Just when you’re about to stream Hulu on your Roku…
It stops working.
You try again and hope it finally works this time, but it crashes instead.
Frustrating, right?
But don’t panic. I’m here to help.
Making Hulu work on Roku again is much easier than you think.
Continue reading to find out:
- Reasons why Hulu doesn’t work on Roku.
- 9 quick fixes to get your Hulu working again.
- How to factory reset your Roku streaming device.
- If your Roku model can support Hulu’s latest app version.
- And this is just the beginning…
Why is Hulu not working on Roku?
Hulu isn’t working on Roku because of software or hardware issues. To fix the problem, ensure that both Hulu and Roku are updated and that your Roku model is compatible with Hulu streaming.
Hulu not working on Roku: 9 fixes
#1: Check if Hulu servers are down
Before you try to do anything…
Check the status of Hulu’s servers.
Hulu doesn’t have a designated page that states whether or not its servers are down.
But you can still check the server’s status through:
Or you can also try playing Hulu using other devices.
When servers are down, the platform won’t work across all of them.
But if Hulu’s servers are up and running, yet the Hulu in your Roku isn’t…
Proceed to the next steps.
#2: Ensure you have a compatible Roku device
If it’s been years since you got your Roku device, it could be too old to support Hulu.
Only newer models work with the latest versions of Hulu.
“How do I know if my device is compatible?”
Know which model you have first to check if your device is compatible.
To check your Roku device’s model:
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Select System > About
The models that can support the latest Hulu app are:
- Roku 3 and 4.
- Roku 2 (model 4210x).
- 4K Roku TV and Roku TV.
- Roku Express + and the Express.
If your device is not listed above, find more information on the official help page of Hulu.
You might also want to know: Why are commercials so loud on Hulu?
#3: Check your Roku’s internet connection
If your Roku model can handle Hulu, the next fix you should try is to check your internet connection.
“But my internet works fine. I’m using it to read this article now.”
Just because your internet works doesn’t mean it’s enough.
Hulu recommends having at least 3.0 Mbps for streaming on-demand videos.
Which is relatively low, right?
But you’re not only dealing with Hulu here.
Roku also has its specific internet standards: an internet speed of 9.0 Mbps to play HD content.
“But how do I know how fast my internet speed is?”
It’s easy.
Head to this speed test and press Go.
Wait for a few seconds, and your internet speed will show up.
Tip: To have a more accurate reading, I suggest testing your internet speed multiple times. Check it throughout the different times of the day and calculate the average.
If your internet speed is higher than 9 Mbps, continue to fix #4.
But if your internet speed is below that…
Follow these 3 tips to get a better internet signal:
Tip 1: Change the location of your router.
It’s best to place it in the middle of your house where devices can equally get signals. Avoid putting it in a basement where it’s locked away.
Tip 2: Connect your Roku to your router with an Ethernet cable.
Wired connections will transmit better signals. So if you have a model that allows ethernet connections, I suggest you use it.
Tip 3: Limit the devices using your internet.
If you have a lot of devices connected to your Wi-fi, disconnect some to provide more signal to your Roku.
If your internet is still slow despite trying these tips, it’s best to contact your internet provider.
Sometimes they can fix the problem.
But if not…
It might be time to change your service provider.
You might also want to know: Can you use Roku on a non-smart TV?
#4: Check updates for Hulu
You need to update your Hulu regularly.
Updates ensure that you get all the latest features, bug improvements, and fixes.
Although sometimes you can get by without updating your app…
Over time, an outdated version can cause your Hulu app to crash regularly.
Or worse…
Stop working altogether.
But if this is the case, then you shouldn’t worry.
A simple update can get your Hulu up and running again in minutes.
To check if there are any updates available for your Hulu:
- In your Roku, go to Settings.
- Click System > System Update.
- Select Check Now and click OK.
If you have updates available, install them.
Then check to see if Hulu is working again.
If it’s still not working, proceed and…
#5: Update Your Roku
Just like the Hulu app, your Roku device also needs updates.
Roku players are designed to update and run on the latest software version automatically.
But, sometimes they don’t, for example, if you:
- Left your Roku disconnected for long periods.
- Installed a non-certified channel on your Roku.
- Installed a channel from Roku’s channel store recently.
