Hulu Proxy Tool
How to Bypass the Hulu Proxy Error (7 Tips) – SmartyDNS
Hulu is an awesome platform chock-full of great shows and movies. It’s a shame it’s only available in the US, but – luckily – using a VPN or a proxy can normally help you unblock it.
Well, until you get the dreaded Hulu proxy error message. Then you’re pretty much out of luck, right?
Not really. We’ll show you what you can do to fix the error in this article + other useful stuff.
What Is Hulu Error Code BYA-403-011?
It’s an error message you’ll see if Hulu catches you using a proxy or a VPN to watch content on its platform. The message might look like this:
“Based on your IP-address, we noticed you are trying to access Hulu through an anonymous proxy tool. Hulu is not currently available outside the U. S If you’re in the U. S, you’ll need to disable your anonymizer to access videos on Hulu. ”
Or this:
“You appear to be using an anonymous proxy tool. You’ll need to disable it to access Hulu. If you think you’re receiving this message in error, please contact our customer support…”
You might also see this message if you use an unsupported third-party app (so not the official Hulu app), or using a VPS (Virtual Private Server) to access the site.
How Does Hulu Know You’re Using a Proxy or a VPN?
It’s all due to the server’s IP address. Sure, it doesn’t outright scream “I BELONG TO A VPN/PROXY, ” but anyone at Hulu can easily tell it’s a VPN/proxy IP address.
How?
By looking it up with a tool like this one, and seeing it belongs to a data center, not a residential ISP. For example, if you use our Chicago VPN server with that tool, you’ll see the address belongs to Nexeon Technologies. A simple Google search will immediately tell you that’s a data center.
Besides that, there are other ways Hulu can find out the IP address belongs to a proxy or VPN:
They could work with a company like MaxMind that provides valuable data about IP addresses – the country and city they are from, if they’re residential or commercial addresses, and if they’re proxy site might notice multiple sign-ins from the same IP address, which could trigger the Hulu proxy error might check if your browser has tracking cookies from multiple geographic regions. That’s usually an indicator you’ve been browsing the web using VPN servers from different site could also use automated scripts (like this one) to detect IP addresses associated with data centers.
Why Does Hulu Block Proxies and VPNs?
They don’t really have a choice. They have to do it. Otherwise, they might breach the agreements they have with copyright holders.
Here’s the thing – Hulu doesn’t own all the content on its platform. A lot of it is owned by other parties. And those parties probably sold the distribution rights to their shows in other countries to other platforms or local TV networks.
So if Hulu offers a show it doesn’t own in the US, and the show’s copyright holder sold the distribution rights for the show in Germany to a local TV network, Hulu can’t broadcast it there. If it does, it breaches the copyright agreement the company signed, which could result in Hulu getting sued.
So they have no choice but to detect and block proxy and VPN IP addresses.
What About Hulu Originals?
Hulu owns the copyright in that case, so they should have no problem making those shows available worldwide?
That’s true, and it’s really hard to say why Hulu doesn’t offer that content worldwide. We looked everywhere online and couldn’t find a reason. If you check Hulu’s FAQs, they just say that “A Hulu subscription is intended for use by members of a single U. S. household. ”
We do have one thought – maybe Hulu is more interested in selling the distribution rights for their shows in other countries instead of streaming the content themselves.
Take Handmaid’s Tale for example. Even though Hulu owns it, you have to watch it through different platforms in other countries:
SBS in in 4 in the UK.
That means Hulu sold the distribution rights to those networks. And they’re probably considering doing that in other countries too.
Why?
Because charging other networks to air Hulu Originals might be more profitable for them than launching their platform in all countries. After all, there’s no guarantee they’ll get enough subscriptions in every country to make more money than selling the rights to their shows.
tl;dr: It all boils down to profit. They block proxies and VPNs to uphold their agreements with third-party networks because they probably make more money that way.
How to Fix the Hulu Proxy Error
Based on what other proxy and VPN users have said, and our own tests, this is what you should do:
1. Restart the App or the Connection
Let’s start with the easiest solution. Just disconnect from the VPN/proxy, and reconnect after a few seconds.
If that doesn’t work, try disconnecting and shutting down the app. Wait a few seconds, run it, and connect to the server.
2. Make Sure the App Is Up-to-Date
Postponing updates might not seem like a big deal, but it actually is. An outdated app can cause IP leaks or fail to refresh IP addresses. If that happens, you’ll definitely get the Hulu proxy error.
So if there are updates in the app’s backlog, go ahead and run them right now. And if your provider launched a new version of the app, you obviously need to download, install, and use it instead of the old version.
3. Try a Different Server
There’s a chance the server you’re currently using has been targeted and blacklisted by Hulu. Use a different one to see if it solves the problem.
