Hulu Not Working on Roku: Here’s the Right Fix
Roku is a popular streaming platform having more than 70 million active users from around the globe. The Roku streaming devices are extensively used for streaming via the Hulu app. But the Hulu app often encounters lagging, buffering, regular crashing, and connectivity issues on Roku devices. Is Hulu not working on Roku for you?
It sure can be quite frustrating for the users as it keeps them from enjoying their favorite shows on the Hulu app.
So, if you’re a Hulu subscriber and use Roku for streaming, this post will help you troubleshoot problems related to Hulu not working on Roku.
Updated 21 August, 2023: This blog has been updated to reflect a new list fixes that will prove to be useful to users that are facing issues with Hulu not working on Roku.
Fixing the Streaming Problems on Roku
If your Roku device encounters streaming issues with the Hulu app, multiple issues could be related to the hardware, software, and internet connection. However, there are easy fixes to help you resolve these issues without needing expert tech help.
So, before you call up tech support, you can try fixing the problem by:
- Update the Roku device software
- Update the Hulu channel or app
- Ensure Hulu Support for devices
- Tweak internet settings
Quick Look at Hulu Streaming Problems on Roku
Before we jump to fixing the issues, understanding the nature and causes of Hulu streaming problems on Roku devices is worth understanding. Here is what you might be experiencing:
Hulu Isn’t Loading
One of the primary issues is the inability to load the Hulu app. It happens due to a poor internet connection. In many cases, fixing the internet connection speed and connectivity can help resolve the problem without trying anything fancy on your hardware or device software.
Outdated App
As Roku devices improved, the latest versions only worked with updated Hulu features. It means that you’re possibly using the outdated version of the Hulu app.
Constant Crashing
One of the more significant problems with Hulu streaming is that it keeps crashing regularly. It occurs when your Hulu app might be:
- Corrupted
- Outdated
Generally, you can figure out this problem if other channels are working fine, but the Hulu channel isn’t.
How to Fix Hulu Issues on Roku?
Since we have established the primary causes and nature of the problems, let’s look at some simple ways to fix the streaming issues.
Check Your Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is crucial for streaming success. If you encounter “Hulu not working on Roku,” ensure that your Wi-Fi connection is stable. Slow or interrupted internet can lead to playback errors and buffering problems. Consider restarting your router or connecting your Roku device via an Ethernet cable for a more reliable connection.
Update the Roku Device
Like most modern devices, Roku has its firmware. Therefore, it receives regular updates for bug fixes, functionality enhancement, and performance upgrades. It’s much similar to the firmware updates for smartphones.
So, unless you’re running the most updated version of Roku, you cannot expect Hulu to stream smoothly. Such issues arise when you haven’t connected the Roku device to the internet for a long time.
But in most cases, Roku can detect and download updates automatically. However, it’s also a good idea to manually check for updates if Hulu streaming isn’t smooth.
To check for Roku updates, you can follow these simple steps.
- Go to the Home Screen and navigate to Settings on your Roku device.
- Go to System and navigate to System Update
- Go to Check Now and click OK. The pop-up will show any available updates for your device.
- In case there is a new update, click Update Now.
You need at least Roku OS version 11 or higher to use Hulu on Roku devices. By updating the firmware, it will upgrade to the latest software version. Hence, you can check for Hulu streaming to observe any improvements after updating.
Update the Hulu Channels
Streaming services also require the latest firmware, so keeping them updated is important. So, updating the Hulu app on Roku is essential to enjoy flawless streaming. Hence, if updating the Roku device didn’t work, the next step is to update the Hulu app. Here is how to do it.
- Press the Home button on the Roku remote and highlight the Hulu channel.
- Press * on the remote to open a pop-up window with multiple options. You can also check the app version at the top of the window.
- Go to Check for Updates and download any available updates for the Hulu app.
An alternative option is to delete the Hulu app and restart the Roku device. Then, you can download the app again, log in, and resume streaming.
