Fortunately, there’s an easy way to fix this issue — using a top-tier VPN. But not every VPN can access Disney+. My team and I tested more than 30 providers and narrowed it down to the top 5 to find the best VPNs for Disney+ on mobile, PC, and other devices. ExpressVPN is the top choice for Disney+ in 2023, with fast, reliable servers that access the platform in seconds. But you don’t have to take my word for it — I suggest you test ExpressVPN with Disney+ for yourself. If you don’t like it, you can get a full refund within 30 days as it’s backed by a money-back guarantee. Watch Disney+ abroad with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: Watch Disney+ in 3 Easy Steps
Watch Disney+ anywhere with ExpressVPN
How a VPN Helps You Watch Disney+ From Anywhere
Disney+ has different content available in various countries due to broadcasting and copyright regulations, so you might not find your favorite shows or movies when traveling abroad. Worse still, Disney+ isn’t available worldwide — you can access your account in countries like the US, Canada, India, Italy, and Australia, but you won’t be able to log in to your account if you’re visiting a country that doesn’t currently have Disney+.
Disney+ uses your IP address to detect your location. If you’re on a restricted IP (like at work) or are outside a country with Disney+, you won’t be able to access your account. The only way to bypass these blocks is by masking your IP with a VPN, as this gives you a new IP address by routing your traffic through a server in your home country. As Disney+ can’t detect your actual location, you can stream your usual content even when you’re abroad. Using a VPN to access your local account isn’t against the Disney+ User Agreement. However, not all services can connect to Disney+ — only the best VPNs in 2023 can guarantee access to your account. I found ExpressVPN is ideal for streaming Disney+, with fast speeds, secure encryption, and thousands of servers in its global network. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out with Disney+ for yourself completely risk-free. If you’re not satisfied then you can simply claim a full refund. Stream Disney+ with ExpressVPN
The Best VPNs for Watching Disney+ in January 2023
1. ExpressVPN — Superfast Speeds and Thousands of Global Servers
Key Features: ExpressVPN is the top choice for Disney+, with blazing-fast speeds across its global network of 3000+ servers. I ran speed tests on multiple ExpressVPN servers, both local and distant, and found ExpressVPN is the fastest service I’ve tested. My speeds reduced marginally, with an average drop of 18% — fast enough for Ultra HD streaming even when using a server 17,000km away. Thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN keeps your Disney+ connections lag-free and uninterrupted. Lightway is designed to maximize speed without compromising on security, and it’s the default protocol for ExpressVPN’s servers. I found that using Lightway meant I had almost instant server connections, and didn’t experience any disruption while streaming on my local Disney+ account. To keep your true location and data protected, ExpressVPN uses the following security and privacy features:
Military-grade encryption: All servers are secured by AES-256-bit encryption to ensure your traffic is protected. Data leak protection: ExpressVPN stops DNS, WebRTC, and IP address leaks, keeping your location information hidden. TrustedServer Technology: Every server is RAM-based, which means it cannot physically store your data. Plus, all servers are wiped clean during regular reboots. Audited zero-log policy: ExpressVPN has undergone multiple third-party audits to confirm it won’t log or store any of your data.
