Hulu not working with VPN? 12 easy ways to fix it

Hulu does not work with your VPN because it blocks many VPN IP addresses to enforce its strict content licensing rules in the US and Japan. That means you can still be blocked from watching Hulu, even if you’ve paid for a subscription. The easiest fix is using a reliable VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark, which refreshes its IPs and keeps Hulu access smooth.

Hulu can detect your VPN if the IP address is already blacklisted, or worse, if it catches a glimpse of your real location through an IP leak. To beat it, you need a VPN that masks your location fully and prevents leaks that can trigger access errors mid-stream.

I found that only a handful of premium VPN providers can successfully bypass any Hulu VPN errors:

After testing 27 VPNs, it's clear that NordVPN is the most effective at bypassing Hulu’s location restrictions, including Hulu + Live TV. With over 2,000 US servers and top-tier IP leak prevention, NordVPN guarantees smooth streaming without the Hulu VPN error. It gives you reliable access to your favorite content, no matter where you are.

This guide walks you through the 12 best ways to fix Hulu VPN errors and get back to streaming in 2025.Read on to find out the quickest way to fix Hulu VPN issues.

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How does Hulu detect VPN?

Hulu detects VPN usage through advanced technology designed to identify and block VPN traffic. If you receive an error message such as "Hulu is not available in your region" or Error 16 on your iOS device, it likely means Hulu has detected that your IP address is being routed through a VPN or proxy.

Hulu knows you’re using a VPN by relying on a mix of detection methods. Here are the most common ones:

• IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. If your VPN leaks any of this data, your actual location is visible. Naturally, Hulu sees this and blocks access to its services accordingly.
• GeoIP databases. The Hulu website checks whether your IP address is linked to a VPN and blocks you if it appears in one of these databases.
• IP addresses. Numerous users streaming content from the same IP address is suspicious and usually means a VPN is involved. Yet again, Hulu simply bans them to avoid problems on their part.

If you want to bypass Hulu’s VPN error block without being detected, you need a robust VPN capable of effectively masking your connection and preventing IP address leaks. Fortunately, Hulu won’t ban you for using a VPN. So, if you encounter the Hulu VPN error message, ‘It looks like you are using an anonymous proxy or VPN,’ you can try connecting to another US server or take additional steps such as checking for IP and DNS leaks, deleting browser cookies, or disabling IPv6.

Best VPNs that still work with Hulu in 2025

Hulu is only accessible in the United States due to licenses and agreements in place. So, if you're traveling abroad, you'll need a VPN to watch it. However, many VPNs struggle to bypass Hulu’s geo-blocks because Hulu actively monitors and blacklists IP addresses associated with VPN providers. This makes it difficult for VPNs, especially free ones, to maintain a large pool of working IP addresses and consistently provide access to Hulu content from outside the licensed regions.

For the best streaming experience, I strongly recommend using top-tier Hulu VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN. These services have been thoroughly tested and consistently work with Hulu, offering easy geo-block bypassing, plenty of servers both in the US and Japan, and buffer-free speeds for high-definition streaming.

1. NordVPN is the best VPN that works with Hulu in 2025. It has over 2,000 US servers with blazing-fast speeds to easily outsmart geo-blocks. Packed with robust security features, it’s an excellent VPN choice. It hides your real IP location, ensuring you can bypass the Hulu VPN block. Plus, you can try it with a 7-day free trial for hassle-free Hulu streaming.
2. Surfshark is an excellent Hulu VPN with incredible unblocking abilities and unlimited device support. It offers ultra-fast servers across 600+ US states and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. By securely masking your original IP address, Surfshark effectively resolves Hulu's VPN error, making it a reliable choice for enjoying Hulu outside the US, for example, in Mexico.
3. Proton VPN lets you change your Hulu location effortlessly. It boasts a vast server network, including 3000+ servers in the US alone. Additionally, Proton’s in-house VPN Accelerator can boost connection speeds by up to 400%. For long-distance connections, this ensures ultra-fast speeds for streaming in Ultra HD quality.

How to fix Hulu not working with a VPN: 12 ways

In most cases, if Hulu isn't working with your VPN, it's due to blocked IP addresses or data leaks. Below are the most effective steps to bypass Hulu’s VPN blocks and start streaming again:

Step 1. Restart your device

Before diving into advanced fixes, try restarting your streaming device or computer. This simple step often resolves temporary glitches. Once it restarts, connect your VPN to a US server, open Hulu, and try streaming again, it might be all you need to get things working.

Step 2. Connect to a different US VPN server

If you encounter a Hulu VPN error, the first step is to switch your VPN connection to a different server location within the US. Since Hulu actively works to block VPN services, many servers, especially those belonging to freemium VPNs, may already be blacklisted. That's why you should use a VPN with multiple US or Japanese servers. For example, NordVPN has an extensive server fleet of 1970+ servers and 130+ servers in Japan.

