How to Unblock Hotstar Outside India in 2024

Are you a fan of Bollywood movies, Indian cricket, or dramas? Perhaps you’ve experienced the frustration of getting stuck halfway while trying to stream your favorite movie on Hotstar from outside India.

This is because the platform is geo-restricted, with most content reserved for users with an Indian IP address only.

Therefore, if you’re outside of India, your only route to accessing the latest shows on Hotstar is the VPN.

Here is a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about several ways to unblock Hotstar from anywhere globally. Let’s dive in.

Here is a quick guide to unblocking Hotstar

Short on time? Here is a quick guide to unblocking Hotstar from wherever you are.

It’s merely a walk in the park.

You can enjoy your favorite Hotstar shows with those three steps wherever you are.

However, it doesn’t end there. You can still enjoy your live streams in the comfort of your zone in several ways. So stick around and make a decisive choice if you have some time.

Here is a quick list of our top Hotstar VPNs

Are you short on time? Here are our recommended three VPNs for unblocking Hotstar content.

What is Hotstar, and is it accessible in the US?

Disney+ Hotstar is an exclusive Indian streaming service owned by the Walt Disney Company after acquiring its previous owners, Star India.

The service also has limited versions available in Canada, Singapore, and the UK. It was discontinued in the US on November 30, 2021, after Disney acquired Star India. However, Hotstar content has since been moved to the Disney bundle package, which includes ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu.

Its content can now be accessed on other US streaming services, such as Hulu for Bollywood movies and Indian TV shows and ESPN for Indian sports such as cricket. Hotstar in India has been rebranded to Disney+ Hotstar and contains content from HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN. In the UK and Europe, it contains limited content from Disney+.

What will happen if I try to watch Hotstar abroad?

Your guess is good; you’ll not get what you want when accessing Hotstar outside India.

So, instead, what will you get? The website won’t establish a connection. It will provide you with an error message.

Usually, the error message will be like this;

The content is unavailable in your region

OR

We’re having trouble playing the video, please try a different title (ERR_PB_1410).

Once you get such a message, you’ve hit rock bottom, and there’s nothing more to do. You can even try to bring your cheekiness to ensure you watch your favorite show, but that will be the end of the road.

Now, that’s where you need our detailed guide on how to watch Hotstar from anywhere across the globe.

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Unblock Hotstar using a VPN

As discussed, Hotstar has the largest content library in India, but you need a VPN to access it abroad. The international version, available in Canada, the US, Singapore, and the UK, has limited content. 

Some of the content on Hotstar India includes football, cricket, tennis, martial arts, etc. It also broadcasts popular movie titles like Star Wars: Andor, Thor Love and Thunder, Sanak, Tanhaji, Murder on the Orient Express, and more. Canada, Singapore, and the UK versions have no movie content and few sports broadcasts. So, Indian Hotstar is the most diverse Bollywood streaming platform but is geo-restricted to comply with licensing agreements. 

Thankfully, you can bypass these restrictions and access the entire Hotstar catalog by connecting to a VPN for India. But how does a VPN work?

What’s a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essentially the ideal tool used by folks looking to bypass geo-restrictions.

So, how does a VPN work?

A VPN merely hides your IP address by cloaking it. A top VPN provider will let you alter your IP address to the country of your choice. That means you can be in the USA or UK (for example) but change your IP address to look like you’re in India and successfully watch Indian channels.

However, you should ensure that you choose a VPN provider with virtual Indian servers, as you would need an Indian VPN. It’s the main route to help you watch Disney Hotstar from anywhere.

Unfortunately, several VPN service providers in the market can make your task of choosing the right VPN overwhelming. In fact, some of the VPNs can be scams, and even worse, they don’t work with Hotstar despite claims.

Therefore, to ensure that you don’t get difficulties when you connect to Hotstar and pick only the right Hotstar VPN, we’ve done the donkey work for you below.

