How to Watch Disney+ Hotstar in the UK for FREE
You probably already know that Hotstar is available in the United Kingdom. However, if you’re after Indian movies and TV shows, you’ll want to access Disney+ Hotstar, which is reserved for India only. There are many differences between them, so bypassing that geo-block comes with plenty of rewards.
The trick to watch Disney+ Hotstar in the UK for free is to use a capable VPN. That will give you access to plenty of free content that isn’t available on the UK version. Moreover, if you’re an Indian citizen living in the UK, you can use a VPN to access your premium subscription and watch both Disney Plus titles and Hotstar Specials.
In this article, we'll explain how to watch Disney+ Hotstar for free from the UK, explain why you need a VPN, and recommend the best providers. You'll also learn how much Disney+ Hotstar costs, how to pay for it, what to watch on Hotstar, and the differences between the UK and Indian versions. Plus, we offer troubleshooting tips if you can't access Disney+ Hotstar and much more.
How to Watch Disney Plus Hotstar in the UK
To watch Disney Plus Hotstar in the UK, you need to get a VPN that works with the streaming service and offers servers in India. Then, you can connect to one of its Indian servers. Here are the exact steps to take:
- Subscribe to a capable VPN that unblocks Hotstar (we recommend Surfshark).
- Download and install the VPN on your computer.
- Open the VPN app and log in to your account.
- Connect to a server in India.
- Visit Disney+ Hotstar’s website or download the app.
- Log in if you have a subscription to Disney+ Hotstar, or watch its free content if you don't.
If you need additional information and a more comprehensive guide, here’s how to watch Disney+ Hotstar outside India. You’ll also find helpful screenshots to guide your way.
Do You Need a VPN for Streaming Hotstar in the UK?
Yes, you need a VPN for streaming Hotstar in the UK if you want to access the Indian version of the streaming service. Connecting to a VPN server in India is the only way to make it look like you're located there, so that Indian Hotstar (also known as Disney+ Hotstar) will allow you to stream its content.
If you try to access Disney+ Hotstar from anywhere other than India, this error message will appear: "An error occurred while processing your request."
Disney+ Hotstar India has a different library with more Indian content than the UK version. Hotstar UK also doesn't include any Disney titles, as Disney Plus is a separate service there. To watch Hotstar outside India, you have to use a VPN to get an Indian IP.
Only the best Hotstar VPN will be able to successfully unblock Hotstar India in UK locations. Based on our hands-on tests, we highly recommend Surfshark. It has incredibly fast streaming speeds and plenty of virtual Indian servers. It can easily unblock Disney+ Hotstar from anywhere, all while safeguarding your digital privacy.
The Best VPNs to Watch Hotstar in the UK
The best VPN to watch Hotstar in the UK needs to have several key features, such as obfuscation, and plenty of servers both in India and worldwide. This will allow you to unblock Disney+ Hotstar without a fuss. Many providers have withdrawn from India due to their new data collection policies, so that’s harder to come by nowadays.
Naturally, the VPN should offer fast speeds and reliable performance anywhere in the world. It also needs a kill switch, so Disney+ Hotstar doesn’t detect your location during VPN disconnections. Security-wise, look for trusted encryption (AES 256-bit) and protocols (like WireGuard and OpenVPN) to protect your data, plus a strict no-logs policy to ensure privacy.
Otherwise, choose a VPN that is compatible with every popular device, from computers to mobiles and smart TVs. Plenty of simultaneous connections should be allowed for various activities besides streaming. Finally, 24/7 live chat and a generous money-back policy are musts.
Based on these criteria, here are the best VPNs to watch Disney Plus Hotstar in the UK:
- Surfshark – Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch Hotstar in the UK
- ExpressVPN – Unblock Hotstar from the UK with Strong Obfuscation
- CyberGhost VPN – Budget VPN for Streaming Hotstar in the UK
1. Surfshark – Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch Hotstar in the UK
Surfshark is the best VPN for watching Disney+ Hotstar in the UK for a few simple reasons. Not only does it have 50+ virtual servers in Delhi and Mumbai (and a total of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries), but its smart DNS and Nexus features make it easy to unblock Hotstar in the UK, along with other streaming services from around the world.
