How to Watch Hotstar In the USA (4 Easy Steps)
Hotstar, a leading streaming platform from India, offers a wide variety of content ranging from Bollywood movies and Indian TV shows to live sports and international titles.
Owned by Disney, Hotstar has become a global favorite for those who love Indian entertainment and live cricket. However, due to geographical restrictions, accessing the full Indian library of Hotstar is not possible from the USA.
While there is a US-specific version of Hotstar, it lacks many features and content available in the Indian version. This has left viewers seeking ways to access the Indian version of Hotstar while in the USA.
The simplest and most reliable solution is using a VPN. This article will guide you through how to watch Hotstar in the USA, explain why it’s blocked, and help you choose the best VPN for a seamless streaming experience.
In A Hurry? How to Watch Hotstar In the US (Just in 4 Steps)
A VPN is the easiest and most effective way to bypass geographical restrictions and access the full Indian version of Hotstar. Follow these steps to start streaming.
- Choose a Reliable VPN with servers in India and robust security features. We suggest you ExpressVPN for Hotstar.
- Download and Install the VPN app compatible with your device.
- Select a server located in India from the server list and connect.
- Visit the Hotstar India website or app. Once connected to the Indian server, you can enjoy the full library of Indian Hotstar content from the USA.
Why Is Hotstar Blocked in the USA?
Hotstar’s availability and content offerings differ across regions due to licensing and distribution agreements. Streaming rights for movies, TV shows, and live sports vary by region. Some content available in India cannot be legally streamed in other countries.
Hotstar uses geo-blocking technology to restrict access to its Indian version for users outside India. This ensures compliance with content distribution agreements. Some shows and live sports events, such as IPL matches, are exclusive to the Indian audience and are not available in the US version.
For these reasons, attempting to access Indian Hotstar in the US will often result in an error message like:
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch Hotstar in the USA?
A VPN is essential for accessing Hotstar in the USA. A VPN masks your IP address and makes it appear as though you’re browsing from India, allowing you to bypass regional restrictions.
With a VPN, you can unlock the full library of Indian Hotstar, including live sports like IPL cricket, regional shows, and Bollywood movies.
Best VPNs for Watching Hotstar in the USA
Here’s a detailed overview of the best VPNs for streaming Hotstar, along with their features and pricing.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a top choice for streaming Hotstar due to its blazing-fast speeds, robust security, and reliable servers in India.
✔ 3,000+ servers in 105 countries which help you to unblock region-locked content
✔ Connect Up to 8 devices simultaneously with one account
✔ Unblock CapCut, Netflix, VUDU, Nova Sports, BBC iPlayer, Fundago, and more
✔ You can use it on android, window, iPhone, Mac, Apple, Smart TV, Chrome, Router
✔ Privacy: Military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
✔ 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN offer June 2025: For a limited time, you can save up to 61% on 2-year subscription plan + 4 months free.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is known for its advanced security features and user-friendly interface, making it another excellent choice for watching Hotstar in the USA.
✔ 7,100+ ultra-fast servers in 110 countries
✔ Connect Up to 10 devices simultaneously with one account
✔ Stream Netflix, VUDU, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Sky TV, and more from anywhere
✔ Apps available for android, window, iPhone, Mac, Apple, Smart TV, Chrome, Router
✔ 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN offer June 2025: For a limited time, you can save up to 70% on 2-year subscription plan + 3 months free.
3. Cyberghost
CyberGhost is user-friendly and designed for streaming, with dedicated servers optimized for Hotstar in the USA.
✔ 11,600+ servers in 100 countries so you can easily access regional content
✔ Connect Up to 7 devices simultaneously with one account
✔ Unblock platforms like Netflix, VUDU, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Sky TV and more
✔ Apps available for android, window, iPhone, Mac, Apple, Smart TV, Chrome, Router etc
✔ 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost VPN Exclusive Deal June 2025: For a limited time, you can save up to 82% on a 2 Years subscription plan + 4 Months FREE
What should I do if my VPN isn’t working with Hotstar?
If your VPN isn’t working with Hotstar:
- Switch to a different Indian server in the VPN app.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies to remove location data.
- Ensure your VPN app is up to date.
- Contact the VPN’s customer support for assistance.
- Try a more reliable VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
What can I watch on Hotstar?
Hotstar streaming platform is an amazing entertainment stop where you will get a good collection of movies, series, shows, sports, and kids’ content.
It includes movies and shows in many different languages including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, English, Korean, Telugu, Kannad, Japanese, etc.