As a result, you can switch VPN servers and use a different IP address if one server does not bypass geo-blocks.

Step 3. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies

Clearing your cache and cookies is important because they store data that can reveal your location. In this case, Hulu blocks access if you're outside the US, but deleting them ensures your VPN works properly and bypasses Hulu's restrictions. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your Chrome browser and go to the menu in the top right corner (three vertical dots)
   
2. Click on History and select Delete browsing data
3. Set the Time range to All time
4. Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files
5. Click on Delete data

Step 4. Check for IP and DNS leaks

Your DNS queries and IP address can expose your real location; it's a two-key signal Hulu uses to block VPN traffic and restrict access.

To fix this, enable your VPN’s kill switch and DNS leak protection, then test your connection at ipleak.net or dnsleaktest.com. During my tests, I used NordVPN to see how it works. First, go to Settings, press Kill Switch, and lastly, turn on the Internet Kill Switch and check both boxes underneath

NordVPN also offers SmartDNS for smart TVs, which lets you bypass Hulu restrictions without using the VPN app. To set up SmartDNS on your smart TV using NordVPN, log in to your NordVPN account dashboard and scroll to the SmartDNS section to register your current IP address (whatismyipaddress.com). Then, on your smart TV, go to Network Settings and select DNS Settings. Manually enter the following DNS addresses: primary DNS: 103.86.96.103 and, if available, secondary DNS: 103.86.99.103. Save the settings and restart your TV to complete the setup.

Step 5. Disable IPv6

Even with a VPN, Hulu can detect your real location if IPv6 is enabled on your device. Your device might use both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols if your ISP provides them, but many VPNs only route IPv4 traffic through their encrypted tunnel. This means your IPv6 address can leak outside the VPN. Hulu's detection systems can use this leaked IPv6 address to determine your actual location by detecting mismatches between your VPN IP (IPv4) and your real IP (IPv6). To fully prevent leaks and bypass Hulu's blocks, disable IPv6 in your device's network settings. Here’s how to do it on different operating systems:

• Windows. Head to Network & Internet settings > Network & Sharing Center. Select your network and then click on its Properties. Uncheck the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) option and save the changes.
• Mac. Open System Preferences > Network > Advanced. Click TCP/IP, then Configure IPv6, and select Off.

Step 6. Change the VPN protocol

Many VPNs offer various tunneling protocol options — some prioritize speed, others provide more stable connections, and some are great at bypassing geo-blocks. If your protocol you're using isn't effective with Hulu, try switching to a different one in your VPN's settings. The process is as simple on NordVPN:

1. Open the VPN’s settings
2. Click on Connection
3. Try different VPN protocols within your VPN client

The most reliable tunneling protocol for Hulu is WireGuard. However, OpenVPN may also provide a high unblocking success rate depending on the provider. It all boils down to how a VPN provider implements each protocol.

Step 7. Flush your DNS to remove any location leaks

Flushing your DNS clears stored records of websites and IP addresses your device has visited. By flushing the DNS, you remove any traces of your previous (non-VPN) connections, helping your VPN work properly with Hulu and ensuring your real location isn’t revealed. Here is how to do it:

• On Windows: Open the Command Prompt as an admin and enter: ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter
• On macOS: Open Terminal and type in: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter (you might need to enter your password)

Step 8. Contact your Hulu VPN support team

If Hulu still isn’t working, your VPN might need a quick setting adjustment or might be facing server issues. Reach out to your VPN’s support, live chat is usually the fastest. They can guide you through the fixes or let you know if Hulu is temporarily blocked on their servers.

Step 9. Check your internet connection

A weak connection can stop Hulu from loading, even with a VPN. Try turning your Wi-Fi off and back on, or restarting your router to refresh the signal.

Step 10. Check your antivirus and firewall settings

Antivirus and firewall programs are designed to block unknown or suspicious connections to protect your device. Sometimes, they mistakenly identify your VPN as a threat and block its traffic, especially if the VPN uses unfamiliar ports or encryption methods. This can prevent the VPN from working properly with Hulu. By temporarily disabling these tools, you can check if they're the cause and whitelist your VPN so they won't interfere again.

Step 11. Get a Dedicated IP

You may want to consider getting a dedicated IP address if Hulu still doesn't work. This gives you a unique, stable address that’s much less likely to be flagged or blocked by Hulu. Here is how to get a dedicated IP with NordVPN:

1. Get a reliable VPN with a dedicated IP, like NordVPN
2. Log in to your account, scroll down, and click Get Dedicated IP
3. Add a dedicated IP to your subscription for $4.19/month and proceed to checkout
4. Select a US-based location for Hulu
5. Once it’s active, open the NordVPN app and connect to your dedicated IP server before launching Hulu

Step 12. Consider switching a VPN provider

If you’ve tried everything and Hulu is still blocking you, the problem is likely with your VPN. Free or outdated VPNs often use overcrowded servers or IP addresses that have already been blacklisted by Hulu.

