Proton VPN not working with Hulu? Try this

Proton VPN not working with Hulu? Use our Hulu VPN troubleshooting tips to get it working again! Proton VPN is generally excellent at accessing Hulu, matching top providers like NordVPN, but that doesn’t mean you won’t occasionally run into issues. Sometimes you might get the Hulu home location error, or you might struggle to unblock Hulu abroad or at school or work, or have issues streaming Hulu Live TV.

Our list of tips and tricks will help you overcome these issues. We also list some excellent VPN alternatives that work with Hulu, in case you’re looking to make a change.

Why is Proton VPN not working with Hulu?

There are several reasons why your VPN, which usually works with Hulu, is suddenly not working. We’ll look into the most common of them here, then deal with how to fix them.

Firstly, most issues are caused by Hulu actively detecting and blocking VPNs to enforce regional licensing. Hulu uses advanced proxy detection methods to scan for shared IPs or IP address ranges known to belong to VPNs and unblockers and then blacklists them. If you try to use one of the many blacklisted VPN IP addresses, you’ll see the Hulu location error message.

VPN providers work equally hard to evade these detection methods, leading to a constantly shifting game of cat and mouse between streaming providers and VPNs. Proton VPN regularly updates and rotates its streaming-optimised servers to regain access when IPs are blocked and stay one step ahead of Hulu. So if you find your VPN has stopped working with Hulu, fear not, you can be sure the provider is working on a solution. In the meantime, we have some tips to help you get streaming again.

Common reasons why Hulu is not working with Proton VPN:

Here is a quick list of common causes that make Proton VPN fail with Hulu:

• Your VPN IP has been blocked. Hulu blocks IPs that look like VPNs.
• Hulu home location error. Your device, browser, or app is showing a different location than that of the VPN’s server. This location mismatch triggers a location error.
• Cookies and site data reveal your true region. Tracking data stored in your browser can cause a conflict with your VPN, resulting in a location mismatch error.
• Your real IP is leaking. DNS, IPv6, or WebRTC leaks can prevent a VPN from working properly. If you haven’t disabled IPv6 or enabled leak protection, Hulu might detect your real location data.
• Account or payment-region issues. You may need to update your payment info or ensure that you have paid your latest bill. A Hulu subscription tied to a non-US payment method may result in errors.

If you see any of the Hulu error messages above while using Proton VPN (or another recommended provider), you will need to work through our troubleshooting steps to get it working.

Troubleshooting: How to fix Proton VPN not working with Hulu

Proton VPN not working with Hulu? No need to stress. Our troubleshooting steps will help you fix any of the problems listed earlier. Just work through the list below to fix Proton VPN with Hulu.

Here’s how to get Hulu working with Proton VPN 

1. Quit and relaunch the Proton VPN app and your device. Restarting the client and the device is the fastest way to rule out simple software hangs.
2. Update the Proton VPN client. Always run the latest app version to avoid playback bugs and compatibility issues.
3. Stream Hulu in a browser – not the app. Browsers can sidestep some app-level location checks that interfere with VPNs.
4. Test another browser or device. This helps isolate whether the problem is device-specific.
5. Use a laptop or desktop. Desktop VPN clients usually give more control than mobile devices and make it easier to confirm whether the VPN is the problem.
6. Clear browser cache and cookies. Stored site data can reveal your true region and trigger the Hulu home location error.
7. Switch to a different Proton server in the USA. If your IP has been blocked by Hulu, switching to a different one is a simple solution. For live TV streaming on Hulu, we recommend selecting a Proton VPN server in the same time zone or region as your Hulu home network. This will reduce location mismatches.
8. Change the VPN protocol. Try WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2. Different protocols will give you better streaming performance.
9. Enable DNS-leak protection in the Proton client. This prevents DNS, IPv6, or WebRTC leaks from revealing your location.
10. Turn off location services and GPS tracking on your device and in your browser. Location mismatches can trigger Hulu checks that block your VPN.
11. Install a WebRTC-blocking extension. This adds an extra layer against leaks in the browser.
12. Disable advanced Proton VPN features. Some features can prevent smooth streaming. Test disabling NetShield and Secure Core to see if this helps Hulu (or other streaming platforms) to load.

If all else fails, you can contact Proton VPN support or live chat, ask which US servers currently work with Hulu, and for added assistance connecting. Alternatively, you can try a different VPN. Below, we list some excellent VPNs for Hulu.

How to use Proton VPN to watch Hulu abroad

If you’re new to VPNs, you may just need help setting up and using the VPN for the first time. Using a VPN to watch Hulu on vacation or at work is easy, but it can feel confusing for newcomers.

