ExpressVPN not Working with Hulu? Here's what to do
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for Hulu – but sometimes it runs into trouble with the streamer.
Usually, this is due to technical glitches that are easily fixed. But sometimes, it’s more complicated. You might even need to switch from ExpressVPN to another top Hulu VPN.
So, if your ExpressVPN app isn’t working with Hulu, this quick guide will show you the best solutions and potential alternative VPNs.
How to stream Hulu with ExpressVPN
First, make sure you configured ExpressVPN correctly to work with Hulu. The process is generally the same for every ExpressVPN app, regardless of your device (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, etc.).
Here’s what to do:
- Sign up for ExpressVPN. You can use the risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee for a test run.
- Download the app to your Hulu device.
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies to ensure a fresh connection. Clear the Hulu app as well.
- Sign in to Hulu and enjoy unrestricted streaming.
Switch servers within the US if you can’t connect to Hulu the first time. If that doesn’t work, keep reading for more solutions.
How well does ExpressVPN work with Hulu?
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for Hulu, thanks to an extensive network of high-speed servers in the US that are fast enough to stream Hulu from anywhere.
In our tests, ExpressVPN’s streaming speeds averaged 91 Mbps – fast enough for 4K streaming even when connected to far-away servers. Its LightwayVPN protocol ensures a smooth, buffer-free connection while keeping your internet secure and your true location hidden. It’s also lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about battery drain when streaming on mobile.
ExpressVPN is one of the most advanced VPNs available, but like any technology, it can face some issues. Let’s examine why it’s not working with your Hulu account.
Why isn’t ExpressVPN working with Hulu?
Hulu is a purely US streamer – it’s not meant to be available anywhere else in the world. Due to its copyright and broadcast licenses, it must actively block anyone outside the US from accessing its content.
So, Hulu invests heavily in detecting and blocking VPN servers in case people use them to access its content outside the US. Even if you’re in the US and just using a VPN to boost your online privacy, Hulu will still block you.
The best VPNs, like ExpressVPN, constantly find ways around Hulu’s blocks but don’t always succeed.
However, there are other factors that contribute to ExpressVPN not working with Hulu. Here are the most common – and their solutions.
1. ExpressVPN has a software glitch. Every technology has the occasional glitch, so this isn’t a cause for concern.
Solution: Restart your ExpressVPN app or your device.
2. Hulu is reading old location data from your cache or cookies. If you previously logged into Hulu without a VPN, it could still have your previous location on record.
Solution: Clear your cache and cookies or use incognito mode.
3. Hulu has blocked your ExpressVPN server. Hulu keeps a record of VPN servers it identifies and blocks them from ever accessing its content. ExpressVPN’s many US servers give you more than enough options to switch.
Solution:Try another server in the US.
4. Hulu is using your GPS information to establish your location. Hulu’s mobile apps can periodically log your location information from your device’s GPS. This may clash with the location of the VPN’s server.
Solution: You’ll have to stream Hulu from your mobile device’s browser using incognito mode.
Best alternative VPNs for streaming Hulu
The VPNs below are the top alternative to ExpressVPN for accessing Hulu content. We’ve tested each one thoroughly and shared the full results in our complete VPN reviews. But if you’re in a rush, everything you need to know is below.
[[post-object type=”summary-section” pros-cons=”true” /]]
Do free VPNs work with Hulu?
Most free VPNs don’t work with Hulu because they have tiny server networks quickly flagged by the streaming giants, and lack advanced VPN clocking tools.<
There are many other reasons to skip free VPNs, especially if you’re concerned about your online privacy. Including:
- Limited servers. Most free VPNs only offer a couple of servers in the US and maybe two other countries. These quickly get crowded and blocked by streaming sites.
- Too slow for streaming. Free VPNs usually struggle with even standard-definition streaming. Expect a lot of buffering and lag.
- Breaching your privacy. Free VPNs have been caught selling users’ data to advertisers and data brokers to make a profit.
- Annoying ads. You’ll get a pop-up every few minutes urging you to upgrade to the premium plan or to promote some other product. It’s irritating, to say the least.
- Malware risk. Free VPNs have been exposed hosting malware that opens backdoors to hackers and other malicious actors on their networks (for a fee).
Plenty of cheap, good-quality VPNs work with Hulu while only charging a couple of dollars a month and not bombarding you with ads or risking your safety online.
Stick to those and avoid free VPNs altogether.
How we tested ExpressVPN and others with Hulu
We’ve developed strict criteria for testing VPNs over many years of publishing reviews. For this guide, we focused on each alternative to ExpressVPN’s compatibility with Hulu, connection speeds, and much more.
Here’s a sample of our ranking factors:<
- Server network: We only recommend VPNs with thousands of servers spread throughout countries across the globe.
- Connection speeds: We check if every VPN is fast enough for HD streaming, even if you connect to far-away servers.
- Access to content: The top VPNs all work with Hulu and other popular streamers, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer.
- Security: Our favorite VPNs use the latest cybersecurity tools to keep you safe, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and automatic kill-switches.
- Privacy: We looked for VPNs that hide your location and identity through a mix of IP address masking, anti-tracking tools, ad blockers, and similar software.
- Value: The best VPNs offer simple, affordable plans and generous money-back guarantees.
- Ease of use: Just because VPNs are a complicated technology, they don’t have to be difficult to use. Our favorite VPNs are all very beginner-friendly.
- Customer support: Look for VPNs that offer 24/7 live support with human agents, video tutorials and troubleshooting, and other support channels.
You can use our VPN testing guide to assess which VPN is the best VPN for you.
FAQs
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”How do I bypass Hulu’s VPN block?” answer=”
To bypass Hulu’s VPN block, you need a VPN with obfuscated servers and a huge server network in the US.
Obfuscated servers hide that you’re using a VPN to connect to the internet. So, Hulu will think you’re using your home network to access its content. A large server network reduces the likelihood that Hulu will have tagged and blocked every server owned by your VPN (using their IP addresses).
Only premium VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN have powerful enough obfuscation tools and large enough networks to bypass Hulu’s VPN block.
Once you’ve chosen a VPN, here’s what to do:
- Sign up to your VPN.We recommend ExpressVPN or NordVPN, because they’re the best for Hulu and every other streaming site.
- Download the VPN app to your Hulu device.
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Clear your cache and cookies to ensure Hulu has no record of your location from earlier sessions.
- Sign in to Huluand enjoy unrestricted streaming.
” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Does Hulu ban VPNs?” answer=”
Yes, Hulu bans VPNs. However, the top streaming VPNs can usually bypass these bans by using the latest cloaking software to hide from Hulu’s detection tools.
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are two excellent streaming VPNs that use tools like obfuscated servers to hide the fact you’re accessing Hulu via a VPN. This way, you can access your favorite Hulu content from anywhere in the world.
” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Can Hulu ban you for using VPN?” answer=”
Hulu ban you for using a VPN by changing its terms of service – but it probably never will.
Hulu banned everyone for using a VPN, it would lose millions (possibly billions) of dollars in revenue due to canceled subscriptions. Instead, by blocking VPN apps, Hulu tries to force you to turn your VPNs off before accessing its content.
” /]]
Conclusion
You’ll struggle to find a VPN that works better with Hulu than ExpressVPN.
However, if ExpressVPN isn’t working with Hulu, and you’ve tried every technical fix, you have plenty of options to try a different VPN.
You can try every VPN alternative we’ve recommended with a risk-free money-back guarantee. So, try them out and see which one works best for you.