You’re probably reading this article because you’ve tried to watch Hulu from outside the US using a VPN and, all of a sudden, it’s stopped working. Well, don’t worry. I’m going to explain why that has happened and what you can do to fix it.
Hulu not working with VPN: Quick guide
If you want to find out why this has suddenly happened, you can read the whole article where we go through how and why Hulu is blocking your VPN, but if you’re looking for a quick fix to this problem, then try the following steps.
Delete your cookies
Cookies can sometimes store information that tells websites where in the world you are connecting to the internet. These cookies can tip off Hulu that you are trying to stream its content outside of the US.
A good place to start is to delete your cookies and then retry Hulu with your VPN turned on to see if it works.
Connect to a different US server
If deleting your cookies didn’t work, changing to a different US server is the next thing to try.
Hulu doesn’t have the capacity to block VPNs; it blocks IP addresses. By connecting to a different server provided, you will be provided with a different IP address, and that may resolve the problem.
Upgrade your VPN
If deleting your cookies and connecting to a different US server doesn’t fix the problem, then Hulu has been able to blacklist and block all of the IP addresses your VPN provides. Luckily, there is an easy way to get around these blocks, and that is by upgrading your VPN.
The best VPN for Hulu is ExpressVPN ($6.67/month).
ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) has fast servers all over the world, and most importantly, it has measures in place that will stop all of its IP addresses from being blocked by Hulu.
On the off chance your IP address is blocked by the streaming service, ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) closes that IP address and opens a new one ensuring you can use the VPN to watch Hulu reliably wherever you are.
This will stop you from running into the same problems you’re coming across with your current VPN.
Why does Hulu block VPNs?
Hulu has joined Netflix, HBO Max, CBS, NBC, BBC iPlayer – pretty much every major broadcaster – in blocking VPNs from accessing its content.
The reason it has done this is simple. Licenses. More specifically, US licenses. Hulu only has the rights to broadcast content – The Handmaid’s Tale, Castle Rock, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – in the US. Various broadcaster’s in other countries own the rights to this content in their regions.
Like every other major broadcaster, Hulu has to block VPNs from accessing its content to protect its investments. If, for example, Hulu didn’t police its digital border and allowed internet connections from all over the world to stream from its servers, then it would have to start paying for global licenses for its content. Which is (obviously) a lot more expensive than just owning the American broadcasting rights.
How is Hulu Detecting my VPN?
There are three primary checks Hulu performs to detect VPNs.
The first is a routine check for IP, DNS and WebRTC leaks. This is a simple test that all respectable VPNs *should* pass.
The next test is a little more cunning. Broadcasters use GeoIP databases, such as MaxMind to verify the IP address you’re connecting from. If your VPN is using an IP address that’s on one of these lists you won’t be able to watch Hulu.
Finally, Hulu will perform its own IP checks – and this is probably the test that caused your VPN to stop working – where it monitors the number of connections coming from the same IP address.
VPNs have a lot more customers than they do servers. This is a problem, as each VPN server has its own IP address, just like a typical house or office would do. When too many people (more than an average household) connect via the same IP (VPN server), it is easy for Hulu to detect and blacklist the IP address.
Does Hulu still work with VPNs?
Yes. I stream Hulu from my home here in New Zealand daily.
It’s essential that you use a VPN that still works with Hulu like ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) or Private Internet Access ($2.03/month).
There are some VPNs that won’t work with Hulu. At the time of writing, IPvanish, Tunnelbear, PureVPN, Zenmate, Hotspot Shield, Hola, CactusVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA), IronSocket, Unotelly and CactusVPN will not work.
This is because Hulu has been able to identify and blacklist all the IP addresses that those VPNs provide.
To stream Hulu you need to upgrade to a VPN like ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) or Private Internet Access ($2.03/month) that manages to stay ahead of Hulu’s checks.

Why do some VPNs work with Hulu and some don’t?
The best VPNs for streaming Hulu haven’t had all of their IP addresses blacklisted by Hulu which is more than likely what has happened to your VPN.
VPNs like ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) or Private Internet Access ($2.03/month) work with Hulu because they manage to stay one step ahead of Hulu’s checks.
They do this by playing a game of cat and mouse game with the streaming service.
When Hulu identifies an IP address provided by a VPN, they blacklist it. VPNs that work with Hulu will close this IP address and open a new one, ensuring that you can stream Hulu consistently from anywhere in the world.
How to fix Hulu not working with your VPN
This is a pretty common problem. And the solution is really easy.
The first thing you should do is try another server from your VPN app. If this doesn’t work, try getting in contact with your provider – most have Live Chat features on their websites – and ask them to direct you to a specific server that works with Hulu.
If the first two options don’t work, then it’s time to change VPNs. I suggest switching to either ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) or Private Internet Access ($2.03/month) as these two providers play a cat and mouse game with Hulu and other broadcasters such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
This cat and mouse method makes it impossible for Hulu, and other broadcasters, to police. However, the process is time-consuming and expensive – so not every VPN is willing to engage in these tactics.
The best VPNs for streaming Hulu
1. ExpressVPN
The fastest and MOST reliable VPN of 2022

Pros
- Fast servers
- Thousands of IP addresses
- 10-simultaneous connections
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Easy-to-use app
Cons
- Expensive
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2. Private Internet Access
The BEST low-cost VPN for streaming!
Pros
- Fast and reliable servers
- Thousands of IP addresses
- 10-simultaneous connections
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only 48 server locations
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3. NordVPN
A very quick and trustworthy VPN

Pro
- Fast servers
- No logs
- Thousands of IP addresses
- 6-simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Easy-to-use app
Cons
- No refunds for purchases from iTunes/App store
SPECIAL OFFER – $3.49/month
4. Ivacy
The great budget VPN option

Pros
- Fast servers
- Thousands of IP addresses
- Dedicated streaming servers
- 5-simultaneous connections
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only 5 devices
- Sometimes runs slow
- Occasionally blocked by streaming sites
SPECIAL OFFER: 7-DAY TRIAL ($0.99)
5. CyberGhost

Pros
- 1-day free trial
- Reliable servers
- Thousands of IP addresses
- 7-simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Easy-to-use app
Cons
- Expensive
- Average speed scores
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