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Quick comparison of the best Hotstar VPNs 

Here is a comparison table for the best VPNs for streaming Hotstar abroad:

Features	ExpressVPN	NordVPN	Surfshark
Average speeds	121Mbps	119Mbps	111Mbps
Server network	3000+ in 94 countries	5925+ in 60 countries	3200+ in 100 countries
Simultaneous connections	8	6	Unlimited
Other streaming services	Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, etc.	BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Netflix, ITV Hub, DAZN, etc.	Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Fox Sports, Sky Go, etc.
Supported devices	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, Firestick	Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, routers, Linux, Firestick, Chromecast	iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, Amazon Fire TV, routers
Security features	AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, No-logs policy, split tunneling	Kill switch, AES 256-bit encryption, No-logs policy, split tunneling, DNS leak protection	AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, no-logs policy, DNS leak protection
Best deal	$6.67 Save 49% + 3 Months free	$3.79 Save 54% + 3 months free	$1.99 Save 86% + 3 Months free

Best VPNs for unblocking Hotstar – Detailed list

To save you a lot of time and hectic research, below are the best VPNs you can consider to ensure seamless Hotstar streaming. These three ranked highest when we tested more than 30 with Hotstar.

1. ExpressVPN

It has more than 3,000 servers across over 94 countries. ExpressVPN doesn’t log data; their customer support is second to none.

It’s a reliable and credible VPN that will never disappoint you, as it enables military-grade encryption. Moreover, it features super-fast speed with a unique censorship bypass mechanism. It’s also compatible with many devices, such as macOS, Android, Apple, Linux, and Windows.

Although ExpresVPN may have a relatively expensive subscription, it’s worth every penny, especially now that you want to stream Hotstar from your region. And the best thing is the provider offers a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee.

That means you can try it risk-free. We tested its guarantee via multiple accounts to see if one can hack ExpressVPN’s money-back guarantee and use it for free. And we can confirm that the provider’s guarantee works like a charm if a user wishes to cancel his subscription within one month.

Read detailed ExpressVPN review.

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2. NordVPN

The VPN has a no-logs policy, meaning your privacy is guaranteed. In addition, you can pay in cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, if you decide to go that route.

Interestingly, NordVPN supports up to six connections simultaneously. Moreover, it’s compatible with a lot of OS and devices. Finally, if you need answers to questions like ExpressVPN, they feature excellent 24/7 customer support.

Although NordVPN sometimes has inconsistent server speeds, it’s one of the best VPNs to access the Indian Hotstar from your region.

Read our extensive review of NordVPN.

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3. Surfshark

Surfshark completes our list of the best Hotstar VPNs.

The main attraction of this VPN service for users is its pricing. No wonder they have a motto; “Eating other VPN deals alive.” With Surfshark, you’ll get all the features required at a fragment cost. App white listing is one of the best features you can enjoy with Surfshark VPN, split tunneling, IP leak protection, and a kill switch.

Also, the provider offers sophisticated AES-256 encryption with a no-logs policy. Moreover, you’ll enjoy unlimited connections simultaneously with one account.

It has more than 3,200 servers in more than 65 countries. Its performance is also super-fast, and it boasts excellent 24/7 customer support.

Read in-depth Surfshark review.

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The very best option

So, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark VPN are the go-to VPNs that you can use to enjoy Hotstar India from anywhere. Each comes with its own unique advantages over the others.

For instance, NordVPN balances price and speed, Surfshark is your cheapest option, and ExpressVPN is your most reliable choice.

Moreover, they all offer many servers in India that are spread across Indian cities. There are also some virtual servers based in the UK, meaning it’s a fast option for the UK and European folks to access Hotstar.

As indicated earlier, accessing Hotstar outside India is merely more than signing up with the best VPN service. Fortunately, you’ve stayed around to learn all the required details.

Now you can watch your favorite Hotstar movie on a mobile device from your current region.

