How to Unblock and Watch Disney Plus From Anywhere in 2023

Disney+ has different shows in different countries, and despite its huge popularity, it’s still not available everywhere. For instance, I couldn’t watch Disney+ in Vietnam when I went there on vacation. Plus, its regional VOD services like Disney+ Hotstar are not available in many places.

However, you can easily solve this issue by using a VPN. It works by hiding your true location and making it seem like you’re browsing the web somewhere else. This allows you to access your required Disney+ library from anywhere.

Out of the 50+ VPNs my team and I tested, my top choice for Disney Plus is ExpressVPN. It has vast compatibility so you can access tons of Disney+ shows on basically any streaming device. And it offers fast connection speeds suitable for 4K streaming. It also comes with a solid 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free.

Watch Disney+ With ExpressVPN >>

Why You Need a VPN to Watch Disney+

Due to licensing agreements, Disney Plus uses geo-blocking. It enforces geo-restrictions by identifying your location based on your IP address and then only shows you content that’s licensed there. This is also the reason why its regional services like Hotstar and Star are not accessible in many places.

If you try to watch Disney+ from somewhere it's unavailable, you will simply be blocked out and get the "Sorry, Disney+ is not available in your region" error message:

Disney Plus has expanded its global availability, but places like Vietnam and Thailand may still face this error

A VPN can bypass these restrictions by hiding your actual IP and giving you a new one. You only need to select your required region with the VPN app, and it will appear like you are using the internet there. For example, you can connect to a VPN server in the US from Bulgaria or Vietnam to access the US library of Disney+.

Start Watching Disney+ Today

Best VPNs to Watch Disney+ From Anywhere in 2023

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds for Watching Disney+ Without Lag

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested July 2023

Can access:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.ExpressVPN.com

Not only is ExpressVPN super reliable at accessing dozens of Disney+ regional catalogs, but its speeds are the fastest among all the VPNs I tested. VPNs can reduce your connection speeds by 10-20%, but it only dropped mine by 4%, which wasn’t even noticeable while streaming. While I was testing ExpressVPN, I watched Disney movies in 4K without buffering on both my Windows laptop and Mac.

I could watch Turning Red in HD with no lag using ExpressVPN's New Jersey server

On top Windows and macOS, it also has native apps for popular devices like FireStick, iPhone, and Android. The app works essentially the same on each of these devices. I found it convenient that you can add shortcuts to ExpressVPN’s homescreen. I added Disney+ and it took 2 clicks to connect and load the Disney+ library I wanted.

You can set ExpressVPN up easily on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like most smart TVs and gaming consoles. MediaStreamer provides you with a short code enter into your streaming device’s network settings that changes your location. This allows access to Disney+ US. It took me about 5 minutes to set up on my PS5 and I could access shows that weren’t normally available to me.

It’s also one of the easiest VPNs to set up and use on a router. Setting it up on your home router means you can use the complete VPN on every device connected to your network. This is a great option if you watch Disney+ with a Chromecast, for example. Most VPNs require you to change servers manually in your router, which can be pretty time consuming. But ExpressVPN has an app for routers that lets you use it as easily as you would on your laptop.

The only downside of ExpressVPN is that its pricing plans are slightly more expensive than other VPNs. The cheapest plan costs $6.67/month. While it is pricier, you can save some money because it usually runs promotions. For example, I got 3 months for free when I signed up for its annual plan.

It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which lets you test ExpressVPN with Disney+ risk-free. To test out the refund process, I contacted its support team through the 24/7 live chat and canceled my subscription after 28 days. After answering a couple of questions about my experience, the representative immediately approved my request. I was fully refunded after 3 business days.

Watch Disney+ With ExpressVPN

2. CyberGhost — Streaming Servers Give Reliable Access to Disney+

Can access:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers make accessing Disney+ easy. All 3 servers (in the US, Italy, and India) worked with Disney+ instantly. While it also offers regular servers in 91 locations, these aren’t as reliable as the Disney+ optimized ones. But I was able to access a few other catalogs, like Canada and Germany with them.

It only took a few seconds to load Encanto Sing-Along on Disney+ using CyberGhost's Atlanta server

CyberGhost also comes with easy setups for smart TVs and gaming consoles — similar to ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer. But unlike ExpressVPN, it offers codes for 5 locations, including the US, Japan, and the UK, so you can access multiple Disney+ libraries using it. You can set it up on your router as well, but it requires manual configuration.