With regular IP refreshing for every server, ExpressVPN is not only a great choice for streaming Disney+, but it is also ideal if you want to connect to other services like Netflix US or Hulu. I like that ExpressVPN lets you create website shortcuts within its app, so I could launch Disney+ immediately after connecting to a server. This is extremely easy to set up on all devices — simply open the “Shortcuts” tab in “Settings” and add the Disney+ URL. Another impressive feature is ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer, a Smart DNS feature that lets you access Disney+ on devices that don’t support a VPN app. I configured MediaStreamer with my PS5, and it took less than 5 minutes thanks to ExpressVPN’s detailed setup guide. Though ExpressVPN is a slightly pricier option, it’s worth the cost for exceptional speeds and stream quality. Its plans start at $6.67 per month for a subscription, plus every plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can watch Disney+ with ExpressVPN risk-free, and if you change your mind then you can contact the 24/7 live chat for a full refund. I was surprised by how easy the process was, taking a couple of minutes for the support agent to process my request with no questions asked. Best of all, I had my refund only 4 days later. Watch Disney+ with ExpressVPN
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Disney+ Servers Guarantee a Secure Connection
Key Features: CyberGhost’s optimized servers ensure a fast and easy connection to Disney+. These servers are regularly tested by CyberGhost to guarantee they work, so you can always get connected. When I tested the specific Disney+ servers, I could access my account and start streaming immediately with minimal loading and no signs of congestion. I found CyberGhost’s servers are consistently fast enough for uninterrupted streaming on multiple platforms. You can find CyberGhost’s optimized servers (for Disney+ and more) in the “For Streaming” menu in its apps. CyberGhost’s apps are easy to navigate across all supported devices, so you’ll quickly be able to find the right server connection. The intuitive interface also makes CyberGhost a good choice for beginner VPN users. If you want to stream Disney+ on a device that doesn’t support VPN apps, CyberGhost has a Smart DNS feature you can set up with your PlayStation, Xbox, smart TV, and more. While there aren’t any specific streaming options for Disney+ using Smart DNS, I found using the UK streaming address connected me to my local account without issue. To keep your IP address hidden and your data secure, CyberGhost has the following security and privacy features:
AES-256-bit encryption: Your traffic is secured by military-grade encryption on every CyberGhost connection. Automatic kill switch: Cuts access to the internet if the VPN connection is interrupted, ensuring your data remains hidden. WiFi protection: When switched on, CyberGhost will automatically connect to a server when using new or unsecured WiFi networks. Zero-log policy: CyberGhost won’t log or store your data on its RAM-based servers, but the service hasn’t yet been independently audited.
The issue with CyberGhost is that it doesn’t always work in countries with strict internet regulations, like China, Russia, Turkey, and Iran. If you travel to one of these countries, you may not be able to connect to your Disney+ account. I recommend contacting CyberGhost’s 24/7 live chat support to ask which servers are most likely to work when visiting these locations. Fortunately, CyberGhost is good value for money, with plans starting at $2.19 for a subscription. CyberGhost also has a generous 45-day money-back guarantee with its long-term subscriptions — ideal if you only need a VPN while you go on vacation or for a short time. This means you can stream Disney+ with CyberGhost risk-free and get a full refund, no questions asked. I found the refund process simple and had my money back in less than a week. Watch Disney+ with CyberGhost
3. Private Internet Access — Huge Server Network Makes Disney+ Connections Easy
Key Features: Private Internet Access (PIA) has an enormous server network for streaming Disney+ anywhere. With more than 35000 servers in 84 countries, it’s easy to find a server in or near your home country when you’re traveling. My colleagues and I tested more than 30 PIA server locations and could access our local Disney+ accounts with them all. Plus, with such a large server network, you’re unlikely to encounter user congestion at peak traffic times, so you can easily stream on Disney+ any time. On average, PIA’s connections only slowed my speeds to around 65Mbps — this was fast enough for Ultra HD-quality streaming on Disney+. Local servers (less than 5,000km away) are the best for streaming, with a bigger drop when connecting to distant servers. This is expected as physical distance causes higher latency, so take this into account if you’re traveling far from your home country as you could have a more significant slowdown. To keep your location data protected, PIA has a range of security and privacy features, including:
Customizable encryption: Choose between AES-256-bit and AES-128-bit encryption — both offer top-tier security, but AES-128 can improve your speeds on slower connections. Malware and ad block: MACE feature blocks malicious content and pop-up ads for safe, fast connections. Automatic kill switch: Blocks access to the internet if the VPN connection is unexpectedly interrupted, securing your data. Zero-log policy: Independently audited and real-world government requests for data have shown PIA does not log or store your information.
