Hulu Not Working? Here’s What to Do.

We may have the answer to your problems, fellow social distancer.

Hulu
Hulu
3.8 out of 5 stars
3.75
  • pro
    Lots of original content
  • pro
    Decent price
  • con
    Not a standalone service
Chantel Buchi
Jan 22, 2024
Icon Time To Read3 min read

Are you having troubles with streaming Hulu? And just when you need your on-demand content to work so you don’t go stir crazy.

Allow us to help as we answer most of your questions about those pesky Hulu error messages.

Before we dig into all of the common error codes on Hulu, we must cover the troubleshooting steps. Because how many times have you called tech support with technical problems only to be asked if you've tried troubleshooting your app or shutting down your device?

I think we all have. Troubleshooting the specific problem with Hulu can vary from general internet issues, buffering or playback issues, to the app bugging out. So, let's get started with the most common issues.

Troubleshooting Hulu or Hulu with Live TV

  • Check if Hulu is down.
  • Sign out of Hulu on all devices and sign in again.
  • Delete the Hulu app and re-download it from the app store and log in again.
  • Check your internet download speed from the device you’re using (it should be at least 6 Mbps for Hulu and 8 Mbps for Hulu with Live TV.)
  • Check your device for other apps or programs that may be experiencing a similar issue. If you're finding that other apps are having trouble loading, it could be a poor connection and you'll have the best luck contacting your internet service provider to resolve the issue.
  • Disconnect your smartphone or Wi-Fi internet connection from the device you’re using, wait a couple minutes, and then reconnect. 
  • Reset your Wi-Fi modem. You may also have success by clearing the cache and data through your settings menu. 
  • Update the Hulu app. If you can also uninstall the Hulu app from your device and then reinstall it.

Checking on the status

One of the best ways to check if Hulu is down for everyone is to check the Twitter support page. Hulu runs an active support page on that social media platform. Visit the page and check the current status and any notices about when the app/service might go live again. The truth is, of all the apps we've tested and watched over the years, Hulu is rarely down for everyone. That might have something to do with how long the app has been around or maybe the fact that it is owned by Disney and they have a reputation to protect.

Hulu Error rununck13

Buffering and Playback Issue

If you’ve gone through the troubleshooting steps and this error is still popping up, try these common solutions:

  • Clear your browser’s cache.
  • Delete and reinstall the Hulu app.

Troubleshooting or one of these solutions should get you back to watching This is Us or Rick and Morty.

Hulu Error p-dev 320

Digital Media Player Issue

This issue generally means there is an issue on Hulu’s end, and it normally occurs when you’re watching Hulu on your digital media player, like a Roku or Xbox.

But we encourage you to try our troubleshooting steps just to be sure.

If none of those steps work, unfortunately you’ll have to contact Hulu support or wait it out. Technology, amirite?

Hulu Error 5003

Playback Issue

Since this error is a playback error, it usually means there is a problem with your streaming device or app.

Whether you’re watching it on your smartphone, Macbook, Apple TV, or PS5, try these steps:

  • Delete and reinstall the Hulu app.
  • Restart your device.
  • Restart your router.

If none of those work, or any of the troubleshooting steps, you’ll need to report the problem to Hulu and use another device in the meantime.

More error codes on Hulu

Hulu and Hulu with Live TV error codes
Error code
Known causes
Potential fix

Error 3 and 5

Internet connection issue

Restart your device, unplug your modem and router for one minute, reinstall Hulu app, update your device

Error 16

Invalid region issue

Must be in the US, turn off VPN or proxy if in the US

Error 0326, 2203, 3307, 3321, 3322, 3336, 3343

Protected content issues

Connect to an HDMI cable if using other type of cable, update browser or switch to another browser, refresh page

Error 400

Account issue

Check internet connection, reinstall Hulu app, remove device from account and add it back in (can only be done on hulu.com → account → manage devices)

Error 500

Server issue

Check internet connection, switch browsers

Error BYA-403-007

Playback of Hulu service issue

It’s a partial outage on Hulu if other videos work, check internet connection and update phone, wait for Hulu to fix problem

Error HDCP

Anti-piracy issue

Unplug HDMI cable and TV or streaming device then plug back in, try a different HDMI, try different TV or monitor

Other recommended streaming services

If you just have Hulu and are curious about Hulu with Live TV, check out our full review. One thing we love about Hulu is that it's a great choice for people who want to livestream music concerts, like Lollapalooza 2023.

But here are some other streaming services we recommend.

If you want more information on these awesome streaming services, check out our reviews for YouTube TV, Sling TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and fuboTV.

We guarantee you’ll find one or two that will get you back to streaming your favorite shows in no time.

Best alternatives to Hulu
Service
Monthly price
Details
YouTube TV$64.99/mo.
Sling TV$35.00–$50.00/mo.
Netflix$8.99–$17.99/mo.
Amazon Prime Video$12.99/mo.
fuboTV$79.99–$99.99

* Data as of 1/22/2024. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

Recommended internet providers

If you've been having lots of internet connections issues, you're probably considering a new internet provider. No one wants that headache day in and day out.

If you're looking for a more reliable connection for stress-free streaming, check out our top best internet providers.

Best internet providers
Monthly price
Download speeds
Data cap
Learn more
Xfinity$9.95-$75*50-1200 Mbps1200 GB
Verizon$49.99-$109.99300-2300 MbpsUnlimited
AT&T Fiber$55-$245100-5000 MbpsUnlimited
Centurylink$50-$75^140-940 MbpsUnlimited
Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change. Data verified as of the article's publication date.
* Pricing for some packages are for the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1- or 2-year contract.
Price per month with Auto Pay & without select 5G mobile plans. Fios plan prices include taxes & fees
Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Plus taxes $ fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.
^ Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing or prepay required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply.
Chantel Buchi
Written by
Chantel is all about finding the best tv or streaming service to watch as many football games as possible to keep her Fantasy Football team in check. A former TV and Streaming Tech Reporter for Reviews.org, she has also worked for NFL Network and The Alliance of American Football. Before that, she received a B.A. of Communication at the University of Utah and an M.S. in Sports Journalism at USC. Go Utes and Fight On.

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