Hulu is a streaming service that’s been growing in popularity over the past few years. However, it’s only available in the US and Japan.
Despite this restriction, you can watch Hulu from anywhere as long as you have a premium VPN. If you’re not sure how that works, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to unblock Hulu with a VPN:
- Subscribe to a good VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN. In our tests, it was the most consistent at unblocking Hulu.
- Install the VPN onto your device. If you get a NordVPN subscription, you can install it on pretty much any device.
- Open the VPN app and log into the account you used to sign up.
- Connect to a server in the US. Hulu is also available in Japan, but the US version has the best library.
- Sign up for a Hulu account (if you don’t already have one) with a US payment method.
- Log into Hulu and watch your favorite content!
From our experience, NordVPN is the best Hulu VPN. It has over 1,970 servers in the US and offers fast speeds to ensure you don’t experience lag while streaming.
If you need more information on how get Hulu unblocked with a VPN, our article below will explain everything you need to know, including what to do if your VPN is not working with Hulu and how to pay for a Hulu subscription if your payment method is not accepted by the streaming provider.
Did you get an error message while trying to access Hulu or Hulu+ Live TV? Well, that’s because the countries Hulu is available in are Japan and the US, including Puerto Rico and US military bases. So, you won’t be able to access the platform from anywhere else unless you use a virtual private network (VPN).
With a Hulu VPN like NordVPN, you can still access Hulu’s vast library of series and movies and Hulu+ Live TV’s over 90 TV channels, no matter your location. When choosing one of NordVPN’s 1,970 US servers, you can change your IP and make Hulu think you’re visiting their site from the States.
Keep reading below to learn how to watch Hulu with a VPN worldwide and on any device.
How to Watch Hulu From Anywhere With a VPN
If you are traveling or temporarily living in a location where Hulu is unavailable, you can still catch your favorite shows and movies. With a Hulu VPN, you can change your IP address to one from the US and continue watching Hulu from anywhere in the world.
To get Hulu unblocked with a VPN, follow the steps below:
- Subscribe to a premium VPN. Based on our tests, NordVPN can reliably unblock Hulu and offer fast connection speeds.
- Download and install the VPN software. If you have picked NordVPN, you can install it on pretty much any device.
- Open the VPN app and connect to the account you used to subscribe.
- Connect to a server in the US. You should pick one that’s as close to you as possible to limit buffering.
- Go to the Hulu website or app and find your favorite content.
- Enjoy your show or movie!
NordVPN is the best way to unblock Hulu and access its library if you live in the US and you’re temporarily outside of the country. The VPN provider is also currently offering a fantastic 69% discount on its subscription plans. Click the button below to grab our NordVPN deal.
How to Watch Live TV on Hulu
Hulu also gives you the chance to access more than 90 live TV channels, including Bravo, E!, Comedy Central, MTV, and many more. The process to subscribe for Hulu’s Live TV is quite straightforward. All you have to do is follow the steps below:
- Visit the Hulu+ Live TV page on your browser.
- Add your personal information, including your name and email address. Note that you’ll have to enter a US zip code.
- Fill in your payment information.
- Submit your details, and you should be able to access Hulu+ with your account details.
If you’re outside the US or Japan, you’ll need to use a fast and reliable Hulu VPN to change your location and stream live content without interruptions. NordVPN is a great choice as it has 1,970 US servers and 130 Japan servers that will offer you ultra-fast speeds and stable connections to watch Hulu+ Live TV lag-free.
Why Do I Need a VPN to Watch Hulu?
The countries Hulu is available in are the US and Japan, so you need a VPN to change your IP and spoof your location to those countries to watch content on the streaming platform.
Hulu enforces its restriction by checking IP addresses and preventing any non-American or non-Japanese IP from getting access.
The streaming giant is not available worldwide because Hulu needs to pay for the distribution rights of its content in each country it streams in. And this can be quite expensive.
However, you can get around the provider’s geo-blocks with the Hulu location trick we’ve explained above (connecting to a VPN server in a country where Hulu is available) and use a gift card to access Hulu.