Just remember to connect to a US server. Hulu content is only available in that country.
4. Clear Your Cookies or Use Incognito Mode
Sometimes, your browser can leak your geo-location to Hulu due to the cookies and geo-data it stores. Basically, your IP address might tell Hulu you’re from the US, but your browser will tell it you’re actually from Italy, for instance.
So make sure you clear your browser’s cookies before accessing Hulu.
Alternatively, just use incognito mode together with the VPN or proxy. Normally, it doesn’t store any cookies or cache geo-location data.
5. Turn on the Kill Switch
VPN and proxy connections can sometimes drop, causing traffic leaks. Unfortunately, even if it’s only for a few seconds, that leak could expose your IP address to Hulu. Normally, when that happens you’ll just get the geo-location error.
However, if it happens a lot in a short period (like three or four times in an hour) there’s a chance Hulu could consider the sudden IP address and geo-location changes suspicious proxy or VPN behavior. So the site might hit you with the Hulu proxy error message.
To avoid that, turn on your service’s Kill Switch. It’s a feature that shuts off your web connection when your proxy/VPN connection goes down. A bit extreme, yes, but it’s better than losing access to Hulu altogether.
If you’re are using the SmartyDNS app for Windows, you can enable the Kill Switch by heading to the Settings tab and switching Stop Internet traffic if VPN connection is dropped to ON.
Alternatively, you can also use our Apps Killer. It lets you pick which app gets shut down when the connection goes down. So you don’t lose your whole Internet connection.
To use the Apps Killer, head to the Apps Killer tab, hit Add app., and add the browser you use to watch Hulu.
6. Don’t Use Free VPNs or Proxies
If you’re using one, you gotta ditch it. You’re very likely to see the Hulu proxy error message with a free service.
Because Hulu will always have an easier time blocking them. The site can block paid services too, sure, but they can bypass the block eventually.
Free VPNs/proxies however, usually don’t have the financial resources necessary to refresh their IP addresses fast enough to keep up with Hulu’s blocks (they’re free, remember? ).
If you’d like to switch to a paid service that actually unblocks Hulu, check out SmartyDNS. We offer affordable pricing, a free trial, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
7. Use a Smart DNS Instead
Sometimes, a VPN or proxy just can’t get the job done. Hulu (and other streaming platforms) focus on blocking them a lot, so it can be hard for providers to bypass their blocks.
However, they might not focus so much on blocking Smart DNS services. Unlike VPNs and proxies, they don’t hide your IP address to spoof your geo-location. Instead, these services mask your DNS settings (which also affect your geo-location) and route your traffic through different proxy servers around the world.
In our experience, we had no problem bypassing the Hulu proxy error with a Smart DNS when a proxy or VPN didn’t work.
Plus, you get to enjoy an awesome perk – your online speeds don’t go down at all. With a VPN or proxy, that tends to happen. But a Smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your traffic, so your speeds don’t get overburdened.
If you use SmartyDNS, you probably already know we offer a Smart DNS service alongside our VPN. You can easily turn it on in our app. We’ll show you how to do it in our Windows client, but the process is similar for other platforms too.
Oh, and if you aren’t a SmartyDNS user, here’s what you should do – sign up for our free trial, and download and install the app. You’ll have plenty of time to see if it works well for you. If it doesn, upgrade to our budget-friendly subscriptions.
Now, before you enable the Smart DNS, head to Settings. Scroll down until you reach Smart DNS, and make sure the Website region is set to USA. The DNS Server option should be set to your region (or the region closest to you), so that you get optimal speeds.
Next, click the Smart DNS tab. It’s to the left of the Settings tab.
Hit Enable Smart DNS, and start enjoying all the content you want on Hulu.
Nothing Worked? Time to Contact Support
If none of those tips worked for you, you need to contact the VPN provider’s customer support. The service might be experiencing a technical problem that prevents it from unblocking Hulu.
The support reps should be able to tell you exactly what is going on, what the devs are doing to fix the issue, and how long it will take them to do it.
If you’re a SmartyDNS user and are experiencing a problem with our service, please submit a support ticket from your account on our website (My Account > Support > Submit Support Ticket). We’re available 24/7, and will do our best to get back to you with a solution ASAP.
Can You Fix the Hulu Proxy Error with DNS Codes?
DNS codes are a free alternative to paid Smart DNS services. Essentially, they’re free DNS addresses you find online which you can set up on your device or router.
Do they work?
Sometimes, yes. A lot of the time, no.
It’s the same problem you have with free VPNs and proxies. There’s no business model, so no infrastructure. It’s just a random DNS address that might bypass the Hulu proxy error at first, but stop working soon after because it can’t keep up with the site’s constant blocking.
