Hulu not working with VPN? 7 easy ways to fix it
Hulu has a strict policy against anonymous proxies and VPN services. This is because this streaming platform is trying to uphold its content licensing agreements in the United States (while also being available in Japan). That said, if Hulu is not working with a VPN for you, it's likely because your VPN isn't up to the task.
Hulu's smart detection system can pick up VPN usage by identifying blacklisted IP addresses or by recognizing when your real IP address is leaked. To bypass it, you'll need a robust VPN that can not only disguise your real location but also prevent any IP leaks.
I found that only a handful of premium VPN providers can successfully bypass any Hulu VPN errors:
| VPNs that work with Hulu | VPNs that do not work with Hulu |
| ✅ NordVPN | ❌ IPVanish |
| ✅ Surfshark VPN | ❌ PIA |
| ✅ Proton VPN | ❌ TunnelBear |
After testing 27 VPNs, it's clear that NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN are the most effective ones for bypassing Hulu’s location restrictions. NordVPN, in particular, offers 6900 ultra-fast servers in 113 countries, including 2,000+ servers in the US, allowing you to stream your favorite content without encountering the infamous Hulu VPN error.
If the problem still persists, we have several solutions you can try. Read on to find out the quickest way to fix Hulu VPN issues.
How Hulu is detecting 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 utilizing a mix of detection methods. The three that we know of are:
- IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. If your VPN is leaking any of this data, then your actual location is visible. Naturally, Hulu sees this and blocks access to its services accordingly.
- GeoIP databases. Hulu checks IP addresses against databases that list known VPN IPs. If your IP is listed, Hulu will block it.
- IP addresses. Numerous users streaming content from the same IP is suspicious and usually means a VPN is involved. Yet again, Hulu simply bans them to avoid problems on their part.
Using a VPN can help you change your Hulu location, enabling you to securely watch your favorite content on any network. But if you want to bypass Hulu’s VPN errorblock 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, 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
Hulu often doesn't work with free VPN services due to their limited server options, slow speeds, and outdated protocols, which compromise streaming reliability. Additionally, the restricted server networks of free VPNs make it difficult for them to bypass Hulu's geo-blocks effectively, since most of them are flagged by Hulu’s geo-detection system.
That said, 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.
- NordVPN is hands-down the best VPN that works with Hulu, offering the fastest speeds, strong security, and competitive pricing. NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature also combines SmartDNS to bypass geo-restrictions on devices that don't usually support VPNs. With a solid track record for Hulu and other streaming services, it guarantees a seamless experience. Plus, you can try it with a 7-day free trial for hassle-free Hulu streaming.
- Surfshark VPN is another excellent Hulu VPN. It offers ultra-fast servers across 20+ 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.
- Proton VPN is another great alternative that lets you change your Hulu location. Besides packing an extensive server fleet of Proton VPN serversCount+ servers, with more than 2,000 servers in the US alone, it supports all the most popular streaming devices, like Roku or Chromecast. Meanwhile, Proton’s in-house VPN Accelerator, which can bump up connection speeds up to 400% and is particularly useful for long-distance connections, ensures top-tier speeds for that Ultra HD quality.
How to bypass Hulu VPN block?
Hulu’s advanced location and VPN detection system often trigger the Hulu VPN error, especially with freemium VPNs that have limited, frequently blacklisted servers. To avoid this, I highly recommend upgrading to a premium VPN. After testing 27 different VPNs, NordVPN took the crown as the best Hulu VPN, as it offered a dedicated IP option, a strong security suite, and a wide range of reliable servers both in the US and Japan.
If the issue still persists, there are several potential solutions. We saved you some time by compiling the most common causes in one place. And the best way to go around this would be to try the fixes one by one.
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. Opting for a VPN provider with a large selection of servers in the US or Japan increases your chances of accessing Hulu content seamlessly.
Cycle through the available server list in both countries. If your current VPN provider doesn’t have many servers in the US and Japan, you should consider opting for the best streaming VPNs that do.
Check for IP and DNS leaks
Another reason Hulu is not working with a VPN is because of IP address and DNS request leaks. Both of these contain data pertaining to your geographical location. Even if one of them is visible, Hulu quickly detects it and prevents further access.
By adjusting your DNS settings, you can bypass Hulu's VPN blocks and even stream Hulu from outside the US without relying on a VPN. This can be done using Smart DNS, a feature that is offered by most premium VPN providers like NordVPN. It allows you to change your default DNS servers and access content on your smart TV that otherwise may not be available in your region. To find out more about DNS leaks, read our in-depth guide.
Clear your browser’s cache and cookies
If you have changed your DNS settings but still struggle to access Hulu, your browser’s cookies might be the cause. Essentially, their only purpose is for the sites to "remember" information about you, making everyday browsing seamless. However, they also log the browser user’s general whereabouts, which can also be hindering one’s Hulu accessing efforts. But there’s nothing to worry about as it’s a fairly easy problem to fix.
To clear your browser’s cache and cookies, simply open your browser’s settings or preferences menu, usually located in the top right corner. Then navigate to the privacy or history section, and look for options to clear browsing data. Select the cache and cookies options, choose the time range (e.g., ‘All time’ for a thorough clean), and confirm the action. This should remove stored data that helps Hulu to detect traces of your original IP.