Even if you didn’t do any of the scenarios above, it’s still best to manually check your Roku updates.
Because just like the presence of updates improves users’ experience…
The lack of them can also cause the opposite: disrupting it.
To manually check Roku updates:
- Find your Roku remote and press on Home.
- Scroll down and find Settings.
- Select System > System update.
- Click on Click Now.
If there are updates available, your device will automatically install them.
Don’t turn off or disrupt your device during ongoing updates.
Once completed, let your Roku reboot.
Fun fact: When you update your Roku player, the software of your wireless speakers will also update.
#6: Restart Roku
A system restart might sound too simple to be a solution.
Well, it is. Plus, most of the time, it works.
A restart clears the temporary caches and memories of your Roku.
But don’t worry, you won’t lose any saved files or information.
There are 2 ways to restart your Roku device:
- Unplugging your Roku.
- Restarting it manually.
Unplugging your Roku is the easiest option.
You just have to unplug your Roku, wait for 10 seconds, and plug it again.
If it’s hard to reach your Roku’s power cord…
Here’s how you can manually restart your device:
- Get your remote ready.
- Press Home.
- Go to Settings > System.
- Select Power. If you don’t see this, skip this step.
- Click System Restart.
After your Roku finishes its system restart, your Hulu will function normally again.
If it doesn’t, you might want to…
#7 Reinstall Hulu
Apps run on files and data.
And sometimes, these essential components can get corrupted due to update failures or server issues.
But rest assured, it’s easy to fix this issue.
Deleting and reinstalling the app will be enough.
To reinstall Hulu:
- Go to Roku’s main menu.
- Select Hulu.
- Press the gear or star icon on your remote.
- Click Delete Channel.
- Turn off your Roku.
- After 1 minute, turn it back on.
- Head to Roku’s channel store and find Hulu.
- Select Hulu and click Add Channel.
After doing these steps, log in to your Hulu again.
If the problem still exists, try to…
#8: Check your HDMI cable
HDMI cables transmit the data from your Roku to your TV.
So having a faulty cable will result in flawed media videos.
And as Hulu is a media platform, it can also be affected.
“How do I check if my HDMI cable is faulty?”
To check, first inspect for any visible physical damage.
Warning: An exposed live wire can electrocute you. Unplug your devices first before handling your HDMI cable.
If there are no physical damages visible, you need to check if there’s a problem with the wires inside.
“Wait, do I need to cut it open?”
No, don’t worry.
To test if there are any damages inside your current HDMI cable, try using a different one.
Using a high-quality HDMI cable is important if you like streaming videos in HD or even 4K.
If your Hulu is still acting up even after you switch your cables…
It might be necessary to:
#9: Factory Reset your Roku
A factory reset deletes most of the caches and data in your Roku device.
It restores it to its default configuration.
Or, in simple terms, to how your Roku was set up when it was brand new.
Before proceeding, though…
Warning: A factory reset will erase all your personal preferences and data, reset all settings and unlink your devices from your Roku account. Only proceed if you can manage to set your Roku up from scratch.
Tip: To make the reinstalling process more manageable, take note of the apps on your Roku device now. This way, you won’t leave out anything once you start reinstalling.
Here’s how to reset Hulu on Roku:
- Press Home on your remote.
- Scroll down and find Settings.
- Click on System > Advanced System Settings.
- Select Factory Reset or Factory reset Everything for Roku TV.
- Follow the instructions on your screen and complete the process.
After the factory reset, reinstall the apps you need, including Hulu.
Try using Hulu and check if the problem still occurs.
Bonus tip: Contact Hulu
Contact Hulu’s customer service if you tried all nine fixes yet still can’t open up your Hulu.
Don’t worry.
Talking with a Hulu representative won’t be a long email battle.
If you want to be assisted directly through call…
These are the steps you’d need to follow:
- Log in to your Hulu account.
- Scroll down to find the Get in Touch button and select Phone.
- Write a brief description of your problems.
- Submit your response.
- Call the number that shows up on the screen.
Tip: While you can choose to call Hulu’s customer support number directly, following these steps will ensure that you get the shortest wait time possible.
Note: Hulu is known for having responsive and reliable phone representatives. So rest assured that they can assist you.