Disney Plus is one of the most popular streaming services available today, offering a vast library of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. However, Dish TV box users have had trouble accessing the platform. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to watch and download Disney Plus on Dish Hopper boxes.
Table of Contents
Overview of Dish Hopper Boxes
Dish Network offers their signature Hopper DVR boxes to provide users with an enhanced TV viewing experience. The main Hopper box models are:
- Hopper 3 – Dish’s most advanced DVR, allowing you to record up to 16 shows at once and store up to 500 hours of HD content.
- Hopper with Sling – Integrates popular streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube with live TV capabilities.
- Hopper Duo – Record up to two shows at once and store up to 200 hours of SD or 100 hours of HD programming.
These boxes do not natively support the Disney Plus app. However, there are still methods to access the streaming service.
Methods to Get Disney Plus on Dish Hopper
You have two main options to watch Disney Plus on a Dish Hopper box:
1. Cast Disney Plus from Another Device
The easiest way is to cast or “mirror” Disney Plus from another compatible device like your phone, tablet, or computer to your Dish TV. Steps:
- Make sure your Hopper is connected to the same wifi network as your casting device.
- Open the Disney Plus app on your phone, tablet, etc. and start playing a video.
- Tap the Chromecast icon in the corner and select your Hopper box to cast to.
This allows you to control the video playback from your device while it streams on your TV via the Hopper.
2. Connect a Separate Streaming Device
Alternatively, you can connect an external streaming device to your Dish Hopper to access the Disney Plus app such as:
- Roku – Streaming boxes and sticks like the Roku Express or Roku Ultra have a Disney Plus app.
- Amazon Fire TV Stick – The Fire TV Stick 4K and Fire Stick Lite can install Disney Plus.
- Google Chromecast – The Chromecast with Google TV features Disney Plus support.
Steps to set up:
- Plug your Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast into an open HDMI port on your Hopper box.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the streaming device to your wifi.
- Open the device’s app store, search for Disney Plus, and download the app.
- Log in with your Disney Plus account credentials.
You can now stream Disney Plus originals, animated films, Marvel movies, and more on your Dish Hopper!
Downloading Disney Plus Content on Dish Hopper
Unfortunately, Dish Hopper DVRs do not allow you to download Disney Plus content directly for offline viewing.
However, if you connect a Roku, Fire TV, or Chromecast streaming stick, you can take advantage of offline downloads:
- Roku – Download Disney Plus movies and shows using the app’s download feature on select Roku devices. You can save up to 25 titles offline.
- Fire TV Stick – Download available Disney Plus content to watch offline later. The number of downloads varies by Fire TV model.
- Chromecast – Download up to 25 videos at a time in the Disney Plus app. You can save shows and films to watch without wifi.
So by pairing an external streaming device with your Dish Hopper, you can download Disney Plus content when connected to wifi to watch offline when not connected.
Tips for Using Disney Plus on Dish Hopper
Here are some handy tips:
- Cast Disney Plus to your Hopper when wifi is strong for smooth streaming.
- Connect streaming devices to ports closest to your wifi router for best connectivity.
- Check the Disney Plus app on streaming devices for new downloads available before going offline.
- Remove downloaded videos from your device after watching to free up storage space for more offline content.
- Disable auto-updates on your streaming device to prevent unwanted app downloads using your data cap.
Summary
While Dish Hopper DVRs don’t natively support Disney Plus, you have options like casting from another device or connecting a streaming stick. Additionally, compatible streaming devices allow you to download Disney Plus content to watch offline later when not connected to wifi. Follow the setup process outlined above and utilize the tips to seamlessly access Disney Plus on your Dish TV.