Besides that, you’ve got two more problems:
A free DNS code will route your traffic to a DNS server that’s in no way prepared to deal with a lot of traffic. You’re extremely likely to deal with slow speeds and connections that drop sites that promote DNS codes are very shady. The odds of you using a DNS server owned by a hacker are pretty big. If that happens, they could use MITM attacks to reroute your connections to phishing sites.
Can You Get the Hulu Proxy Error without Using a VPN/Proxy?
Actually, you can. According to Hulu’s own website, you might get Hulu error code BYA-403-011 if you’re assigned a previously blacklisted IP address by your ISP.
Basically, that happens if the person who had your current IP address before you was caught using a VPN/proxy by Hulu. The site might have blacklisted their IP address, and you now have to deal with the previous owner’s consequences.
You can normally solve that problem by asking your ISP to assign you a new IP address. Or, you know, just use a VPN server or proxy server in the US, or a Smart DNS.
We also suspect there are other reasons why this might happen:
There’s a communication error between your device and Hulu’s servers. Try using a different device to see if it ’re from the US, and your ISP uses DNS servers from a different state than the one you live in (so a DNS server in New York while you live in Pennsylvania). Hulu sees a DNS address from one state, and an IP address from a different state, so the site might think you’re using an unblocker. A VPN with DNS servers in your area can help you solve that problem. Alternatively, try using:OpenDNS: 208. 67. 222. 222 and Public DNS: 8. 8. 8 and 8. 4. 4.
Did You Ever Get the Hulu Proxy Error?
If yes, how did you fix it? Did any of the tips we mentioned in this guide help, or did you use other methods? If you did, please tell us about them.
Also, if you have other info about how Hulu detects VPN and proxy IP addresses, or why they geo-block their Originals, go ahead and let us know in the comments.
Looking for a reliable VPN service?
Here at SmartyDNS we offer high-speed VPN servers with military grade 256-bit AES encryption and highly secure VPN protocols (OpenVPN, SoftEther and IKEv2), and we we adhere to a strict no-log policy.
Our VPN servers act as proxy servers and we also offer Smart DNS service that allows you to unblock 300+ geo-restricted websites around the world.
We offer convenient VPN apps for Windows, Mac, iPhone / iPad, Android and Fire TV / Stick, and extensions for Chrome and Firefox browsers.
Special offer! Get SmartyDNS for $ 3. 7 per month!
Yes, and we’ll also get your 30-day money-back guarantee.
Сэкономьте 53% сейчас
Hulu VPN blocked? 6 Best VPNs that work with Hulu in 2021 – Comparitech
Only a few VPNs can bypass the Hulu VPN ban. Most result in the anonymous proxy tool error message. We’ve rounded up the best VPNs for Hulu so you can watch from anywhere.
@pabischoff UPDATED: July 26, 2021
After Netflix, Hulu is one of the most popular streaming video services available. Three major US television networks–Fox, ABC, and NBC–joined forces to create Hulu. It includes a wealth of content from other networks including Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, FX, SyFy, PBS, Style, and Cartoon Network. Most TV episodes appear on Hulu the day after they air, much faster than Netflix.
If you want to access the best Hulu content from anywhere you need a VPN – however, most won’t work with Hulu.
We’ll cover each VPN working with Hulu in detail later in this article. If you can’t wait, here is a summary of the 6 best VPNs for Hulu:
NordVPN The best VPN for unblocking Hulu. Provides blazing fast speeds, top-notch security features, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark A reliable, inexpensive VPN that works great with Hulu and similar services. Connect as many devices as you like.
ExpressVPN Consistently unblocks Hulu from abroad. Offers great streaming speeds and a solid set of security features.
CyberGhost Fast speeds and works well with Hulu.
PrivateVPN Great up-and-coming VPN which works well with Hulu.
VyprVPN Currently unblocks Hulu and many other streaming services.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that Hulu looks the other way on proxy users just because it’s not as popular as Netflix. All of the content is strictly limited to residents of the US and Japan. If you try to access video on Hulu from outside those two countries, the site will prevent you from watching.
GET A 30 DAY FREE TRIAL OF NORDVPNNordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for Hulu without any restrictions for a month. This is perfect if you want to watch your favorite show during a short trip abroad.
There’s no catch, either—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Hulu’s VPN ban is even more advanced than Netflix’s firewall. A VPN, or virtual private network, encrypts all the internet traffic heading to and from your computer and routes it through a VPN server in a location of your choosing. This can make it appear to Hulu as though you are located in the United States, which gives you access to all the shows.