It also has speeds more than fast enough for streaming in 4K. I only had an 11% speed drop with CyberGhost’s US Disney+ server and watched WandaVision in Ultra HD. I experienced no pixelated picture or annoying loading screens, even when I was using the VPN with Disney+ on 3 devices at once.

Unfortunately, CyberGhost’s short-term plan is quite expensive and comes with a shorter money-back guarantee (14 days). However, its long-term plans are reasonably priced, starting at $2.19/month, and come with an extended money-back guarantee.

The extended money-back guarantee lets you try CyberGhost risk-free for 45 days. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a refund within that frame. To check if it's trustworthy, I canceled my subscription through its 24/7 live chat feature. The representative approved my request after asking for some general feedback, and I got my money back in 3 days.

Watch Disney+ With CyberGhost

3. Private Internet Access — Huge Server Network to Unblock Disney+ With Ease

Can access:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

With 29,650 servers, Private Internet Access offers tons of options for finding the best connection for Disney+. If you ever face an issue with one server, there are plenty more to choose from. And if you can’t be bothered looking for a working server, you can always just stick to one of the 8 streaming servers available.

I tested PIA’s streaming servers in the US, UK, Japan, and Italy and all of them gave me access to the corresponding Disney+ library. Unfortunately, there’s no streaming server based in India for Hotstar, but I did manage to access it using the regular India location.

I watched Turning Red on Disney+ without lag while connected to PIA's New York server

The only issue I had with PIA is that its app isn’t the most user-friendly since it has a lot of customization options. But you don’t have to change anything since it can easily unblock Disney+ with its default settings. However, If you’re a more experienced VPN user, you can tweak the settings per your requirements.

It offers multiple long-term and short-term plans to meet your needs. They all come with the same features, but the annual plans are considerably cheaper. You can get PIA for $2.03/month with its most economical subscription plan.

You can also try PIA completely risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. I decided to try this policy by contacting its customer support via the 24/7 live chat and canceled my subscription. The representative approved my request after asking me a couple of customer-satisfaction questions. I got my money back after 4 days.

Watch Disney+ With PIA

4. NordVPN — User-Friendly Apps Let You Stream Disney+ Without Hassle

Can access:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN has native apps for the most popular devices and operating systems. What I liked most about it is the apps are almost the same no matter which device you use. This makes it really easy to use to watch Disney+ across devices — you don’t have to learn how NordVPN works every time you install it on another streaming device.

It also comes with a smart DNS feature, so you can tweak your smart TV or console’s network settings to access Disney+ directly on them. While it has router compatibility, there’s no native app, so setting it up across your entire network is a bit complicated.

While it doesn’t have streaming-specific servers like CyberGhost or PIA, NordVPN is reliable at accessing Disney+ in a ton of regions. Instead of choosing a few servers to maintain for streaming, it maintains all of them with a feature it calls SmartPlay. It has 5,640 servers in 60 countries, so that’s a lot of options.

I watched Free Guy in HD without any buffering and only had to wait for 7 seconds before my stream started.

NordVPN offers pricing plans categorized as Standard, Plus, and Complete. Nevertheless, the Standard plan, being the most affordable, includes all the necessary features to access Disney+ from any location.

All plans are also backed by a money-back guarantee, so if you try it out and aren’t impressed, you can get a full refund within 30 days.

Watch Disney+ With NordVPN

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Devices to Cover a Household of Disney Fans

Can access:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs in this list and it doesn’t limit how many devices you can connect. Most VPNs limit your connections to 5-10 — If you have a large family, everyone can use Surfshark to access Disney+ (or whatever streaming platform) on their personal devices without any limitations.

It has very fast speeds, and I never faced buffering testing Surfshark with Disney+. Similar to NordVPN, it doesn’t offer specialized streaming servers, but I found the 6 I tested reliable in accessing Disney+. The UK, US, Japan, and Germany locations all worked great.

I connected to the same Surfshark UK server with 4 of my devices and did not experience any slowdowns

Surfshark's server connection time can occasionally be lengthy. While ExpressVPN typically connects within a second, waiting 30 seconds or longer to establish a connection with Surfshark can become frustrating.

It comes with monthly and annual subscription plans, but the long-term ones offer better value, as is the norm with VPN subscriptions. But with long-term options for as low as $2.30/month, Surfshark is a really good price for everything it offers.

