- 22 min read

How to Watch Disney+ Hotstar (JioHotstar) in Canada

How to Watch Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada

Wondering if you can watch Disney+ Hotstar in Canada?
Yes, you can access Disney+ Hotstar in Canada using a reliable VPN. Although the platform is geo-restricted outside India, a VPN allows you to connect to an Indian server, letting you stream the full Hotstar catalog, including live sports, Indian dramas, and Disney content.

Many people refer to the service as either Disney+ Hotstar or JioHotstar, but both names point to the same platform. Jio users in India often access it through exclusive Jio bundles, which is why the term JioHotstar became common. However, regardless of the name, the content and experience remain the same. With a VPN, you can enjoy this rich mix of entertainment even while living or traveling in Canada.


Quick Steps to Access and Watch Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada:

  1. Download and subscribe to the best streaming VPN that offers Indian servers. I recommend ExpressVPN due to its ultra-fast Indian servers, incredible unblocking feature, easy to use app and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Now turn off your device location, open the VPN app, sign in and connect to Indian server.
  3. Search for Disney+ Hotstar in your browser. Based on your Indian IP address, it will automatically shows you Indian website of Hotstar. Open the website, sign in or sign up.
  4. Look for the content you want to stream and start watching in Canada.

Why isn’t Disney+ Hotstar Available in Canada?

The primary reason Hotstar isn’t offered in Canada is content licensing. The rights to the various types of content on Hotstar are sold to different companies in different regions.

  • Live Sports (Cricket): The rights for major cricket events like the IPL and the Cricket World Cup are sold to dedicated sports broadcasters in Canada, most notably Willow TV.
  • International Shows (FX/Hulu): The content from networks like FX and Hulu, which is available on Hotstar in some regions, is distributed in Canada on Disney+ via the Star content hub.
  • HBO Content: In India, Hotstar is entitled to HBO shows. In Canada, this content is exclusively available on Crave.

This means there is no single official service in Canada that offers the unique combination of live cricket, Indian originals, and blockbuster movies that makes Hotstar so popular.

Also Read: How to watch Bigg Boss 19 in Canada

How to Access, Pay, and Watch Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada? [Detailed Step-by-Step Guide]

To access, pay and watch Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada, you need the following things:

  • A reliable streaming VPN that offers dedicated servers in India.
  • Payment methods to subscribe Disney+ Hotstar from Canada.
  • Ways to download Disney+Hotstar on your preferred device in Canada.

The most important part to access and watch Disney+ Hotstar in Canada is choosing the best VPN to bypass geo-restrictions.

Choosing The Best VPN to Access and Watch Disney+ Hotstar in Canada

To find the most reliable solution for streaming Disney+ Hotstar, I conducted extensive hands-on testing from my parent’s home in Edmonton, Canada.

I put 9 different VPN services through their paces, focusing on one primary goal: to stream live IPL cricket and HD movies from the Indian Hotstar library without buffering or connection drops.

After testing, three providers consistently outperformed the rest, with one clear winner for the top spot.

Here are my top 3 recommendations for the best VPNs to watch Disney+ Hotstar in Canada.

1. ExpressVPN – My #1 Recommendation to Access and Watch Disney+ Hotstar from Canada

In all my tests from Edmonton, ExpressVPN was the undisputed champion.

Its performance was simply unmatched. I connected to its virtual servers for India (via the UK and Singapore), and every single time, I had instant access to the Hotstar library.

The key difference was the speed. Using its Lightway protocol, I could stream live cricket matches in crystal-clear HD without a single moment of buffering, which is the ultimate test for any streaming VPN.

What I find most valuable is its MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature. I used it to set up access on my PlayStation 5 and Samsung Smart TV—devices that don’t support VPN apps directly—and it worked perfectly.

If you want a hassle-free, premium experience that guarantees access and speed, ExpressVPN is hands-down the best choice.

2. NordVPN – The Fastest & Most Secure for Disney+ Hotstar

NordVPN is a very close second and a fantastic choice for Hotstar. Its massive network of servers and its powerful NordLynx protocol provided excellent streaming speeds, easily handling HD content.

I found its connection to Indian servers to be stable and reliable, unblocking Hotstar consistently.

While the initial connection took a second longer than ExpressVPN in my tests, the streaming quality was top-notch once established.

For users who want a high-speed VPN that also packs a suite of advanced security features, NordVPN is an excellent and highly dependable option.