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Methodology for finding the best Hotstar VPNs

Here are some of the things to consider when choosing the best VPN for watching Hotstar from anywhere worldwide

1. Server network – Since Hotstar is available in India, Canada, and the US, choose a VPN with servers in these countries. This will enable you to access the streaming service from any country globally. Thankfully, the VPNs on this list also have servers in other regions. 
2. Unblocking capability – Some VPNs cannot bypass geo-restrictions on Hotstar or other popular streaming services, like Netflix. Our VPNs have high-quality and powerful servers that can bypass any geographical block. 
3. Speed – Besides having impressive unblocking capability, the best Hotstar VPN should offer sufficient speed for streaming high-resolution content. Also, it should have unlimited bandwidth to eliminate lag and buffering issues. 
4. Security – The internet has many security risks. For example, snoopers and hackers can access and use your data maliciously. So, choose a secure VPN with security features like robust encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. 
5. Privacy – You should avoid some VPNs as they can compromise your privacy. For instance, they can collect and sell your data to third parties. Fortunately, the VPNs on this list have strict no-logs policies verified by reputable audit firms.                     
6. Usability – A quality VPN should have user-friendly applications. This will enable you to connect to servers and adjust settings easily. 
7. Value for money – You can use a premium VPN even with a limited budget. Besides being affordable and offering discount coupons, the VPNs on this list have free trials and money-back guarantees. This will enable you to try them risk-free.

Should I use a free VPN to access Hotstar?

Many free VPN services promise security, privacy, and anonymity. However, most of them are unreliable and can only offer the basic features of a VPN service.

These VPNs will limit the number of servers you can connect to and may limit your bandwidth or impose data caps. Free VPNs also have weak encryptions and may not protect user privacy, risking exposing user data to attackers. Also, some have a reputation for collecting and selling users’ data to third parties. So, we discourage you from using free VPN services to access Hotstar as it may not provide the same performance and features as a paid VPN service.

Different ways to access Hotstar India from anywhere

There are several ways to access Hotstar outside India. They include: 

VPN service 

We’ve extensively discussed VPNs in this article and even presented you with the best VPNs for Hotstar. Essentially, a VPN allows you to connect to an Indian server to get an Indian-specific IP address. This tricks Hotstar into thinking you’re within India, but you’re actually abroad.  

Proxy server 

A proxy service works similarly to a VPN by rerouting your internet traffic through an intermediary server. However, it is not a secure option to access Hotstar outside India as it doesn’t encrypt your traffic.

Smart DNS 

This technology alters your domain name to allow you to access specific content. Unfortunately, it is not secure as a VPN and may be incompatible with streaming services like Hotstar.

Devices compatible with Hotstar outside India

Hotstar works well with many devices, allowing you to find the one that suits you best. They include: 

• Android (Tablets, smartphones, TVs) 
• iOS (iPad, iPhone)
• Windows (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
• Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, TCL)
• Apple TV 
• Chromecast 
• Amazon Firestick 
• Kodi 
• Roku

How to download the Hotstar app on your Android device

You probably have been downloading apps on your Android in several scenarios, but to download Hotstar, you must know a few tricks.

However, that should not frighten you as it’s merely an easy process. You have to do the following;

• First, you need to quit Google Play Store on your Android if it’s open.
• Then, you need to open your chosen VPN service (preferably NordVPN).
• You then select a server based in India and click “Tap to Connect.”
• The next thing is to open Google Play Store on your Android device.
• Using the search box, find the Hotstar app and click “Install.”

By now, you should be getting the Hotstar app on your Android device; however, if you can’t get the app, then you should clear all the data from Play services apps and Google Play Store.

That is straightforward to do, too. For that, you head over to your Settings and get to where you can access all the installed apps. (That’s dubbed as ‘App Manager‘ in most Android devices, which you can find in ‘More Settings’ once you are in Settings.)

Then tap on Google Play Store and Play Services to clear all the data. It’s important to note that if you closely follow all the steps without connecting to a VPN first, you’ll not get the Hotstar app.

Without the VPN, the Hotstar app will detect that you’re not in India, and the Google Play Store will disable the device from accessing the Hotstar app for installation.

But, if everything is done right, then you don’t have anything to worry about but rather to proceed with the installation process;

• After clicking “Install,” you wait for Hotstar to download and install on your Android device.
• Once the app has finished installing, it will show on your screen.
• Now, you can launch the app to get into the free version of the app.