Watch Disney+ With Surfshark

How to Watch Disney+ on Any Device With a VPN

Below are detailed step-by-step guides that will help you install a VPN on any device so you can use it to stream Disney+. For popular devices, it’s easy – just download and install the native VPN app for your chosen device. But for devices that don’t support VPN apps, like smart TVs, Chromecast, Roku, or Apple TV, you’ll need to use a VPN’s Smart DNS service, share the VPN connection from your PC, or install the VPN on your router.

For the guides below, I used ExpressVPN – the best VPN for Disney+ I tested. Not only can it reliably stream in the highest quality, but it’s compatible with a ton of different devices and operating systems. You can use it on just about anything.

Windows and Mac

Because nearly all VPNs offer a native app for Windows and Mac, it’s really simple to set up — the process is mostly automated for you. You can start watching Disney+ in just a few minutes.

1. Download a VPN. Sign up for a VPN service and download the installer for Windows or Mac, whichever you are using. These are usually available on the VPN’s official website.

   ExpressVPN lets you set up all your devices on a single page, including Windows and MacOS

2. Install the app. Open the downloaded file and click “Yes” on the pop-up asking permission for the app to make changes to your device (this is just allowing the VPN to be installed). This will open the VPN installer — follow the steps to complete installation.
3. Sign in and set up the app. Open the installed app and click “Sign in”. If you haven’t created an account yet, you can do this either in the app or on the official VPN website.
   This will begin the initial setup. Depending on the VPN, you may be asked to give permissions, set preferences, share diagnostic data, and so on. You may also be asked for an activation code, or to click an activation link. These are usually available in your account area on the VPN site or sent to you through email.

   With ExpressVPN, the activation code can be found on ExpressVPN’s site after signing in

4. Choose your server and connect. You will now need to select the server in the location where you want to access Disney+ (or its regional services, like Hotstar).
   Most VPN apps are really simple to navigate. With ExpressVPN, for example, I just clicked the automatically selected location to edit it. I then searched for the United States in the server list and clicked a US server location. Finally, I pressed the power symbol to connect.

   ExpressVPN offers many American servers — perfect for streaming the Disney+ US library

5. Start Streaming Disney+. After connecting, you will now be able to access your Disney+ account from anywhere. Launch the Disney+ website and sign in to start streaming content.

   I unblocked Disney+ US with ExpressVPN’s New Jersey 3 server in the US

Watch Disney+ on Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire Stick With a VPN

Setting up a VPN on your Android or iOS mobile device is as simple and straightforward as it is for Windows and Mac. The top-notch VPN services provide user-friendly apps for these devices, ensuring easy installation and usage. Additionally, certain VPNs, such as ExpressVPN, even offer convenient native apps for Amazon Fire Sticks, featuring a similar setup process.

1. Install a VPN. Download your chosen VPN from your device’s respective app marketplace. This would be the Google Play Store for Android, the Apple App Store for iOS, and the Amazon Appstore for the Amazon Fire Stick.
2. Sign up. After installation, open the app and sign up. You may be asked to activate your account via a link sent by email, or by entering an activation code.You’ll also need to add a valid payment method if you’re purchasing a subscription. Some free trials allow you to sign up without this information, but many require your billing details regardless.
3. Set up the app. Once you have activated your account, you can begin initial set up. You may be asked to set permissions, preferences, and so on.
   You may also get a message stating that the app would like to set up VPN configurations. This just configures your device’s network settings to work with the VPN, and you will need to allow this for the VPN to work. You may need to enter your device’s passcode or use Touch ID to complete this step.
4. Select a server. After setting up your app, select a server where Disney+ (or Hotstar) is available, such as the US. You can usually do this by searching for your desired country within the app’s server list.
5. Start streaming Disney+. Once you’re connected to your desired server, Disney+ should no longer be blocked. You will be able to sign in and start watching content.

Watch Disney+ With ExpressVPN

Watch Disney+ on Smart TVs, Apple TVs, and Gaming Consoles With a VPN

These devices commonly don’t support VPN apps, which makes setting them up for Disney+ slightly more complex. There are a few different ways you can go about this, each with their pros and cons.

By far the simplest method is using a VPN’s Smart DNS service. This allows you to fool Disney+ into thinking you’re in a country where it is available, much like a regular VPN does. However, the main difference is that your IP address is not hidden and your connection is unencrypted. A Smart DNS only masks your DNS queries — which is enough to bypass Disney+ geo-restrictions.

Despite this, it's important to note that not every VPN provides a Smart DNS service, and those that do often have significant limitations on their accessibility. Numerous Smart DNS services only offer consistent access to a handful of streaming platforms within a specific country. Furthermore, because these connections are not encrypted and your true IP address is exposed, there's a high chance of being tracked or observed during your online activities.