At baseline, Surfshark delivers high-speed, stable connections. On top of that, its proprietary Nexus technology boosts speed and performance by making use of the entire Surfshark network. It optimizes your speed depending on what you’re doing, whether it’s downloading, browsing, or streaming Hotstar in the UK or abroad—all without affecting privacy.
Surfshark’s kill switch prevents any IP leaks if the VPN happens to disconnect. That way Hotstar and other services won’t detect any suspicious IP changes. You may also use Camouflage Mode to obfuscate your VPN usage on restrictive neworks like work or school Wi-Fi.
This VPN’s strict no-logs policy has been independently audited, guaranteeing that Surfshark never tracks your online behavior. It’s also equipped with all the industry-standard encryption and protocols, such as AES-256-enabled OpenVPN and IKEv2, as well as the lightweight WireGuard with ChaCha20.
Surfshark works on a wide variety of systems, including Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, Android TV, and many more. What’s also exciting is that you get unlimited simultaneous connections per subscription. And, as expected, it offers 24/7 customer support and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.
PROS
- 50+ virtual Indian servers.
- Improved speeds with Nexus.
- Stealth VPN feature (Camouflage Mode).
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 live chat.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Initial connection times are inconsistent.
2. ExpressVPN – Unblock Hotstar in the UK with Strong Obfuscation
ExpressVPN is a great option if you want to stream Hotstar in the UK while staying under the radar, as its entire network is obfuscated. That includes 3,000+ stealth servers in 105 countries, with virtual servers in Chennai and New Delhi. The VPN has incredible streaming support and can unblock Hotstar in the UK with zero issues, as well as other streamers.
Moreover, you’ll get blazing-fast speeds and consistent performance regardless of the location you’re streaming from. Even better, our tests revealed that ExpressVPN’s obfuscation has little to no impact on streaming performance.
ExpressVPN includes a kill switch that will shut off traffic in case the VPN connection drops. And as with any VPN worth their salt, it maintains a strict no-logs policy, with frequent audits to confirm their claims.
By default, ExpressVPN uses its own in-house encryption protocol called Lightway. It’s a nice alternative to OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec (which are also included), as it uses the lightweight WolfSSL encryption library for enhanced performance without sacrificing security. The other protocols use AES 256-bit keys.
ExpressVPN is supported on most devices nowadays, from Windows to smartphones and even Apple TV. A single subscription comes with 8 simultaneous connections, so you can watch Hotstar and have plenty leftover for other uses.
Have any issues? Feel free to contact ExpressVPN’s support teams through their live chat available 24/7. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you change your mind.
PROS
- Polished, beginner-friendly apps.
- Virtual servers in India.
- Entire network is obfuscated.
- 8 simultaneous connections.
- 30-day money-back policy.
- 24/7 customer support.
CONS
- Above-average subscription prices.
3. CyberGhost VPN – Budget VPN for Streaming Hotstar in the UK
CyberGhost VPN boasts a massive server network, with a whopping 11,500+ servers in 100 countries. This includes 30+ virtual servers in Mumbai, so you’ll not only be able to unblock Hotstar in the UK but also 80+ other streaming sites from around the world. Safe to say you won’t have trouble finding your favorite content among the myriad choices.
While CyberGhost does not include any obfuscation, it does offer medium-fast speeds. This is especially impressive when you consider their budget-friendly subscriptions. During our tests, performance remained steady on Disney Plus Hotstar in the UK and overseas.
It’s interesting to note that CyberGhost has an always-on kill switch. That way you don’t run the risk of leaking your IP by accident. The VPN includes all the tried-and-tested encryption protocols out there, whether you prefer using AES 256-bit with OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPsec, or want to stream more efficiently with WireGuard. And, of course, it has an audited no-logs policy.
