ExpressVPN not working with Hulu

Unfortunately, Hulu is only available in the US, which means its content becomes region-locked if you travel abroad. The only way to get around the geographic restrictions and watch your usual shows while on vacation is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Try to stream Hulu outside the US and you’ll encounter an error message along the lines of:

“we noticed you are trying to access Hulu through an anonymous proxy tool”.

Some VPNs are unable to unblock Hulu, but ExpressVPN works well with the streaming service. However, if you’re currently experiencing issues with unblocking and streaming, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll run through all the possible causes and their respective solutions.

Why isn’t ExpressVPN working with Hulu?

It’s not uncommon for a VPN to not work with Hulu. That’s because Hulu region-locks its content to prevent international users from accessing it. The good news is that ExpressVPN has a strong track record of working with Hulu. Here are a few reasons why you might be having trouble:

  • Hulu has stored a cookie in your browser that is telling it a different IP address (and location) from the VPN
  • The IP address you’re currently using has been identified as belonging to a VPN and blacklisted as a result
  • You’re not properly connected to a server in the US and, as such, don’t have a US IP address for unblocking Hulu
  • If you’re using the ExpressVPN mobile app, it may be that your phone’s GPS location conflicts with that of the VPN

Here’s how to fix ExpressVPN not working with Hulu:

  1. First, you should clear your browser’s cache and cookies. That way, Hulu will forget your previous IP address and acknowledge that offered by the VPN.
  2. If Hulu is still blocked, it likely means the IP address you’re using is blacklisted. As such, you should connect to a different server to change your IP address.
  3. Contact ExpressVPN’s customer support and ask which servers work best with Hulu. ExpressVPN may be able to provide further guidance as to why it’s not working.

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How to sign in to Hulu with ExpressVPN

The process of signing in to Hulu and watching it from overseas is much the same from VPN to VPN. The main difference is that the best VPNs for Hulu such as ExpressVPN make it even quicker and easier.

Here’s how to stream Hulu from abroad using ExpressVPN:

  1. First, sign up with ExpressVPN (this shouldn’t take more than a minute or two). Alternatively, NordVPN and Surfshark also work well with the streaming service.
  2. Next, download and install an ExpressVPN app for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, or Android TV. Browser extensions are also available.
  3. Open the VPN app before connecting to a server located in the US. You’ll be assigned a US IP address for unblocking Hulu from abroad.
  4. Now you can go to Hulu and sign in (or sign up for an account if you don’t yet have one). Select a live stream or on-demand video. This should now be unblocked.
  5. Still having trouble? Be sure to refer to the fixes detailed further above in this post (such as clearing your browser’s cookies and connecting to a different server).

Which are the best VPNs for streaming Hulu abroad?

The unblocking of streaming services is a fluid situation that may change at a moment’s notice. The reason for this is that streaming services such as Hulu are continually looking for ways to prevent the use of VPNs. While ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for Hulu, here are a few alternatives for your consideration:

  1. NordVPN: Our top choice for streaming Hulu. Almost 2,000 US servers. High-speed connections with unlimited bandwidth. No-logs VPN with specialty servers. 24/7 support.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Hulu.
  2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Fast speeds for non-stop streaming of Hulu, Netflix, and more. Unlimited simultaneous connections and strong security with Double VPN servers.
  3. ExpressVPN: Network of servers covering 94 countries. Very fast speeds as well as unlimited bandwidth. Excellent apps and 24/7 support. No identifying logs of users.
  4. CyberGhost: Huge network of 7,000+ servers. Stream Hulu lag-free thanks to unlimited bandwidth. Can be used on seven devices at once. Strict no-logs policy.
  5. PrivateVPN: Fast speeds and strong unblocking. Works well with Hulu. Beginner-friendly desktop and mobile apps. No-logs VPN for anonymous streaming.
  6. Hotspot Shield: Servers in 80 countries, the US included. Stream Hulu and Amazon Prime. Security includes access to a password manager and spam call blocker.
  7. VyprVPN: High-speed US servers with no bandwidth throttling. Strong security thanks to encryption and no-logs policy. Live chat and email support available 24/7.
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Warning

Many VPNs claim to work with Hulu but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Hulu and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.

ExpressVPN & Hulu FAQ

Why do streaming services region-lock their content?

Most streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ region-lock their content and Hulu is no exception. The reason for this is that the broadcast rights for TV shows and movies are often shared by many different TV networks and streaming platforms in different countries. Hulu is only available in the US, so it makes sense to region-lock the content abroad to avoid the violation of copyright and any licensing agreements in place.

Can I use a free VPN to watch Hulu?

It’s not impossible to use a free VPN to watch Hulu. However, it is difficult. While most free VPNs have at least one server in the US, the fact that the VPN is free means there’ll be a lot of users on it. Heavy server load results in slow speeds,which translates to low resolution, lag-filled streams. Besides, many free VPN IP addresses have long been blacklisted by streaming services such as Hulu, so it’s just as likely your free VPN won’t work with it at all.

We should also warn you of the security risks associated with using free VPNs. Some lack essential security features such as encryption. A 2020 study into iOS VPN applications found that nearly 40 percent leaked personally identifiable information. As such, free VPNs are not a good choice if you’d like to secure your data and stay anonymous online. Fortunately, ExpressVPN offers high-end encryption and doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users.

Will using a VPN slow my connection?

A VPN takes your device’s internet traffic and routes it through an encrypted tunnel to one of its own servers. This process will slow your connection to a degree. However, with the fastest VPNs, you shouldn’t notice much of a difference, particularly because they all include unlimited bandwidth and comfortably exceed the minimum speed requirements for Hulu.

According to Hulu’s Internet speed recommendations, you should have a minimum of 3.0 Mbps for streaming its on-demand content, 8.0 Mbps for live streaming, and 16.0 Mbps if you’d like to stream in 4K. Our speed tests showed ExpressVPN to have an average global download speed of 135 Mbps—more than fast enough for streaming Hulu.

What can I watch on Hulu?

Hulu’s most expensive plan allows you to stream live TV as well as its on-demand library. Alternatively, you can opt exclusively for its streaming library for which there are plans with and without ads. Here are some of the live channels and TV shows you can watch on Hulu:

Live channels

TV shows