Is Hulu not working? Try these 10 fixes!

With over 45 million subscribers across its on-demand and live TV plans, Hulu is one of the largest and most recognizable streaming services. However, even with such a large subscriber base, Hulu isn’t immune to issues. Let’s take a look at what you can do if you find Hulu not working for you.

Read: The best movies on Hulu to watch and enjoy

Editor’s note: Some of the instructions in this article were generated using a Pixel 4a 5G running Android 12 and a custom PC with Windows 11. Keep in mind that steps can be slightly different depending on your device.

Is Hulu down?

Hulu not working could be due to many issues, but let’s start with the one that might save you hours of troubleshooting. While not all that common, Hulu isn’t exempt from outages. There is a chance Hulu is down, and checking the service’s status is simple.

There is no official status page, but you can use a website like DownDetector.com. This website collects user reports and tells you whether Hulu is having a widespread issue. There’s even a live map that can tell you if an outage is local.

If Hulu is down, your only solution is to wait it out. Maybe you can check out other streaming services in the meantime.

Close and reopen Hulu

Sometimes closing and reopening an app or website can iron out simple problems. Try this if you’re having issues with Hulu not working. If you’re using a computer and browser, you might want to exit the browser and open Hulu.com again. Logging out and back into the service might also help. Some will go as far as uninstalling the Hulu app, and then reinstalling it. You can do the same with a browser on your PC.

Instructions: How to close apps on Android

Clear the cache

Cache data helps your device run smoothly and snappy. It does this by downloading commonly used data, allowing the device to pull it locally, instead of downloading it every time it’s needed. But while cache is convenient, it’s true data can get corrupted and cause issues, especially if it has been sitting in your storage for long. It’s a good idea to clear the cache now and then.

You might also want to consider deleting app data while you’re at it. This will wipe all data and log-in info, though, so you’ll have to log back in.

Clear cache on Android:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go into Apps.
3. Select See all apps.
4. Find the Hulu app and tap on it.
5. Tap on Storage & cache.
6. Hit Clear Cache.
7. You can also select Clear storage for a clean start.

Clear the cache on Chrome for Windows:

1. On your Windows computer, open Chrome.
2. Click on the three-dot menu button in the top-right corner.
3. Go into Settings.
4. Select Privacy and security in the left-side column.
5. Pick Clear browsing data.
6. Check the boxes to select what you want to delete. I like clearing everything if there are serious issues.
7. Select All time in the Time range.
8. Hit Clear data.

More: How to clear your cache on Android

Keep streaming limits in mind

A Hulu subscription is meant to be for a single household. As such, the service doesn’t want you streaming on many devices simultaneously. This could be the reason for Hulu not working for you.

Is there anyone else using your Hulu account? Maybe more than one other person? Hulu only allows you to stream with two devices simultaneously. If you want to stream on your device, you’ll have to ask other users to stop streaming.

Also, you might want to get the Unlimited Screen add-on, which is only available for Live TV subscribers. It costs an extra $9.99 a month, but it will allow you to stream live TV on as many devices as you wish, as long as they are within the same household.

Try a simple restart!

Restarting the device is one of the most popular troubleshooting methods around. I always recommend it to friends and family whenever they come with tech problems. It turns out a simple restart seems to fix most issues, so give it a try!

How to restart an Android phone:

1. Pres and hold the Power button.
2. Select Restart.

How to restart a Windows computer:

1. Click on the Windows button.
2. Select the Power button.
3. Pick Restart.

Update the app

Running an older version of the Hulu app is usually no problem, but sometimes more significant updates can leave older versions with issues. Not to mention updates tend to come with bug fixes and performance improvements. Just check if there are any Hulu updates available. Additionally, those using a PC might also want to consider updating the browser.

How to check for Hulu app updates on Android:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for Hulu and open the Hulu app page.
3. If there is an available update, there should be a button reading Update. Otherwise, it will say Open.
4. If available, hit Update to get your Hulu app up to speed.

Update the device

Similarly, running an older software version of your operating system may also be the reason for Hulu not working. Just check if there are any available updates.

How to check for Android updates:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go into System.
3. Hit System update.
4. Tap on Check for update.
5. You’ll be told if there is an update available. Suppose there is, select Download and install.
6. Follow instructions and let the phone update.
7. Try using Hulu again!

How to check for Windows updates:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go into Windows Update.
3. Click on Check for updates.
4. Updates will start downloading if available. Some are optional, and an option will appear if they are. We recommend you get them too.
5. Some updates require restarting the device. The page will tell you if that’s the case. Go ahead and restart if needed.
6. Let the computer do its thing. It will restart after it’s done updating.
7. Now check if Hulu is working!

Check your internet connection

Internet problems are a common reason for Hulu not working. For starters, really slow internet won’t cut it for streaming on Hulu. Hulu recommends using at least 3Mbps internet download speeds. Make sure your internet is at least at that level.

You should also check if your internet is working, overall. Test other apps that require the internet to work and see if they’re operating correctly. You can also do something as simple as doing a Google search. You can also check if another device in the same network is operational. If Hulu isn’t the only thing having problems, then you could be running into internet problems.

Wi-Fi users should start by restarting the router. There’s usually a dedicated button for this, but you can also unplug the device and plug it back in.

If you’re using cellular data, you might want to see if your data connection is on:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go into Network & internet.
3. Select Mobile network.
4. Toggle Mobile data on.
5. If you’re outside your country or network coverage, also toggle Roaming on (this may incur extra charges).

Related: Here are the best Wi-Fi routers you can buy

Is the network blocking Hulu?

Those using a public network or someone else’s Wi-Fi might be facing a network block. It’s common for administrators to block streaming services, including Hulu. This is often the case when you use a worried parent’s Wi-Fi, or when using the internet in a library, school, etc.

If this is why Hulu is not working, your only solution is to ask the administrator to lift the ban on the service. Or you can move back to your own mobile data.

Check your device location and VPN settings

All video streaming services have geographical restrictions, but Hulu is especially known for its strict location rules. The service is only available in the USA. This does include Puerto Rico and US military bases.

If you’re anywhere outside USA borders, then that’s why you’re having issues with Hulu not working. Your only real solution is to go back to the States.

Additionally, those using a VPN for security or location purposes might also come across issues. Streaming services don’t like VPNs and have ways to detect them. This means that, if you’re using a virtual private network, even if within the USA, you might be blocked off Hulu.

Are you tired of trying to get Hulu to work? There are plenty of other services you can try. Check out our list of the best video streaming services to find some great alternatives.