3. Surfshark – Best Value for the Whole Family

If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, Surfshark is the answer.

Its standout feature is the unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can use it on every phone, tablet, laptop, and Firestick in your house with just one subscription.

From my tests in Edmonton, Surfshark reliably unblocked Hotstar and provided speeds that were more than sufficient for HD streaming.

While not quite as fast as ExpressVPN, its performance is incredible for its price point. It’s the perfect choice for families or anyone who needs to secure numerous devices without breaking the bank.

FeatureExpressVPNNordVPNSurfshark
My Rating⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best ForOverall PerformanceSpeed & SecurityBest Value & Unlimited Devices
Unblocking HotstarExcellentExcellentVery Good
Servers in India✅ (Virtual Servers)✅ (Virtual Servers)✅ (Virtual Servers)
Streaming SpeedFastestFastGood
Simultaneous Connections810Unlimited
Smart DNS Feature✅ (MediaStreamer)✅ (SmartPlay)Yes
Money-Back Guarantee30 Days30 Days30 Days

Once you subscribe to a VPN, it’s time to find out how to pay for Disney+ Hotstar from Canada.

How to Pay and Subscribe for Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada?

Since, Disney Plus Hotstar (JioHotstar) is an Indian streaming service, you need an Indian payment method to pay for the subscription. If you have a Indian bank credit/debit card, you can pay for the streaming service easily.

However, you can also subscribe for the streaming service by using Indian virtual prepaid such as “Volopay” or ask your Indian family/friend to pay for your subscription, or use a free plan.

  1. Connect to the Indian server using a VPN.
  2. Now head to “www.hotstar.com/in” and click “Subscribe.”Click on subscribe
  3. Choose your desired plan and click “Continue.” choose your plan
  4. Now enter your email address. Do not enter your Facebook account since it won’t work most of the time. Enter your email address
  5. Now you need a Indian phone number. Enter the Indian Phone number
  6. In new browser tab, head to “receive-sms.cc“, scroll down and click on “RECEIVE SMS ONLINE” under any Indian number mentioned on the website. Click on Receive SMS online
  7. Now copy the phone number and enter on Disney Plus website and click “Continue”. copy the phone number and enter on Disney+ Hotstar website
  8. After entering the number, it will ask for the verification code. refresh the page from where you copy the number and scroll down to see the new message from Disney.
  9. Copy that code and enter on Disney Plus Hotstar website.
  10. Now click on “FIND SOMETHING TO WATCH” and start streaming in Canada. Click on Find Something to Watch
  11. now look for the content you want to watch and start streaming from CanadaIllustration of watching Disney+ Hotstar in Canada

Where Can I Watch Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada?

Here is the list of devices where you can watch Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada:

  1. Amazon FireStick/Fire TV
  2. Apple TV
  3. Chromecast
  4. Android Smartphones and Tablets
  5. Android TVs (and boxes)
  6. Desktops and Laptops (Windows and Mac)
  7. iPhone/iPad
  8. Roku
  9. Smart TV
  10. PlayStation
  11. Xbox

Note: You will require a VPN to download and access Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada on these devices. Follow the mentioned below steps to get Disney Plus Hotstar on your preferred devices.

How to Download and Access Hotstar Canada App on your Devices?

How to Access Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada on Desktop/PC?

Follow these steps to get Disney Plus Hotstar on your Windows and Mac desktop/PC:

  1. Download and subscribe for a ExpressVPN.
  2. Open the VPN app, sign in, and connect to the Indian server.
  3. Visit “www.hotstar.com/in” and sign in and start streaming in Canada.

How to Download and Access Disney Plus Hotstar Canada on iPhone/iPad?

Here’s how to download Disney Plus Hotstar app in Canada on your iPhone or iPad:

  1. First, go to “Settings” on iOS device, and tap on your profile.
  2. Now tap on the “Media & Purchases”, then tap on “View Account”. It will ask your “Passcode” or “Touch ID” for verification. Enter your “Passcode” or “Touch ID”.
  3. Now tap on “Country/Region” -> “Change Country or Region”, then select India as your country.
  4. Once you select India, the “Terms and Conditions” page will open. Select “Agree” to proceed.
  5. Now enter all the required details. In the address section, you need to provide a Indian and postal code that you can easily find it on Google.
  6. Now enter “Done” and wait for the process.
  7. Once the process is complete, now your App Store region is changed to India. Go to App Store and download the Disney+ Hotstar app.
  8. After downloading the Disney Plus Hotstar, open the VPN app, connect to the Indian server and start watching!

