You will likely encounter Hulu streaming issues if you have used the platform for a while.
We cover the causes of Hulu streaming issues and some simple things you can try to resolve the problem.
Why does my Hulu have streaming problems?
Streaming issues on Hulu emerge due to an unoptimized internet connection or underlying software issue.
Most of the time, your home internet router can be the source of the issue, especially if you also experience buffering on Hulu.
You can also experience issues such as Hulu acting slow, crashing and poor picture quality.
Here are some tips on how to fix Hulu streaming issues:
- Reboot your Hulu device or app
- Restart your Router
- Update your Hulu firmware
- Increase internet bandwidth
- Close any other apps that are running
- Use an Ethernet cable rather than a Wi-Fi
- Upgrade your Internet Connection
- Disable VPNs or Ad blockers
- Upgrade your Router
- Check the Hulu network
- Contact the Hulu Support
How to stop Hulu streaming issues
Stopping Hulu streaming issues often involves following some basic troubleshooting practices.
These streaming problems can come in many shapes and sizes. However, if you work through the recommendations below, it should resolve your issues.
Method 1: Reboot your Hulu device or app
Restarting the Hulu app should be a high priority if you run into streaming issues.
Restarting will help your streaming device by clearing the RAM and cache and enabling better performance.
Unplug your Hulu streaming device (this could be your TV) for 60 seconds before plugging it back in to perform a complete restart.
Once you have reconnected your streaming device, turn it on and see if the streaming problems persist.
Method 2: Restart your Router
A simple restart of my router fixes most of my Hulu streaming issues.
How do I reset my router?
Unplugging the router from the socket for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in is the simplest way to reset it.
Restarting your router and then firing up Hulu will establish a new connection with the Hulu servers.
If you think of your router like a PC, it slows down over time as more tasks and devices are added, but also, an occasional restart offers a performance boost.
Method 3: (If using a TV) Update your TV firmware
When using a TV to access the Hulu app, you should update your TV firmware when encountering Hulu streaming issues.
Method 4: Increase internet bandwidth
Increasing your internet bandwidth can help by allowing data to flow more freely.
You can increase the internet bandwidth allotted to Hulu by disconnecting some devices from your home internet network.
Every device you can disconnect from your internet connection will help reduce streaming problems on your Hulu.
When you have limited internet bandwidth, it is expected that Hulu will start freezing when trying to watch a show or movie.
Method 5: Close any apps that are running
You should close any app that are running on your streaming device when you have streaming issue on Hulu.
Why does having open apps cause Hulu streaming problems?
When you have many apps open in reduces your system performance and internet bandwidth allowance to the Hulu app.
Ultimately, the more apps the less resources you have available to streaming effectively.
Method 6: Use an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi
Using a wired connection is better for reducing Hulu streaming problems than a Wi-Fi connection.
An ethernet (wired) cable will transfer data faster and with less possibility of interference weakening the internet connection.
There are a lot of variables that can negatively affect your internet connection when using Wi-Fi.
Wireless internet connections are slower and you need to consider other things such as:
- Distance from your router
- Objects interfering such as walls, floors and ceilings
- Do you need to add further Wi-Fi access points
I recommend using wired connection where available to get the best performance.
Method 7: Disable any ad blockers or VPNs
Unfortunately, VPNs and ad blockers are notorious for causing streaming problems on Hulu.
Streaming platforms such as Hulu try to prevent your from using these tools, and if they detect that one is active, they will stop your ability to stream until they are turned off.
A VPN will always limit the speed at which you can stream content. If your Hulu content is stuttering and pausing, you should turn off your VPN to see if this resolves the problem.
Unfortunately, using a VPN creates another dependency that can cause crashes or limited speed.
Method 8: Upgrade your Internet Connection
Not everyone has access to high download speeds through their ISP (Internet Service Provider), but for those that do, consider upgrading your internet connection.
It should go without saying that a connection with 100 Mbps will have a slower download speed than one with 1 GBPS.
Method 9: Upgrade your Router
If the years have passed and you are still using the same old router, you might want to check the maximum download speed it can support.
You want to ensure that your router can fully utilize the download speeds you are paying for from your ISP.
Method 10: Check servers
Sometimes, it may be the Hulu servers themselves that are causing the problems.
You should check that there are no issues or outages with the Hulu platform.
Method 12: Contact Hulu support
If you have been unsuccessful, it may be time to contact Hulu support with your problem.
The Hulu support team can advise of further steps you may wish to take.
Conclusion
There are lots of different types of streaming problems that you can encounter when using the Hulu platform.
Some standard tips and tricks can potentially solve the majority of issues.
I hope that this article was able to help you get back to viewing your shows and movies without interruption.
