Hulu Not Working with VPN: 8 Fully Tested Steps to Fix It

Some users reported that Hulu won’t work even if the VPN software is enabled. It seems like this is a pretty common problem, so there are plenty of ways to fix it.

Hulu is a leading video-on-demand platform, but it’s only available to US residents. In fact, you need some form of payment issued in the United States in order to sign up for an account.

But it’s frustrating when you travel outside the US and can no longer access your favorite movies and TV series, although you have an active subscription plan.

Unfortunately, Hulu actively blocks any forms of Internet circumvention tools designed to conceal your IP address and change your geo-location, including VPN and proxy.

If you tried using a VPN to watch Hulu but failed, you probably ended up with an error message on your screen that says like this:

Fastly error: unknown domain: www.hulu.com. Please check that this domain has been added to a service.

So, even if it looks like you’re using a VPN, Hulu might not work as expected. Some users reported encountering this problem while running software like NordVPN, Private Internet Access, VPN Unlimited, or SurfShark and if you’re in the same boat, you don’t have to worry!

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of steps that will definitely help. Discover how to troubleshoot this problem using 8 foolproof solutions.

Why can’t I watch Hulu with a VPN?

Many users are wondering what is the reason why Hulu is blocking their VPN. Keep in mind that all of this is related to licenses.

Hulu only has the right to broadcast content only in the US. Various broadcasters in other countries own the rights to this content in their regions.

Like any other major platform, Hulu blocks VPNs from accessing its content to protect the investments.

In case Hulu didn’t police its digital border and allowed Internet connections from all over the world to stream from its servers, it would have to start paying for global licenses for its content.

Now, let’s see what you can do if Hulu won’t work even if your VPN is enabled.

What can I do if I can’t watch Hulu with VPN?

1. Uninstall any free VPN or proxy tool

In case you can’t watch Hulu with a VPN or proxy that’s free to use, you shouldn’t be surprised that it doesn’t work.

If Hulu is good enough to detect and block premium VPN services like NordVPN or Surfshark, then it will certainly flag a free tool that uses public IP addresses.

In this matter, it is recommended to uninstall it and check if the problem persists. If so, make sure you keep on reading.

2. Use a premium VPN with advanced features

It’s tricky to choose a paid VPN service if it doesn’t allow you to test it for free. Luckily, there are a few that come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there are no strings attached.

When it comes to a VPN capable of unblocking Hulu, we recommend ExpressVPN.

To protect yourself from DNS leaks, use a high-quality VPN service that actively works to prevent the most common causes of DNS leaks from occurring in the first place.

ExpressVPN protects you from DNS leaks because our app blocks DNS requests to any DNS server other than our own. We also make certain that all DNS requests are encrypted and routed through the VPN tunnel.

When there is a leak, you may believe you are browsing privately, but your ISP or another snooping third party can see every website you visit.

Leaks are especially concerning now that ISPs in many countries are required to log and record specific traffic, and ISPs in the United States can even legally sell your internet data.

A potentially more serious issue is that you may have visited websites or searched for content that you would not have done otherwise, believing that your VPN was protecting your internet history.

If you’re not sure about the full process if ExpressVPN on your Windows operating system is working, make sure you check the following steps:

1. Sign up for a subscription plan.
2. Download and install ExpressVPN for Windows according to the on-screen instructions that you get.
3. Launch the app and log in with your credentials.
4. Select a US location from the list of servers and connect to it.
5. Go to DNS Leak Test on the ExpressVPN website.
6. Try to access Hulu in your web browser.

3. Change your DNS servers

1. Right-click the Start button and select Network Connections
2. Click Change adapter options.
3. Right-click your Internet connection and pick Properties.
4. Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then select Properties.
5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
6. Set Preferred DNS server to 8.8.8.8, then Alternate DNS server to 8.8.4.4.
7. Click OK
8. Make sure the VPN is using the computer’s DNS servers
9. Connect to a VPN server and try to access Hulu again

If your VPN service doesn’t allow custom DNS servers, you can manually adjust DNS settings on your device.

We suggest using Google Public DNS because it provides free, publish, speedy, and secure DNS servers that aren’t flagged by Hulu. You can also try using Cloudflare or OpenDNS.

4. Change the VPN protocol

The VPN protocol tells your VPN server how it will connect to a remote host by taking into account the encryption and authorization mode. Examples include UDP, TCP, and IKEv2.

Each VPN protocol uses specific ports that might get automatically blocked by Hulu. What you can do here is explore the various VPN protocols supported by your virtual private network solution.

We suggest experimenting with OpenVPN or Lightway, or Wireguard, depending on your VPN provider.