How to Download and Access Disney Plus Hotstar on Apple TV in Canada?

The good news is, Apple TV models that are updated to tvOS 17 or later now officially support VPN app. This means you don’t need to set up VPN on router or use smart DNS to access geo-blocked streaming services in Canada like before on Apple TV.

Here’s how to download and access Disney+ Hotstar on Apple TV (tvOS 17 or later) in Canada:

  • First, go to “Settings” on your Apple TV device, and tap on your profile.
  • Now tap on the “Media & Purchases”, then tap on “View Account”. It will ask your “Passcode” or “Touch ID” for verification. Enter your “Passcode” or “Touch ID”.
  • Now tap on “Country/Region” -> “Change Country or Region”, then select India as your country.
  • Once you select India, the “Terms and Conditions” page will open. Select “Agree” to proceed.
  • Now enter all the required details. In the address section, you need to provide a Indian and postal code that you can easily find it on Google.
  • Now enter “Done” and wait for the process.
  • Once the process is complete, now your App Store region is changed to India. Go to App Store and download the Disney+ Hotstar app.
  • After downloading the Disney Plus Hotstar, open the VPN app, connect to the Indian server and start watching!

How to Download and Access Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada on Android Smartphones, Tablets, and Smart TVs?

Follow these steps to download the Disney Plus Hotstar app in Canada on Android devices:

  1. First, open the VPN app on your Android device and connect to Indian server.
  2. Now open the Play Store app and tap on the 3-bars located on the top left of the screen.
  3. Go to the “Account” section where you will find your name and country.
  4. Now select India as your country and enter all the required details.
  5. Once your region changes to the India, you can download the Disney Plus Hotstar app and start streaming in Canada.

How to Download and Access Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada on Amazon FireStick/Fire TV?

Here’s how you can download the Disney Plus Hotstar app in Canada on Amazon Firestick and Fire TV:

  1. Visit the Amazon website and log in to your existing account.
  2. Now click on the “Accounts & Lists” option and then click on “Your Accounts and Content”
  3. Now change your region to India from Canada.
  4. Connect your Amazon Firestick device with your TV and then click on “Settings”.
  5. Log out or deregister your account and then sign in back.
  6. Now download the Disney Plus Hotstar app and VPN app from App Store.
  7. Open the VPN app and connect Indian server.
  8. Open the Disney Plus Hotstar app and start watching.

How to Download and Acces Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada on Roku, Smart TV (without Android), PlayStation and Xbox?

Getting Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada on these devices is the most complex one as they do not support VPN app directly.

So, if you want to watch Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada on one of these devices, you need to set up a VPN on your router first or use Smart DNS, which requires above-average technical knowledge.

Because of all this, I find two ways simple ways to get Dinsey Plus Hotstar while residing in Canada.

First, if you are using a smart TV that runs on Android OS, then like your other Android devices you can directly install a VPN app through Play Store and start streaming favorite channels or titles on Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada.

Second, use Amazon Firestick/Fire TV device as it supports VPN apps directly and gives the same big-screen experience.

Disney Plus Hotstar Plan: Pricing and Features

Following is the list of Disney Plus Hotstar Plans with their cost and features:

Packages Price Features
Disney+ Hotstar Free Limited Movies with ads
Limited TV Shows with ads
5 mins of live cricket
Live news channels
Disney+ Hotstar Premium Subscription INR 1499/Year
OR
CAD 25.50/Year
All regional language movies
All latest Hollywood movies
Multiplex movies on up to 4 devices
Latest Star network TV shows or serials at 6AM
Live sports including Indian Premier League (IPL), Formula 1, International and domestic cricket live match streaming
Exclusive Disney+ content in English and regional languages
Plan can be used on two devices at a time
Disney+ Hotstar Super INR 899/Year
OR
CAD 15/Year
2 devices with all Premium membership features
Disney+ Hotstar Mobile INR 499/Year
OR
CAD 8.5/Year
1 device (mobile only) with all Premium membership features

Disney Plus Hotstar vs. Canadian Hotstar: What’s the Difference?