Up to that point, you’re free to browse for any content in Hotstar after making some little tweaks; you go with them;

• Get to Settings and then into Advanced Settings, and then to Date & Time.
• You should turn off Automatic Date & Time (9) alongside the Automatic time zone.
• Now select the time zone and set it to Indian time GMT +5:30.
• Once you finish everything, you must close and reopen the Hotstar app. By now, you’re literally “in India,” and you can enjoy your beloved content.

However, you should be aware even if you’ve got Hotstar unblocked, all you can enjoy is the free Hotstar content. It means you won’t be able to enjoy the best movies and TV shows unless you subscribe to a premium or VIP account.

Now, all is good for Android folks; what about an iOS fan? Do not worry. We have got you covered, too.

How to download Hotstar on iOS

It doesn’t matter what your device or platform is; Hotstar will undoubtedly provide content.

So, how will you be able to get the app on your iOS devices?

Fortunately, the process is equally straightforward for you.

You only need an Indian Apple ID, which you’ll only acquire by creating an account.

Here are the instructions for you;

• Whichever device you use (PC or Mac), you must log off the iTunes account first.
• At the bottom of your store, ensure that you change your location to India by selecting the India flag.
• Now, get to any free app in your App Store and click.
• Your iTunes app will then ask you to create the account. It will provide a “no card” option that you must select and proceed to create your account. Ensure that you choose the perfect username with a strong password.
• The next step is getting an Indian address that you can quickly generate from a service like www.fakexy.com. You can also use maps.google.com to find one or even use a relative or friend’s address.
• Now, turn on your device, access the iTunes account, and log out. (You can quickly do that from Settings.)
• Finally, log into iTunes with your new Apple ID credentials on your device.

That is all. You can now download your Hotstar app on your iPad, Apple TV, or iPhone from anywhere globally and enjoy the free Hotstar content.

And, if you want to access the premium account for the best movies and live sports, you don’t have to worry; do the following;

• First, turn on the VPN.
• Connect to a server in India.
• Change your device’s time zone to India (GMT +5:30).
• Head over to https://www.hotstar.com/subscribe/sign-in.
• Create your account.
• Ensure that you use an Indian address.
• Now it’s time for payment. You can use an Indian friend or buy a cheap gig from an individual with a bank account in India for the payment method.
• Once it’s activated, you’re all set to go.

The next big thing is to create a premium account to ensure you enjoy all the best TV shows, movies, and live sports. The process is simple.

How to set up a premium Hotstar account outside India

Hotstar would be of no great entertainment without a premium account. With a premium account, you can access all the best movies and shows you can dream about. Therefore, the need to have a Hotstar premium account is a no-brainer.

Additionally, it grants access to all mega-hit titles of the future. In essence, it’s the real-deal package that includes almost everything.

As far as the Hotstar premium account is concerned, two plans are involved: yearly and monthly plans. Whichever plan you choose, all Hotstar payments are non-refundable.

Follow the following steps to set up your premium account;

• Visit the VIP membership site or the Hotstar premium website here. (What’s more interesting is that you can use a browser of your liking.)
• To complete your registration, you must provide your email address and choose a strong password.

You may be tempted by the fact that they offer an option to sign up with your Facebook account, but that can come back to haunt you later. They may use it to double-check your location; therefore, using your email address is the best option.

• Now is the final step: the payment. Enter your payment details.

You must be very careful as you need an Indian payment method; a place like Fiverr can be handy here.

After creating the account, you can seamlessly log into your account on your phone. You can send the login details to Fiverr Gig to purchase a subscription with a payment source based in India. Sign in to the app using the login details you gave during registration, and all is set.

As you might have guessed by now, the most significant thing about setting up a premium account is to have an Indian payment method. Therefore, our next section is equally substantial when you want to enjoy the best Hotstar can offer.

How to get your Indian payment method

Ideally, without an Indian payment method, you won’t be able to complete your premium Hotstar account. And it is tough to pay online in India as a foreign national. So, what will you have to do?

As we’ve seen earlier, buying a gig on Fiverr is the easiest path for you. All you need to do is head over to fiverr.com and type in ‘Indian payment method‘ in the search box there that reads Finds Services.

