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How to Watch Disney+ Hotstar in the UAE
Last updated May 6, 2024
Disney+ Hotstar features a wide array of content, including Indian cinema hits, Disney classics and new releases, and live sports action. However, Disney+ Hotstar is available only in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. In addition, some titles are accessible only in certain countries due to copyrights. Overall, India has the largest Disney+ Hotstar library.
If you already have an account and travel to a different region, the Disney+ Hotstar content you can access will vary from your home library. You can’t get Disney+ Hotstar in the UAE at all. However, the good news is that you can still access your favorite content on Disney+ Hotstar with a VPN. Just connect to an Indian server, and you’ll be good to go.
In this article, we’ll talk about how you can watch Disney+ Hotstar in the UAE, explain why you need a VPN for it, and recommend the best providers. We’ll also cover the cost of Disney+ Hotstar, how to pay for it, and how to install the streaming service on your devices. Lastly, we’ll recommend some content you can watch and help with troubleshooting if Hotstar isn’t working.
How to Watch Disney+ Hotstar in the UAE
To watch Disney+ Hotstar in the UAE, you need to get a VPN, connect to a VPN server in India, and access the streaming service using your Web browser. Here's what to do:
- Subscribe to a VPN that can unblock Hotstar in the UAE (we recommend Surfshark).
- Download and install the VPN on your device.
- Open the VPN and access your account by logging in.
- Connect to a VPN server in India.
- Open your Web browser and visit Hotstar’s website.
- To stream for free with ads, you can stop here and enjoy plenty of titles.
- If you want premium, ad-free Disney+ Hotstar content, you need to pay for a plan.
- On Hotstar's home page, click “Subscribe.”
- Choose your plan and click the blue button to continue.
- Add an Indian phone number and complete text verification.
- Enter your payment method (Indian debit/credit card or Paytm wallet).
- Pick something to watch and start streaming!
Getting a subscription requires 2 important things: an Indian phone number and a valid payment method with an Indian billing address. Getting an Indian phone number is tough because it requires text message verification. Your only option is to ask someone with an Indian number for help. If you get past that, there is an alternative payment method you can use: a Google Play gift card. We will cover how to do this later.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Access Hotstar in the UAE?
You need a VPN to access Hotstar in the UAE because it is blocked in the country. Disney+ Hotstar is only available in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. It has to comply with licensing agreements and copyrights, so it geo-restricts its content.
Unlike most other streaming services, Disney+ Hotstar may not give you an error message when accessing it from certain regions. It might just fail to load any content, like you can see in the image below.
Alternatively, if you try to access Hotstar outside India without a VPN, you might see a blank white screen with a generic message: "An error occurred while processing your request."
So, how can you make it look like you’re in India? You need to connect to a VPN server in India and get an Indian IP address. This will allow you to access all Disney+ Hotstar libraries from anywhere in the world.
However, not every VPN will do the job for a few reasons. First, not many of them work in the UAE in general because the country blocks access to VPN connections. Second, most VPNs don't have servers in India. Third, many providers can't unblock streaming services like Disney+ Hotstar because they lack the necessary features. That's why you need the best VPN for streaming Hotstar.
We recommend Surfshark because it has plenty of Indian servers and easily unblocks Hotstar. It's also more than fast enough to support 4K streaming, and it has full network obfuscation to prevent your VPN from being detected by any prying eyes in the UAE.
The Best VPNs to Watch Disney+ Hotstar in the UAE
When searching for the perfect VPN, focus on a few key aspects. Choose a VPN that reliably unblocks Disney+ Hotstar along with other streaming services. It should also provide a wide network of Indian servers and extensive global coverage.
Look for a VPN that delivers high-speed connections and excellent performance for uninterrupted streaming. It should include obfuscated servers and a kill switch to overcome geo-blocks. The VPN must also come with strong privacy and security features, such as a strict no-logs policy, secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, and strong AES-256 encryption.
If you aim to watch Disney+ Hotstar on multiple devices, verify that the VPN supports numerous simultaneous connections and is compatible with various devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Opt for a VPN offering a solid money-back guarantee and 24/7 live customer support for a worry-free experience.
Based on the criteria explained above, these are the 3 best VPNs to watch Disney Plus Hotstar in the UAE:
- Surfshark – Our #1-Rated VPN for Watching Disney+ Hotstar in the UAE
- ExpressVPN – VPN to Use Hotstar with High-Speed Indian Servers
- CyberGhost VPN – Cheap VPN to Stream Disney Plus Hotstar in the UAE
1. Surfshark – Our #1-Rated VPN for Watching Disney+ Hotstar in the UAE
Surfshark is the best VPN to watch Hotstar in the UAE because it unblocks Disney+ Hotstar consistently. It provides a network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including 50 virtual servers in 2 key Indian cities, Mumbai and Delhi. This facilitates easy access to a plethora of streaming services.
