The Potential Challenges Of Using A VPN With Hotstar In New Zealand, And How To Fix It?

In today’s digital age, streaming services have become an integral part of our entertainment routine. With platforms like Hotstar providing access to a wide range of TV shows, movies, and live sports events, it’s no wonder that users around the world are eager to enjoy its content by using the best Hotstar VPN in NZ.

However, for individuals residing outside of India, accessing Hotstar can be a challenge due to regional restrictions.

This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes into play, allowing users to bypass these restrictions and access Hotstar from anywhere.

Nevertheless, using a VPN with Hotstar in New Zealand presents its own set of challenges, which we will explore in this blog. We will also present the most faced challenge and its solution as well.

Geo-blocking and Content Licensing

Hotstar restricts access to its content based on geographical regions due to content licensing agreements. This means that if you are in New Zealand, you will encounter geo-blocking when trying to access Hotstar.

A VPN can provide an alternative IP address from India, allowing you to bypass these restrictions and access the platform.

However, it’s important to note that content licensing agreements can be complex, and the use of a VPN may violate the terms of service. This could potentially lead to your account being suspended or terminated.

VPN Detection And Blacklisting

As streaming services become more sophisticated, they implement better methods to detect and block VPN usage. Hotstar is no exception, and it actively tries to identify and block VPN traffic.

If Hotstar detects that you are using a VPN, it may block your access to the platform, rendering your efforts to access the content futile.

This can be frustrating, especially if you have already invested in a VPN subscription.

Internet Speed And Performance

When using a VPN, your internet connection is routed through an additional server, which can introduce a slight delay and affect your internet speed.

While this may not be a significant issue for regular web browsing, it can impact the quality of your streaming experience.

Buffering, pixelation, and frequent interruptions are common problems faced when using a VPN with Hotstar in New Zealand. These issues can be particularly frustrating, especially when watching live sports events or shows with fast-paced action.

Limited VPN Server Options

To access Hotstar from New Zealand, you will need a VPN server located in India.

However, not all VPN providers offer servers in India, and the ones that may have limited options or overcrowded servers. Overcrowded servers can result in slower speeds and diminished streaming quality.

Therefore, finding a reliable VPN provider with a robust server network, including servers in India, becomes crucial.

How To Fix the Challenges

Choose a Reputable VPN Provider

Choosing a reputable VPN provider is the first step towards resolving the challenges of using a VPN with Hotstar in New Zealand. Look for providers with a strong track record in bypassing geo-blocks and a large network of servers in India.

Leading VPN services such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are known for their ability to unblock geo-restricted content reliably.

Opt For Dedicated IP Addresses

Some VPN providers offer dedicated IP addresses as an additional service. Dedicated IP addresses are less likely to be detected and blocked by streaming platforms like Hotstar, as they are less commonly associated with VPN usage.

By using a dedicated IP address, you can enhance your chances of accessing Hotstar without being detected.

Trial Different VPN Servers

If you encounter performance issues or face connectivity problems with a particular VPN server, try switching to another server within the same VPN network.

Experiment with different server locations in India to find the one that provides the best speed and streaming quality for your Hotstar usage.

Check VPN Compatibility

Before subscribing to a VPN service, ensure that it is compatible with the device you plan to use for streaming Hotstar.

Whether you intend to watch Hotstar on your laptop, smartphone, or smart TV, verify that the VPN provider offers dedicated apps or manual setup instructions for your device.

The Most Rising Problem

The most rising problem in recent times has been the VPN blocking by Hotstar. Hotstar employs advanced measures to detect and block VPN usage. It actively monitors IP addresses and flags those associated with VPN servers, leading to restricted access for users attempting to bypass regional restrictions.

Ways To Solve This

If you are experiencing VPN blocking by Hotstar in New Zealand, here are a few steps that may help resolve the issue:

Clear your browser cache

Sometimes, cached data interfere with VPN connections. Clearing your browser cache and trying to reconnect to the VPN can be helpful.

Switch VPN servers

VPN providers usually have multiple servers in different locations. Try connecting to a different server within the VPN provider’s network, preferably one that is not blocked by Hotstar.

Use a different VPN provider

If the current VPN you are using is consistently blocked by Hotstar, consider switching to a different VPN provider. Some VPNs have better success rates in bypassing geo-restrictions.

Enable obfuscated servers

Some VPN providers offer obfuscated servers that help disguise VPN traffic, making it harder for Hotstar to detect and block it. Check if your VPN provider offers this feature and enable it if available.

Use a Smart DNS service

Instead of a VPN, you can try using a Smart DNS service. Smart DNS can help bypass geo-restrictions without encrypting your connection as a VPN does.

However, keep in mind that Smart DNS services may not offer the same level of privacy and security as VPNs.

Conclusion

Using a VPN with Hotstar in New Zealand can overcome the geographical restrictions imposed by the streaming service. However, challenges such as geo-blocking, VPN detection, internet speed issues, and limited server options can hinder the streaming experience.

By choosing a reputable VPN provider, opting for dedicated IP addresses, experimenting with different VPN servers, and ensuring device compatibility, you can improve your chances of accessing Hotstar from New Zealand seamlessly.

With the right VPN and a little perseverance, you can enjoy the vast content library of Hotstar, regardless of your location.