However, you will find that not all PIA’s servers work with Disney+ or other streaming services. During tests, I couldn’t always access my Disney+ account with the first PIA server I connected to. I often had to switch between several servers to find a working connection. Fortunately, changing servers with PIA is quick and easy, and connecting to the server only takes a few seconds. It’s worth testing PIA with Disney+ for yourself to see if it’s right for you, as it’s a robust VPN at a reasonable price — starting at $2.19/month for a plan. If you’re not satisfied or change your mind, you can get a full refund within 30 days. You’ll need your invoice number when you cancel, but don’t worry if you can’t find it — when I tested the process, the live chat agent sent me an email containing the number, and then I was able to process my refund in just a couple of seconds. I had my money back in 4 days. Watch Disney+ with PIA
4. PrivateVPN — Stealth VPN Provides Access to Disney+ Worldwide
Key Features: PrivateVPN’s Stealth VPN feature lets you stream Disney+ from anywhere — it’s one of the only VPNs that works in countries with restrictive internet like China. It obfuscates your VPN traffic to look like regular traffic, so it won’t be noticed by VPN detection technology. This means when you’re traveling abroad, you’ll always be able to access your Disney+ account. The downside is that Stealth VPN can slow your speeds due to its high-level encryption. However, I was pleased to find that PrivateVPN is consistently fast across its server network. My speeds dropped no more than 50% regardless of the server location, which was more than enough for Ultra HD Disney+ streaming. If your regular internet speeds are slower, you will experience a bigger reduction. Alongside fast speeds, PrivateVPN keeps your data safe with the following security and privacy features:
Customizable encryption: For a speed boost without risking your data security, you can reduce the encryption level to AES-128-bit. Data leak protection: Secures against DNS and IP address leaks to keep your true location hidden. Owns and operates the entire network: No third-party server companies means no risk of outside interference, maximizing your data security. Zero-log policy: PrivateVPN won’t log or store any of your data while connected to its servers, but this hasn’t been independently audited yet.
Unfortunately, with PrivateVPN’s small server network, you’re bound to experience some user congestion due to high traffic levels. It didn’t happen often, but there were times I couldn’t make a connection to a popular server or had to wait 30 seconds to establish a secure tunnel. If you don’t want to wait, you can use a service like ExpressVPN, which has a much bigger server network. That being said, having to retry a connection or wait a few seconds is worth it, considering PrivateVPN’s low price — it’s one of the most affordable monthly VPN options, with plans starting at just $2.00/month for a subscription. I recommend you try PrivateVPN with Disney+ and see how it works for you. If you’re not happy with the service, you can get a full refund within 30 days. The process is easy, taking just a few minutes to request a refund over the live chat. I had my money back in 5 business days. Watch Disney+ with PrivateVPN
5. IPVanish — Free SOCKS5 Proxy Reliably Accesses Disney+
Key Features: IPVanish includes a free SOCKS5 proxy for all users, which is a great way to access Disney+ when you’re abroad. Like a regular VPN connection, the SOCKS5 proxy hides your true IP address so you can connect to your Disney+ account from anywhere. The difference is that the proxy won’t encrypt your connection — but this can help to improve your speeds if your regular internet is slower, as encrypting your traffic causes a drop in speed. If configuring the SOCKS5 proxy seems a bit complicated, you can rest assured that some of IPVanish’s VPN servers can access Disney+. My colleague in the US found multiple servers that work well for streaming, but some locations (like Australia, Canada, and the UK) were difficult to connect to. Fortunately, IPVanish’s customer support team can suggest the servers that work best with Disney+, making it easier to connect. I found IPVanish has excellent speeds on local servers. Generally, servers less than 5,000km away reduced my speed by around 12%, which gave me connections that were fast enough for smooth, lag-free streaming of Disney+. Even distant servers (17,000km away) only reduced my speed by 50% on average. This VPN is effective at accessing streaming services like Disney+ due to its high-level security and privacy features. These include:
Military-grade encryption: All traffic is secured by AES-256-bit encryption, the same kind used by financial institutions and the US military. Data leak protection: Protects against DNS, WebRTC, and IP data leaks to keep your information secure. Unlimited device connections: Unique to IPVanish, you can connect all of your devices at the same time, maximizing the overall security of your network. Audited zero-log policy: IPVanish has been independently audited to confirm it won’t log or store your data.
