Why Is Hulu Not Working and How to Fix It?

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Grace
November 29, 2024

It can be frustrating to encounter issues with your favorite on-demand content. However, there’s no need to give up on your beloved Hulu just yet! Let’s explore the potential reasons behind the streaming problems with Hulu and uncover ways to resolve them, ensuring you can enjoy your beloved Hulu shows without interruption.

Contents

Causes and Quick Fixes on Hulu Not Working

1. Internet Connection Issue

Cause: Streaming services usually demand high-speed internet. Poor internet connection can often be the primary cause behind Hulu not working.

Solution: Check your internet connection and ensure it is stable and robust. If you’re using Wi-Fi, you can try:

  • Restarting your modem and router
  • Move the router closer to your device to boost the signal
  • Switch to a wired connection to increase the stability
  • Check with your internet service provider (ISP) whether any slowdown on their end

2. Hulu Server Outage

Cause: Sometimes, Hulu might experience server outages or technical difficulties on their end.

Solution: If there is an issue with the Hulu streaming service, the best action is to wait for it to come back online, as Hulu’s technical team usually works promptly to resolve any server-related hiccups.

To find out whether the problem is on Hulu’s end, try logging in to your account from Hulu’s official website. You can also visit social media platforms to check if there are any server outages or service disruptions on Hulu.

3. Overload Cache and Cookies

Cause: Temporary files and data are often stored on devices to help with overall performance. However, the cached files can get corrupted over time and lead to streaming issues.

Solution: Clear cache and data on your device to delete corrupted files and help with performance stability. Here is how you can clear the cache on various devices:

  • Android phone and tablet
    To clear Hulu’s cache and data on Android devices, from the home screen, go to Settings > Apps > Hulu > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data.
  • iPhone and iPad
    To clear up cache and space on iOS, you need to delete and uninstall Hulu. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Hulu to check how much storage the Hulu app is using on your phone.
  • Mac and Windows
    If you’re watching Hulu from the web player on your computer, clear your browser’s cache. The steps vary depending on which browser you’re using. To clear the cache on Chrome:
    1. click More (three dots) at the top right, and select Settings > Privacy and Security> Clearing Browsing Data.
    2. Choose a time range at the top. To delete everything, select All Time.
    3. Check the box next to “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
    4. Click Clear data.
  • Android TV
    Head to Settings > Applications > Hulu > Clear Cache and Clear Data.
  • Apple TV
    You need to uninstall and reinstall the Hulu app to clear Hulu cached data on Apple TV.
  • Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
    Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications HuluClear Cache and Clear Data.

4. App or Browser Issues

Cause: Temporary glitches with the Hulu app or a web browser may also cause streaming problems.

Solution: To fix the glitches on the Hulu app or your browser, you can try these simple steps.

  • If you are using the Hulu app, try closing and reopening it.
  • If you are using a web browser to watch Hulu, try switching to a different browser to see if that resolves the problem.
  • You can also try reinstalling the Hulu app. Delete the Hulu app and install it again to have a fresh start.

5. Outdated App or Browser

Cause: Outdated software might not be compatible with recent Hulu updates, resulting in performance issues.

Solution: Ensure that you are using the latest version of the Hulu app or your preferred browser. Update Hulu or your browser if necessary.

6. Device Compatibility Issue

Cause: Outdated firmware or an unsupported device can lead to unexpected streaming hiccups, since older or incompatible devices may not be able to handle the latest features or updates of Hulu.

Solution: Hulu supports streaming on web browsers, mobile devices, tablets, streaming sticks, gaming consoles, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes.

7. Overloaded Device

Cause: Running multiple apps or having too many browser tabs open while streaming Hulu can strain your device’s resources.

Solution: To restore your device to its optimal function:

  • Close unnecessary applications and tabs to free up system space for smoother Hulu streaming.
  • Try restarting your device. 
  • Remove and reactivate your device:
    • Log in at the Hulu Account page and select Manage Your Devices.
    • Find the device and tap Remove.
    • Then you can reactivate the device by signing in again with the same device.

8. Subscription Status

Cause: Sometimes, you may not notice that your subscription has expired, or a payment issue has prevented you from accessing the Hulu content.

Solution: Log in to your Hulu Account page on a web or mobile browser to check and ensure that your Hulu subscription is active and up-to-date.

