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:

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.

Read on to find out the quickest way to fix Hulu VPN issues.

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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.

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.

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.

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 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, for example, in Mexico.
3. Proton VPN lets you change your Hulu location effortlessly. It boasts a vast server network, including 400 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.

Access Hulu Worldwide with NordVPN

How to bypass Hulu VPN block?

If your current VPN isn’t working with Hulu, it likely means Hulu has blocked your VPN’s US IP addresses. 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 emerged 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.

Step 1: 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.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies

If you’ve changed your DNS settings, but your VPN still doesn’t work properly with Hulu, it’s likely to do with your browser’s cache or cookies. Thankfully, the fix here is simple.

To clear your browser’s cache and cookies, open your browser’s settings or preferences menu, which is usually 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 detect traces of your original IP.

Essentially, browser cookies serve the purpose of “remembering” information about you, making everyday browsing seamless. However, they also log the browser user’s general whereabouts, which can also hinder access to Hulu. But there’s nothing to worry about, as it’s a fairly easy problem to fix.

Step 4: 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.

Step 5: 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.

Step 6: 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.

Step 7: Switch to a VPN that works with Hulu

Hulu is known for blocking proxy services, so such errors are possible. This is especially common if you're using an outdated or free VPN. If Hulu is still not working after trying all the suggestions, the issue is likely with your VPN provider. More specifically, the US-based servers of your VPN may have already been blacklisted by Hulu.

That’s why I recommend switching to a reliable VPN like NordVPN. It is the most reliable service that offers a vast server network in the US, along with a dedicated IP option. This provides you with a unique IP address for your exclusive use. And since most premium VPNs come with trials, you can test them yourself before committing to anything 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 Hulu 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.

How to pay for Hulu outside the US 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.

1. 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.
2. 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

As one of the largest streaming platforms, Hulu has advanced geo-detection systems. This makes it difficult for many VPNs to go past its restrictions. However, after thorough testing, NordVPN has proven to be the best Hulu VPN in 2025.

Thanks to its NordLynx-powered speeds across 7400+ servers you get to enjoy buffer-free Ultra HD streaming from anywhere. You can also easily bypass Hulu’s password-sharing limitations with NordVPN’s Meshnet feature. To make it easier, NordVPN supports a wide range of devices, providing a versatile and effective solution for uninterrupted access to Hulu.

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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 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 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 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.

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.