My issue with IPVanish is that it’s not the most intuitive app for beginners. The interface can be overwhelming at first, with lots of configurable options, dropdown menus, and server information. This makes IPVanish a better choice for experienced VPN users who want more control over the server connections. Its plans start at $3.99 per month for a subscription. If you’d like to try IPVanish with Disney+, the service is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you change your mind about subscribing. Getting a refund is easy — just log in to your IPVanish account through your browser and choose “Cancel Now” in the Subscriptions tab. I had my money back within the hour. Watch Disney+ with IPVanish IPVanish also unblocks: Netflix, Showtime, Discovery+, Paramount+, ITV Hub, ESPN, Vudu, and more.
How to Watch Disney+ on Different Devices
Disney+ has apps available for multiple platforms, and you can stream Disney+ using a compatible browser if your device doesn’t support the app.
Windows and Mac
iOS and Android
Stream Disney+ with ExpressVPN
Smart TVs
The native Disney+ app is supported on Android TVs, Hisense TVs, LG WebOS TVs, and Samsung TVs running the Tizen OS (2016 and later).
Gaming Consoles
Consoles like the PlayStation 3, 4 and 5, and Xbox One natively support the Disney+ app, but not VPNs. If you need a VPN abroad to change your IP location, you can configure the VPN with a compatible router or set up a WiFi hotspot with your computer or smartphone.
Roku
Watch Disney+ abroad with ExpressVPN
How to Sign up With Disney+
Credit Card Method
You can sign up for Disney+ using a valid credit card that is registered to an address in your resident country. Watch Disney+ with ExpressVPN
Google Play Gift Card Method
iTunes Gift Card and a New Apple ID Method
Hulu, ESPN, and Disney+ Streaming Bundle Method
This is a great way for US residents to save money on subscriptions, as you pay a single monthly price for all 3 services. However, it’s important to note that this method is only for US residents, and Hulu in particular does not allow the use of VPNs with its service — but you can use a VPN to sign up for the bundle if you’re a US resident traveling abroad. Stream on Disney+ with ExpressVPN
Can I watch Disney+ in Australia, the UK, Canada, and the US?
Yes, Disney+ is available in Australia, the UK, Canada, and the US. If you live in any of these countries, you can sign up for a Disney+ account in a various ways — the easiest is by using a credit or debit card registered to a local address. When traveling to these countries, you can access your Disney+ account. But the content you see might not be the same as in your home country due to copyright regulations. The only way you can watch your usual Disney+ content when abroad is with a premium VPN — connect to a server in your home country and log in to your Disney+ account to start streaming.
Can I watch Disney+ on smart TVs, iPhone and Android, and Fire Stick?
Is Disney+ better than Netflix?
It depends on your personal preference, as both Disney+ and Netflix are popular services with content suitable for a wide audience. Disney+ is more family-friendly, with native apps for multiple devices and a cheaper subscription price. Netflix arguably has a wider variety of content, but it is a more expensive option. Disney+ has its own exclusive collection of movies and shows, which the company has been growing since the platform launched. But if you want to watch any Marvel Universe movies, Disney classics, or the latest releases and remakes, your only option is Disney+. That’s because all Disney content has been removed from other websites and is exclusively available on Disney+. Netflix’s own Marvel Originals series (like Jessica Jones and Iron Fist) remain on Netflix, but any future seasons were canceled as Disney now owns the rights to Marvel content. The good news is that you can easily access both platforms using ExpressVPN and enjoy shows and movies from anywhere in the world.
Where is Disney+ available?
Disney+ is available in more than 130 countries worldwide, including North and Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. When abroad, you’ll need to use a high-quality VPN to stream your usual Disney+ shows and movies as not every country has the same content library due to copyright restrictions. This also applies if you visit a country that doesn’t yet have Disney+ — you won’t be able to access your account unless you connect to a VPN server in your home country.
Can I watch Disney+ for free?
