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How to Watch Disney+ Hotstar in Canada for FREE

By Novak Bozovic / October 30, 2023

It's true that Hotstar is already available across Canada. However, unlike its original version (available only in India, known as Disney+ Hotstar), it has a limited content selection. With that said, many of you might be wondering how to watch Disney+ Hotstar in Canada for free and whether something like that is even possible? The answer is – yes, and we're about to show you how that's done.

To unblock the Indian version of Hotstar in Canada, you need to use a VPN. That's how you'll bypass the Canadian version, hide your actual location, and access Disney+ Hotstar without any limitations. However, keep in mind that very few VPNs will do the job, making it crucial to be careful about which one you'll pick.

We’ve tested more than 60 VPNs, trying each of those with a range of media streaming sites, Disney+ Hotstar included. So, we know a thing or two about which one to recommend. Keep on reading to learn more. 

Do You Need a VPN to Watch Disney+ Hotstar in Canada? 

Yes, you need a VPN to watch Disney+ Hotstar from Canada. Otherwise, you will end up on the Canadian version of the streaming service. 

It’s interesting to note that Hotstar uses the same URL (Web address) worldwide. However, based on your location, the streaming platform will serve you with a specific content library available in your country only. 

For example, if you visit Hotstar’s website from Canada, you’ll end up on hotstar.com/ca. And if you try visiting the Indian version (hotstar.com/in), you’ll encounter an error message that prevents your access. With that said, you’ll want to make it look like you’re in India, right? 

Hotstar Error Message for Users in Canada
You'll see this error message when accessing India's Disney+ Hotstar.

That is precisely where VPNs come into play. Using one that offers servers across India will change your default IP address to an Indian IP. It's as simple as that – but keep in mind that you still need a VPN with streaming-optimized performance.

Based on our hands-on tests, our #1 recommendation is NordVPN. That VPN offers fast-performing servers across India, making it easy to access Disney+ Hotstar from Canada. On top of that, it works with practically any other media streaming service.

We’ll also add that NordVPN acts as a one-stop cyber-security solution. It can protect your privacy, safeguard your data, and ensure no one tracks you on the Web. Try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days.

How to Watch Disney+ Hotstar in Canada for FREE? 

To access Disney+ Hotstar in Canada, you need to connect to a VPN server found in India. Here’s how precisely that is done: 

  1. First, subscribe to a VPN that works with Disney+ Hotstar (We recommend NordVPN).
  2. Then, download and install VPN on your computer.
  3. Open the VPN application. Log in to access your account/subscription.
  4. Connect to the India server. 
  5. You can now turn to your Web browser and visit Hotstar’s website.
  6. If you have a subscription to Disney+ Hotstar, log in. 
  7. If you don’t have a subscription, you can also stream some content for free.
  8. Leave the VPN running while you use Hotstar. That’s all!
Tip

Keep in mind that the Canadian and Indian versions of Hotstar are separate. That means you can access India’s Disney+ Hotstar only if you already have a subscription to that specific version of the streaming service. Otherwise, you’ll access its free content only.

You can follow the above-found instructions on any device that supports Web browser and VPN applications. That applies to practically any computer, smartphone, or tablet.

If you’d like to take a deeper look at how to watch Disney+ Hotstar outside India, make sure to use the provided link. You’ll be taken to our in-depth guide, featuring helpful screenshots.

What Can You Watch on Disney+ Hotstar? 

Unlike the Canadian version of Hotstar, India’s Disney+ Hotstar features movies, TV shows, documentaries, children-friendly content, and sports-focused content.

In terms of the available movies, you'll find thousands of titles. Both brand-new and classic movies are available in these languages: Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Marathi, Kannada, and English. And unlike the Canadian version, the Indian version has plenty of Disney+ movies, covering franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and more.

Disney+ Hotstar Movie Selection
Hotstar's selection of films.

Then, there’s a range of TV shows. Those are supplied by Star, Quix, and Asianet. Many of those are available only on Disney+ Hotstar (reserved for India exclusively). And also, there are American TV shows that come from HBO, ABC, Showtime, and Disney.

Disney+ Hotstar TV Show Selection
Hotstar's selection of TV shows from Indian and US partners.

Lastly, let’s not forget about sports content. Hotstar has always been a valuable source of that type of content, covering football, cricket, athletics, tennis, hockey, and plenty more.

Disney+ Hotstar Sports Content Selection
Hotstar's selection of sports-focused content.

We'll also remind you that Disney+ Hotstar has plenty of free content, including Indian movies and TV shows. To access those titles, you only need a VPN. You don't even have to register for a Hotstar account.

Can’t Access Disney+ Hotstar in Canada with a VPN? – Try These Troubleshooting Steps!

Even the most powerful VPN can sometimes encounter a technical problem. So, if you’re having issues trying to watch Disney+ Hotstar using a VPN, try the following: 

You can find more possible fixes in our VPN troubleshooting guide. We’ve also prepared a tutorial on fixing VPN error codes, which is useful to check if a specific error appears. 

FAQ

Is Disney+ Hotstar Available in Canada?

Yes, Hotstar is available in Canada – but that’s not the same version of Disney+ Hotstar, which is available in India (which offers a much more extensive library).

Disney+ Hotstar is also available under that name in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. However, each country has its own library, which varies in size. 

That's why we recommend using a VPN to unblock the Indian version of Disney+ Hotstar, giving you access to both free and premium content. 

How Can I Watch Disney+ Hotstar in Canada?

You can watch Disney+ Hotstar in Canada by connecting to a VPN server in India. That’s the only reliable way to get an Indian IP and bypass geo-blocks.

Even though a range of VPNs will help you access Disney+ Hotstar, you’ll get the best speeds with NordVPN. That’s crucial to keep in mind as you’ll use a remote VPN server (from Canada all the way to India). 

Can I Subscribe to Disney+ Hotstar in Canada?

In most cases – no. That’s because Disney+ Hotstar requires an Indian phone number and a payment method associated with that country. 

If you’re an Indian citizen living in Canada, you can still subscribe to Disney+ Hotstar. Or, if you know someone in India willing to help you, that’s also another viable option.

Is It Illegal to Watch Hotstar from Canada Using a VPN?

Even though it’s not illegal to use a VPN when accessing Disney+ Hotstar outside of India, that is still considered against the streaming service’s rules.

However, aside from trying to block your VPN connection, the streaming service won’t go after you in any way. So, as long as you have a capable VPN, you should be safe.

Is Disney+ Hotstar Free to Watch in Canada?

Yes, Disney+ Hotstar is free to watch in Canada. Of course, that applies to its free content, which currently includes plenty of movies and TV shows.

To access everything the streaming service offers, you need a premium subscription. As described above, getting one outside India is possible only if you’re an Indian citizen.

That’s all on how to watch Disney+ Hotstar in Canada for free. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thank you for reading!



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