Jio Hotstar: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most exciting cricket tournaments in the world, drawing millions of fans each year to witness thrilling matches, stunning performances, and unforgettable moments. With the 2025 IPL season underway as of March 24, 2025, cricket enthusiasts are eager to catch every six, wicket, and boundary live. For Jio users, the newly launched JioHotstar platform is the go-to destination for streaming IPL matches. However, watching IPL on JioHotstar requires the right recharge plan. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to recharge your Jio SIM to access JioHotstar and enjoy IPL cricket matches seamlessly.
What is JioHotstar?
JioHotstar is the result of a massive merger between Reliance Jio’s JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, creating a unified streaming platform under the Reliance-Disney joint venture. Launched in early 2025, JioHotstar offers a vast library of entertainment, including movies, TV shows, and live sports. Most importantly for cricket fans, it’s the exclusive online streaming service for IPL 2025, which kicked off on March 22 and will run until May 25. Unlike previous years when JioCinema offered free IPL streaming, JioHotstar now operates on a hybrid model some content is free up to a limit, but full access to live IPL matches requires a subscription or an eligible Jio recharge plan.
Why You Need a Recharge for JioHotstar
Gone are the days of completely free IPL streaming on Jio platforms. With the merger, JioHotstar has introduced a subscription-based approach to ensure a premium viewing experience, complete with 4K streaming, multi-angle views, and real-time stats. However, Jio has made it easy for its users by bundling free JioHotstar access with select prepaid plans. By recharging with the right plan, you can unlock 90 days of uninterrupted IPL action without paying extra for a standalone subscription, which otherwise starts at ₹149 for three months.
Step-by-Step Guide to Recharge Jio and Watch IPL Matches
Here’s how you can recharge your Jio SIM to access JioHotstar and enjoy IPL 2025 matches:
Step 1: Check Your Current Plan
Before recharging, confirm whether your existing Jio plan already includes JioHotstar access. Plans offering at least 1.5GB of daily data and recharged on or after March 17, 2025, may qualify for Jio’s special IPL offer. Log into the MyJio app or dial *123# to check your active plan details. If your current plan doesn’t include JioHotstar or was activated before March 17, you’ll need to recharge again or add a booster pack.
Step 2: Choose the Right Recharge Plan
Jio offers several prepaid plans that bundle a free JioHotstar subscription for 90 days, perfect for covering the entire IPL season. Here are some popular options as of March 24, 2025:
₹299 Plan:
- Validity: 28 days
- Data: 1.5GB per day (42GB total)
- Benefits: Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, and 90 days of free JioHotstar access
- Ideal for: Short-term users who want IPL streaming with basic data needs
₹349 Plan:
- Validity: 28 days
- Data: 2GB per day (56GB total)
- Benefits: Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, and 90 days of free JioHotstar access
- Ideal for: Users needing more daily data for streaming and browsing
- Validity: 90 days
- Data: 2GB per day (180GB total) + unlimited 5G data
- Benefits: Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, 90 days of free JioHotstar, and 50GB cloud storage
- Ideal for: Long-term users who want uninterrupted IPL access without monthly recharges
₹949 Plan:
- Validity: 84 days
- Data: 2GB per day (168GB total) + unlimited 5G data
- Benefits: Unlimited calls, 100 SMS/day, and 90 days of free JioHotstar
- Ideal for: Heavy data users who want premium benefits
₹100 Add-On Pack:
- Validity: Matches your base plan
- Data: 5GB extra
- Benefits: 90 days of free JioHotstar
- Ideal for: Existing users who recharged before March 17 and need IPL access
Note: To avail of the free JioHotstar offer, recharge with a ₹299+ plan between March 17 and March 31, 2025. The JioHotstar subscription activates on March 22 and lasts for 90 days, covering the IPL season.
Step 3: Recharge Your Jio Number
You can recharge your Jio SIM through multiple channels:
- MyJio App:
- Download or open the MyJio app.
- Log in with your Jio number.
- Go to the “Recharge” section.
- Select a plan (e.g., ₹299, ₹349, or ₹899).
- Pay using UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking.
- Jio Website: Visit jio.com, enter your number, choose a plan, and complete the payment.
- Third-Party Apps: Use apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm to recharge by selecting Jio and entering your number.
- Offline: Visit a Jio store or local retailer and pay in cash or digitally.
Step 4: Activate Your JioHotstar Subscription
Once your recharge is successful, follow these steps to activate JioHotstar:
- Download the JioHotstar app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store (or update it if already installed).
- Open the app and log in using your Jio mobile number.
- Verify your number with the OTP sent to your phone.
- Your 90-day free subscription should automatically activate if your plan qualifies. If not, check the MyJio app under “My Subscriptions” or contact Jio support.
Step 5: Start Watching IPL Matches
With your subscription active, head to the “Live Sports” section on JioHotstar. Select the ongoing IPL match, choose your preferred streaming quality (up to 4K if supported by your device), and enjoy the game! You can watch on your smartphone, tablet, or even cast it to a smart TV for a bigger screen experience.
Additional Tips for a Smooth IPL Viewing Experience
- Data Requirements: Streaming IPL matches in HD or 4K consumes significant data. Ensure you’re on a 5G network (if available) or Wi-Fi to avoid exhausting your daily data limit.
- Device Compatibility: JioHotstar’s mobile plan (free with recharge) limits streaming to one device at a time. For multiple devices, consider a standalone Super plan (₹299 for 3 months).
- Offer Deadline: Recharge by March 31, 2025, to lock in the 90-day free JioHotstar access. Late recharges may not qualify for the IPL offer.
- Troubleshooting: If your subscription doesn’t activate, restart the app, clear the cache, or reach out to JioCare via the MyJio app or @JioCare on X.
Alternative Ways to Watch IPL 2025
If you don’t want to recharge your Jio SIM, here are some alternatives:
- Standalone JioHotstar Subscription: Starts at ₹149 for 3 months (mobile-only, ad-supported).
- TV Broadcast: Tune into Star Sports channels via a cable or DTH connection.
- Other Telecom Offers: Airtel and Vi also offer plans with free JioHotstar access (e.g., Airtel’s ₹499 plan or Vi’s ₹469 plan).
Why JioHotstar is Worth It for IPL Fans
JioHotstar enhances your IPL experience with features like ultra-HD streaming, AI-powered insights, and multi-angle viewing options. Whether you’re cheering for Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, or Royal Challengers Bangalore, the platform ensures you don’t miss a single moment of the action. Plus, with Jio’s recharge plans, you get data, calls, and entertainment in one affordable package.
Conclusion
Recharging your Jio SIM to watch IPL 2025 on JioHotstar is simple, affordable, and tailored for cricket lovers. By picking a plan like ₹299 or higher before March 31, 2025, you’ll unlock 90 days of free JioHotstar access, letting you enjoy every match of the season, from the opener on March 22 to the finale on May 25. So, grab your phone, recharge today, and get ready to witness cricket’s biggest spectacle live at your fingertips!