We tested that for you. You will find multiple Indian payment providers to choose from there.

You can also get an Indian guy you know to pay for you.

An essential note regarding Indian payment methods

One popular method of getting acquainted with the Indian payment method that many blogs have been teaching their readers is through Airtel Money and a fake Indian passport. But that does not work.

However, one can create an Indian wallet online via the My Airtel app with the help of a fake passport number. But you cannot load money onto it as you’d need to get KYC approval for that. So the only option you have is to either purchase a Fiverr gig for the Indian payment method or use a guy you know there to pay for you.

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Can I watch Hotstar in Singapore?

Hoster is available only in India, with the USA and Canada in the mix, but it does not have all the content. Apart from that, in all the other countries, Hotstar is blocked.

Therefore, you cannot access Hotstar in Singapore like in most other countries unless you use a VPN. To stream the Indian version of Hotstar, you only sign up with the best VPN service (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark) and connect to a server in India.

How to access the Indian version of Hotstar in the US

Like with the other countries outside India, you’ll have to bypass geo-restrictions to watch Disney Hotstar. All you need is a VPN service. And luckily, this article has got that covered for you already.

How to watch Hotstar in the UK

If you’re in the UK and want to access all your favorite Hotstar shows, all you need to do is use a quality VPN.

How to watch Hotstar in Australia

You don’t need anything else to watch Hotstar in India apart from signing up with the right VPN. So, you download the VPN app, launch the app, and connect to an Indian server. Boom, all good; you could then enjoy Hotstar streaming.

Since the problem in accessing Hotstar outside India is geo-blocking, you’ll only need a quality VPN with servers in India, wherever you are.

What to watch on Hotstar

Apart from Indian content, Hotstar offers other popular titles. Different genres exist, including dramas, TV shows, sports, soap operas, and Bollywood hits. Moreover, you’ll get live channels for sports, news, and more.

Movies to watch on Hotstar in 2024

Here are the best Hotstar movies to include in your list

• Frozen II
• Pathaan
• Ved
• Quasi
• Avengers: End Game
• Sanak
• Laxmii
• Hum Do
• Cadaver
• Hungama II
• Linger
• Romancham

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TV shows to watch on Hotstar in 2024

These are some of the best TV shows on Hotstar

• Loki Season 2
• Master Chef
• Koffee with Karan Season 8
• The Kardashians Season 4
• Mansion 24
• A Murder at the End of the World
• Welcome to Wrexham
• Guppedantha Manasu
• Rang Maza Vegla
• May I come in Madam
• Modhalum Kaadhalum
• American Dad Season 19

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Sports to watch on Hotstar in 2024

Hotstar offers a long list of sports content. You will get all the major sporting events such as cricket, football, golf, tennis, Formula 1, etc.

Cricket	ICC Men’s T-20 World Cup 2024, IPL 2024, Lanka Premier League 2024,
Football	English Premier League, La Liga, Indian Super League, UEFA, Serie A, Bundesliga, MLS, Super League, Copa America, European Championships and FIFA World Cup
Hockey	FIH Pro League, FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, EuroHockey Championship 2024
Others	FIA Formula E World Championship, FIBA Basketball World Cup, Wimbledon 2024

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New content on Hotstar in January 2024

Hotstar releases new content continually. Here are some of the movies and TV shows recently added in November.

• Sultan of Delhi
• Phoenix: Eden 17
• India’s Mega Festivals
• Athidi
• This Fool Season 2
• Vigilante Season 1
• I Am Groot Season 2
• The Freelancer
• Quiz Lady
• Han River Police

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How to set up Disney+ Hotstar India on your device

Disney+ Hotstar is accessible on Mac, PC, Android, iOS, and Apple TV. To access these services outside India, you need a reliable VPN verified to work well with the streaming service. NordVPN is our top recommendation.