Here are the steps needed to set up Proton VPN to watch Hulu:

1. Sign up for a Proton VPN subscription if you haven’t already. NordVPN is a solid alternative, as is Surfshark.
2. Download the app. Install the Proton VPN app on your device. It has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
3. Launch the Proton app and log in. Sign in with your account credentials.
4. Connect to a VPN server. You’ll need to pick a server in the United States to stream Hulu while abroad. Remember to choose a server that is labeled for streaming (look for the play button symbol/triangle).
5. Head over to Hulu in your browser to start streaming. You should now be able to stream Hulu as if you were in the US.

These steps will get you set up, and for most people, Proton will work without further troubleshooting. If these steps don’t work to stream Hulu on vacation, you’ll need to try our troubleshooting steps above.

Proton VPN alternatives that work with Hulu

If you already use Proton VPN, you have everything you need to watch Hulu abroad, at work, in school, or on restricted public wifi networks. However, if you’re still shopping and are not convinced whether you need Proton’s advanced features, it is worth noting that Proton VPN (while excellent) did not place at the top of our list of recommended VPNs for Hulu.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Hulu:

1. NordVPN: Best overall VPN for Hulu. US servers are optimised for streaming, giving reliable access to Hulu and fast playback. It delivers consistently high speeds and strong privacy features. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Lets you connect unlimited devices, which means your whole family can watch different Hulu content. It’s affordable despite offering world-class streaming features and fast speeds. Ideal for price-conscious users who need solid access.
3. Total VPN: A fast VPN that works to stream dozens of platforms, including Hulu. Represents incredible value for money when you get Total VPN as part of the TotalAV bundle.
4. ProtonVPN: Strong encryption and highly capable streaming servers for Hulu. Ideal for users who want advanced features like Secure Core, multi-hop, and port forwarding. However, it is a touch expensive if you don’t need these features.
5. ExpressVPN:  Consistently delivers top speeds and a solid record for bypassing streaming blocks on Hulu. Its proprietary Lightway protocol helps keep streams smooth. Expect a polished client and a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it risk-free.
6. IPVanish: Large US server network is ideal to stream Hulu on vacation or to bypass blackout games on Hulu with Live TV.
7. PureVPN: Good value for money and offers a selection of US servers that work with streaming platforms. Port forwarding is available for an extra cost, meaning it is great for torrenting.
8. Private Internet Access: PIA offers granular configuration options for power users. You can use these to tweak the protocols and privacy settings. Large server network includes many US locations.
9. CyberGhost VPN: Ideal for beginners who want a straightforward VPN. Has streaming servers that are labeled for Hulu, making it easier to pick the right one. Fast and reliable.
10. PrivateVPN: Fast connections and servers in the US that work with most streaming platforms, including Hulu. Good value for money and includes port forwarding.

For more details on each of these alternatives, check out the full article Best VPNs for Hulu.

How to get Hulu without a US payment method

If you do not have a valid US payment method, you can still get a Hulu subscription. The first option is to purchase a US Hulu gift card from a third-party retailer. US retailers like Walmart sell gift cards online via their website. These gift codes are delivered via email. This is great news because Walmart accepts international card payments (to cater to tourists visiting the USA).

Alternatively, you can pay using a virtual card service. These services are available online and will give you a valid US Visa debit number you can use to pay for US services. Simply subscribe, pay for the card, and add funds.

How to fix buffering when watching Hulu with Proton VPN

If you can log in and stream Hulu with Proton VPN but are experiencing buffering or low-resolution video feeds, try the steps below.