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to setting up Smart DNS with Disney+:

1. Install a VPN that offers Smart DNS. We used ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer, as it’s really straightforward to set up and easily unblocks Disney+ US.
2. Register your IP address. Some VPNs require you to register your IP address with the service. This can usually be done within the DNS settings, which may be found on either the app or in your account area on the VPN’s official site. It usually just requires the press of the button — no need to manually enter your IP.
3. Get your Smart DNS address. Many VPNs tend to list Smart DNS addresses on their device set up screen, while others may require you to go to a specific Smart DNS page on your account. Once you’ve located the addresses, make a note of the one which corresponds with the US — you will need this for the next step.
4. Edit your device’s network settings. Next, you’ll need to access the network settings on the device you’d like to watch Disney+ on. Navigate to the DNS Server/Address setting and enter the Smart DNS address you noted down earlier. This setting is usually auto-filled, so you may need to toggle an additional setting to allow you to manually edit it.
5. Start watching Disney+. You should now be able to watch Disney+ on your device. If the connection is failing, take another look at your DNS settings to ensure you copied the Smart DNS address correctly. If Disney+ is still blocked, ensure you’re using the correct Smart DNS address given by your VPN.

Watch Disney+ on Any Device by Installing a VPN Onto Your Router

By installing your VPN onto your router, you’ll have access to Disney+ on every streaming device in your home, without the need for various VPN apps or a Smart DNS service. Also, a VPN installed on your router works smoothly with devices that commonly do not support native VPN apps, and unlike a Smart DNS service, you’ll have access to your VPN’s full server network on every device.

However, installing a VPN on a router can be a rather technical process. It can involve a lot of fiddling about in router settings to get it to work. In addition, it can be more difficult to change servers when you need to, as many VPNs offer no apps for routers. This means you’d need to manually enter new server details into your router settings every time you wanted to switch servers.

If this is the method you’d like to go for, we highly recommend ExpressVPN — it offers one of the easiest router setups and it even comes with a dedicated VPN router app. This allows you to easily control your VPN without manually editing settings.

The following guide covers how to set up ExpressVPN on a router. If you’d like to use an alternative VPN, we recommend following their own router setup guides. This is because the process of router installation can vary significantly depending on your chosen VPN and router.

1. Get ExpressVPN. Sign up for an ExpressVPN subscription on its official website. Confirm that ExpressVPN supports your router — its mostly automated router setup supports a wide variety of Asus, Linksys, and Netgear routers.
2. Download the ExpressVPN firmware. This can be found on the ExpressVPN website, in your account area’s “Setup” page. Click “Router” from the list of the devices on the left, then “Install on the Router I’ve Been Using”. Select your router model from the drop-down menu on the next screen and then click “Download Firmware”.
3. Apply the firmware update to your router. Once the firmware is downloaded, click “Continue” on the same screen you initiated the download. You’ll be given tailored instructions for your router model — follow them to apply ExpressVPN’s firmware to your router. Your router will need to reboot during this step.
4. Configure ExpressVPN for your router. Once your router has rebooted and the firmware has been applied, press “Continue” once more on the ExpressVPN site. Copy your activation code, then click the link, followed by “Get Started” to configure your settings, preferences, and device groups. Enter your activation code when prompted.
5. Connect to a country where Disney+ is available. Using the dedicated router app, select a server in a country with Disney+ (such as the US). If you’ve created device groups, ensure you change the location for the group that contains the device you’d like to stream with.
6. Start watching Disney+. You should be able to stream content on Disney+ with your chosen device. If it isn’t working, ensure you have changed the VPN location for the correct device group. Contact ExpressVPN support if you continue to run into issues.

Watch Disney+ With ExpressVPN >>

FAQs on Watching Disney+ With a VPN

Where is Disney Plus available?

Disney+ is available in many countries and regions, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Continental Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia. The content in all of the countries where Disney+ is available differs, which means that your country’s library won’t have some titles you can see in others.

Disney+ Star is also available in some European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain, but it’s not available in the US. Disney+ also operates in India and Indonesia under the name of Disney+ Hotstar, popularly known as Hotstar. These versions of Disney+ feature completely different libraries, offering a mix of local and international content.

If you need access to your Disney+ (or Disney+ Star) account, a VPN can bypass the geoblocks and allow you access. For example, if you need access to your US Disney+ library in Bulgaria, then connect to a server in the US.