CyberGhost comes with 7 simultaneous connections, which is usually enough for most users. The provider’s apps work on every popular gadget out there, whether you’re running Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, or a smart TV.
As always, 24/7 live chat customer support is ready to assist with any issues. Last, but not least, CyberGhost users benefit from a hefty 45-day money-back guarantee, letting you get a good feel for the service before committing.
PROS
- 30+ virtual servers in India.
- Massive server fleet.
- Unblocks 80+ streaming sites.
- Affordable subscriptions.
- 45-day money-back guarantee.
- 7 simultaneous connections.
CONS
- Lacks obfuscation.
How Much is a Disney+ Hotstar Subscription in the UK?
A Disney+ Hotstar subscription in the UK is quite affordable, and 3 different plans are available. First off, there’s the Mobile plan, which costs ₹149 (£1.42) per quarter or ₹499 (£4.75) per year. Then there's the Super plan, which is ₹299 (£2.85) quarterly or ₹899 (£8.55) annually. Meanwhile, you get 3 choices with the Premium plan: ₹299 (£2.85) per month, ₹499 (£4.75) per quarter, or ₹1499 (£14.26) per year.
Here is a handy table with the breakdown of prices and features for both plans:
How to Pay for Disney+ Hotstar in the UK
There are a couple of ways to get Hotstar in the UK, including paying with an Indian credit card or Paytm wallet or signing up with a Google Play gift card. In the latter case, you’ll need a new Google account with an Indian address. Both methods require an Indian phone number. More details below:
Method 1: Pay for Disney+ Hotstar with an Indian Credit Card or Paytm
If you’re an expat or have friends or family who can provide an Indian credit card or Paytm wallet, it shouldn’t take long to sign up for Disney+ Hotstar in the UK. Here’s what to do:
- Get a VPN that works on Indian Hotstar in the UK (we recommend Surfshark).
- Install the VPN on your streaming device.
- Launch the app and connect to a server in India.
- Access the Disney+ Hotstar website and click “Subscribe.”
- Choose a plan and click the blue button to continue.
- Provide an Indian phone number to proceed.
- Enter your Indian credit card or Paytm wallet to pay for your Hotstar subscription.
- Pick a TV show or film and start streaming!
Method 2: Pay for Disney+ Hotstar with a Google Play Gift Card
Another way to get Hotstar in the UK is to register a separate Google account (with an Indian billing address), then fund your account with a Google Play gift card. Full guide below:
- Grab a VPN that can unblock Indian Hotstar in the UK (we recommend Surfshark).
- Install the VPN on your Android device.
- Open the VPN and connect to an Indian server.
- Create a new Google account and set the region to India.
- Buy an India Google Play gift card and redeem the funds.
- Download the Disney+ Hotstar app from the Google Play Store.
- Launch the app and subscribe with your Indian phone number and Google Play funds.
- That’s it! Now, you can start streaming your favorite Hotstar content.
What to Watch on Hotstar in the UK
Disney+ Hotstar is home to a host of popular and lesser-known Indian movies and TV shows, including Dance+ Pro, Hungama 2, and Chhichhore. There are also Disney classics, Star Wars shows and flicks, beloved Pixar animation, popular Marvel properties, National Geographic documentaries, and Hotstar Specials like School of Lies and The Freelancer.
Hotstar users can also enjoy extensive live sports coverage. Whether you’re into ICC cricket, Premier League football, NFL, Wimbledon tennis, MMA, or MLB there’s something here for everyone.
Here’s a little sample of what you can expect to watch on Disney Plus Hotstar in the UK:
Disney+ Hotstar India vs Hotstar UK: What's the Difference?
The main difference between Disney+ Hotstar India and Hotstar UK comes down to their respective content libraries. There are also different subscription prices and payment method requirements.