Some of the popular movies available on Hotstar are; Black Panther, Titanic, Interstellar, John Wick, Goodfellas, Guardians of the Galaxy, Southpaw, Avengers: Infinity War, etc.
Some of the popular shows available on Hotstar are; The Empire, Live Telecast, Aarya, The Legend of Hanuman, Eclipse, etc.
Channels on Hotstar
Hotstar offers access to a lot of TV channels including many live channels which makes sure that the users get all the entertainment content they would like to stream.
Some of the popular channels available on this platform are; Star Plus, Star Jalsha, Star Vijay, Star Bharat, Asianet, Star Maa, Star Pravah, Asianet Plus, Star Suvarna, Maa Gold, Star Utsav, Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports Select 1 HD, Star Sports Hindi 1, and Star Spots Select 2 HD, etc.
Devices compatible with Hotstar
Hotstar is known to work perfectly with a number of devices. Almost everybody has at least one of the devices that it works with, so you do not have to worry about the compatibility of your device.
Here is a list of the compatible devices and software.
- Android Devices – 4.4 and above
- iOS 10.0
- Samsung Smart TV (2018 models and onward)
- LG Smart TV with Web OS (4 and above)
- Apple TV (4th Gen onward)
- Fire TV
- Google Chromecast Gen 2 for casting (Physical devices only)
Subscription Plans
Hotstar streaming service has 3 subscription plans and all the plans offer unlimited content to the users. Two plans are on annual basis and the third one is a monthly plan. Each plan is reasonable and offers exceptionally good services.
Here’s a table detailing the subscription plans for Disney+ Hotstar as of the latest updates.
| Plan Name | Price (Per Year) | Key Features | Best For |
|---|
| Mobile Plan | ₹499/year (~$6.10) | – Access on mobile devices only – 720p video quality – Stereo sound | Solo viewers on smartphones |
| Super Plan | ₹899/year (~$11) | – Watch on 2 devices at a time – 1080p video quality – Dolby sound | Small households |
| Premium Plan | ₹1,499/year (~$18) | – 4K video quality – Watch on up to 4 devices – Dolby Atmos sound | Families or users with multiple devices |
Payment Options for Hotstar in India
- Credit/Debit Cards: Major Indian cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard, etc.).
- UPI Payments: Use popular UPI apps like Google Pay or PhonePe.
- Net Banking: Supported for Indian bank accounts.
- Gift Cards: Disney+ Hotstar gift cards can also be used for subscription payments.
Note: If you’re subscribing from the USA, you may need an Indian payment method or use third-party services to make the purchase.
What is the difference between Indian Hotstar and US Hotstar?
- Indian Hotstar: Offers a vast library of Indian TV shows, regional movies, Bollywood films, and live sports like cricket (IPL, ICC tournaments).
- US Hotstar: Primarily features Bollywood content and limited shows, without the comprehensive live sports offerings of the Indian version.
Are there any alternatives to Hotstar for Indian content?
Yes, other platforms that offer Indian content include:
- SonyLIV: Sports, Bollywood movies, and regional shows.
- ZEE5: A large library of regional language movies and TV shows.
- Amazon Prime Video India: Bollywood and regional films, plus exclusive originals.
- Netflix India: Indian originals and a broader range of regional content.
FAQs
Is it legal to watch Hotstar in the USA with a VPN?
Yes, using a VPN to access Hotstar is legal in most countries, including the USA. However, it may violate Hotstar’s terms of service, so proceed with caution.
What payment methods can I use for Hotstar in India?
To subscribe to Indian Hotstar, you may need an Indian payment method like a local credit/debit card or UPI. Alternatively, you can use gift cards or PayPal if accepted.
Why is Hotstar not available in the USA?
The Indian version of Hotstar is unavailable in the USA due to licensing agreements and geo-restrictions. Content producers often restrict where their content can be streamed, and Disney+ Hotstar adheres to these regional rules.
which VPN is recommended for Hotstar?
It is suggested to use ExpressVPN for Hotstar as this VPN is designed in a way that will smooth the streaming experience without any kind of trouble.
Why is my VPN not working with Hotstar?
Hotstar actively blocks some VPNs. If your VPN isn’t working, try switching to a different server in India, clearing your cache, or using a more reliable VPN like ExpressVPN.
Conclusion
Watching Hotstar in the USA doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a reliable VPN, you can easily bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy the full range of Indian Hotstar content, from blockbuster movies to live sports.
Whether you choose ExpressVPN for its speed or Surfshark for its affordability, the right VPN will transform your streaming experience. Take advantage of this guide and never miss out on your favorite Hotstar shows again!
