When trying to watch shows through interruptions, you may ask why is Hulu so slow?
I have made a guide that can assist you by providing some simple tips that help fix your Hulu loading slow issues.
Why Is Hulu So Slow?
The leading cause of Hulu slow to load issues is likely a software or internet connection problem.
When I encountered this issue on the app, I noticed that Hulu constantly buffered when streaming content.
I did some research and found some solutions to this issue.
How To Fix Hulu Loading Slow
Method 1: Restart the Hulu app
Restart the Hulu app if you are asking why does Hulu take so long to load!
Restarting the Hulu app allows any updates to correctly install and establish a new connection with the Hulu servers.
This will clear the cache on some devices, which may have become overloaded, and explain why Hulu keeps lagging when viewing content or navigating the menus.
Method 2: Sign out of the Hulu app
Another potential quick fix to Hulu loading slow is to sign out of your account.
By signing out of your Hulu account before your return and logging in, you may resolve any account-related issues causing slowness problems.
Method 3: Restart your Streaming Device
To access the Hulu app, you will be using a streaming device to access the app.
The most common streaming devices for the Hulu app are:
- Smart TVs
- Streaming Stick such as Apple TV, Firestick, or Roku
- Games Consoles such as PlayStation and XBOX
- A PC or MacBook Laptop
The universal recommendation for these devices and the first step in eliminating the slow Hulu app performance is to perform a power cycle of these systems.
To perform a power cycle of the devices, unplug them for 60 seconds before plugging them back in.
This restart allows any updates downloaded in the background to install and start successfully and clears the system cache.
Clearing the system cache and any lingering apps running in RAM can help increase responsiveness and stop Hulu streaming issues.
Reducing the number of apps running in the background gives the Hulu app the best performance.
Method 4: Reset your Router
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but it is effective in helping when Hulu is slow to load.
How do I reset my router?
The easiest way to reset your router is to unplug it from the wall socket for 30 seconds before plugging it back in.
This action will “power-cycle” your router and provide more bandwidth to increase your ability to stream content faster on the Hulu app.
Why does resetting your router reduce the Hulu app being so slow?
Think of all the devices that are and have been connected to the router. I’m sure that in today’s digital world, quite a few devices are connected to the router.
Your router is like a mini-PC and will slow down as more tasks are added.
Having all those devices connected will reduce the bandwidth available to the Hulu app and subsequently throttle your download speed, creating slow playback and solid reasons why Hulu keeps freezing.
Method 5: Update your Hulu app
If you are streaming Hulu using a device such as a Firestick, Roku, or smart TV, then I recommend updating the app if possible.
When you ask why Hulu is slow, consider whether you are running an older app version that may not be correctly optimized for your streaming device.
Newer apps generally have better performance and fewer errors and can help if your Hulu subtitles are out of sync.
Method 6: 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 lagging issues.
Method 7: Disconnect other devices in your home from the internet
If you cannot reset your router for any reason, I will try and disconnect non-essential devices from the internet.
Is someone in your home watching Netflix? What about your phone? Is someone downloading games or apps on XBOX?
Every device you can disconnect from your internet connection will help if Hulu is so slow.
Method 8: Close any apps that are running
If you have followed our first step of restarting your streaming device, this step would have been completed. Otherwise, please continue to close any running apps.
How does having open apps cause Hulu to load slow?
Imagine your internet connection to your Hulu application like an artery in your body.
The more games and apps running are like blockages in your arteries. Sorry for the weird analogy!
Those blockages impede your ability to stream content faster, making the Hulu app slow.
Method 9: Decrease Video Quality
Check in the Hulu app options when watching content if there is a toggle for video quality.
The higher the quality of content you stream, the more likely slow playback will occur.
Try to decrease the video quality, especially if the quality is set to 4K.
Method 10: Update your streaming device software/firmware before downloading
Whether you are using a TV, Streaming Stick, or Games console, updating your firmware or software to the latest version can help prevent issues from arising over time.
Sometimes, updates can be missed, or an installation can be interrupted and cause issues with your streaming device.
Old firmware or a partial installation could cause the Hulu app to be slow.
Ensuring you have the latest software on your devices gives you access to new apps and an improved viewing experience.
Method 11: Use an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi
It is almost always true that you will get a better download speed when you use an Ethernet (Wired Connection) rather than Wi-Fi.
Wired connections transmit data quicker and with less interference. Fewer variables can hinder the quality of the connection.
Wi-Fi connections are slower and generally have a slower response time.
The distance from your streaming device, along with the walls, floor, and ceilings, can all deteriorate the quality of your internet connection, causing Hulu to take forever to load.
I always use a wired connection when available, and you should too!
Method 12: Disable any Ad blockers or VPNs
VPNs and Ad blockers can negatively affect the streaming performance of the Hulu app.
Your connection to a VPN will always limit the speed at which you can stream content.
We understand that using a VPN can be a sensible choice, mainly due to privacy concerns.
Unfortunately, using a VPN creates another dependency that can cause Hulu slow loading issues.
Method 13: Upgrade your Internet Connection
Not everyone has access to high download speed through their ISP (Internet Service Provider), but for those that do, consider upgrading your internet connection.
It is pretty straightforward that a 100mbps connection will have a slower download rate than a 1gbps connection.
Method 14: Upgrade your Router
This option will not apply to everyone, but for some, the router could be the bottleneck in their home network, causing the Hulu app slowness problems.
If you have consistently upgraded your internet speed through your ISP but are still using an older router, you may wish to check your router’s 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 so slow.
Method 15: Check to make sure that the Hulu servers are operational
When Hulu is buffering or acting slow, most issues will usually be with your network or streaming device.
Before you go into the other fixes listed below, it is worthwhile to check that there are no issues or outages with the Hulu platform.
Method 16: Contact Hulu Support
If you have tried all the tips above and nothing has worked, you can contact Hulu app support for further assistance.
Conclusion
If you followed the guide, you would have successfully stopped the Hulu app from acting slow.
We hope that you enjoy faster streaming.