Clear Cache and Data
Cached data can accumulate over time and lead to glitches. To clear cache and data for the Hulu app:
- From the Roku Home screen, go to “Settings.”
- Choose “System,” then “Advanced System Settings.”
- Select “Privacy,” and then “Clear cache.”
Restart Your Roku Device
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor glitches causing Hulu to not work on Roku. Unplug your Roku device from the power source, wait for a minute, and then plug it back in. This can often refresh the system and fix temporary issues.
Check for Roku System Updates
Outdated system software can impact app performance. To check for Roku updates:
- Go to “Settings” from the Home screen.
- Choose “System,” then “System Update.”
- Select “Check Now” to see if any updates are available.
Reinstall the Hulu App
If all else fails, reinstalling the Hulu app can help resolve stubborn issues. To do this:
- Highlight the Hulu app on the Home screen.
- Press the asterisk (*) button on your remote and select “Remove.”
- Visit the Roku Channel Store and reinstall the Hulu app.
Ensure Hulu Support for Roku Devices
Hulu is not available for all Roku devices. There is a lack of compatibility and software support in some Roku devices, so you must ensure app support. Moreover, some devices previously supported Hulu but are no longer supported. Hence, a simple way to get around this problem is to know the Hulu-supported Roku devices. Here are the devices that offer Hulu support.
- Roku Express and Roku Express +
- Roku Ultra
- Roku 3 and 4
- 4K Roku Streaming Stick +
- Roku TV
- Roku Premiere and Premiere +
- 4K Roku Smart Speaker
So, if you don’t see your device model in this list, it’s time to upgrade to enjoy Hulu streaming.
Upgrade Network Settings and Internet Speed
Internet connectivity and speed are common issues that lead to regular loading and buffering on the Hulu app. Hulu requires a stable connection, so you should start by ensuring the basic connectivity parameters, which are:
- 8 Mbps speed for live streaming
- 3 Mbps for HD streaming
- 16 Mbps for 4K streaming
There is also a 1.5 Mbps option for low-quality videos, but anything lower means you must be prepared for frustrating buffering and loading.
You can conduct a basic speed test if you’re unsure about the speed. But what to do if there is slow internet speed?
Restart Your Router
A router reset is an easy fix to possible slow connectivity and network stability problems. So, you can start by resetting the router. Unplug the router and wait for half a minute. Reconnect and check the speed.
Ensure Optimal Router Placement
If your router is placed too far from the Roku device, it could weaken signal strength. Therefore, you can improve the speed by adjusting the device placement, giving better signal strength.
Use a VPN Service
You can switch your IP location to a server close to the Hulu servers using a VPN service. It means fewer hops and better internet connectivity speed. For instance, if you’re using a quality VPN service like Ivacy VPN, you can choose from various server locations worldwide to enjoy a stable and secure connection for online streaming.
All in All
Fixing Hulu streaming issues on Roku is pretty straightforward, so enjoying your favorite shows shouldn’t be a problem anymore. With a few presses of the Roku remote button, you can enjoy flawless and hindrance-free connectivity on your Roku device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Hulu not working on Roku answered below:
Does Hulu no longer work with Roku?
Hulu still works on Roku. However, this is only applicable to Roku 5 and above. Additionally, Ivacy VPN’s assistance will still be required to bypass geo-blocks in some regions.
Why is Hulu crashing on my Roku?
There could be several reasons why Hulu is crashing on your Roku device. Here are some of the most common reasons for Hulu crashing on Roku:
- The Hulu app is not updated to the latest version.
- The current Hulu app is not compatible with Roku.
- The internet connection is not stable.
- The Hulu app’s data and/or cache is corrupted.
- The Roku device is overheating.
- Hulu servers are down.
Why is Hulu not loading on my TV?
These are some of the usual reasons for Hulu not loading on TV:
- The internet connection is slow or unstable.
- Firewall and network restrictions are preventing Hulu from loading.
- The Hulu app is not updated.
- The app data or cache is corrupted.