1. Pick a closer server in the US. Choosing a US server nearer to your physical location (for example, East vs West Coast) reduces latency and helps Hulu load faster.
2. Try different servers. Not every Proton server is suitable for streaming. Swapping servers often fixes buffering and improves video quality. We strongly recommend using the servers that are optimized for streaming. You can identify these servers using the play symbol (triangle) next to servers in the app.
3. Ask Proton support for streaming-friendly servers. Their live chat or support pages can point you to US servers currently working well with Hulu.
4. Change the VPN protocol. Test WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2. Different protocols can give noticeably better streaming speeds.
5. Disable Secure Core servers. Proton VPN provides specially hardened servers designed to provide higher levels of privacy. These servers are great for sensitive use cases, but they aren’t optimized for streaming. We recommend disabling Secure Core in favor of streaming servers, as this will make Hulu load smoothly.
6. Close background apps. Pause big downloads, stop cloud syncs, end video calls, and close unused tabs before you stream. That frees bandwidth and CPU for video.
7. Clear the Hulu app cache or reinstall the app. Corrupt app data can break playback. Clearing cache or reinstalling often fixes app-side problems.
8. Try watching in a browser instead of the app. Some apps use extra location services. Streaming via a browser can sidestep those checks.
9. Use a wired connection or move closer to wifi. Ethernet or a stronger wifi signal reduces local network issues and stabilises playback.
10. Test another device. Older phones, smart TVs, or streaming sticks may struggle to run a VPN and HD video. Try a newer device to rule out hardware limits.
11. Test your speed. Hulu recommends a minimum of 3 Mbps to enjoy its service. Subscribers who want to stream in HD should have speeds above 16 Mbps. If your internet is slower than this while connected to the VPN, you should use the troubleshooting steps above to speed it up. Ookla Speedtest will let you check the speed of your internet with and without your VPN.
    Remember that a VPN will usually slow down your internet slightly, so it is critical that you check your connection without a VPN. If your baseline internet is too slow (without the VPN), you may need to talk to your ISP to get a faster connection.
12. Lower playback quality. If bandwidth is tight, reduce Hulu’s quality to avoid constant buffering.

Common Hulu error messages (and whether a VPN is likely the cause):

• “We’re sorry — you seem to be using an unblocker or proxy.” This is Hulu’s message when it suspects the IP address belongs to a proxy service or VPN.
• “Hulu home location error” / “We could not verify your home location.” Frequently appears with Hulu Live TV when the service can’t confirm your registered home location and it suspects a VPN is being used for location spoofing.
• “This content is not available in your current region.” Hulu serves subscribers this message if they are located outside of the USA. Could mean that you are using the wrong server or that your VPN is providing an IP address in the wrong country.
• “Playback error” / “We’re having trouble playing this” (no location text)
  This is a generic message that is served when Hulu has problems loading a video. The message can be caused by a variety of issues: connectivity, device problems, cookies, or proxies. If you see this message, try disabling the VPN first.
• “Your account cannot be used from this location.” This message is caused by a region mismatch. It could be VPN-related or a normal geo-restriction message if you are outside the US.
• App-specific network or player errors (no location text). These Hulu errors usually point to local network issues, DNS problems, or app/device bugs.

How to tell if the error is caused by a VPN

1. If the message mentions “proxy,” “unblocker,” “home location,” or “region,” it is safe to assume that your VPN settings or VPN IP address is the cause.
2. If the message is generic (“playback error”), try disabling the VPN. If the video plays after you disable the VPN, the VPN was the cause.
3. Check your public IP. You can use an online IP checking tool to see whether your VPN is providing an IP address in the US. If the IP address is in the wrong country, or you see DNS leaks, WebRTC leaks, or IPv6 leaks, the VPN is not working properly, or you need to troubleshoot.

How to clear cookies and cache for Hulu

Cookies and cached browser files may store location or account data that conflicts with Proton VPN. This mismatch can cause Hulu home location errors that prevent you from streaming. If you want to identify whether cookies are causing your problem, use this quick test:

• Open Hulu in an Incognito (Chrome) or Private Mode (Firefox/Safari) window while connected to Proton. If Hulu plays using incognito, this means that cookies or stored site data are conflicting with your VPN. If this is the case, we recommend clearing your cookies and cache so that you can stream in a regular browsing session:

How to clear cookies and cache – Step-by-step

• Desktop (Chrome, Edge, Firefox): Settings > Privacy & security > Clear browsing data. Select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.” Now select All time > Clear.
• Safari (macOS): Safari > Clear History.
• Hulu Android app: Settings > Apps > Hulu > Storage > Clear cache (or Clear data to fully reset).
• iOS app: Delete the Hulu app and reinstall to wipe stored data.
• Smart TVs / streaming sticks: Uninstall and reinstall the app. If the TV has a browser, try streaming there instead, as apps can cause VPN conflicts.

If the problem persists, disable device location services and browser geolocation (these can reveal your real location). If clearing cookies doesn’t fix your problem, move on to the other checks.

How to disable GPS tracking in your browser

Worried that geo-location data is causing a conflict with your VPN? You can use the steps below to turn off GPS in various popular browsers.

• Chrome: Settings > Privacy & security > Site settings > Location. Set to “Don’t allow sites to see your location”.
• Firefox: Type about:config in the address bar, accept the warning, search “geo.enabled”, and set it to “false”.
• Edge: Settings > Site permissions > Location. Turn off location access (or set to “Ask before accessing”).
• Brave: Settings > Shields & privacy > Site and Shields settings > Permissions > Location. Set to “Blocked” or “Ask before accessing”.

Proton VPN not working with Hulu – FAQs