5. Disable WebRTC in your web browser

WebRTC leaks are one of the reasons why your VPN isn’t seemingly hiding your location. It’s not its fault, but your browser’s.

Make sure to disable WebRTC in the web browser you use to watch Hulu. Look up free browser extensions in Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons since there are numerous options.

But first, check the settings of your VPN browser extension (if you have one).

6. Check your VPN app

You should always be using the latest version of your VPN application. Otherwise, you could miss out on important security patches that fix any IP leaks, including on Hulu.

While doing this, it’s also a good idea to reinstall the TAP drivers for your VPN.

7. Turn on the VPN kill switch

The VPN kill switch protects you from IP leaks in case your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

Without this feature, your computer could expose your true IP address in the time it takes to reconnect to the VPN server, resulting in Hulu connectivity issues.

ExpresssVPN’s kill switch, Network Lock, is enabled by default and will engage automatically if necessary. Unless you disable it, your network traffic is protected without your intervention.

8. Use split tunneling

Some people don’t want to use a VPN to watch Hulu but for any other activity on their computer, like anonymous torrenting while they’re watching a movie.

If you’re one of these users looking for a simple workaround, there’s nothing better than VPN split tunneling.

It lets you choose which apps will be connected to the VPN server and which of them will continue using the public Internet directly.

Here’s how to set up split tunneling in ExpressVPN. Keep in mind that you must be in the US for this to work:

1. Open ExpressVPN, then go to Options.
2. In Split tunneling, check the box for Manage connection on a per-app basis and click Settings.
3. To choose which apps will use the VPN, select Only allow selected apps to use the VPN, then click the Plus icon.
4. Check the box next to each app you want to protect with the VPN. If you cannot find a certain app, click Add Another App to add it to the list.

How is Hulu detecting my VPN?

A lot of streams are wondering how can a platform like Hulu detect their VPN. This is a pretty common question and we’re going to give you all the answers you need.

In the first instance, Hulu can perform a routine check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. This is a simple process, so most reliable VPN solutions will pass it.

The second method is related to GeoIP databases. Broadcasters are using these to check the IP addresses streamers are connecting from. In case your VPN utilizes an IP address that’s already on Hulu’s list, you won’t be able to access the platform.

Last, but not least, Hulu can perform its own IP verification. Most of the time, this is probably the one that causes VPNs to stop working. This implies checking the number of connections established on the same IP address.

Does Hulu block VPNs?

Hulu, like most streaming services, blocks known VPN providers. As you already know, the platform only serves the US audience.

As such, it uses different mechanisms to lock out users trying to bypass that restriction. First, it checks visitor IPs and blocks those associated with VPNs. 

Hulu also employs deep packet inspection to nab unwanted viewers. This is easy to do because most providers heavily encrypt traffic.

Low-quality VPN apps are well-known for exposing real user locations as well. The same applies when you use non-secure tunneling protocols like PPTP.

Not to forget, Hulu constantly updates the techniques for detecting VPNs. So, it’s possible for a service that’s working today to fail tomorrow.   

But the question is…

Which VPNs don’t work with Hulu? 

Several VPN services on the market don’t work with Hulu. Since you’re here, we’ll save you the trouble of searching for them.

The list is as follows as of the time of writing: 

• Avast VPN
• AVG VPN
• Avira VPN
• Hola Free VPN
• Norton VPN
• PureVPN
• TunnelBear

Hulu doesn’t work with such VPN services because they have fewer US-based servers. As such, the platform can track and block their IPs with ease.

Hulu says I’m using a VPN but I don’t

Are you receiving the message “Error playing this video. “It appears that you are using an anonymous proxy tool.” when trying to connect to Hulu?

Because anonymous proxy servers prevent Hulu from accurately verifying geographical locations, you must disable them before viewing Hulu videos. If you’re not sure why you’re receiving this error, here are a few common scenarios that can result in you being identified as using an anonymous proxy:

• Can’t watch Hulu with VPN
• Hulu doesn’t work with VPN
• Hulu VPN block workaround

There’s a chance Hulu has targeted and blacklisted the server you’re currently using. Try a different one to see if it resolves the issue. Just make sure you connect to a US server. Only in that country is Hulu content available.

If you don’t use a reliable VPN that blocks DNS leaks, your VPN and proxy connections may occasionally drop, resulting in traffic leaks. Turn on your VPN’s service Kill Switch and smart DNS feature to avoid this.

And one more thing.

Best VPNs for Hulu

If Hulu is blocking your VPN, it’s time to switch. Our tests show the vendors below can access the platform hassle-free.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an all-round service that’s great for heavy data users. You’ll appreciate using it for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming.