How can I change my Disney+ location?

The easiest way to change your Disney+ location is with a VPN that can reliably bypass the platform’s geoblocks. To do so, you’ll just need to download and install the VPN app onto your device and connect to a server of your choice. Just make sure that Disney+ is available in that location. Then, log in to your account and start streaming as you normally would.

How can I sign up for Disney+ without a credit card?

You can pay for Disney+ with PayPal, but you’ll need to use a PayPal account that was registered in the country where you signed up for Disney+.

Alternatively, you can use gift cards. However, if you’re watching Disney+ from abroad, you’ll need a VPN with servers within a country where Disney+ is available. This is to unblock Disney+ and so that you can buy usable gift cards from the same region. An example of how you can do this follows below:

• Create a new iTunes account (for iOS users) or a Google Play account (for Android users) and select the US as your region.
• Add funds to your account and connect your VPN to a US server.
• Buy an iTunes or Google Play gift card with enough dollars to pay for the Disney+ subscription.
• Open the Disney+ app and sign up using your purchased gift card and start watching your favorite content.

Can I watch Disney+ for free?

Even though there isn’t a free trial for Disney+, you can sometimes find promotions that offer one. Usually this is possible when you subscribe for another service or cable package. For example, if you subscribe for Verizon Wireless or Amazon Music, they sometimes offer Disney+ for free for a couple of months. Note that these services only work for US-based customers, so you’ll need a US billing method. To pair it with your free Disney+ deal, you can get a VPN with a money-back guarantee to sign up for Disney+ from anywhere. With the guarantee, you’ll also be able to use the VPN for free for a certain period.

Is it illegal to use a VPN for Disney+?

No, it is not illegal to access Disney+ with a VPN. There are no specific laws against accessing geo-restricted content with a VPN.

However, you do need to be wary of your country’s stance on VPNs. Some censorship-heavy countries, such as China and Russia, implement restrictions or bans on VPNs. We do not condone the breaking of the law, so please ensure you check your local laws before using a VPN.

What should I do if I still get the Disney+ streaming error with a VPN?

If you are still getting the Disney+ streaming error or a black screen even with your VPN connected, you can try the following steps:

• Choose a quality VPN — Some VPNs struggle to unblock Disney+, due to blacklisting or a failure to properly mask your true location. By choosing one of our top VPNs for Disney+, you’ll consistently be able to unblock Disney+ without issue.
• Update your VPN app — Out-of-date VPN apps may work incorrectly and fail to unblock Disney+. Update your VPN app to the latest version and give it another go.
• Connect to a different server — Disney+ may have blacklisted your current VPN IP address. As long as you are using a quality VPN, there will be plenty of working alternatives. Disconnect and reconnect your VPN to get a new IP and try again.
• Clearing your cookies and caches — Try reconnecting your VPN after clearing your cookies and cache, as they might contain trackers leaking your actual location.
• Disable GPS location data — It’s possible that Disney+ is able to see your true location via your device’s GPS data. Turn off any kind of location services on your device and try again.
• Try a different browser — Some VPNs may be unable to prevent leaks of your true location with certain browsers. If you’re using a PC browser to access Disney+, try a different one. If this still fails to work, try accessing Disney+ through the app.
• Enable the SSL/TLS protocol and port 2080 — If possible, set your VPN to use the SSL/TLS protocol and port 2080 in the settings. Contact support if you’re struggling with this. Be aware that not all VPNs allow you to manually configure ports or use the SSL/TLS protocol.
• Contact customer support — If you’re still having trouble, contact the support team for your VPN. They will be able to better help you narrow down your specific issue.

Enjoy More Disney+ on Any Device With a VPN

Disney+ isn’t available everywhere. Plus, the content differs in each region it is available. The easiest way to access Disney+ from anywhere is to use a VPN proven to bypass its geoblocks.

The VPN I recommend for Disney+ is ExpressVPN. It reliably unblocks the streaming platform from anywhere and has fast speeds that will let you watch Disney+ in UHD. Best of all, you can try all of ExpressVPN’s features risk-free since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s possible to claim a full refund if it doesn’t work out for you.

To summarize, the best VPNs for watching Disney+ are…

Rank

Provider

Our Score

Discount

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1

9.8 /10

Save 49%!

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2

9.8 /10

Save 83%!

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3

9.6 /10

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4

9.4 /10

Save 69%!

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5

9.2 /10

Save 82%!

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