Thanks to its completely obfuscated network, Surfshark effortlessly navigates through the most stringent VPN blocks, ensuring swift speeds and steady performance on all servers. Our testing, involving both close and remote servers, consistently allowed for smooth HD and 4K streaming without any buffering or degradation in quality.
You can count on Surfshark for robust privacy protection, featuring a kill switch and a no-logs policy that has undergone audits. In addition, it has secure protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard) reinforced with either AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption (protocol-dependent). The CleanWeb feature further enhances your experience by blocking ads and malicious trackers.
Surfshark’s compatibility spans across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more. It also supports an unlimited number of connections simultaneously, which suits large households or those looking to share with friends. Its VPN applications are user-friendly and straightforward, catering especially to novices.
Offering a 30-day money-back guarantee and round-the-clock chat support, Surfshark ensures user satisfaction. Additionally, the website features the latest installation guides and troubleshooting advice for any queries you might have.
PROS
- Unblocks Disney+ Hotstar consistently.
- 50 virtual Indian servers.
- All servers are obfuscated.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 24/7 live chat.
CONS
- Occasionally slow to initially connect.
2. ExpressVPN – VPN to Use Hotstar with High-Speed Indian Servers
ExpressVPN shines as another top pick to stream Disney+ Hotstar because it unblocks Hotstar and a wide array of other streaming services in the United Arab Emirates. It commands a vast network of over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, with coverage in 2 Indian virtual server locations (New Delhi and Chennai)—all specifically tailored and obfuscated for streaming.
This VPN provider guarantees ultra-fast speeds and stable performance, making 4K streaming across any platform a breeze, even when connecting to far-off servers. Additionally, its servers manage to avoid overcrowding, allowing for uninterrupted streaming without any compromise in quality.
ExpressVPN stands out for its stringent privacy and security protocols, featuring an independently audited no-logs policy and a robust kill switch to safeguard your data. It supports strong VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway. Protocols are complemented by AES-256 or WolfSSL encryption, ensuring your streaming habits remain invisible.
ExpressVPN's compatibility extends across a variety of devices, including those running major operating systems such as iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. It also offers a unique router app that simplifies securing devices that typically do not support VPNs.
Plus, you can enjoy the benefit of connecting up to 8 devices simultaneously. ExpressVPN's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident through its 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing a risk-free opportunity to test its services. Moreover, email support is readily available, promising prompt responses from the support team.
PROS
- Effortlessly unblocks Disney+ Hotstar.
- Virtual servers in India.
- Super-fast streaming speeds.
- Network-wide obfuscation.
- 8 simultaneous connections.
- 30-day refund period.
CONS
- Limited customization options.
3. CyberGhost VPN – Cheap VPN to Stream Disney Plus Hotstar in the UAE
CyberGhost VPN is an excellent, budget-friendly choice that reliably unblocks Disney+ Hotstar and other streaming services. Its extensive network spans 11,500+ servers across 100 countries, including 37 virtual servers located in Mumbai. While it lacks obfuscated servers, accessing Disney+ Hotstar worldwide remains hassle-free.
Conducting speed tests on both distant and nearby servers consistently yielded adequate results with medium-fast speeds and unwavering performance. Streaming and navigating through videos proved seamless, devoid of any noticeable lag or degradation in quality. That said, it is not as fast as some competitors.
One notable feature of CyberGhost is its always-on kill switch, ensuring your IP remains secure during streaming sessions. The VPN offers support for various protocols, such as OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPsec with AES-256 encryption, as well as WireGuard paired with ChaCha20. Moreover, it steadfastly adheres to a verified no-logs policy.
With support for up to 7 simultaneous connections, CyberGhost is ideal for larger households. Its user-friendly apps cater to all major platforms, including Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and smart TVs, ensuring a smooth experience devoid of bugs or complications. We didn’t notice any random crashes or disconnections during testing.
Round-the-clock customer support via live chat guarantees prompt assistance whenever needed. Our interactions with the support team consistently led to swift responses from knowledgeable representatives. Furthermore, CyberGhost offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, cementing its commitment to customer satisfaction.
PROS
- 37 virtual Indian servers.
- Huge server fleet.
- Works with Disney+ Hotstar.
- 7 simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 support via live chat.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- No obfuscation.
- On the slower side.
How to Watch Disney+ Hotstar in the UAE on Your Devices?
To watch Disney+ Hotstar in the UAE on your devices, you need to subscribe to a VPN and connect to an Indian server. Once you do that, the streaming platform will think you’re in India, so you’ll automatically unblock it. To see how you can do this, check the guides we created below.
How to Watch Disney+ Hotstar on Windows or Mac
To get Disney+ Hotstar on Windows or macOS, you need to get a VPN and access Disney+ Hotstar’s website. Here’s what to do:
- Get a VPN with Indian servers (we recommend Surfshark).
