Quick answer
JioHotstar is JioStar India's streaming app for live cricket and sports, Indian TV shows, films, and Disney and Hollywood content. Google Play lists the JioHotstar APK version as "Varies with device", updated November 2, 2026, and it needs Android 5.0 or newer. It's free to download with ads, and paid plans are sold in-app.
| App name | JioHotstar |
|---|---|
| Developer | JIOSTAR INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED |
| Latest version | Varies with device |
| Updated | Nov 2, 2026 |
| Requires Android | 5.0 and up |
| Package name | in.startv.hotstar |
| Category | Entertainment |
| Price | Free |
| Contains ads | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes |
On this page
What is JioHotstar?
JioHotstar is India's biggest streaming app, run by JioStar India. It was created in 2025 when Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema merged into a single service. The app streams live cricket and other sports, Indian TV serials from Star channels, Hindi and regional films, web series, and Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Hollywood titles, in many Indian languages.
JioHotstar has passed 1 billion downloads on Google Play, inheriting Hotstar's listing that dates back to 2015. It's one of the entertainment apps we list. We read its details from the Indian Google Play store.
What's new in the latest JioHotstar update
Google Play lists the JioHotstar APK version as "Varies with device", updated on November 2, 2026. The release notes on Play highlight:
- Tadka on JioHotstar. A new tab of short micro-shows, made for quick entertainment, exclusive to JioHotstar.
- Smarter search. Enhanced filters and category tabs to find shows, films and sports faster.
Key features
Live cricket and sports
Watch live cricket, including the IPL and international matches covered by JioStar's rights, plus football, kabaddi, tennis and other sports. Live matches offer multiple languages and camera options, and highlights are posted quickly.
Indian TV shows
Catch episodes of Star channel serials, sometimes before they air on TV, plus reality shows and regional-language programming.
Films and series
Stream Bollywood and regional films, JioHotstar originals, and international content including Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars titles.
Many languages
The app works in multiple Indian languages, and many titles and matches offer audio in Hindi, English and regional languages.
Downloads and profiles
Download eligible titles to watch offline, and set up profiles for family members, including kids profiles.
How to install JioHotstar APK on Android
Install JioHotstar from Google Play.
- Check that your phone runs Android 5.0 or newer.
- Open Google Play, search for JioHotstar, and confirm the developer is JIOSTAR INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED.
- Tap Install. If you already have Hotstar installed, just update it.
- Open the app and log in with your mobile number. If your Jio plan includes JioHotstar, use the same number.
JioStar doesn't publish its own APK. Files on other sites aren't official and are often used to spread malware.
Plans and tips
- Plans. JioHotstar offers several tiers, from mobile-only plans with ads to premium plans for TVs without ads. Prices change with major tournaments, so check the app's plan page.
- Bundled plans. Many Jio prepaid, postpaid and fibre plans include JioHotstar. Log in with your Jio number to activate it.
- Data saving. Lower the video quality in settings on mobile data; a live cricket match in high quality can use a lot of data.
- Big matches. Update the app a day before a major match. Updates and logins on match day can be slow when millions of people join at once.
Is JioHotstar APK safe?
The official JioHotstar app from Google Play is safe. It's published by JIOSTAR INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, rated 12+ in India, contains ads, and offers in-app purchases for subscriptions.
The main risks come from unofficial apps:
- Modified "free premium" APKs that promise free cricket or premium content are not from JioStar. They often carry adware or malware, stop working mid-match, and break the law in India.
- Illegal cricket streaming apps and websites are common during big tournaments. Besides the legal risk, they're full of aggressive ads and scams.
- Fake recharge offers. Messages offering free JioHotstar subscriptions through links are usually phishing. Check offers in the MyJio app or the JioHotstar app itself.
Watching on TV and other devices
JioHotstar works on Android TV, smart TVs, Fire TV, Chromecast and web browsers as well as phones. Your plan decides how many devices can watch at the same time and whether TV viewing is included, so check before a big tournament. To cast from your phone, tap the cast icon during playback with your phone and TV on the same Wi-Fi network. For live cricket, the TV apps usually offer the best picture and multiple camera angles. Log out of devices you no longer use from the app's account settings, especially if you've shared your login with family.
JioHotstar vs alternatives
- Netflix has more international originals but no live cricket.
- YouTube is free and has highlights, clips and some official live sports content.
- MX Player offers free Indian web series and films with ads.
For cricket fans in India, JioHotstar is the essential app. Check which plan you need before a big tournament starts, and stick to the official app so the stream doesn't drop at the last over.
Version history
JioHotstar Varies with deviceLatest
What changed (2)
- Tadka: a new tab of short micro-shows, exclusive to JioHotstar.
- Smarter search with enhanced filters and category tabs.
Source: play.google.com
Frequently asked questions
How do I install JioHotstar on Android?
Open Google Play, search for JioHotstar and check the developer is JIOSTAR INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED before tapping Install. It needs Android 5.0 or newer. It's free to install, and Play keeps it updated automatically. Avoid copies from other sites: they aren't from JIOSTAR INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED and may be altered, so the safest way to use JioHotstar is the official listing.
Is JioHotstar the same as Disney+ Hotstar?
Yes, it replaced it. In 2025, Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema were combined into one app called JioHotstar, run by JioStar India. The app kept Disney+ Hotstar's Google Play listing, so updating Hotstar turned it into JioHotstar.
Is JioHotstar free?
Some content is free with ads, but most live sports, new films and premium shows need a paid plan. Plans are sold inside the app, and Google Play lists in-app purchases from ₹9 to ₹9,199 per item. Some Jio mobile and broadband plans include a JioHotstar subscription.
Can I watch IPL on JioHotstar?
In India, yes. JioStar holds the digital rights to the IPL and other major cricket, and streams matches live in JioHotstar. Which matches need a paid plan can change by season, so check the app before a match.
Does JioHotstar work outside India?
JioHotstar is aimed at viewers in India. Outside India, Hotstar availability and content differ by country, and some regions use a separate app or Disney+ instead. Using a VPN to get around this breaks the service's terms.
