How to Watch Hotstar in the USA: Full Guide 2025

Understanding how to watch Hotstar in the USA is essential for any enthusiast of Bollywood cinema, regional Indian dramas, or live cricket tournaments. Recently, accessing this platform has become difficult. The service structure has changed, and geographical restrictions are tighter than ever.

In this comprehensive guide, we will demonstrate exactly how to watch Hotstar from the USA using our secure infrastructure. We will cover app installation, subscription details, and troubleshooting methods. Let’s get your streaming fixed.

What Is Hotstar, and Why It’s Not Available in the USA?

Hotstar (officially Disney+ Hotstar in India) is a one-stop destination for Bollywood blockbusters, regional Indian dramas, and major live sporting events, most notably cricket. Originally, a dedicated US version of the platform served American viewers directly. 

However, Disney officially shut down this US-specific service in late 2021. The corporate giant subsequently migrated the entertainment library to the Disney Bundle, moving movies and shows to Hulu and live sports to ESPN+.

Despite this migration, viewers continue to seek a way to get Hotstar in the USA, as the official US alternative often falls short. The authentic Indian version remains superior for several key reasons:

• Cost Efficiency: The Indian platform is significantly more affordable than the expensive US Disney Bundle.
• Content Library: The Indian version boasts a massive collection of local content, regional soap operas, and reality shows that are not available on the limited US Hulu plan.
• Unified Sports: The authentic service streams live sports events, such as the IPL and the Cricket World Cup, all in one place, whereas the US version splits them across different add-ons.

Currently, if a viewer attempts to access the Indian website from the US, the server blocks the incoming connection immediately. This restriction occurs because of geo-licensing agreements.

Disney+ Hotstar only holds the digital rights to broadcast its specific content library within India. To protect the high pricing of the US Disney Bundle, the system detects American IP addresses and blocks them, displaying a “content unavailable” error.

Hotstar is also blocked in Singapore, so if you need to access it there, you can read our guide on how to watch Disney Hotstar in Singapore.

How to Watch Hotstar in the USA: Step-by-Step Guide

Here are two main methods to watch Hotstar in the USA, ensuring that every user can find a solution that fits their technical comfort level. 

Method 1: Using a VPN (for full Indian library access)

This method is ideal for viewers wanting the full Indian Hotstar experience. A VPN hides your real IP and makes Hotstar think you’re browsing from India. Here’s how to watch Hotstar in the USA with a VPN:

1. Choose a reliable VPN with Indian servers (like TurisVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
3. Connect to an Indian server through the VPN app.
4. Clear your browser cache or open a private/incognito window.
5. Visit the Disney+ Hotstar India website or app.
6. Log in or create an account with email/phone and Indian payment.
7. Start streaming the full Hotstar Indian library without restrictions.

For beginners who are unfamiliar with this technology, reading our detailed guide on how to use a VPN will clarify the basics of secure tunnelling and encryption standards.

Method 2: Accessing Content via the Disney Bundle (US-specific content)

If you prefer a seamless and direct viewing experience without additional tools, the official Disney Bundle is a convenient option. This path involves subscribing to the Disney Bundle, which typically comprises Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Disney Bundle site: Navigating to the official US streaming page is the starting point.
2. Choose a Plan: Selecting a subscription bundle that specifically includes Hulu is necessary to access the migrated library.
3. Search for Content: After logging in, searching for “Hotstar Specials” typically reveals the available catalogue.
4. Watch: Select titles are available here, though the selection is smaller than the Indian version.

However, this method often costs significantly more and lacks specific live sports events found on the Indian platform.

Hotstar India vs. Disney Bundle (US): What’s the Difference?

A common question among our users is, How much is a Hotstar subscription in the USA compared to the US Bundle? The price gap is substantial, and the content differences are equally striking. The following breakdown provides a clear comparison to assist in decision-making.

In summary, the main differences lie in the exclusive sports access and the vast price gap. Hotstar India offers the complete cricket experience and regional cinema at very low yearly prices, whereas the US Bundle costs much more monthly for limited access. 

Clearly, knowing how to watch Hotstar from the USA via a VPN offers substantial financial savings. When savvy streamers search for the cheapest Disney+ subscription country, India frequently tops the list due to its incredibly low rates.

Using TurisVPN to Watch Hotstar in the USA Safely

To watch Hotstar in the USA safely, you need a secure, high-speed connection. TurisVPN ensures your privacy and streaming performance remain uncompromised. Here are the specific features we use to protect streaming sessions:

• Military-Grade Encryption: We utilise advanced cryptography to make data unreadable. ISPs are prohibited from inspecting traffic or throttling bandwidth during peak viewing hours.
• WireGuard Protocol: Our servers support this modern protocol. It is specifically optimised to handle high-definition video data without the annoyance of buffering.
• DNS Leak Protection: We route all DNS queries through our secure tunnel to prevent DNS leaks. This ensures that the user’s location remains hidden from third-party trackers.

How to download the Hotstar app in the USA?

Finding the app can be tricky. If you search the US App Store or Google Play Store, you will not see the “Disney+ Hotstar” application. Instead, only the standard Disney+ or Hulu apps appear.

To obtain the correct Indian application, users must adjust their store settings to trick the system. Here is how to download the Hotstar app in the USA.