The vendor’s network comprises 3,000+ servers available in over 90 countries. These include 26 VPN locations in the United States for unblocking Hulu.

ExpressVPN also cares about your security. It protects your traffic using protocols like OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2. 

Moreover, connections go through a tunnel with AES-256 encryption. This shields your browsing from monitoring and online attackers.

Other advantages include: 

• Split tunneling
• Network kill switch
• Dedicated P2P VPN servers
• Strict no-logs policy
• Supports five simultaneous connections  

ExpressVPN

Get this streaming-optimized VPN for error-free access to Hulu!

Check price Visit Website

NordVPN

NordVPN is another top-notch service for watching Hulu outside the United States. It boasts almost 6,000 servers present in 60+ countries. 

No rival comes close to this vendor’s network performance. Downloads peak 6,700Mbps, adequate for streaming, file sharing, and heavy downloads.

Apart from speeds, you’ll also enjoy superior security when using this service. The VPN employs AES 256-bit to encrypt traffic to lock out intruders.

NordVPN is also among the cheapest providers around. Its pricing starts from $3.49/month, backed by a 30-day refund policy. 

Other extras include:

• Tracker and ad-blocker
• In-house NordLynx protocol
• IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN support
• Double VPN
• Supports six simultaneous connections

NordVPN

Get this reliable VPN to avoid all errors and connection problems o Hulu!

Check price Visit website

Surfshark

Can’t watch Hulu with VPN? Get Surfshark! There are many reasons to make this service your daily driver.

Here’s a quick overview: 

Surfshark supports unlimited device connections without any restrictions. So, you can share an account with everyone in your household.

You get a camouflage mode that hides your VPN traffic from prying eyes. Moreover, DNS and IP leak protection boost your internet privacy.

Surfshark also has a strict no-logs policy that’s against user tracking. That means it doesn’t store any records about your browsing habits.  

Other benefits of this VPN comprise:

• $3.49/month starting price
• Connection kill switch
• Blocks ads and online trackers
• AES 256-bit encryption
• WireGuard and OpenVPN support

Surfshark

Connect to hundreds of US-based servers for amazing streaming on Hulu.

Check price Visit website

CyberGhost

If Hulu detects your VPN, it probably lacks streaming-optimized servers like CyberGhost. But that’s the tip of the iceberg.

The vendor’s network coverage outclasses ExpressVPN and NordVPN combined. It comprises about 10,000 nodes in 91 countries, delivering super-fast speeds. 

You can use the service on up to seven devices at once. Supported platforms include computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and more. 

CyberGhost is equally exceptional for watching live events with zero lag. Moreover, it’s a great choice for online shopping, gaming, and torrenting. 

The pricing starts from as low as $2.11/month. You also get a whooping 45-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind. 

Below are extra benefits of using CyberGhost:

• Online data leak monitoring
• 256-bit traffic encryption
• Anonymous P2P file sharing
• Network kill switch
• Split tunneling

CyberGhost

Get access to specialty servers for streaming and never miss a show with CyberGhost!

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PrivateVPN

Looking for the cheapest Hulu VPN deal? Try PrivateVPN. Its plans start from $2/month.  

The service doesn’t slack even with the low pricing. Boasting 200+ server locations across 63 countries, expect a fast, seamless streaming experience.

There are multiple protocols to access the web securely. These include WireGuard, L2TP/IPSec, and OpenVPN, to name a few. 

All traffic goes through a 256-bit encrypted tunnel to safeguard your privacy. Furthermore, a kill switch prevents your data from leaking when your VPN fails.

This vendor offers unlimited P2P sharing. And it doesn’t throttle speeds even when torrenting large files. 

PrivateVPN’s other features comprise:

• Easy to use
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Strict no-logs policy
• Multi-platform support
• Affordable pricing

Private VPN

Get unlimited VPN bandwidth for unlimited streaming sessions on Hulu!

Check price Visit website

That’s about it.

To recap, if you have trouble connecting to Hulu over a VPN on your device, make sure to deactivate any free VPN or proxy tool you might be using since it will likely get flagged.

Instead, use a premium VPN service that can actually bypass the Hulu proxy error. You can also change your DNS servers, use a different VPN protocol, and disable WebRTC leaks in your web browser.

Make sure to update your VPN app to the latest version and reinstall its TAP drivers. Lastly, you can turn on the VPN kill switch or use split tunneling mode.

Did these solutions help you? What other workarounds have you found to successfully connect to Hulu through a VPN? Let us know in the comment section below.