FeatureDisney+ Hotstar (India)Canadian Hotstar
Service AvailabilityA single, active platform combining JioCinema and Hotstar content.Service is discontinued and no longer available.
Live Cricket (IPL, etc.)Included and a core feature of the subscription.The original Hotstar Canada lost these rights, which are now held by other broadcasters like Willow TV.
Hotstar SpecialsFull library of exclusive Indian original series is available.Not available, as the platform that produced them does not operate in Canada.
Bollywood & Regional FilmsA massive, comprehensive library from both Hotstar and JioCinema.Not available through a Hotstar service. A small, rotating selection is licensed to other Canadian streaming platforms.
HBO & Disney ContentIncluded as part of the single subscription.Not available through a Hotstar service. Rights are held exclusively by Crave (for HBO) and Disney+ Canada.

How VPN Unblocks Disney + Hotstar in Canada?

One thing’s for sure – to watch Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada, VPN is a must! But why is that so when Hotstar itself is free in Canada?

Disney+ Hotstar content is geo-restricted to Indian viewers only. It contains content in English and local languages as well.

Mostly, companies are bound by production companies to geo-restrict content due to licensing issues. So, in order to get access to the platform, you’ll be needing a change of IP! 

Your IP address is what distinguishes you from other users. Currently, you’re in Canada, with a Canadian IP.

Using a VPN, you can acquire an Indian IP address and then watch your favorite content, from the comfort of your couch in Canada. I’ve seen how you can easily do it with the press of a button. 

Now, all that’s left is to see which VPN will be the best option for you to stream Indian Hotstar in Canada.

Why don’t I suggest Free VPN to Watch Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada?

It’s only natural to think if free VPNs would do what these premium VPNs offer. Well, they don’t. Since you’re not paying for their service, these VPN providers turn to advertisers and sell your data in return for a payout.

Not only is that concerning, but these VPN providers are also probably already blocked by Disney Plus Hotstar. 

So, if you were to weigh your options – there’s much against free VPNs right now. Slow and limited servers, unsafe and lack of security, no support from their staff, and the list goes on and on.

You can avoid all of that by subscribing to one of the VPNs I’ve listed above and avoiding the hassle altogether.

What Channels Can I Watch on Disney Plus Hotstar? 

Disney Plus Hostar in Canada

Disney+ Hotstar has much more content, with the entire Disney+ library added to it as well. Not to mention, although Hotstar is free in Canada, the extra content needs a subscription.

If you’ve set up your VPN and your device is ready to start streaming content, here’s a complete list of channels that you can watch on Disney Plus Hotstar:

  1. Star Plus
  2. Star Parvah
  3. ABP News
  4. HBO Original Programming
  5. Star World
  6. 9XM
  7. Star Bharat
  8. Star Sports 1
  9. Asianet
  10. Star Sports 2
  11. ABC
  12. Star Sports Select 1
  13. Star Sports Select 2
  14. FOX Life
  15. Quix
  16. Hotstar Specials
  17. JioCinema

What TV Shows, Movies, and Sports Can I Watch Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada?

There are tons of TV series, movies, and sports that you can watch on Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada. Here is the list of some best shows, movies and sports that you can watch on Disney Plus Hotstar:

Best TV Shows on Disney+Hotstar/ JioHotstar

  • Criminal Justice
  • Mirzapur
  • Special Ops
  • Sacred Games
  • Game of Thrones
  • House of the Dragon
  • Out Of Love
  • Hostages
  • City of Dreams
  • Aarya
  • PariWar
  • Malgudi Days
  • Criminal Justice: Behind Closed Doors
  • Grahan
  • Wanda Vision
  • Arrested Development
  • Berry
  • Chernobyl
  • Game of Thrones
  • Mandalorian

Best Movies Movies on Disney Plus Hotstar

Best Movies to Watch on Disney+ Hostar
  • Bad Education
  • The Art Of Racing In The Rain
  • Badhaai Ho
  • Baaghi 2
  • Murder On The Orient Express
  • We Bought A Zoo
  • Dil Bechara
  • Gifted
  • Secretariat
  • Mission Mangal
  • Kingsman
  • The Shape Of Water
  • The Martian
  • Independence Day
  • Black Swan
  • The Last King of Scotland
  • The Fault In Our Stars
  • Avatar
  • Hamilton
  • Mulan
  • Ford V Ferrari
  • Nomadland
  • All Marvel movies
  • All Star Wars films
  • The Favourite

Sports on Disney Plus Hotstar

Sports to Watch on Disney+ Hotstar
  • Football
  • Cricket including IPL
  • Formula 1
  • Badminton
  • Tennis
  • Boxing
  • Kabadi
  • E-Sports

Troubleshooting Disney Plus Hotstar streaming issues in Canada and How to fix them?