9. Geo-restrictions

Cause: Hulu is unavailable outside the United States. If you are trying to watch Hulu from another country, you will encounter streaming issues.

Solution: Use a VPN (virtual private network) to bypass the geographic limitations. A VPN allows you to change your device’s location to a different country, therefore you can overcome the restrictions and access the desired Hulu content.

10. Check Hulu Error Codes to Find Out Reasons and Resolutions

At times, Hulu provides you with error codes or messages when facing streaming problems. Such information can be useful in troubleshooting and resolving the problem of Hulu not working. Below is a helpful table that outlines the various Hulu error codes, their possible causes, and the corresponding solutions to fix them.

Hulu Error CodesCauseFix
Error 3 and 5Internet connection issue· Restarting your modem and router
· Move the router closer
· Switch to a wired connection
· Check with your ISP
Error 16Invalid region issue· Turn off VPN or proxy if in the US
· Connect to a US server by VPN if outside the US
Error 400Account information issue· Check the internet connection
· Reinstall the Hulu app
· Remove and reactivate your device
Error 500An unexpected error · Refresh the page
· Try a different browser
· Try a different device
Error 0326, 2203, 3307, 3321, 3322, 3336, 3343Protected content issue· Check monitor connection
· Connect to an HDMI cable 
· Switch or update the browser
· Refresh the page
Error 5003Playback failure· Update the Hulu app
· Reinstall the Hulu app
· Try a different device
Error BYA-403-007Video playback issue· Turn off the TV and device, unplug, and turn on again.
· Unplug and reconnect the HDMI cable
· Try a different device
Error HDCPAnti-piracy issue· Turn off the TV and device, unplug, and turn on again.
· Unplug and reconnect the HDMI cable
· Try a different device
Error p-dev 320·  Try another video on Hulu
· Check the internet connection
· Wait for Hulu to fix the problem
· Check for Hulu server outage
· Check the internet connection
· Try a different device
· Update the Hulu app
· Clear cache
Error RUNUNK13Buffering and playback issues· Refresh the page, or reload the video.
· Clear your browser’s cache.
· Reinstall the Hulu app.

Download Hulu Videos to MP4 to Avoid Streaming Problems

To avoid any Hulu not working errors in the future, the best option is to download Hulu movies and shows as MP4 files on your device and watch them offline. We recommend using the Pazu Hulu Video Downloader, a smart tool designed specifically for this purpose.

With the Pazu Hulu Video Downloader, you can easily download any Hulu movies and TV shows without ads on both Windows and Mac. It comes with a built-in Hulu web player, eliminating the need for the Hulu app. Furthermore, the downloaded videos are saved in MP4 format, allowing you to continue watching them even after canceling your Hulu subscription. You can play these videos on any MP4-supported device using media players like Windows Media Player, VLC, QuickTime Player, or other compatible video players, all without encountering any ads.

Follow the steps below to learn how to download Hulu movies and TV shows as MP4 files and enjoy them on any MP4-supported device:

Step 1. Run Pazu Hulu Video Downloader on your Mac or Windows.

Download, install and launch Pazu Hulu Video Downloader on your Mac or Windows. Log in your Hulu account and choose hulu.com, hulu.jp or hulu.jp/store.

Hulu Downloader

Select a profile.

choose Hulu profile

Step 2. Search Hulu movies/TV shows to download.

Enter the movie/TV show title in the search field. Or copy and paste the link of a title from the Hulu website. Then click the Search icon.

search Hulu videos

Step 3. Choose video format/quality

Click the Settings icon to customize the video format (MP4 or MKV), video codec (H264 or H265), audio and subtitle languages, subtitle type, interface language, and more.

Hulu to MP4

Step 4. Start to download Hulu videos

Click the Download icon. For a movie, the download begins.

If you are downloading a show, clicking the Download icon will add the episodes to the download list.

copy and paste the link

Choose the season and episodes you want to download. Then click the Download button in the bottom right corner.

download Hulu TV show

Step 5. Find the downloaded videos

Click “History” to view all downloaded videos. Use the Folder icon to quickly locate the Hulu videos in MP4 or MKV format. Now you can play them anywhere even without a Hulu subscription.

find hulu downloads