- Download and install the VPN on your computer.
- Connect to any server located in India.
- Access Disney+ Hotstar’s website and sign into your account.
- Start streaming your favorite titles.
How to Watch Disney+ Hotstar on Android
To get Disney+ Hotstar on Android, you can install the app manually without having to use Google Play Store. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Subscribe to a VPN that unblocks Disney+ Hotstar (we recommend Surfshark).
- Download and install the VPN app on your Android smartphone.
- Connect to an Indian server.
- Download Disney+ Hotstar’s APK file on your smartphone from sites like APKMirror.
- Tap on the downloaded file and install the app manually.
- Launch Disney+ Hotstar and log into your account.
- Pick any video and start watching it!
How to Watch Disney+ Hotstar on iOS (iPhone & iPad)
Watching Disney+ Hotstar on your iOS device can be a bit more tricky because iOS comes with specific limitations. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Here’s what you need to do:
- Subscribe to a VPN that has an iOS app (we recommend Surfshark).
- Download and install the VPN app from the App Store.
- Launch the VPN and connect to an Indian server.
- Go to Disney+ Hotstar’s website and sign in.
- Pick any title and enjoy!
However, if you want to use a dedicated Disney+ Hotstar app for iOS, you’ll need to create an Apple account with an Indian address attached to it. Here’s how to do it:
- Get a VPN that works with iOS (we recommend Surfshark).
- Download and install the VPN app from the App Store.
- Connect to any server located in India.
- Sign up for a new Apple ID and use an India-based address.
- Download Disney+ Hotstar from the Indian App Store, which you can now access.
- Log into your account and start streaming.
How to Watch Disney+ Hotstar on a Smart TV
Because many smart TVs don’t natively support VPNs, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router. This way, the TV will automatically be protected by the VPN when connected to the Wi-Fi. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Get a VPN you can install on your router (we recommend Surfshark).
- Set up the VPN on your router and use an Indian server during configuration.
- Go to your TV’s settings and set the region to India.
- Visit your TV’s App Store and download Disney+ Hotstar.
- Launch the Disney+ Hotstar app and start streaming your favorite shows!
How Much is the Price of Disney+ Hotstar Subscription in UAE?
Depending on your needs, Disney+ Hotstar has 3 distinct subscription options. First, it has the Mobile plan, which starts at ₹149 (AED 6.62) quarterly. The next level is the Super plan starting at ₹299 (AED 13.28) per quarter. You can also get the Premium plan if you want to eliminate ads. It starts at ₹299 (AED 13.28) per month. They all have annual options, too.
Here’s the exact prices and feature breakdowns of the plans in both Indian rupees and UAE dirham:
How to Pay for Disney+ Hotstar in the UAE?
To pay for Disney Plus Hotstar in the UAE, you have 2 options: using an Indian credit card or Paytm wallet or using a Google Play gift card. For either option, you’ll need an Indian phone number to verify the account via text before purchase. Check out the guides below to find out how to do it.
Method 1: Pay for Hotstar with an Indian Credit Card or Paytm
If you have family or friends to help you by giving you an Indian credit card or Paytm wallet (and phone number!), this is by far the easiest solution. If you’re an expat, you can also use your own Indian credit card for this, but you’ll still need the phone number. Here are the exact steps you need to follow:
- Get a VPN that can unblock Disney+ Hotstar in India (we recommend Surfshark).
- Download and install the VPN on your device.
- Connect to an Indian server.
- Go to Disney+ Hotstar’s website and click the “Subscribe” button.
- Pick a plan that fits your needs and click the blue button.
- Fill in an Indian phone number to continue, and verify your account via text.
- Enter your Indian credit card or Paytm wallet to pay for the plan.
- Pick any title and start streaming!
Method 2: Pay for Hotstar with a Google Play Gift Card
If you want to pay for Disney+ Hotstar with a Google Play gift card, you first need to create a new Google account with an Indian address. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you out:
- Subscribe to a VPN that works with Disney Plus Hotstar (we recommend Surfshark).
- Download and install the VPN on your Android device.
- Connect to any Indian server.
- Create a new Google account using an Indian address.
- Buy an India Google Play gift card and redeem the funds.
- Download Disney+ Hotstar’s app from the Play Store (Indian version).
- Launch the Disney+ Hotstar app and use your Indian phone number to subscribe.
- Pay with your preloaded Google Play funds.
- Now, you can use Hotstar in the UAE. Pick a title and start watching!
What Can You Watch on Hotstar in the UAE?
Disney+ Hotstar offers an extensive selection of Indian films and series like Dear ISHQ, Dance+ Pro, Shiddat, and Chhichhore. There’s US titles too, like This Is Us and Grey’s Anatomy. It also boasts Star Wars, Marvel, Disney classics, Hulu, Pixar, and National Geographic content.