A reliable VPN that will allow you to watch content on Hulu effortlessly from anywhere is NordVPN, and below we explain why.
The Best VPN for Streaming Hulu: NordVPN
If you want to get Hulu unblocked in Europe and anywhere else outside the US, there’s no better choice than NordVPN. We have tested NordVPN‘s US servers extensively, and they easily unblocked Hulu.
We chose NordVPN as the best Hulu VPN because of the following reasons:
- Has over 1,970 servers in the US that can reliably unblock Hulu
- Encrypts your traffic using AES 256-bit encryption, which is one of the most secure encryption protocols in the market
- Offers lightning-fast connection speeds, ensuring that you don’t miss a beat while streaming Hulu
- Has a strict-no logs policy paired with RAM-only servers, so NordVPN won’t have any sensitive data on you
- Implements different VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, NordLynx, and IKEv2/IPSec (offer a good mix of speed and security)
- Provides a kill switch that will disconnect your internet if the VPN connection gets cut, ensuring that Hulu will not find out your real IP
What if you subscribe to NordVPN and don’t like it? Well, you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee to test it first. Simply subscribe with our massive discount offer below, and if you don’t like it, you can cancel within the first 30 days of your subscription and get your money back.
How we chose the best VPN for Hulu
We run extensive tests to decide on the top VPNs for different purposes, including streaming. We did the same when choosing the top VPN provider for Hulu.
Here are the criteria we considered when selecting the best Hulu VPN:
- Servers in the US: Because the US is one of the two countries Hulu works in, you need a VPN with a vast server network there. The more the servers, the better because you won’t likely encounter server congestion.
- Ability to unblock Hulu: A VPN provider must have enhanced unblocking capabilities to bypass geo-restrictions and access blocked websites. Our tests revealed that NordVPN had no issues unblocking Hulu and other popular streaming services.
- Fast speeds: If you use a slow VPN to stream Hulu, you’ll experience lag and buffering wheels. With a fast VPN, you can enjoy Hulu in HD and 4K without hassle.
- Security features: We looked for VPN services with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and malware blockers.
- Privacy features: To ensure your information doesn’t land in the hands of third parties, a VPN must adhere to a strict no-logs policy. Even better, it should run RAM-only servers. Only a few top VPN providers offer these specialized servers, including NordVPN.
Why Is Hulu Not Working With My VPN
There could be various reasons why Hulu may not be working properly or at all with your VPN provider, and we outline some of them below, along with the most common fixes:
- Hulu recognizes the VPN server you’re on. Sometimes, streaming platforms can flag VPN servers as a proxy and block access from them. This is normal and easy to fix. Just connect to a different server, and you should be able to access Hulu now.
- Your browser might have your location. Through cookies and browser fingerprinting, your browser might be sending accurate location data to the sites you visit, regardless of your IP address. The easy workaround to unblock Hulu is to either open a new Incognito window or just use a different browser than you normally do.
- The VPN is continuously disconnecting. If your VPN disconnects frequently, it’s likely your firewall is blocking your VPN. Check your firewall settings and make sure the VPN is permitted.
- The Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is leaking. Your VPN might not be good at hiding IPv6, which is the most recent internet protocol. To avoid any leaks, disable IPv6 on your device. On Windows, go to Network & Internet settings > Network & Sharing Center > Network> Properties. Uncheck the IPv6 option and save your changes.
- Your VPN software might be outdated. Your VPN will malfunction if it’s outdated. Check your VPN app or device App Store for available updates.
- Hulu uses different methods to figure out you’re using a VPN. They may flag your DNS address or get accurate location data from your device. If you still run into any issues, contact your VPN provider, and they help you unblock Hulu.
Ultimately, the best solution is to use a reliable VPN service like NordVPN. We have been testing NordVPN for quite some time, and we never had any issues with the software while streaming on popular platforms.
Why Is Hulu Not Accepting My Payment?
