Are you frustrated by Hulu not working properly on your mobile device, smart TV or computer? Connection problems can really put a damper on your streaming experience. Luckily, there are several proven troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve most Hulu connectivity issues quickly. In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do step-by-step to get Hulu working smoothly again in no time.
Understanding Hulu Error Codes
When you encounter a problem with Hulu, you’ll often see an error code pop up on the screen. These codes correspond to specific issues and can help point you in the right direction for troubleshooting. Some of the most common Hulu error codes include:
- Error Code 500
- Error Code 400
- Error Code 5003
- Error Code 3
- Error Code 5
- Error Code BYA-403-007
While seeing an error code may be alarming, don’t panic. In most cases, a few simple steps can resolve the underlying problem. Let’s dive into the most effective solutions.
For more information on specific error codes, check out our guides on Hulu Error Code 94 and Hulu Error Code P-TS207.
Hulu Not Working on Mobile or PC? Try These Fixes
1. Restart Your Router or Modem
Since streaming services like Hulu rely on a stable internet connection, your first step should be power cycling your router and modem. This will often clear up any connectivity bugs. Here’s how:
- Locate your router and modem.
- If there is a power button, press it to turn the device off. If not, unplug the power cord.
- Wait at least 2 minutes.
- Plug the device back in or press the power button to turn it on.
- Wait a few minutes for the connection to be reestablished before trying Hulu again.
Restarting your network equipment is one of the quickest, easiest fixes for many Hulu problems. If you’re still having trouble, move on to the next step.
2. Restart Your Streaming Device
Another simple troubleshooting step is to reboot the actual device you’re using Hulu on, whether that’s a smart TV, mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Turning the device off and on again will often resolve any strange app glitches or crashes.
For most devices, you’ll want to:
- Close the Hulu app if it’s open.
- Turn the device off completely. If it’s a computer or phone, power it down. For a TV or streaming stick, unplug it from power.
- Wait 1-2 minutes.
- Turn the device back on and relaunch Hulu.
This process refreshes the operating system and apps, which can clear out random bugs. If your Hulu problems persist, continue to the next solution.
If you’re experiencing issues with Hulu on your Roku device, we have a dedicated guide on troubleshooting Hulu on Roku.
3. Check for Hulu App and Device Software Updates
Hulu regularly releases updates to its apps to add new features, improve performance, and fix known issues. Running an outdated version of the Hulu app can cause all sorts of glitches, so you’ll want to make sure you have the latest version installed. The exact update process varies a bit depending on your device:
Update Hulu on Android or Fire TV
- Open the Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore.
- Search for “Hulu.”
- If an update is available, tap “Update.”
- Once updated, open the Hulu app and try streaming.
Update Hulu on iOS (iPhone and iPad)
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile icon.
- Scroll down to see pending updates and release notes.
- Tap ‘Update‘ next to the Hulu app if it appears.
- After updating, open Hulu and try streaming.
Update Hulu on Roku
- From the Roku main menu, scroll down and select “Settings.”
- Choose “System” then “System update.”
- Select “Check now” to see if there are any updates available.
- Install any OS or app updates.
- Return to the home screen and relaunch Hulu.
Along with keeping the Hulu app updated, it’s important to also install any available operating system updates for your streaming device, as these can include important bug fixes and optimizations. Turning on automatic updates for your OS and apps will ensure you get fixes promptly.
4. Clear the Hulu App Cache and Data
If you’re still seeing Hulu error codes even after updating, the next step is clearing the app’s cached data. Over time, streaming apps like Hulu can accumulate outdated data in their cache that leads to glitches, freezing, crashing, and connection errors. Clearing the cache will give the app a fresh start.
Clear Hulu Cache on Android
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Find and tap the Hulu app.
- Tap “Storage” then “Clear Cache.” On older Android versions, you may need to first tap “Storage & USB” from the settings menu.
- You can also tap “Clear Data” for a more complete reset of the app.
- Once cleared, retry Hulu.
Clear Hulu Cache on iOS
Unfortunately, clearing an app’s cache isn’t as straightforward on iPhone and iPad. The only way to fully clear the cache is to delete the Hulu app and reinstall it:
- From the home screen, tap and hold the Hulu app icon.
- Tap “Remove App” then “Delete App” and confirm.
- Open the App Store and reinstall Hulu.
- Log back in and try streaming.
Clear Hulu Cache on Fire TV
- Go to “Settings” from the Fire TV menu.
- Select “Applications” then “Manage Installed Applications.”
- Choose Hulu from the list.
- Select “Clear cache” then “Clear data.”
- Relaunch Hulu and try streaming.
For more help with Hulu on your Amazon Fire TV or Firestick, see our article on fixing Hulu issues on Firestick.
Similar steps apply for other smart TVs and streaming devices. Consult your user manual for device-specific guidance on clearing app cache and data.