On top of that, you’ll get access to exclusive Hotstar Specials like The Legend of Hanuman and Mansion 24. For sports enthusiasts, you can enjoy live coverage of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, MMA, cricket, tennis, and hockey.
Here are some other recommended titles to explore on Disney Plus Hotstar in the UAE:
Why is Hotstar Not Working in the UAE with a VPN?
Hotstar might not be working in the UAE with a VPN for a number of reasons, including poor Internet connection, overcrowded servers, or out-of-date software. There’s plenty you can do to “nudge” your VPN into working with Hotstar. So, if you’ve encountered a setback and can’t access Hotstar from the UAE when using a VPN, try these tips:
- Restart Your Device/VPN – You'll often find that the easiest solution works. Sometimes all that's needed is a reboot to get things working again. This is especially true for mobile devices.
- Check Your Internet Connection – If your Internet isn't fast enough, or if it has an unstable connection, it will prevent the VPN from working properly. Streaming services in general don't work well with poor Internet, regardless of using a VPN or not. So, make sure your Internet is sufficient.
- Use Another VPN Server Location – Most VPNs allow you to choose between multiple server locations. That means you’ll probably find more than a single server in India. Each server works independently, so you can avoid technical issues by picking a less crowded server.
- Switch to Another VPN Protocol – By default, VPNs will try to determine which protocol to enable based on your Web connection’s parameters. In most cases, that will be OpenVPN, but premium VPNs also offer WireGuard and even proprietary protocols that are worth exploring.
- Update Your VPN – Updates for VPNs include patches and app fixes that could fix problems with them not working. Always keep your VPN updated to the latest version to avoid any issues.
- Delete Cache Files & Data – Websites and online applications store cache files, which helps them load faster. However, Hotstar can store cache files that point to your actual location, reading that data first (instead of your VPN IP’s data). So, delete your browser’s cache and force Hotstar to turn to your VPN connection.
- Use Incognito/Private Mode – This piece of advice goes hand-in-hand with the previous suggestion. If clearing the cache doesn’t help, turn to your browser’s Incognito, Private, or InPrivate mode. The purpose of it is to prevent websites from storing or reading any files locally. That’s how Hotstar will turn to your VPN IP and think you’re in India.
- Turn Off Your Device's Firewall Temporarily – Sometimes, firewalls can interfere with VPN functionality if an exception wasn't automatically added properly during installation. Try disabling the firewall and see if the issues resolve.
- Uninstall Other VPNs – Having multiple VPNs installed at once can cause conflicts once in a while. Make sure the only one installed is the one you're using.
- Contact Customer Support – There are many reasons why we recommend Surfshark. Aside from getting top-quality features, you’ll also get top-of-the-line customer support. For example, you’ll get to chat with support agents live, which is the fastest way to resolve any issue you might be having.
Need additional options? Willing to try other fixes? If that’s so, turn to our guide to troubleshooting VPN apps. Aside from that, here’s how to fix various VPN error codes.
Can You Use Free VPN for Hotstar in the UAE?
Yes, you can use a free VPN service for Hotstar in the UAE, but we strongly advise against it for several reasons. First of all, free VPNs will likely be unable to unblock Disney+ Hotstar. They are also known for collecting and selling user data, which can lead to privacy breaches.
Additionally, free VPNs typically lack robust security features, leaving users vulnerable to threats such as malware and hacking. Furthermore, free VPNs often have limited bandwidth, small server networks, and no simultaneous connections, resulting in slow speeds. This can be particularly frustrating when trying to enjoy uninterrupted streaming on Hotstar.
For a safer and more reliable option, we highly recommend getting a free VPN trial of a reputable paid service. These VPNs offer enhanced privacy protections and faster speeds, and you can try them risk-free. Explore our comprehensive guide to the best VPN services to find the perfect VPN for your needs.
Our top choice is the NordVPN free trial. It offers a 7-day free trial for Android users and a 30-day money-back guarantee for any other devices. Better yet, it has thousands of US servers, it’s super-fast, and it easily unblocks Disney Plus Hotstar in the UAE.
Final Thoughts
Disney+ Hotstar offers tons of popular Indian content, but the streaming platform is available only in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Moreover, its libraries are different in every country (India has the largest one). Luckily, you can unblock the Indian version of Disney+ Hotstar by using a VPN. This will allow you to access Hotstar while traveling anywhere.
We recommend Surfshark as the best VPN to watch Disney+ Hotstar in the UAE. It has many virtual Indian servers in Mumbai and Delhi to prevent overcrowding. Plus, it delivers fast speeds and unblocks Disney+ Hotstar effortlessly.
That would be all for our guide on how to watch Disney+ Hotstar in the UAE. If you have any questions, make sure to post them just below. And finally, thanks for reading!