Hulu will ask for a US-based payment method when you sign up, which you can’t provide if you live outside the US. We’ve tested multiple ways to subscribe to Hulu, and we found that the best way is to pay using a Hulu gift card.
Unlike most streaming platforms, you don’t need to struggle to pay with mobile gift cards. Hulu actually lets you redeem gift cards directly on their website.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting a Hulu subscription from anywhere with a gift card:
- Subscribe to a good VPN provider. NordVPN is the best option to unblock Hulu as it offers a smart DNS feature that hides your true location.
- Download and install the VPN app.
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Open a new browser or an Incognito window of your regular browser. This is important to avoid being identified by your browser fingerprint.
- Navigate to a site that sells Hulu gift cards. G2A, Amazon, and MyGiftCardSupply are all good options, but make sure the seller you’re buying from has decent reviews.
- Buy a gift card that can cover at least one month of subscription.
- Sign up for a Hulu account with your Hulu gift card.
- Enjoy Hulu TV shows and movies worldwide!
If you don’t want to (or can’t) pay with a gift card on Hulu’s website, you can get a Google Play or Apple iTunes gift card and sign up for a Hulu subscription from your mobile phone. However, that process is a bit more complicated, so we recommend sticking to the guide above.
Check your user agreement and local regulation:
Hulu is not happy about users circumventing its geographical restrictions, which is why it tries to prevent VPN use in the first place. Before you attempt anything in this guide, make sure you check your user agreement and local regulation to make sure everything is above board in your jurisdiction.
How to Unblock Hulu on All of Your Devices
In this section, we’ll show you how to get Hulu unblocked with a VPN regardless of your location.
How to watch Hulu on your smart TV
If you use a smart TV like an Android TV or Samsung smart TV, here are the steps to follow if you want to watch Hulu:
- Get a VPN service with US server locations.
- Install the VPN on your computer to use it as a mobile hotspot (you cannot install the VPN directly on your smart TV, so you have to download it on your computer).
- Connect your smart TV to your computer’s Wi-Fi network.
- Choose a server in the US from your computer.
- Install the Hulu app on your smart TV.
- Log in with your Hulu account details. You can create an account if you don’t have one yet.
- Start streaming your favorite Hulu movies or livestreams.
You can use other devices, like your router, to install a VPN for your smart TV, but that process is a bit more complicated.
Our best VPN for smart TVs is NordVPN. It can easily unblock content on Hulu and offer you enhanced security for your device.
Unblock Hulu on your phone (iPhone and Android)
If you’re using mobile devices like an iPhone or an Android phone, here is how to watch Hulu on your device if you are traveling or living outside the US:
- Download a VPN with US servers on your mobile device.
- Connect to a US server and choose the fastest server available.
- Download and open the Hulu app on your phone.
- Log in with your account details and start streaming.
How to watch Hulu on your PC (Windows or Mac)
If you’re a Windows or macOS user, do the following to watch Hulu from a location abroad:
- Download and install a fast and reliable VPN service on your computer.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a US server.
- Download the Hulu app for Mac or Windows. Alternatively, use the web app.
- Sign in and start streaming your favorite shows.
How to get Hulu on Roku
If you have Roku and you want to watch Hulu from abroad, then the easiest way to do that would be to buy a pre-flashed router. These types of routers have a VPN installed in them already. Otherwise, you’ll have to use alternate ways to install a VPN on Roku and watch Hulu, such as using a Windows or Mac device as a virtual router or installing a VPN on your router.
The above methods can be a bit challenging for beginners, so we recommend just buying a pre-flashed router like the ASUS RT-AX86U.
Hulu unblocked on Apple TV
You can use the Hulu app on Apple TV models 4th generation and later. Here are the steps to follow to watch Hulu with a VPN on your Apple TV:
- Subscribe to a good VPN provider for Apple TV.
- Download and install the VPN onto your computer.
- Set up a hotspot on your computer.
- Connect your Apple TV to your computer’s Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Visit the Apple App Store.
- Search for the Hulu app and click to download.
