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 the streaming platform must uphold its content licensing agreements in the United States and Puerto Rico. Hulu is also available in Japan, but Hulu Japan operates as a separate service. 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 the Hulu VPN error, you'll need a reliable VPN that can not only disguise your real location but also prevent any IP or DNS leaks.

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

After testing 27 VPNs, it's clear that NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN are the most effective options for bypassing Hulu’s location restrictions. NordVPN, in particular, offers thousands of ultra-fast servers in 224 locations, including 2869+ servers in the US, allowing you to stream your favorite content without encountering the infamous Hulu VPN error.

If the problem still persists, I have several solutions you can try. Read on to find out the quickest ways 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", a Hulu VPN error code like P-EDU101 or BYA-403-011, or Error 16 on iOS device, it likely means Hulu has detected that your connection is coming through a VPN or proxy server.

Hulu knows you’re using a VPN through several detection methods, including:

• IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. If your VPN is leaking any of this data, your actual location may be visible. Naturally, Hulu can detect this and block 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.
• Shared IP addresses. Numerous users streaming content from the same IP is suspicious and usually means a VPN is involved. Yet again, Hulu simply block these IPs to avoid licensing issues on its part.

Using a VPN can help you change your virtual location for Hulu, enabling you to securely watch your favorite content on any network. But if you want to bypass Hulu’s VPN error block without being detected, you need a streaming VPN that's capable of effectively masking your connection and preventing IP address leaks. Fortunately, Hulu usually only blocks the connection, not the account, when it detects VPN use. 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 weaker streaming reliability. Additionally, the restricted server networks of free VPNs make it difficult for them to bypass Hulu's geo-blocks effectively, since many of their IPs are already 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 Proton VPN. These services have been thoroughly tested and worked with Hulu, offering plenty of servers both in the US and Japan, strong leak protection, and fast speeds for high-definition streaming.

1. NordVPN is hands-down the best VPN that works with Hulu, offering fast speeds, strong security, and competitive pricing. With servers in all 50 US states and strong leak protection make it especially effective at resolving Hulu VPN errors. With a solid track record for Hulu and other streaming platforms, it is the most reliable option for fixing the Hulu VPN error. Plus, you can try it with a 3-day free trial for hassle-free Hulu streaming.
2. Surfshark VPN is another excellent Hulu VPN. It offers ultra-fast servers across 19+ US states and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. By securely masking your original IP address and preventing leaks, Surfshark can help resolve Hulu's VPN error, making it a reliable choice for streaming Hulu outside the US, for example, in Mexico.
3. Proton VPN is another great alternative that lets you change your Hulu location. Besides packing an extensive server fleet of 20,660+ servers, with more than 6015 servers in the US alone, it supports popular streaming devices, including Android TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, and router setups for Roku. Meanwhile, Proton's in-house VPN Accelerator, which can bump up connection speeds by up to 400%, is particularly useful for long-distance connections and helps ensure stable speeds for Ultra HD streaming.

How to bypass Hulu VPN block?

Hulu's advanced location and VPN detection system often triggers the Hulu VPN error, especially with free VPNs that have limited, frequently blacklisted servers. To avoid this, I recommend upgrading to a premium VPN. After testing 27 different VPNs, NordVPN took the crown as the best Hulu VPN, as it offered fast speeds, 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. I saved you some time by compiling the most common causes in one place. The best way to fix the Hulu VPN block is to try the fixes below 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 in the country your Hulu account is tied to, like the US. Since Hulu actively works to block VPN services, many servers, especially those belonging to free VPNs, may already be blacklisted. Choosing a VPN provider with a large selection of servers in the US and Japan increases your chances of finding one that still works with Hulu.

Cycle through the available server list in the US or Japan, depending on which Hulu version you're trying to access. If your current VPN provider doesn't have many servers in either location, you should consider opting for one of the best streaming VPNs that does.

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 can reveal data related to your actual location. Even if only one of them is visible, Hulu can detect the mismatch and block further access.

To fix this, run an IP and DNS leak test while connected to your VPN. If your real IP address, ISP, or location appears in the results, check your DNS settings and make sure your VPN is handling DNS requests properly. You can also switch from your ISP’s default DNS servers to a public DNS provider, such as Cloudflare or Google DNS, and flush your DNS cache before trying Hulu again. To find out more about DNS leaks, read our in-depth guide.

The most reliable tunneling protocol for Hulu is WireGuard. For example, NordVPN's NordLynx protocol is built on WireGuard, which is why it's known to deliver fast speeds and reliable access. However, OpenVPN (UDP) may also provide a high unblocking success rate depending on the provider. It all boils down to how a VPN provider implements each protocol.

Clear your browser's cache and cookies

If your DNS settings look fine but still struggle to access Hulu, your browser's cookies might be the cause. Essentially, cookies help websites remember information about you, making everyday browsing more seamless. However, they can also store session data, location preferences, or traces of your previous browsing activity, which may reveal that your real location doesn't match your VPN server.