But Hulu, along with many other online streaming services, now blocks connections from known VPN servers. IP addresses on these servers are shared by dozens and even hundreds of users at once. This adds a layer of anonymity but makes it pretty obvious to Hulu what’s going on. Trying to watch Hulu with a normal VPN, results in this message:
“Based on your IP address, we noticed you are trying to access Hulu through an anonymous proxy tool. Hulu is not currently available outside the US. If you’re in the US, you’ll need to disable your anonymizer to access videos on Hulu. ”
For this reason, not just any VPN service will do. Most VPN providers cannot bypass Hulu’s strict firewall rules. The best VPNs for Hulu typically have a few servers each that can bypass the proxy ban. Just contact customer support to ask which servers can access Hulu.
Below we’ve curated the top six best Hulu VPNs based on the following criteria:
Can access Hulu from outside the USA
Fast speeds
Logless US servers
Fast customer support
Secure, reliable connection
We go into more detail on our testing methodology for the best Hulu VPNs later in this article.
Best VPNs for Hulu
Below is a detailed look at the best Hulu VPNs and the privacy and unblocking features they offer. If you’d like to find out more about how well any of these Hulu VPNs perform then make sure to check out the full reviews.
1. NordVPN
Oct 2021
Unblocks HuluTested Oct 2021
Apps Available:
PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux
NordVPN comes with its trademark SmartPlay DNS baked into the VPN that allows it to unblock a huge range of content providers, including Hulu. You can find out which servers to connect to by consulting the official NordVPN knowledge base or by asking the live chat support. NordVPN also works with Netflix in several countries including the US, along with other streaming services like BBC iPlayer and HBO. This is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, so you’re all but guaranteed a seamless streaming experience.
Online security is airtight thanks to strong encryption and a true zero logs policy. The company also has specialized servers for certain use cases, including anti-DDoS, ultra-fast streaming, double VPN, and Tor over VPN. A single subscription allows you to connect up to six devices at the same time.
Apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
NordVPN speed test data
NordVPNAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)111. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)122. 3 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)112. 0 Mbps
Pros:
Unblocks Hulu from almost anywhere
Fast enough servers for HD streaming quality
High-grade privacy and security built into apps
Strict no-logs policy
Works with most popular streaming sites, e. g. Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video
Cons:
Desktop app may take some getting used to
BEST HULU VPN:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Works well with Hulu. Strong security features and allows up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of NordVPN.
NordVPN CouponSAVE 72% + 3 months freeGet Deal >Discount applied automatically
2. Surfshark
unblocks huluTested Oct 2021
Surfshark is a great cord-cutting tool for accessing Hulu and other streaming services from abroad. If you share your VPN with friends or family, you never have to worry about going over the device connection limit—Surfshark is the only provider on this list that allows unlimited simultaneous connections. It also works with Netflix US and UK, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, among other video streaming services.
Surfshark works in China. Users have access to 24/7 live chat support. The service has no data retention, keeps no logs and allows P2P filesharing. Kill switches are available on both the mobile device and desktop apps.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
Surfshark speed test data
SurfsharkAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)170 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)230 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)220 Mbps
Great at access popular streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
Solid speeds and unlimited bandwidth
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Offers 24/7 live chat
Relatively small global server network
Occasional slow server
BEST BUDGET VPN:Connect as many devices to Surfshark as you want and start unblocking Hulu with ease. Comes with a strong security offering and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
Surfshark CouponSAVE 81% on a 2-year planGet Deal >Discount applied automatically
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN, which offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee, always has a few servers that work with Hulu. To find out which, just go to their website and ask a customer support representative on the live chat. Live support is available 24/7, every day of the year. ExpressVPN connections are extremely stable and bandwidth is more than enough to stream Hulu shows in top video quality. Several server locations are available across the United States. Note that we did have to disable IPv6 in order for it to work. Find instructions on how to do that below.
All ExpressVPN subscriptions come with MediaStreamer, a smart DNS proxy service that’s used by default whenever you connect to a VPN server, but can also be used separately to unblock Hulu and other streaming services.
ExpressVPN works with just about every other streaming service we have tested including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Now, SlingTV, Amazon Prime and plenty more.
ExpressVPN speed test data
ExpressVPNAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)135. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)134 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)136 Mbps
Unblocks Hulu from almost anywhere with high-quality streaming speeds.
Also works with most other popular streaming services including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Now and more
Top-class security and privacy protection features
Easy to use apps
Not as cheap as some other providers below
May not provide enough flexibility for advanced users
QUICK AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is great for Hulu and similar services thanks to its strong security features and consistently high speeds. It even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN CouponSPECIAL OFFER: 49% off plus 3 months Free! Get Deal >Coupon applied automatically
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost has been ramping up its unblocking efforts lately. It is now able to unblock a wide range of streaming channels, including Hulu. The desktop app even allows you to choose from a list of streaming servers based on what streaming services it can unblock rather than based on location alone. In order to unblock Hulu, you need to select the optimized servers for Hulu in the streaming sections in the apps. You’ll also get top-notch encryption, a no-logs policy, and extremely fast download speeds all for a budget price.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, Firestick and Android.