Disney+ does not offer a free service or trial, so you can’t watch its content for free. You can get a discount if you have a US payment method and subscribe to the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundle. This will let you access sporting events on ESPN (like Bundesliga or UFC) and popular reality TV shows on Hulu. You’ll be charged one monthly fee for access to the 3 streaming services, which is much cheaper than subscribing to each separately.
Can I use a free VPN to watch Disney+?
You can, but you won’t get the same high-level experience as you would when using a premium VPN to stream Disney+. Free VPNs are heavily restricted, with just a handful of server connections at most, speed throttling, and low data caps. You won’t be able to watch as much Disney+ as you want to, if you can even access the service in the first place. While there are some safe and secure free VPNs on the market, they’re not suitable for streaming. Instead, I recommend you take advantage of a VPN with a long money-back guarantee, like CyberGhost. With CyberGhost, you get a generous 45 days — ideal if you only need a VPN for a short time, like going on vacation. You can stream Disney+ with CyberGhost as much as you want and get a full refund when you’re done. The process is easy, taking a couple of minutes through the 24/7 live chat to arrange a refund. I had my money back less than a week later.
Is it illegal to use a VPN for Disney+?
No, it’s not illegal to use a VPN with Disney+. You are legally allowed to use a VPN to access your local Disney+ account when abroad, as long as VPN use is legal in your location. VPNs are prohibited in some countries (like China and Russia) so you could face repercussions if you’re caught using one. Disney+ doesn’t prohibit the use of VPNs with its service. However, it goes against the terms of agreement to create a fraudulent account — for example, using a VPN to set up an account in a different country from where you reside. This can result in account suspension or termination.
What should I do if I get the Disney+ streaming error?
Even if you use a high-quality VPN to access Disney+, you may still occasionally run into the streaming error. This can happen if the platform detects a certain server’s IP address belongs to a VPN. But there’s no need to worry — you can fix streaming errors with these easy tricks:
Restart and update your VPN app. This is often enough to fix your connection. Connect to a different server. Once your connection is established, see if your VPN is leaking your details using an IP address checker. Delete your cookies and cache. This will remove any possible trackers that Disney+ may have planted in your browser and you’ll seem like a brand new user. Enable the SSL/TLS encryption protocol and 2080 VPN port in your VPN settings. These will give you a better chance of accessing Disney+. Use the Disney+ app. Geoblocking technology works differently in browsers than in apps, so it may be easier for your VPN to bypass detection on the app version. Contact customer service. The VPNs on this list have helpful agents available 24/7.
Why can’t I find Disney+ on my Samsung TV?
How can I get Disney+ outside of the US?
Disney+ is available in many countries outside the US, so you should find it easy to sign up for an account. You can use a top-tier VPN if you’re a US resident and want to stream your personal Disney+ account when traveling. This will let you connect to a US server, after which you can log in to access the Disney+ content you’ve paid for.
What do I need to watch Disney+?
To watch Disney+, you need a Disney+ account and an internet connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbps. You’ll also need to download the Disney+ app to a device like a Windows PC, smartphone, smart TV, or Roku. If you’re traveling abroad and want to watch your local Disney+ content, you’ll need a VPN. A service like ExpressVPN has superfast speeds for smooth streaming, and thousands of servers so you can easily connect to your home country. Plus, obfuscation on every server means you’ll be able to stream Disney+ from anywhere, even in countries with strict internet regulations. Watch Disney+ with ExpressVPN
Start Watching Disney+ Today
A subscription to Disney+ is the only reliable way to watch your favorite shows and movies. However, Disney+ isn’t yet available worldwide, so you’ll need a top-tier VPN to access it while traveling. That way, you don’t miss out on your favorite content when you’re abroad. Of all the VPNs I’ve tested, ExpressVPN is the best choice for Disney+ in 2023. With ExpressVPN, you get high quality streams and easy access to Disney+ and other sites like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. Better yet, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free for yourself. If you find you don’t like it, you can get a full refund within 30 days, as ExpressVPN is backed by a money-back guarantee. I tested it myself and easily got my money back in just 4 days.