To clear your browser's cache and cookies, 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 the option to clear browsing data. Select cache and cookies, choose the time range (e.g., 'All time' for a thorough clean), and confirm the action. This should remove stored site data that may help Hulu detect traces of your original location.

Disable IPv6

Even with a premium VPN, you might still see a Hulu error message asking you to disable your "anonymous proxy." This can happen if your VPN connection leaks IPv6 traffic, allowing Hulu to detect a mismatch between your real location and your VPN server. To avoid this, you can temporarily disable IPv6 and try Hulu again. Here's how to do it on different operating systems:

• Windows. Head to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > More network adapter options. Right-click your active network connection, select Properties, uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), and save the changes.
• Mac. Open System Preferences > Network, select your active connection, and click Details. Open the TCP/IP tab, find Configure IPv6, and set it to Off if the option is available.

Change the VPN protocol

Many VPNs offer various tunneling protocol options. Some prioritize speed, while others provide more stable connections or work better on restrictive networks. If the protocol you're using isn't working well with Hulu, try switching to a different one in your VPN app's settings.

WireGuard-based protocols are usually a good first choice for streaming because they offer fast speeds and stable performance. However, depending on the VPN provider, OpenVPN may also work better. It all comes down to how each VPN implements its protocols, so try switching between the available options and then reconnect to Hulu.

Contact your Hulu VPN's support team

It's not out of the realm of possibility for your 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 should let you know about it.

Switch to a VPN that works with Hulu

If Hulu is still not working after trying all of the suggestions above, the issue is likely with your chosen VPN provider. More specifically, its US or Japan servers may have already been blacklisted by Hulu.

That's why I recommend switching to a reliable VPN like NordVPN. Premium VPNs usually have larger server fleets in the US and Japan, giving you more options if one server gets blocked. Some also offer a dedicated IP option, which gives you an IP address used only by you. And since most premium VPNs come with free trials or money-back guarantees, you can test them yourself before committing 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 may also see specific error codes when Hulu detects that you're using a VPN or proxy.

On the other hand, if your VPN is up to par, you might be getting errors unrelated to this software. Here are the most common Hulu error codes and ways to troubleshoot them.

How to pay for Hulu without a US credit card

Hulu usually requires a payment method with a US ZIP code, so you may not be able to purchase a Hulu subscription with your local banking services. However, there are two commonly used ways to pay for Hulu without a US credit card.

1. Purchase a Hulu gift card. Hulu gift cards are available from authorized online retailers and can be redeemed on Hulu’s gift card redemption page. Simply buy a Hulu gift card, connect to a US server via your VPN, and redeem the code on your Hulu account.
2. Use a US prepaid card. The alternative is getting a virtual prepaid card from services such as StatesCard. These services provide US payment details and a US ZIP code for a fee, which may help you pay for US-only services like Hulu.

VPNs that struggle to work with Hulu

Not every VPN is up to the task of bypassing Hulu's tough geo-restrictions. Free VPNs often fall short, lacking the server variety, flexibility, and performance needed to outsmart Hulu's advanced geolocation detection. Not only can they leave you frustrated with Hulu VPN errors, but some unreliable free VPNs may also expose you to privacy and security risks.

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, its smaller server fleet 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 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 works with Hulu, allowing you to stream your favorite shows without interruption. With NordLynx-powered speeds, a massive server network, and reliable servers in the US and Japan, NordVPN ensures smooth Ultra HD streaming. Moreover, it supports a wide range of devices and includes strong leak protection, making it easier to avoid common Hulu VPN errors.

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FAQs

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 and Japan, where Hulu is available. Start by connecting to a VPN server in the country your Hulu account is tied to, ensuring that the kill switch and IP leak protection features are enabled. Assuming you've registered with a supported payment method and received subscription confirmation, open the Hulu app or site. You should now be able to access Hulu's library of entertainment.

How does Hulu know I'm using a VPN?

Like most streaming giants, Hulu has an advanced location-detection system that helps ensure users access only the content available in their region. Hulu can detect VPN traffic by identifying blacklisted IP addresses, noticing too many users on the same IP, or spotting IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. So if you do receive an error, try clearing your browser's cookies, restarting the VPN, and connecting to another server in the US or Japan.

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 worked well with Hulu during testing. Just make sure to connect to a server in the country your Hulu account is tied to.

Can Hulu ban you for using VPN?

Hulu can block the VPN IP address if it detects suspicious activity coming through it. Usually, this means Hulu blocks access to its services rather than immediately suspending the account. Thus, you can still use such providers such 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 security features, and strong geo-unblocking capabilities. Additionally, NordVPN has a large server network in the US and Japan, helping users find a working server for smooth HD and 4K playback.