CyberGhost speed test data
CyberGhostAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)78. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)54. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)39. 3 Mbps
Works well with Hulu and some other streaming sites
Streams HD quality video
Apps are easy to install and use
Fast
Cheap
Doesn’t work reliably in China or UAE
VALUE & PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Good privacy policy, fast connection speeds for reliable streaming and solid security. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
CyberGhost CouponSAVE 83% and Get 2 Months FREE on the 2 year planGet Deal > Discount applied automatically
5. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is an up-and-coming provider with a lot to offer to those who don’t mind a smaller number of servers. When it comes to unblocking streaming sites, it stands right alongside the more established players. We were able to unblock Hulu on a couple servers after sending a quick query to the support team. Even though PrivateVPN doesn’t operate as many servers as others on this list, the servers it does have are extremely quick and won’t leave you staring at a buffering icon. We’ve also been able to access Netflix in every country we’ve tested it in so far, including the US.
PrivateVPN doesn’t compromise on online privacy or digital security. The company stores no logs of user activity nor IP address on its servers. It uses the same strong encryption that you’ll get with the veteran providers.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
PrivateVPN speed test data
PrivateVPNAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)94 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)56. 7 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)61. 7 Mbps
Unblocks Hulu at decent streaming speeds
Also unblocks Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer
Keeps no user identifiable logs whatsoever
May need support assistance in locating the best server to choose
Small number of servers
GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks Hulu and generally good for browsing and torrenting. Allows up to 6 devices. Could do with more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
PrivateVPN CouponSave 77% on the two year planGet Deal >Discount applied automatically
6. VyprVPN
VyprVPN took a brief hiatus from being able to unblock Hulu and other streaming channels, but we’re happy to say it’s now back in action. We didn’t have any issues finding a server that works with Hulu, but customers can also ask VyprVPN’s live chat support which servers to use. VyprVPN can also access US Netflix, HBO Now, HBO Go, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
The company owns and operates its own global network of servers, ensuring users have the bandwidth they need to stream in HD without buffering. The company uses some of the strongest encryption out there, although it does log users’ real IP addresses. For this reason, torrenters and other users who want to maximize privacy might want to look elsewhere.
VyprVPN speed test data
VyprVPNAverage Connection Speed – North America (USA)41 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Europe (UK)44. 3 MbpsAverage Connection Speed – Asia (Hong Kong)47. 3 Mbps
Unblocks many popular streaming sites including Hulu
Conntecion speeds are fast and stable
Strong security and privacy credentials
Power users would prefer more configuration options
Not the cheapest option on this list
No cryptocurrency payment method.
UNLIMITED DATA USAGE:VyprVPN is user friendly. Excellent speed and uptime as all servers are owned by VyprVPN. Not the cheapest option. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full VyprVPN review.
VyprVPN CouponSAVE 87% on the three year planGet Deal >Discount applied automatically
No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostPrivateVPNVyprVPNUnblocks Huluimage/svg+xmlimage/svg+xmlimage/svg+xmlimage/svg+xmlimage/svg+xmlimage/svg+xmlRecommended for other streaming services BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO MaxBBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO MaxNetflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO MaxBBC iPlayer, Netflix, Disney+, HBO MaxBBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO MaxAverage Speed (USA) 111. 7 Mbps70. 3 Mbps135. 7 Mbps78. 7 Mbps94 Mbps41 MbpsSimultaneous connections6 devicesUnlimited5 devices7 devices6 devices3 devices Money-back Guarantee30 Days30 Days30 Days45 Days30 Days30 DaysLowest monthly cost$3. 49$1. 99$6. 67$2. 25$1. 89$5. 00
How to watch Hulu from abroad with a VPN
You can use a VPN to change your virtual location and trick Hulu into thinking you have an IP address in another country. Once you know which server to connect to, unblocking Hulu with a VPN is easy.
Here’s how to watch Hulu with a VPN:
Sign up for and download a VPN that works with Hulu. NordVPN is the most reliable option.
Install the VPN app from your provider’s website or official app store
Run the VPN app and choose a server or server location that can unblock Hulu. If you’re unsure, ask your VPN’s customer service or consult its website
Open Hulu in a web browser or the Hulu app and start streaming!
If you still encounter an error message, you might need to tweak some settings on your device. IPv6 leaks are a common issue. See instructions on how to disable IPv6 on Mac and Windows below. You might also try clearing your browser cookies and cache. For other issues, contact your VPN’s customer support.
See also: Hulu vs Netflix vs Amazon vs Disney
Can I use a free VPN to watch Hulu?