If you’re looking to get your fix of Indian soaps and movies, Disney+ Hotstar India has the better library. Moreover, it also offers Disney+ content like Marvel and Star Wars titles, whereas Hotstar UK users need a separate Disney+ subscription to watch those.
Disney+ Hotstar is the cheaper option of the two. However, we should note that you need an Indian payment method and phone number to subscribe, which is fortunately not a requirement on Hotstar UK.
Here’s a quick rundown of the differences between the services:
Why is Hotstar Not Working in the UK with a VPN?
Hotstar may not be working in the UK with a VPN for numerous reasons. In general, VPNs should be easy to use, as they're powered by fully automated operations. However, things can go wrong at times. So, if you’re having trouble watching Disney+ Hotstar from the UK, you can try the following:
- Restart Your Device/VPN – Sometimes the simplest solution is the best option. By restarting your device and VPN, it will often solve a number of issues and get things working again so you can stream Disney+ Hotstar.
- Try Another VPN Server – VPNs typically offer more than a single server in India (that's a vast country, after all). So, if the one you connect to is slow, it might be overcrowded. That can cause performance issues and other technical problems. Try connecting to another server in India and see if the issues resolve.
- Change VPN Protocols – Most VPNs will try to find the best protocol based on your location and Web connection’s parameters. However, we recommend taking that matter into your own hands. You can try OpenVPN, which works great for unblocking Disney+ Hotstar from the UK, but it can be slow at times. There's also WireGuard, which should be pretty fast and capable.
- Delete Your Browser’s Cache – Every website and Web app stores data on your device called cache, and the purpose is to speed up operations. So, if you’ve been using the UK version of Hotstar, locally stored data will reveal your actual location. To force Hotstar to read your VPN IP address, delete your browser’s cache files.
- Check Your Internet Connection – If you have an Internet connection that is too slow or unstable, it will impact the performance of your VPN. This can prevent it from being able to unblock Disney+ Hotstar. Reboot your modem and/or router if there are connection issues to see if your streaming problems go away.
- Update Your VPN App – Some VPNs will not function properly unless they're updated to the latest versions. This is because each update usually contains patches and bug fixes that help the app operate smoothly. Make sure your VPN is updated at all times to avoid this issue.
- Temporarily Disable Your Device's Firewall – Firewalls can interfere with VPN operation. Try disabling the firewall on your device and see if you can unblock Disney+ Hotstar then. If you can, then you'll need to add a firewall rule to make your VPN an exception.
- Uninstall Other VPNs – Having multiple VPNs installed at once can cause issues because they may interfere with one another. Ensure the VPN you want to use is the only one on your device.
- Turn on Your Browser’s Private Mode – If deleting your cache doesn't help, you can turn to your Web browser's Private/Incognito/InPrivate mode. This aims to prevent websites from storing cache and tracking you. It will force the Disney+ Hotstar website to read your Indian VPN location, helping you unblock it.
- Ask Your VPN for Assistance – If nothing else helps, turn to your VPN for assistance. One of the reasons we recommend Surfshark is its 24/7 customer support. What's more, you can chat with its agents live (via its website), which is the quickest way to get some actionable tips.
Want to check additional solutions? If you do, here’s our central guide to troubleshooting VPN apps. Also, if you see an error code while trying to use your VPN, here’s how to deal with VPN error codes.
Final Thoughts
Hotstar may be available in the UK, but it’s missing a load of interesting content, especially Indian-exclusive shows and movies. Fortunately, you can use a reliable VPN to change your IP to India and unblock Disney+ Hotstar, allowing you to access these geo-restricted titles from anywhere.
We recommend Surfshark as the best VPN to watch Disney+ Hotstar in the UK. Why? Well, it has over 50 virtual servers in Delhi and Mumbai and offers amazing tools like smart DNS to evade geo-blocks. Best of all, it has blazing-fast streaming speeds, and you get its advanced Nexus technology to boost them even further.
That’s all on how to watch Disney+ Hotstar in the UK for free. If you have any questions or doubts, share them via the comments section below. Finally, thanks for reading!