According to my research, NordVPN is the most reliable option for unblocking Hulu. It has a wide range of fast US servers, offers a dedicated IP feature, and consistently bypasses Hulu’s restrictions. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

VPNs that don't work with Hulu

Not every VPN is up to bypassing Hulu's tough geo-restrictions. Free VPNs like Private Internet Access often fall short, lacking the security, flexibility, and performance needed to outsmart Hulu's advanced geolocation detection. Not only can they leave you frustrated with Hulu VPN errors but they can also expose you to risks like spyware and viruses. Below are a few VPNs that will not offer the reliable Hulu access you're looking for:

• PIA. While testing, Private Internet Access mostly struggled with slow loading speeds. It did manage to unblock the platform occasionally, but only with compromised video quality, which often suffers from extensive buffering.
• Hotspot Shield. I tested Hotspot Shield with Hulu, but it consistently failed to bypass Hulu’s VPN blocks. The service relies heavily on shared IP addresses, which Hulu can easily detect and block. Even after switching between multiple US servers, I kept getting the same proxy error, or couldn’t load the content at all.
• Windscribe. Windscribe also didn’t work with Hulu during my tests. While it occasionally works with other platforms, Hulu’s advanced geo-detection tools easily flagged its IP addresses. Plus, its small US server network means fewer IPs in rotation, and many of those are already blacklisted. Windscribe struggles to keep up with Hulu’s aggressive VPN blocking.
• Mullvad. This VPN stands out for its exceptional focus on security and privacy. However, a smaller server fleet of 858 resulted in numerous failed attempts to unblock Hulu. Not to mention laggy performance due to the absence of dedicated IPs significantly reduced its success rate.
• TunnelBear. It’s a solid VPN through and through, but it falls short for streaming on Hulu on 1080p and above. Combine that with Hulu detecting this VPN quite often, and the experience can be disappointing.

Conclusion

Hulu has some of the toughest VPN blocks among streaming platforms. From detecting shared IP addresses to using advanced geo-blocking methods, Hulu makes bypassing its restrictions a challenge. Still, a reliable Hulu VPN bypass is possible with the right tool.

After extensive testing, I found that NordVPN offers the most reliable solution for bypassing Hulu blocking VPN connections in 2025. With its lightning-fast NordLynx protocol and over 7400 servers, I was able to stream Hulu in Ultra HD without buffering. It also helps you bypass Hulu’s password-sharing restrictions by using the Meshnet feature. Plus, if you’ve run into the issue of Hulu not working with VPN, NordVPN’s strict no-logs policy and robust encryption ensure your online activities stay private while reliably accessing the platform.

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FAQs

Why am I seeing the error message "You seem to be using a proxy or VPN"?

Hulu is only available in the US, so you'll see the error message "You seem to be using a proxy or VPN" if you're trying to stream from another country. This happens because Hulu detects and blocks VPNs to enforce regional restrictions. To fix this, try switching to a different VPN server, clearing your browser cookies, or using a VPN that works with Hulu.

Does Hulu work with a VPN?

Yes, Hulu works with VPN; however, only some VPNs can bypass the Hulu VPN block. With NordVPN you can effortlessly access Hulu thanks to its extensive, US-based server network. NordVPN also gives you unlimited bandwidth and super-fast speeds for the best streaming experience.

How do I stop Hulu from detecting VPN?

To stop Hulu from detecting your VPN, try using a provider like NordVPN that offers obfuscated servers or a dedicated IP address to hide your VPN traffic. Make sure to connect to a server close to your actual geographic location and ensure your VPN settings are optimized for streaming. If the issue persists, reach out to your VPN provider for further assistance.

How does Hulu know I'm using a VPN?

Like most streaming giants, Hulu has an advanced geo-location system that ensures users access only the content they can legally view in their specific region. Unless you’re using a freemium VPN, which could be a case. However, if you receive an error, try clearing your browser’s cookies and restarting the VPN, then connect to a server in the US.

How do I bypass proxy error on Hulu?

To bypass the Hulu proxy error, you need to use a reliable streaming VPN that can effectively mask your IP address and avoid detection. Choose a premium VPN like NordVPN, which has no trouble bypassing Hulu’s geo-restrictions. Just make sure to connect to a server located in the United States, as Hulu is primarily available there.

Can Hulu ban you for using a VPN?

Hulu can block the VPN IP address if it detects suspicious activity coming through it. Otherwise, the platform won’t suspend your account – just block access to its services. Thus, you can still use such providers as NordVPN to stream content on Hulu.

Why does Hulu think I'm using a VPN?

Hulu can identify some VPNs if it recognizes known IP addresses associated with the provider. To avoid that, I suggest using a reliable VPN service like NordVPN, which is built to go around such detection.