While you might get lucky and stumble onto a free VPN service with a VPN server that unblocks Hulu, the only reliable way to unblock it is with a paid VPN from the list above. Free VPN providers don’t have the resources to change their VPN server IP addresses and domains when they get blacklisted by a service like Hulu. So even if you find a magical free Hulu VPN, it probably won’t last long.
Furthermore, free VPN providers tend to use slow, congested servers. Expect a lot of buffering and possible disruptions in service. Many free VPN service providers cap the maximum bandwidth or the total amount of data allotted per day or month, meaning you could get cut off in the middle of a show.
Finally, no VPN is truly free. Many free VPNs monitor users’ web traffic and mine the data, inject advertisements, place tracking cookies into your browser, and sell the information they dig up to advertising companies. Some have even been caught redirecting users to the wrong sites to make a quick buck. As the adage goes, if you don’t buy the product, you are the product.
How to get around Hulu home location error
To curb account sharing and allow access to local channels, Hulu asks users to set a home network within 30 days of signing up for the service. It also limits which types of devices will work when you try to watch from outside of your home.
For example, a Firestick or game console might only be able to stream Hulu when they’re connected to your home network. If you share your password with a family member in another home, they won’t be able to stream on their own game console or Firestick.
Instead, they might get an error message like this:
> “Your Hulu subscription allows you to use this type of device only on your home network. If you have moved or your internet service provider has changed, please update your Home Location in your Hulu Account settings on a computer. ”
Or …
> Video not available in this location.
These errors can pop up for other reasons as well, such as Hulu not being able to identify your current network, using a shared wi-fi network, not checking in on your smartphone, or using a non-compatible VPN.
To fix this issue, you need to update your home network. If you’re on a VPN, this can be tricky, as your IP address probably changes every time you connect to the VPN. If your VPN has an option to use a dedicated or static IP address, opt for that because it won’t change.
Once you’re on the network or VPN server that you want to use to watch Hulu:
Log out of Hulu
Log back in on a streaming device like a Firestick, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, smart TV, or game console.
Open your Hulu account page on the smartphone app or desktop website
Click Privacy and Settings
Click Set or Change Home and set your new network
If you’re trying to watch Hulu on the go, such as on a laptop or mobile device outside of your home, you might also encounter the same error. You might need to check in to ensure Hulu that you actually live where the account holder lives, and aren’t just mooching off a friend’s account. You can chck into Hulu by signing into the app while connected to your home network.
Note that you can only change your home network four times per year.
Hulu + Live TV is a single-home service, so you can’t use it outside of your home.
Hulu VPN testing methodology
Comparitech aims to publish the most accurate, useful, and comprehensive VPN reviews and recommendations on the web. To do so, we evaluate every VPN based on real-world experience, expert analysis, and a battery of tests.
When it comes to Hulu VPNs, we specifically examined:
Ability to access Hulu from abroad: We’ve run more than 3, 000 real-world streaming tests this year alone to find out which VPNs can reliably unblock Hulu on both desktop and mobile from abroad.
Speed: In order to play videos in HD or 4K without buffering, you need a fast VPN. We speed test VPN connections to server locations worldwide.
Leak protection: Windows 10 users in particular are vulnerable to IPv6 leaks that can reveal your real location and IP address, which in turn can tip off Hulu to your real location. We test every VPN for IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, among others.
Customer support: We contact each recommended VPN’s customer support desk as a secret shopper to gauge response times and quality.
Additionally, we assess each VPN’s encryption scheme, logging policy, and ability to unblock other streaming services. Find out more about how we analyze VPNs on our methodology page.
Hulu VPN unblocking FAQs
Which VPNs don’t work with Hulu? The following VPNs do not work with Hulu as of time of writing:
Zenmate
PureVPN
Hotspot Shield
Hola
IPVanish
Tunnelbear
CactusVPN
Private Internet Access (PIA)
IronSocket
Unotelly
Buffered
Does Hulu allow VPNs? Hulu’s terms of service do not specifically mention VPNs or proxies, but it does state the following that could be construed to cover VPN services:
You may not either directly or through the use of any device, software, internet site, web-based service, or other means remove, alter, bypass, avoid, interfere with, or circumvent any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices marked on the Content or any digital rights management mechanism, device, or other content protection or access control measure associated with the Content including geo-filtering mechanisms.
Hulu goes on to say that if you break this rule, the company will notify you and block access to the service. It does not mention account termination or suspension as far as we can interpret it. To date, we’ve heard of no such case where a Hulu user was penalized for using a VPN other than the aforementioned error message in the video player. VPNs are 100 percent legal in almost all do I download Hulu the app from outside the US? Hulu is only available on US app stores, so if your device is registered on an app store outside the US, you will need to do one of the following:
Change the location associated with your app store account
Create a US app store account
Download the Hulu APK from a third party (Android only)
We’ll show you how to download the Hulu app from outside the US on iOS and Android:
On iOS (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV)
Open your VPN and connect to a server located in the USA
We recommend making a new account rather than changing your existing one, as doing so will not affect your existing apps and purchases. Log out of your Apple ID and create a new one in the US.
