It can be super frustrating when Hulu keeps lagging, especially when trying to watch a show or movie.
In this article, we look at the cause of Hulu lag and the steps you can take to stop it from occurring.
Why Does Hulu Keep Lagging?
Commonly, Hulu keeps Lagging mainly because of an overloaded router on your home internet network.
If your router has not been restarted for an extended period, internet bandwidth issues can arise, which leads to a slow connection.
This is the most common cause of why Hulu keeps freezing or lagging when streaming content.
These issues can result in Hulu being slow and unresponsive, but luckily, there are a few fixes you can try.
How to fix Hulu lagging
Method 1: Restart your Router
As the intro above mentions, restarting your router can be the most effective trick if Hulu keeps lagging.
How do I reboot my router?
You can restart your home internet router by unplugging it for 30 seconds before plugging it back in.
Why does restarting your router reduce Hulu Lagging?
Over time, your router will slow down as more tasks and devices are added. This can eventually result in Hulu buffering while trying to stream content.
Method 2: Restart the Hulu app
If you use the Hulu app, restart it when you encounter lagging when playing content.
When you restart the Hulu app, you allow any updates to be installed, and you will make a new internet connection with the Hulu servers.
Method 3: Sign out of Hulu
Signing out of your Hulu account is a good idea when Hulu keeps lagging.
When you return and log in, check the streaming performance to see if this has improved.
Method 4: Manually clear the Hulu Cache
When Hulu keeps buffering, you should consider clearing the Hulu Cache as a part of your troubleshooting.
The cache files or data Hulu stores on your device are necessary for an enhanced and seamless streaming experience.
However, they can become problematic if you don’t clear them frequently and can cause Hulu buffering issues.
Method 5: Restart your streaming device
On whatever device you experience lagging when viewing Hulu, you should restart it.
Restarting these devices will generate a new internet connection with your router and the Hulu servers, which can help reduce lagging problems with Hulu.
To restart these devices, we recommend unplugging them for 60 seconds before plugging them back in.
When you restart your streaming device, it should perform better on Hulu.
Method 6: Update your Hulu app or web browser
Whether using the Hulu app or a web browser, you should ensure that these are updated to the latest software versions.
I also recommend experimenting with different web browsers if you use a computer to stream Hulu.
Method 6a: Web browser users – reduce extensions
I have seen examples of web browser extensions increasing the likelihood of experiencing Hulu lagging issues.
If your browser has many extensions installed, this will slow the browser performance and impact your streaming ability.
Try limiting your active extensions or using a different browser that is more lightweight, and this will reduce your chances of experiencing Lagging when viewing Hulu.
Method 7: Update your streaming device
Please ensure your streaming device runs the latest firmware, software, or OS when streaming.
Generally, newer system software will offer better performance and more features.
Older system software can cause Hulu to lag when viewing content.
Method 8: Disconnect devices from the internet
The more devices you have connected to the router in your home, the more likely you are to experience Hulu lagging.
Think of all the internet-connected devices you are not currently using. Can you turn them off?
Having fewer devices connected will improve the amount of internet bandwidth that is available when streaming content online.
This can also help if you are running into streaming issues on Hulu.
Method 9: Close any apps that are running
The more applications you run at any given time, the more likely that you will experience freezes when streaming content.
How does having open apps cause the Hulu app to lag?
Each open app hurts the system resources of your streaming device or computer and the internet connection.
The lower the setting, the lesser the picture quality, but the less likely you will see a lagging on Hulu.
Method 10: Use an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi
Want a faster, more reliable internet connection? Use a wired (ethernet) connection rather than Wi-Fi.
An ethernet cable can help reduce lagging issues on Hulu as it transmits data faster than Wi-Fi, making the connection more stable.
Method 11: Improve your Wi-Fi connection (If you have to use it)
Wi-Fi connections are slower than their wired counterpart and generally will have a slower response time, leading your Hulu to keep Lagging.
There are things that you can do to improve your Wi-Fi connection.
Can you move your router to a place closer to your streaming device?
Avoid as much interference between your streaming device and your router as possible. Consider objects such as walls, floors, and ceilings, which can contribute to an unstable internet connection.
You could also add Wi-Fi signal extenders to your home if moving your router is impractical.
Method 12: Disable any ad blockers or VPNs
Don’t neglect to review your use of a VPN or adblocker when Hulu keeps lagging.
Generally, VPNs and adblockers do not play well when you are streaming content online.
Streaming providers are against using VPNs and adblockers, and their use creates another dependency that can cause issues.
Method 13: Upgrade your Internet Connection
If you have access to fast internet connections in the area in which you reside, it may be worth considering upgrading your internet connection.
A 10mbps connection will stream content slower than a 1gbps connection. Could the Hulu lagging issues be linked to your purchased internet speed?
Method 14: Upgrade your Router
Is your router causing a bottleneck on your home network, contributing to the Hulu lagging problems?
If you have consistently upgraded your internet speed through your ISP but still use an older router, you may wish to check your maximum download speed.
It’s all good having a 1gbps connection, but if your router can only download at 100mbps, you’ve got a massive bottleneck and a solid explanation for why the Hulu app is stopping.
Method 15: Check to make sure Hulu servers are operational
Most issues will be with your network or playback device when Hulu lags.
It is worth checking that there are no issues or outages with the Hulu platform.
Method 16: Contact Hulu Support
If Hulu continues to lag after following this guide, we recommend contacting Hulu support.
Conclusion
When Hulu keeps lagging, the cause is usually your home internet connection or a software issue.
This article’s recommendations should resolve most of Hulu’s lagging issues.
Happy streaming!
