Geo-blocking techniques used by Hulu have become more sophisticated recently, and it is actively trying to prevent VPNs from bypassing its restrictions. PIA is not the only service that suffers from these issues, as many other VPN providers have also been blocked or limited by Hulu.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is among a handful of VPNs that are inconsistent at accessing geo-restricted services from abroad, so while it may have worked with Hulu previously, it’s possible that it’s been blacklisted at a later date.
In this post, we’ll discuss the causes behind Hulu blocking PIA, potential fixes, and the best alternatives that work with Hulu consistently.
Here’s why Hulu is blocking PIA
While it’s unclear why PIA is having problems accessing Hulu, there are a few likely causes. Hulu is taking aggressive action against VPNs, using sophisticated geo-blocking techniques to detect and block known IP addresses used by VPN providers.
Additionally, PIA’s infrastructure may not be optimized for streaming, which can cause problems when trying to access services like Hulu. The fact that PIA doesn’t have dedicated streaming servers also means it’s more susceptible to being blocked by Hulu.
Finally, PIA may not be as reliable in keeping up with the latest evasive techniques used to bypass geo-restrictions. As Hulu continues to evolve its geo-blocking techniques, PIA may be unable to keep up with these changes.
Solutions for accessing Hulu with PIA
If you’re having trouble with streaming sites like Hulu when using a PIA connection, there are several methods you can try to increase your chances of success. For starters, you should use a US-based VPN server and ensure it is marked as a streaming or P2P-optimized server. After selecting a new server, we’d also recommend clearing your cookies and browser cache to allow Hulu to recognize the location change. If you experience any speed issues, try switching to a more suitable protocol, such as OpenVPN UDP or IKEv2.
You can also contact the PIA support team via live chat or email to get advice on configuring your connection for Hulu. In addition, you can try using a different DNS server to access Hulu from outside the US.
If all else fails, you should look for another VPN provider with better compatibility with streaming services like Hulu. NordVPN is an example of a VPN service known to work with Hulu. While it may be slightly more expensive than PIA, NordVPN has better compatibility with streaming services and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for those unsatisfied with the service.
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How to watch Hulu abroad with NordVPN
If you’ve come this far, it’s safe to assume you’ve exhausted all options with PIA to access Hulu. NordVPN is an excellent alternative for unblocking Hulu from anywhere in the world.
Here’s how to watch Hulu abroad with NordVPN:
- Sign up for NordVPN using this exclusive discount link. Alternatively, take Surfshark or ExpressVPN for a spin as the next-best option for streaming Hulu abroad.
- Download and install the app on your device.
- Connect to a US-based server from the server list in the app.
- Launch Hulu, log in with your credentials, and start streaming!
- To help Hulu recognize the change of location, clear your cookies and browser cache. Refresh the page or app when you’re done.
FAQs about using a VPN with Hulu
Will a VPN slow down my streaming speed?
A VPN won’t necessarily slow down your streaming speed, but it can if you’re connected to an overloaded server, or there’s an issue with the VPN’s infrastructure. If your speeds are below average, try switching to a different server and protocol. You can also contact the provider’s support team for help.
Can I use a free VPN to access Hulu?
No, you should avoid using free VPNs with streaming services like Hulu, as they often use lackluster encryption compared to premium providers. In addition, they are also more likely to be blocked by streaming sites due to their unreliable connections. Furthermore, streaming with a free VPN will be slow and frustrating because of their limited servers and bandwidth.
You should invest in a premium VPN provider to ensure fast speeds, reliable connections, and complete anonymity when streaming sites like Hulu. NordVPN offers great value for money and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