Or, if you insist on changing an existing account to the US: On your device, go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > View Apple ID > Country/Region > Change Country or Region
Choose the US as your country
For payment method, choose None (you will still need a US payment method to pay for Hulu)
Agree to the terms and conditions
On Android
Go to
Go to Settings > Edit
Change your address to a US one. Make sure the zip code matches.
Accept changes
On your device, close the Play Store
In Apps, find the Google Play Store
Select Force Stop and Clear All Data
Open the Play Store again and you should be able to download and install Hulu
If your device doesn’t have Google Play, you can take similar steps to change your registered location to the USA.
As a last resort, you can download the Hulu APK file onto your Android device from a third-party. You’ll need to allow apps from unknown sources in your device settings. Be wary of third-party APK sites, however, as many of them contain outdated or malicious versions of popular can I pay for Hulu from outside the US? Hulu doesn’t just require that your IP address be in the United States. Payment must also come from the US. If you live outside of the country without a domestic credit card or PayPal account, this can be tricky.
There are a couple of solutions that reportedly work, though in the interest of being transparent we didn’t test any of these out.
A Hulu gift card
A prepaid gift card from this website costs about $30. Please bear in mind that we have never tried the service that is linked, and you may decide to use some other outlet that sells Hulu gift cards via email – so do some research.
StatesPay is another virtual credit card provider that costs $3. 95 per month. In theory you should be able to just pay for the first month to set up the account and then use Hulu gift cards to make subsequent payments. The site is not accepting new sign ups as of the time of writing, however, so you might have to wait a while before the service is available again.
Prepaid cards from Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover that are linked to a US address.
Change PayPal country or create a new PayPal that is based in the US
Will Using Hulu and a VPN Slow My Connection? All VPNs will slow your connection to some degree due to the time it takes to send data through the VPN server and encrypt and decrypt data in transit. That being said, the VPNs we recommend above all provide more than sufficient bandwidth for streaming Hulu, so the average user will not notice much of a difference. Low quality and free VPNs are less likely to offer enough bandwidth for high-quality video streaming.
See also: What to do if your laptop is slowHow can I watch Hulu Japan? If you want to watch Hulu Japan from outside of Japan, then you’ll need to connect your device to a VPN server in the country. Even if you didn’t sign up for Hulu in Japan, an account created in another country should still be able to access Japan-only Hulu content. All of the VPNs we recommend have servers in Japan, but note that we only test VPNs with the US version of you watch live sports on Hulu? You can watch live sports on Hulu if you have the Hulu + Live TV package. This is a $55 per month subscription that adds live TV channels to the basic on-demand streaming service. Sports channels include Fox Sports, ESPN, and NBCSN, among others.
If you’re outside of the US, then you can access live TV on Hulu the same way you would do so for on-demand Hulu: connect to a VPN server in the won’t my Hulu let me log in? If you’ve signed up for Hulu but can’t log in, check the following:
Your email address and password combination are correct
Your subscription is still active
You are accessing Hulu from the US or using one of the VPNs recommended above to connect through a US server
Your payment method is still valid, e. g., your credit card has not expired
If you’re accessing Hulu through another streaming service or bundle, you might need to take extra steps to complete the activation process
If you’re on a Live TV plan, you need to set your Home network on living room devices and check in at least once every 30 days. You can only stream on living room devices from your home network. You can only change your home network four times per year.
Your Hulu app is updated.
Location services are enabled on your device and/or browser.
Clear your cookies and web cache.
I Can’t Sign Up For Hulu. What are my next steps? Hulu is officially only available in the US and Japan. To sign up for the US version, you’ll need an American form of payment, such as a credit card issued in the USA. If you’re not in the USA or Japan, you’ll also need a VPN to change your device’s IP address—and thus your location—to one of those countries. With a US IP address and American form of payment, you should have no problem signing up for much of the streaming market does Hulu have? It depends on whom you ask. Streaming services do not usually publicize exact subscriber counts, and a lot of different metrics could be used to measure Hulu’s market share. That being said, Hulu’s market share of US streaming subscriptions as of 2021 is estimated to be somewhere between 13 percent and 20 Hulu available in India? No, Hulu is not available in India. If you’re in India and have a US payment method, you can sign up for American Hulu and access it through the Hulu available in the UAE? No, Hulu is not available in the UAE. It is only available in the USA and Japan. If you’re in the UAE and you have a US payment method, you can sign up for Hulu and access it through the using a VPN with Hulu legal? Yes, using a VPN with Hulu is legal. The only exception is if you are in a country in which VPNs are illegal but this is only a few countries in the world. However, using a VPN or any other proxy to bypass Hulu’s location restrictions does violate the service’s terms of use.