Disable IPv6
.Even with premium VPNs, you might still see an error message on Hulu asking you to disable your 'anonymous proxy.' This issue often arises because most VPN services do not adequately protect against IPv6 leaks. Your best bet is disabling it altogether to avoid any potential leaks. 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.
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 the protocol you're using isn't effective with Hulu, try switching to a different one in your VPN's settings.
The most reliable tunneling protocol that usually works with Hulu is WireGuard. However, depending on the provider, OpenVPN may also provide a high unblocking success rate. It all boils down to how a VPN provider implements each protocol.
Contact your Hulu VPN support team
It’s not out of the realm of possibility for the VPN to be experiencing technical issues. Or maybe you need to enable additional settings for the VPN to properly work with Hulu. Contacting your VPN provider’s support agents regarding Hulu issues is free and won’t hurt anyone. Most importantly, it might help you get some much-needed answers.
Another issue may be that the VPN you're currently using simply doesn't work with Hulu. If that's the case, customer support will let you know about it.
Switch to a VPN that works with Hulu
If after all of the suggestions, Hulu is still not working, it's likely the fault of your chosen VPN provider. More specifically - the US-based servers of your VPN, which may have already been blacklisted by Hulu.
That’s why I recommend switching to a reliable VPN like NordVPN. Not only most of them have huge server fleets in the US, they come with a dedicated IP option, which provides a one-of-a-kind IP address tailored for your use only. And since most premium VPNs come with trials, you can test them yourself before committing for the long term.
Hulu error codes
Like most modern systems, Hulu provides clear error messages to help users identify issues that may be disrupting their streaming experience. Some of these errors relate to device compatibility, others stem from poor internet connections, and a few may be caused by hardware problems. You can also get appropriate error codes depending on what geo-block bypassing method you’re using.
On the other hand, if the VPN is up to par, you might be getting errors unrelated to this software. Here are the most common ones and ways to troubleshoot them.
| Hulu error code | Meaning | Solution |
| 3 & 5 | Connectivity problem | Clear the cookies & cache, then restart your device |
| 16 | Invalid region | Reconnect to another VPN server, then restart your device |
| 400 | Account information problem | Remove the device from your account and add it again, then reinstall Hulu |
| 500 | Server problem | Check our internet connection and restart the VPN, refresh Hulu, or reboot your device |
| 5003 | Playback error | Update Hulu or reinstall it |
| BYA-403-011 | VPN or proxy detected | Connect to another US or Japan VPN server, switch to another tunneling protocol, or upgrade your VPN |
How to pay for Hulu without a US credit card
Hulu only accepts payment methods linked to the US zip code, so you won’t be able to purchase a Hulu subscription by using your local banking services and such. However, there are two tried-and-tested ways to pay for Hulu without a US payment method.
- Purchase a Hulu gift card. Authorized online retailers such as MyGiftCardSupply have plenty of gift card options you can purchase even if you're outside the US. Simply buy a Hulu gift card, connect to any US server via your VPN, and then head over to hulu.com/start/gifting to redeem the gift card.
- Use a US pre-paid card. The alternative is getting a virtual pre-paid card from such services as StatesCard. These let foreigners get US payment details and a US zip code, albeit for a small fee. However, with it, you can pay for US-only services, such as Hulu.
VPNs that don't work with Hulu
Not every VPN is up to the task of 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 also expose you to risks like spyware and viruses.
That said, even some premium VPNs struggle to deliver a smooth Hulu experience. Below are a few VPNs that will not offer the reliable Hulu access you're looking for:
- IPVanish. During the tests, IPVanish showed too many inconsistencies in speeds. Not to mention, it got detected while browsing almost half of the time. While it’s a great VPN overall, it’s no match for NordVPN or Surfshark.
- 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.
- 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 reducing 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 rather disappointing.
Conclusion
Hulu, one of the largest streaming platforms on the market, employs advanced geo-detection systems, making it difficult for many VPNs to bypass its restrictions. However, after extensive testing, NordVPN emerged as the best Hulu VPN.
NordVPN consistently grants access to Hulu's content libraries from any region, allowing you to stream your favorite shows without interruption. With its NordLynx-powered speeds across 6900+ servers, NordVPN ensures buffer-free Ultra HD streaming. Moreover, it supports a wide range of devices and offers Meshnet feature, making it easier to overcome Hulu’s password-sharing restrictions.
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FAQ
How to get Hulu to work with VPN?
To get Hulu working with a VPN, it's crucial to use a reliable provider like NordVPN, which offers numerous servers in the US where Hulu is primarily available. Start by connecting to a US server with your VPN, ensuring that the kill switch and IP leak protection features are enabled. Assuming you've registered with a US-issued payment method and received subscription confirmation, open the Hulu app/site. You should now be able to access Hulu’s endless library of entertainment.
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 are legally allowed to view in their specific region. Unless you’re using a freemium VPN, Hulu should not be able to detect that you’re using a VPN. However, if you do 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 proxy error on Hulu, you need to use a reliable VPN that can effectively mask your IP address and avoid detection. Choose a premium VPN like NordVPN, which had 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 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.
Which VPN can access Hulu?
While many premium VPNs can bypass Hulu's geo-restrictions, NordVPN stands out as the best Hulu VPN. It delivers industry-leading speeds, a robust set of features, and budget-friendly pricing. Additionally, NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology allows you to bypass geo-blocks on devices like smart TVs that typically don't support VPNs, making it the best VPN for Hulu.