Android

To set up Disney+ Hotstar, you must create a new Google India account if you do not have an Indian payment method. Please follow the instructions below:

1. Connect to an Indian VPN server to access blocked services, including Hotstar.
2. To open a new account, go to your Play Store app, click “Add another account,” and then select “Google.”
3. Click ‘Create account’ to complete the process. You will be asked to enter your phone number, which is fine. However, you shouldn’t input payment information if you don’t have an Indian payment method, as the platform will block you from downloading the app. Hotstar is a free app, so a payment method isn’t necessary.
4. To access your new Google India account, tap your profile picture, select the dropdown icon next to your account name, and select the new account name that you just created. This will allow you to view Indian apps.
5. Install Hotstar, log in to your Hotstar account, and start streamlining.

You can also download Hotstar’s .apk file from trusted websites and install it manually. For this to be successful, you must enable installations from third parties on your device.

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iOS and Apple TV

1. Connect to an Indian VPN server to access Hotstar India on the App Store.
2. Open “Settings” in your account and then click on your name. Navigate to “Media and Purchases” and go to “View Account.”
3. Change your location to India by clicking “Country/Region” and tapping “Change Country or Region.” Select India and accept the terms and conditions.
4. Under “Payment Methods,” add “None.” Enter your address and Billing name. Strictly use an Indian Phone number and street address. You can use fake address generator websites.
5. Install Hotstar, log in to your Hotstar account, and stream your favorite content.

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Watch Hotstar with Kodi

You could think that the only way to watch Hotstar outside India is through a VPN, but that’s not entirely true.

Another excellent option to access Hotstar is Kodi, an Open Source software that allows the importing and organizing of media. It supports various operating systems and devices, including iOS, OSX, Windows, Android, Raspberry Pi, and Linux.

To access Hotstar with Kodi, here’s what you need to do;

1. Open Kodi and get to your Settings.
2. Click “file manager.”
3. Then click on “add source.” (You’ll see it on the left menu.)
4. Now select “none,” and then you need to type “http://srp.nu/.”
5. Go on and click “done,” then proceed to the empty bar where you need to enter “SuperRepo” and select OK.
6. Go back to Kodi’s home screen and then select “add-ons.”
7. Select “add-on browser” and then “install from zip file.”
8. There you need to pick “SuperRepo,” “Krypton,” “all,” and then “superrepo.kodi.krypton.all-x.x.x.zip“
9. Now you may select “install from the repository,” then “SuperRepo All,” and get to “video add-ons.” Locate “Hotstar” there and click on “install.”
10. Now, you need to be patient for a while and wait for the add-on to be enabled.
11. Go to the home screen, select “videos,” and head to “add-ons.”
12. Select Hotstar there.

That is it. Up to that point, you should be watching your favorite Hotstar content on Kodi.

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What you should do if your VPN is not working with Hotstar

A potential solution for accessing Hotstar is to switch to a different server, as the IP address of the current server may be blocked. This is why it is important to use a VPN with multiple virtual Indian servers.

If the problem persists, you can try the following solutions.

1. Clear cookies: Hotstar can use data collected through cookies to identify your location, even when you are not connected to a VPN. To prevent this, you can clear the cache and cookies in your browser.
2. Disable IPv6: Some VPNs can fail to secure your traffic, which can reveal your location through IPv6 address leaks. To prevent this, you can disable IPv6 traffic on your device. You can do this on Windows by navigating to “Network and Sharing Center,” opening “Change adapter settings,” and right-clicking on your network. Uncheck “IPv6“
3. Change VPN protocol: VPNs typically provide multiple security protocols using different tunneling and encryption methods. Experimenting with different protocols may help to find a suitable one. OpenVPN is considered stable and reliable for bypassing geo-restrictions but may be slower than WireGuard or IKEv2.

Conclusion

Nothing should stop you from having fun in Hotstar from your region outside India. All you need is the best VPN service, and you’ll be watching your favorite shows in your comfort zone. Moreover, you can use Kodi to watch Disney Hotstar.

Moreover, apart from the VPN offering you the ability to unblock Hotstar, it also enhances your security online via advanced encryption.

Either way, you should have finally found the solution you have been looking for today.

Should you encounter any problems while trying to watch the Indian version of Hotstar outside India, let us know via the comments box below.

We will be there for you if you need any further help. And yes, if you have tricks and tips other than what we shared in this article, please share your thoughts using the comments below.

FAQs