Method 1: Change Your App Store Region (iOS Devices)

Apple limits app availability by region, and changing your App Store country to India requires more than just a digital address. Before you can change your region, you must spend any remaining store credit, cancel all active subscriptions (such as Apple Music or Apple TV+), and wait for them to expire. You will also need to set up a valid payment method for the new country or region.

Steps to change region:

1. Open Settings: Navigate to the Apple ID profile at the top of the Settings menu.
2. Media & Purchases: Select the “Media & Purchases” option and then tap “View Account.”
3. Country/Region: Choose the “Change Country or Region” option from the list.
4. Select India: Scroll down and pick India as the new location.
5. Fill Details: The system requires an Indian address (using a random address generator works perfectly). Select “None” for the payment method to bypass banking checks.
6. Download: Searching for “Disney+ Hotstar” in the App Store will now yield the correct result.

For a more detailed walkthrough on managing Apple ID settings safely, check our article on how to change location in the iPhone App Store.

Method 2: Download the APK File (Android Devices)

Android users have a slightly simpler alternative known as “sideloading.” This process involves installing the application from a source outside the official Google Play Store.

Steps to sideload:

1. Allow Unknown Sources: In the device’s Settings under Security, enable the option for installing apps from unknown sources.
2. Find an APK: Search for “Disney+ Hotstar APK” on a reputable repository site, such as APKMirror, to ensure the file is safe.
3. Download: Save the APK file directly to the mobile device.
4. Install: Open the downloaded file and tap “Install” to complete the process.
5. Connect VPN: Activate TurisVPN and connect to an Indian server before launching the app to prevent immediate geo-blocking.

Method 3: Access via TurisVPN and Web Browser

Often, the simplest answer to watching Hotstar in the USA involves avoiding the application ecosystem entirely. Watching via a web browser is often more stable.

Steps to access via TurisVN and Web Browser

1. Connect VPN: Connect to TurisVPN to an Indian server on Chrome Web Extension
2. Open Browser: Use a standard browser, such as Chrome.
3. Visit Site: Navigate directly to hotstar.com.
4. Login: Access the account credentials and watch the content directly in the browser window.

How to Get a Hotstar India Subscription from the USA

Possessing the VPN and the app is only half the battle. A valid subscription is still required to view premium content. Many users ask how to get Hotstar India in the USA regarding payment, as Hotstar strictly requires an Indian phone number and a local payment method.

1. Set Up a VPN

First, ensure TurisVPN is active and connected to an Indian server. This step is the foundation for watching Hotstar in the USA. Without this connection, the payment page will fail to load or will redirect to the US Disney site.

2. Create a Hotstar Account

An Indian mobile number is necessary to receive a One-Time Password (OTP) for login verification.

• Ask a Friend: The most reliable method involves asking a friend or relative in India to share their OTP.
• Virtual Numbers: Some online services offer virtual Indian numbers, though Hotstar frequently detects and blocks these. We strongly recommend the “friend” method for reliability.

3. Select a Plan and Pay

The cost of Hotstar in the USA depends on the currency exchange rate, but it is generally very low. Using a US credit card directly is usually not possible due to banking restrictions.

• UPI/Wallets: If access to Indian payment wallets like Paytm or PhonePe exists, use those methods.
• Third-Party Services: Some websites sell gift vouchers or shared accounts, though caution is advised to avoid scams.
• iTunes (iOS): If the App Store region was successfully changed (Method 1 above) and funds were added via Indian iTunes gift cards, payment can be made directly through the Apple App Store ecosystem.

This payment complexity is similar to the question of whether Hulu is available in Singapore, where payment barriers often exist alongside geographical blocks.

What to Do If Hotstar Is Not Working in the USA

Even with optimal tools and correct settings, technical issues can occasionally arise. If a user finds Hotstar not working in the USA while connected to TurisVPN, there is no need to panic. The solution is usually a simple setting adjustment.

Common Fixes:

• Clear Cache: Browser cookies might accidentally reveal the true user location. Clearing the cache and cookies, then restarting the browser, often resolves the conflict.
• Switch Servers: Disconnect from the current India server on TurisVPN and choose a different Indian city from our list.
• Incognito Mode: Attempt to open the site in a private or incognito window to ensure a clean session.
• Disable GPS: On mobile devices, turning off location services is crucial, as the app may check GPS data against the IP address.

For sports fans trying to determine where to watch IPL in Singapore or the USA, maintaining a clean digital footprint is key to keeping the stream alive during high-traffic matches.

Bottom Line

Learning how to watch Hotstar in the USA unlocks a world of entertainment that standard US bundles cannot match. Don’t let geography dictate what you can watch. Get TurisVPN today, connect to India, and start streaming your favourites instantly.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use Hotstar in the USA?

Yes, but not directly through standard means. The official US app has been discontinued. While no totally free legal method exists for premium movies, free content (like sports highlights) is viewable on the Indian site using TurisVPN. For full movies, a paid Indian subscription is required.

Q2. Is Hotstar available on Hulu in the USA?

Yes, select content is available on Hulu via the Disney Bundle. However, the library is severely limited compared to the original Indian version. This limitation is why many fans prefer learning how to watch Hotstar in the USA via VPN to access the full, unrestricted catalogue.

Q3. Does Hotstar detect VPN?

Hotstar actively attempts to block VPN connections to enforce licensing deals. If a proxy error appears, the IP has been detected. This detection is why a premium service like TurisVPN is necessary. We regularly update our IP addresses to bypass these blocks, ensuring users know how to get Hotstar in the USA without interruption.