Encountering streaming issues with Disney+ Hotstar in Canada can be frustrating, but the problems are almost always related to the VPN connection and can usually be resolved with a few simple steps.

Follow these steps if you’re having trouble accessing or streaming the service.

Problem 1: You See a “Not Available in Your Region” or Geo-Block Error

This is the most common issue and happens when Hotstar detects that you are using a VPN or are outside of India. Try these fixes in order:

  1. Switch VPN Servers: This is the most effective solution. The IP address of the server you are using may have been blocked by Hotstar. Disconnect from your current server and reconnect to a different server located in India. Most top VPNs offer multiple server options.
  2. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies: Your web browser stores location data that can reveal your true location to Hotstar, even with a VPN active. Go into your browser’s settings and clear all cache and cookies, then restart it.
  3. Use Incognito or Private Mode: As a quick alternative to clearing your cache, open a new Incognito (in Chrome) or Private (in Firefox/Safari) window. This starts a fresh session without any stored location data.
  4. Check for IP Leaks: Sometimes a VPN can “leak” your real Canadian IP address. Go to a free IP leak test website (like whatismyipaddress.com) to ensure the location shown is in India. If it shows your Canadian location, your VPN is not working correctly, and you should contact their support.
  5. Restart Your Apps: Close both your VPN app and the Hotstar app (or browser window) completely, then restart the VPN first, connect to India, and then open Hotstar again.

Problem 2: The Video is Buffering, Lagging, or Low Quality

This is usually caused by a slow VPN connection, especially when watching live sports like cricket.

  1. Change VPN Servers: Just like with the geo-block error, some servers are faster than others. Experiment with different Indian server locations offered by your VPN provider to find the fastest one.
  2. Switch VPN Protocols: Top VPN providers allow you to change the connection protocol in their settings. Look for options like Lightway (on ExpressVPN) or NordLynx (on NordVPN), as these are often much faster for streaming than standard protocols.
  3. Use a Wired Connection: If you are watching on a computer, connect it directly to your router with an Ethernet cable. A wired connection is almost always faster and more stable than Wi-Fi.
  4. Close Background Applications: Ensure other devices or applications on your network are not consuming large amounts of bandwidth (e.g., downloading large files, other people streaming 4K content).

Problem 3: The Hotstar App is Not Working on Your Device

If the app itself won’t load content or function correctly:

  1. Ensure the VPN is Active First: Always connect to your VPN before opening the Hotstar app.
  2. Reinstall the App: Sometimes the app’s cache can cause issues. Delete the Hotstar app from your device, restart the device, and then reinstall the app (while ensuring your App Store or Google Play account is still set to the Indian region).

FAQs

01
Can I access Disney+ Hotstar in Canada?

No, you can’t access Disney+ Hotstar in Canada directly as the streaming service is only available in India, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore due to content licensing. However, you can still access it from Canada with the help of a VPN.

02
Can I use my Disney+ Canada account to access Disney+ Hotstar?

No, Though both streaming services owned by The Walt Disney, but you can’t acess Disney+ Hotstar with your Disney+ Canada account. This means you need a separate account to access Disney+ Hotstar and can’t use your Disney+ account.

03
Is there a free trial for Disney+ Hotstar in Canada?

No, Disney+ Hotstar is not available in Canada, so there’s no free trial. Only a limited Hotstar service is offered, and it does not include a free trial.

04
Are Hotstar Canada and Hotstar India the same?

No, they’re not the same. While both are owned by The Walt Disney Company, Hotstar in Canada and Disney+ operate as separate streaming services. In India, however, they are combined into one platform—Disney+ Hotstar—offering content from both services in one place.

05
Can I use my existing Indian Hotstar account in Canada?

Yes. If you have an active subscription from India, simply connect your VPN to an Indian server, log in with your credentials, and start watching.

Final Thoughts

I’m hopeful I’ve filled you in all everything there is to know about how to watch Disney Plus Hotstar in Canada. Simply use your favourite VPN, hit connect, sign in, and there you go. Dim the lights, get the popcorns ready — it’s time to binge! 

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