- Enter your Apple ID and start downloading.
- Open the Hulu app, log in, and start streaming.
How to stream Hulu on Firestick
To use Hulu with a VPN on your Firestick, follow the steps below:
- Download the VPN app directly onto your Firestick (ExpressVPN, another one of our top providers, has an app for the Firestick)
- Download and install the VPN software on your Firestick.
- Choose a server in the US.
- Search for Hulu by voice or text in the main menu sidebar.
- You can also go to Apps and Games to find the Hulu app and click to download it.
- After the download process, the app will appear on the Apps page.
- Open the Hulu app and start streaming.
Watch Hulu on Kodi
Here’s what you should do if you want to stream Hulu on Kodi with a VPN:
- Download and install a VPN on Kodi.
- Connect to a US server.
- Open Hulu on Kodi and enter your login details.
- Look for your favorite movies and shows and start streaming.
What’s Available to Watch on Hulu
Hulu has added a lot of popular titles in the past few years, and it has also launched its own originals that have made quite a big splash too.
Here are some of the best shows and movies on Hulu:
- Yellowjackets
- Only Murders in the Building
- Blade Runner 2049
- The Proposal
- The Good Doctor
- American Dad
- Family Guy
- Yellowjackets
- Futurama
- Grey’s Anatomy
- Modern Family
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- Parasite
- The Handmaid’s Tale
Hulu also has Hulu+ Live TV, which lets you watch live TV and on-demand channels. It’s the perfect place to find live sports, breaking news, and major event coverage. Channels on Hulu+ Live TV include:
- ABS
- ESPN
- Disney+
- CBS
- National Geographic
- Disney Channel
- FOX
- NBC
- Discovery Channel
- Nickelodeon
Note that you’ll have to pay $76.99/month to access Hulu+ Live TV.
Conclusion: How to Unblock Hulu Worldwide
Hulu is one of the most popular streaming services, thanks to its massive content library of movies and TV shows. It’s also home to a trove of Hulu originals. Moreover, Hulu+ Live TV allows you to watch live and on-demand content from your device.
Unfortunately, the countries Hulu is available in are only Japan and the US. Don’t worry, though, as you can circumvent geo-restrictions with a Hulu VPN and subscribe to the platform with Hulu gift cards.
The best VPN for accessing Hulu is NordVPN. This service provider is not only one of the fastest VPNs on the market, but it is also one of the most secure VPNs, with robust encryption protocols and leak protection to keep you safe online and mask your IP.
NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try the software and all its premium features for free for 30 days. This gives you plenty of time to catch up with some of Hulu’s most popular shows and movies.
However, be sure you check with Hulu’s subscriber agreement before you use a VPN. Even though Hulu does not refer to VPNs specifically, it does stress that it does not allow the use of its services outside the US and Japan.
If you want to know more about how to unblock popular streaming services from anywhere in the world, check out our articles below:
- How to Watch Disney Plus From Anywhere
- How to Watch Netflix With a VPN: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Watch HBO Max From Anywhere: A Quick Guide
If you still have questions about watching Hulu when you aren’t in the US or Japan, read our FAQ down below!
Yes, you can watch Hulu outside the US and Japan, but you’ll need a VPN. This is how you can watch Hulu from anywhere:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. We have tested NordVPN with Hulu and discovered it can unblock the platform easily.
- Download and install the VPN app onto your device.
- Connect to a US server (we prefer Hulu’s US library as it has more content).
- Log into Hulu (or create an account).
- Enjoy your favorite Hulu movie or TV show.
Yes, you can get a Hulu account from outside the United States and Japan. If you’d like to get a Hulu subscription when you’re in Europe, for example, you can use Hulu gift cards. These gift cards allow you to get a paid Hulu account from outside the US and Japan.
We don’t know when Hulu will expand to more countries (if ever). Luckily, there is a workaround to be able to watch Hulu in Europe, which requires using a VPN. This tool can change your IP address, making Hulu think you’re accessing it from the US.