So using a VPN to access Hulu from abroad is against Hulu’s rules, but not strictly illegal. Hulu could suspend or terminate a VPN user’s account, but we’ve seen no precedent of this ever happening. Instead, Hulu just tries to block VPN users from watching when a VPN connection is detected.
How to disable IPv6
Even when using the VPN providers on this list, there’s a chance you’ll still encounter an error message on Hulu instructing you to turn off your “anonymous proxy. ” This is because the vast majority of VPN services still don’t protect against IPv6 leaks. While a VPN connection can route all your traffic requests through its own DNS servers and mask your IPv4 address, IPv6 addresses still get sent without being hidden. IPv6 serves the same purpose as IPv4, but contains a far wider range of possible IP addresses for internet-connected devices.
The solution is an imperfect but effective VPN block workaround for Hulu: disable IPv6. We say it’s imperfect because it would be better if everyone switched over to IPv6 because the IPv4 protocol is running out of unique IP addresses. Limiting yourself to IPv4 is bad for the long term health of the internet, but it won’t affect much else.
How to disable IPv6 on a Windows PC (Windows 10):
Disconnect and close the VPN app
Tap Windows Key+R to open the Run prompt
Type and hit Enter to open your Network Connections
Find the connection you are using, right click it, and select Properties
On the Networking or General tab, uncheck the box that says “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”
Click OK to save changes and close the Window
Tap Windows Key+R and select Command Prompt (Admin), then hit Yes when asked if it’s okay for the program to make changes to your computer
In the command prompt (black window), type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter.
Reconnect to the VPN, refresh the Hulu page, and enjoy the video!
How to disable IPv6 on Mac OSX:
Open the Apple menu.
Choose System Preferences > Network > AirPort > Advanced
Click TCP/IP.
Click on the Configure IPv6 pop-up menu and select Off.
Click OK and Apply (to apply the change).
Reconnect to the VPN, refresh the Hulu page, and enjoy the video!
How to Change or Disable Your Proxy in Chrome | ExpressVPN
Last updated: August 12, 2021Too frustrated to read this page? Talk to a HumanA proxy server is an intermediary between your computer and the internet, often used to hide your real location and allow you to access websites that would otherwise be blocked. However, not all proxies offer the same privacy protections as a VPN. When you’re using ExpressVPN, you don’t need to run an additional you’re having trouble connecting to the internet, it’s possible that you are using a proxy The steps below will not help you access online streaming services. If you’re unable to access a service because a VPN or proxy is detected, please contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate instructions on how to disable your proxy in Chrome, please refer to the section appropriate to your computer. I am on…Windows MacDisable proxy for Chrome on WindowsClick the Chrome Menu in the browser toolbar. Select Settings. Click Advanced. In the System section, click Open your computer’s proxy settings. (For Windows 7 and Windows 8 or 8. 1 users, this will open the Internet Properties window. ) Under Automatic proxy setup, toggle Automatic detect settings Off. Under Manual proxy setup, toggle Use a proxy server Off. Click help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate to topDisable proxy for Chrome on MacClick the Chrome Menu on the browser toolbar. Then select Settings. At the bottom of the screen, click Advanced. Under System, click Open your computer’s proxy settings. This will open the Network Settings window. In the Proxies tab, under Select a protocol to configure, uncheck every protocol. Click OK. You can close the settings windows help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate to topFurther Issues? If you have other issues, including not being able to access certain websites and services, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate to topWas this article helpful?
Frequently Asked Questions about hulu proxy tool
Why does Hulu say im using a proxy tool?
Are you getting the error message “Error playing this video. You appear to be using an anonymous proxy tool”? Since anonymous proxy servers prevent us from accurately verifying geographical location, you will need to disable them before accessing videos on Hulu.Jul 10, 2021
How do I bypass Hulu proxy?
So they have no choice but to detect and block proxy and VPN IP addresses.What About Hulu Originals? … Restart the App or the Connection. … Make Sure the App Is Up-to-Date. … Try a Different Server. … Clear Your Cookies or Use Incognito Mode. … Turn on the Kill Switch. … Don’t Use Free VPNs or Proxies. … Use a Smart DNS Instead.More items…•Jul 10, 2020
How do I use a proxy on Hulu?
Here’s how to watch Hulu with a VPN:Sign up for and download a VPN that works with Hulu. … Install the VPN app from your provider’s website or official app store.Run the VPN app and choose a server or server location that can unblock Hulu. … Open Hulu in a web browser or the Hulu app and start streaming!Jul 26, 2021
