block access if it detects unusual traffic (like from a VPN) or cached location data. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them quickly:

• “Content not available in your region” error. This appears when Hotstar thinks you're outside India. To fix this, disconnect and reconnect to another Indian server. Clear your browser's cookies and cache (or app data on mobile), then restart the app or browser after connecting to the VPN.
• Hotstar app not loading with VPN. Sometimes the app hangs or refuses to load video when a VPN is active. To fix this, switch to a different Indian server location, change the VPN protocol to the fastest available (e.g., WireGuard), and disable battery saver or data saver modes on mobile devices.
• Error code NM 4031. How do you fix error code NM 4031? This happens due to a cached IP or DNS leak. To fix this, clear DNS cache (restarting your device works too), turn on VPN encryption and leak protection in settings, and try using your browser’s Incognito/Private mode.
• Payment or sign-in issues from abroad. The most common cause is an OTP or payment verification failure. What you need is an active Indian phone number for OTP logins. Also, make sure you have a valid India-based payment method (e.g., UPI or an Indian card).
• 4K is not working on the laptop or phone. This is expected and not a VPN problem. JioHotstar restricts 4K to supported smart TVs and streaming boxes due to DRM rules. Laptops and many phones max out at 1080p. To fix this, use Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, or a supported Smart TV app.

How To Watch Hotstar in the US

Is Hotstar available in the US? No, but you can watch select Indian shows and movies through services like Hulu and ESPN+ in the United States. This is not the full Indian catalog, but it provides legal access without needing an Indian mobile number.

Here’s what you can watch:

• On Hulu. Indian shows and movies branded under “Hotstar – Hub” are available, including titles like Aarya, Criminal Justice, Special Ops, The Empire, and other “Hotstar Specials”.
• On ESPN+. Some sports rights previously held by Hotstar were moved here, especially select cricket events and leagues.

Here’s how you can quickly sign up:

1. Choose a Hulu plan. Plans start around $11.99/month on the ad-supported tier.
2. Once logged in, go to the “Hotstar” or “Indian content” hub within Hulu to browse titles.
3. For cricket or live sports coverage, subscribe to ESPN+ (standalone or via bundle) and check which Indian sports rights are available there.

Can You Watch JioHotstar For Free?

You can watch JioHotstar for free in India via official bundled offers. JioHotstar does not offer a universal free plan that unlocks all content, and complete sports access still requires an eligible subscription. However, many Indian users get JioHotstar at no extra cost through bundled plans. These offers rotate frequently, but the options below are the most reliable and widely used.

1. Mobile recharge and postpaid bundles (Jio, Airtel, Vi). Many prepaid and postpaid plans include JioHotstar access, often as a mobile-only plan. Just recharge or switch to a plan that lists Hotstar or JioHotstar benefits. Open the app and verify using the same mobile number.
2. Broadband, fiber, and DTH OTT bundles (Airtel Xstream, JioFiber, Tata Play). Many home internet and TV plans include JioHotstar for multiple devices, sometimes with 4K support. Just subscribe to an eligible broadband or DTH plan, then redeem through the provider’s portal or app.
3. Bank, UPI, and payment app promotions. Some banks and payment apps occasionally offer Hotstar vouchers or credits with qualifying transactions. Make sure to check the offer sections on your banking or UPI app, meet the spend criteria, and redeem the voucher.
4. Free trials and device-first offers. Occasionally, limited free trials are offered for first-time users or through device partnerships, such as smart TVs or set-top boxes. Just sign up through an eligible device or trial promotion.
5. OTT packs and bundles from telcos. Some carriers offer OTT super bundles that include JioCinema and other streaming apps. So, choose the relevant OTT bundle plan and link your account.

FAQs on Watching Hotstar From Anywhere

References

1. https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/jiohotstar-second-to-netflix-with-280-million-subscribers-125052701396_1.html
2. https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/jiocinema-and-disney-hotstar-merge-to-form-new-platform-jiohotstar-announce-new-subscription-plans-101739502610427.html/