5. Check Your Internet Speed and Connection
Hulu recommends a minimum download speed of 3 Mbps for standard streaming and 8 Mbps for live TV and streams. If your internet connection drops below these thresholds, you may encounter buffering, lag, and disconnects. Use an online speed test tool like Fast.com or Speedtest.net to check your connection.
If you’re on Wi-Fi, try connecting your streaming device directly to the router with an Ethernet cable. You can also try moving your Wi-Fi router to a more central location or investing in a Wi-Fi range extender.
If the problem is with your internet provider, contact them for assistance resolving speed or stability issues on their end. In some cases, you may need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan to eliminate buffering.
6. Disconnect Your VPN
As a way to enforce content licensing agreements, Hulu blocks many VPNs. If you’re connected to a VPN while trying to use Hulu, you’ll often see a proxy error message. Try disabling your VPN, then launch Hulu again. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact your VPN provider for guidance.
Keep in mind that some VPNs do still work with Hulu. However, you may need to disconnect and reconnect a few times or try a different VPN server to find one that isn’t blacklisted.
7. Reinstall the Hulu App
If you’ve tried all the steps above and are still encountering Hulu connection issues, your last resort is completely uninstalling and reinstalling the app. This will clear out any corrupted files or data that could be causing problems. The exact steps vary slightly by device:
Reinstall Hulu on Android
- Press and hold the Hulu app icon.
- Tap “Uninstall.”
- Open the Google Play Store and search for “Hulu.”
- Tap “Install” and wait for the app to download.
- Open Hulu and log in.
Reinstall Hulu on iOS
- Press and hold the Hulu app icon.
- Tap “Remove App” then “Delete App.”
- Open the App Store and search for “Hulu.”
- Tap “Get” then “Install.”
- Launch Hulu and log in.
Reinstall Hulu on Windows PC
- Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
- Click “Apps” then find Hulu in the list.
- Click “Uninstall” and confirm.
- Open the Microsoft Store and search for “Hulu.”
- Click “Get” to reinstall, then launch.
For smart TVs and streaming devices, the process usually involves navigating to the app store and searching for Hulu, selecting “Remove” or “Uninstall,” then choosing “Download” or “Install” to add a fresh copy.
Wrapping Up
We hope this guide has helped you pinpoint and resolve your Hulu connection problem. In most cases, one of the above fixes will do the trick, restoring smooth playback. Remember, Hulu’s support site is also a great resource if you need device-specific troubleshooting guides or want to contact their customer support team directly.
For more Hulu guides and troubleshooting tips, visit our articles on Hulu not working on Smart TV, managing your Hulu watch history, and enabling subtitles on Hulu.
Key Takeaways
- Hulu error codes like 400, 500, and 503 often indicate connection issues that can be resolved through simple troubleshooting
- Always start by restarting your router/modem and streaming device
- Make sure your Hulu app and device operating system are running the latest available versions
- Clear your Hulu app cache and data to eliminate any corrupt files that could be causing glitches
- Check your internet speed and move to a wired Ethernet connection if you’re seeing a lot of buffering
- Disable your VPN if you see proxy error messages on Hulu
- As a last resort, try uninstalling and reinstalling a fresh copy of the Hulu app
With patience and a methodical approach, you’ll be back to streaming your favorite Hulu movies and shows in pristine quality before you know it. Feel free to bookmark this guide for future reference if any Hulu gremlins rear their head again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Hulu keep saying I have a poor connection?
There are a few reasons you may see this error, including:
- Your internet speed has fallen below the 3 Mbps recommendation for standard definition streaming
- There are too many devices connected to your home network, causing congestion
- Your router needs to be restarted
- The Hulu app on your device has a corrupted cache and needs to be refreshed
Follow the steps in the guide above to troubleshoot your connection. If problems persist, contact your ISP.
How do I clear the cache on Hulu?
This depends on the device you’re using:
- On Android devices, go to Settings > Apps > Hulu and tap “Clear Cache“
- On iOS, you’ll need to uninstall and reinstall the Hulu app
- On Fire TV, go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > Hulu and choose “Clear cache“
Consult the step-by-step instructions in the article for more details.
How do I update the Hulu app on my smart TV or streaming device?
Open your device’s app store, such as the Roku Channel Store or Amazon Appstore. Search for Hulu. If an update is available, you’ll see an “Update” button. Tap this to install the latest version. You can also enable automatic updates in your device settings to always get the newest Hulu app version as soon as it’s released.
Why does Hulu say I’m using a proxy when I’m not?
Hulu may falsely flag your internet connection as coming from a proxy or VPN if your ISP routes traffic in certain ways. To resolve this, try:
- Connecting to a different network, such as switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data
- Power cycling your modem and router
- Contacting your ISP to check for known issues
- Asking Hulu support to refresh your IP address
Can I use a VPN with Hulu?
Due to content licensing agreements, Hulu blocks most VPN connections. You’ll need to disable your VPN to access Hulu in most cases. Some VPNs can occasionally slip past Hulu’s detection, but it’s hit-or-miss. If you need a VPN for other purposes, consider using a second device or profile without the VPN active for Hulu streaming.
