Several factors could lead to Total VPN not working with Hulu, like outdated software, location mismatches, blocked IPs, or leaks that reveal your real region. Understanding the causes can help you fix the issue and get back to streaming your favorite shows.
This guide covers why Total VPN may get blocked by Hulu, how to fix common issues, and which alternative VPNs unlock the platform reliably. You’ll also find quick answers to common questions about Hulu’s VPN detection, among others.
Why is Total VPN not working with Hulu?
Running into the dreaded “Hulu is not available in your region, or you may be using a VPN” error? This can affect even the most popular Hulu VPN providers, so you’re not alone.
While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why Total VPN is blocked on Hulu, we’ll guide you through the most common culprits and some easy solutions.
Here are some issues that may result in Total VPN not working with Hulu:
- Existing cookie data: You might have accessed Hulu before connecting to Total VPN, in which case the service stored a cookie file on your system that contains your actual region.
- GPS and VPN location mismatch: Your phone’s GPS data could be giving away your true location to Hulu.
- VPN and system time mismatch: Hulu may check your system time through browser fingerprinting or other methods, and block access if it doesn’t match the VPN server’s location.
- Blocked server IP: Hulu and other streaming platforms often block VPN IP ranges, so your particular US server might have been caught in the crossfire.
- Possible IP/DNS leaks: Total VPN may leak your IP/DNS data to Hulu and other websites, whether it’s due to using an outdated version, a broken update, or other reasons.
- Total VPN is out-of-date: Some VPNs don’t run properly unless you install the latest updates, which may cause Hulu to not work.
How to fix Total VPN not working with Hulu
Whatever the cause, here’s what you can do if Total VPN stops working with Hulu.
- Clear your browser cookies and cache, then reload Hulu. You can also use Incognito mode (or private window) to achieve the same result.
- Watch Hulu on a different system. If your mobile GPS data is revealing your actual country, you might have better luck streaming Hulu on your PC, or a tablet/other device with no GPS feature.
- Adjust your system time. Ensure your device time corresponds with the VPN’s time zone. For instance, if you connect to a VPN server in Chicago, you should set your system clock to GMT-5.
- Switch servers. Total VPN has plenty of stateside servers, so just reconnect to a different server in the US if you believe Hulu blocked your IP.
- Test Total VPN for leaks. Services like IPLeak.net let you check whether your VPN leaks your DNS requests or IP in any way. It might be worth reporting any such problems to Total VPN support via their 24/7 live chat system.
- Log out of Hulu and Total VPN, then back in. This typically clears stubborn connectivity issues that could affect either app.
- Restart your device. Same as above, and usually the quickest fix when you’re trying to get Hulu working on smartphones.
- Update Total VPN. Certain VPN features (including unblocking streaming sites like Hulu) could break without the latest fixes.
If all else fails, you can always contact customer support or switch providers entirely. In a later section, we’ll list a few VPNs we’ve confirmed to work with Hulu.
How to sign in to Hulu with Total VPN
The steps to sign in to Hulu outside the US are pretty much the same, regardless of VPN. Here’s what you need to do:
- Sign up for a Total VPN subscription if you haven’t already. NordVPN is an excellent alternative for Hulu, along with Surfshark.
- Download and install the Total VPN app on your preferred device(s).
- Launch it, log in, and connect to a server in the United States. That way, you’ll obtain a US IP address, allowing you to stream Hulu.
- Go to the Hulu website and sign in.
- Now you can watch your favorite content from anywhere.
- Still having problems signing in? Then you might need to clear your cache and cookies before anything else.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK-FREE?
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for Hulu with no restrictions for a full month. Watch Hulu in crisp HD/4K from anywhere outside the US, without dealing with annoying blocks.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Total VPN alternatives that work with Hulu
Here are some of the best VPNs for streaming Hulu in 2025:
- NordVPN Our #1 choice for Hulu. Thousands of American servers in 16+ US cities, impressive speeds, excellent unblocking capabilities, and a generous risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark Best Hulu VPN on a budget. Offers unlimited simultaneous connections and GPS spoofing on Android to bypass Hulu blocks even more reliably.
- Proton VPN Strong pick for privacy-first users. Comes with streaming-optimized US servers, fast speeds with VPN Accelerator, and up to 10 concurrent connections.
- ExpressVPN Easy to use and super consistent with Hulu. Fast Lightway protocol, solid unblocking, and built-in obfuscation on all servers make it easy to stay under the radar.
- IPVanish Great for families or big households. Unlimited connections, good speeds, and reliable Hulu access on most US servers.
- PureVPN Budget option with wide server coverage. WireGuard helps maintain good speeds for Hulu and other platforms. Works best on desktop and Android.
Check out our guide to the best VPNs for Hulu for four extra providers, and more information about each one.
Total VPN not working with Hulu—FAQs
How does Hulu know I’m using a VPN?
Hulu knows you’re using a VPN by detecting mismatches in your location data. It checks your cookies, compares your GPS data to the VPN server’s location, monitors system time against the VPN’s, and blocks IPs linked to VPNs. IP leaks or outdated VPN software can also reveal your real location.
Can I use a free VPN for Hulu?
You can use a free VPN for Hulu, but there’s no guarantee it will work. The platform even blocks IPs for subscription-based VPNs, but the latter can afford to provide fresh ones for their users when that happens.
Even if you find a free VPN that works with Hulu, you’ll have to deal with slow speeds, overcrowded servers, potential data caps, or having your data sold to third parties. All in all, not worth the headaches.
Why does Hulu say I’m using a VPN when I’m not?
Hulu might say you’re using a VPN even when you’re not because of how ISPs handle IP addresses. ISPs may rotate IPs frequently, and these can sometimes come from locations outside the US or from ranges that Hulu associates with VPNs.
Another reason could be leftover data from past VPN use. Cookies, cached location data, or DNS settings might still point to a region that doesn’t match your current one. Clearing your browser cookies and cache, and restarting your device, often helps fix it.
Will Hulu ban me for using Total VPN?
Hulu will most likely not ban you for using Total VPN, or any VPN for that matter. After all, they’d be losing a paying customer, and no company wants that. That said, they’re likely to block IP ranges used by Total VPN, in which case you should switch servers, work you’re way through the troubleshooting tips above, or try a different VPN.
Does Hulu block NordVPN?
Hulu does block NordVPN servers from time to time, especially if too many users connect through the same IP. However, NordVPN usually fixes this fast by rotating IPs. If Hulu isn’t working, switching servers or clearing cookies can often solve the problem.
