Surfshark not working with Hulu? Try this!

Surfshark does work with Hulu, however, there’s still a chance you’ll encounter the occasional issue when streaming from abroad. Below, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to get Surfshark working with Hulu. You’ll also find our list of the best VPNs for watching Hulu (one of which is Surfshark).

Hulu is only available in the US and if you try to access its content from abroad, you’ll find it to be region-locked. You’ll encounter a message such as the following:

“we noticed you are trying to access Hulu through an anonymous proxy tool”.

Of course, this is particularly frustrating if you’re going on vacation and want to continue to watch your favorite content via your paid-for Hulu subscription.

Why isn’t Surfshark working with Hulu?

As Hulu is only available in the US, it only holds the rights to show its content within the US. To avoid violating copyright, it therefore geo-blocks its content abroad. Many people choose to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to get around these geographic restrictions Unfortunately, not every VPN works with Hulu.

The good news is that Surfshark does work with Hulu and there are only a few reasons why it’s not working:

  • Hulu has identified your current IP address as belonging to a VPN and it has been blacklisted
  • There’s a cookie on your device that’s telling Hulu an IP address and location that’s different from the VPN
  • You’re not connected to a server located in the US. As such, you don’t have a US IP address as required by Hulu
  • If you’re on mobile, it may be that your GPS location is showing a different location from the one provided by Surfshark

Here’s how to fix Surfshark not working with Hulu:

  1. Start by clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. This helps Hulu forget your previous IP address and location and accept that of Surfshark.
  2. It may be that the IP address you’re using has been identified as belonging to a VPN. In this case, try connecting to a server in another US location.
  3. Last but not least, contact Surfshark’s customer support and ask which servers work with Hulu. There may be some that are specifically optimized for it.

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How to sign in to Hulu with Surfshark

First time using a VPN? Surfshark makes it easy. Indeed, by following the steps below, you should be all set up and streaming within minutes.

Here’s how to stream Hulu from abroad using Surfshark:

  1. Sign up with Surfshark. Remember, NordVPN and ExpressVPN are two high-quality alternatives for streaming Hulu.
  2. Download and install the VPN app that’s compatible with your streaming device. Surfshark offers apps for a wide range of operating systems.
  3. Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server in the US. Doing so will ensure you’re assigned a US IP address for unblocking Hulu from abroad.
  4. Go to Hulu and sign in to your account before selecting your preferred content. This should now stream without restriction, regardless of your location.
  5. Not working? You may need to clear your browser’s cookies. Alternatively, connect to another server to change your IP address.

Which are the best VPNs for streaming Hulu abroad?

Although Surfshark is one of the best VPNs you can use with Hulu, there may be times when it doesn’t work as well. This is a common issue, as streaming services constantly look for new ways to prevent VPN use. Fortunately, any issues are usually temporary. In the meantime, here’s our list of the best VPNs for Hulu in case you require an alternative:

  1. NordVPN: Our top choice for streaming Hulu. Some 2,000 US servers. Fast, unthrottled speeds. Specialty servers, 24/7 support and plenty of security features.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Hulu.
  2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Servers in two dozen US cities. Connect all of your devices at once. Fast speeds for streaming Hulu lag-free. Has 24/7 live chat support.
  3. ExpressVPN: Servers in 94 countries including the US. Works well with Hulu thanks to unlimited bandwidth. Excellent 24/7 support and highly secure with encryption.
  4. CyberGhost: Over 7,000 servers worldwide (1,300+ in the US for watching Hulu). Unlimited bandwidth and allows seven simultaneous connections. No-logs policy.
  5. PrivateVPN: Fast server speeds for streaming Hulu, Netflix, and more. Easy-to-use apps and quick customer support. Security allows you to stay anonymous online.
  6. Hotspot Shield: Servers in 27 US cities for easy unblocking of Hulu. Provides 24/7 live chat support and doesn’t keep identifying logs. Lots of extra security features.
  7. VyprVPN: Good speeds for streaming Hulu without lag or buffering. Audited no-logs service with 24/7 support. Uses high-end encryption to keep your data secure.

Surfshark & Hulu FAQ

Why do streaming services region-lock their content?

Streaming services such as Hulu provide a vast range of content from countless TV networks and movie studios. Needless to say, Hulu doesn’t hold the exclusive worldwide rights to all of this content. And because Hulu isn’t available beyond the US, TV shows and movies can be found on international streaming platforms due to different rights agreements. In order to avoid infringing on copyright, Hulu opts to region-lock the content abroad.

Can I use a free VPN to watch Hulu?

It may prove difficult to find a free VPN that not only unblocks Hulu but actually works well enough to stream it. Most free VPNs are far too slow for streaming and many have data restrictions that make streaming impossible. Low resolution and lag are common issues with streaming services such as Hulu, particularly with the many free VPNs that engage in bandwidth throttling.

A 2020 survey of 88 VPN users found that they were drawn to free VPNs for reasons including not wanting to give credit card information to a company they’re unsure about. Yet most respondents believed that free VPNs were not safe. Indeed, some free VPNs don’t properly encrypt your data or protect you from leaks. Indeed, some knowingly compromise your privacy by logging and selling your browsing data.

Will using a VPN slow my connection?

It’s normal for a VPN to slow your connection somewhat due to your data traveling to the VPN server before Hulu’s servers (and being encrypted along the way). However, with the fastest VPNs, the difference will be negligible. Hulu recommends a minimum of 3.0 Mbps for its streaming library, 8.0 Mbps for live streams, and 16.0 Mbps for 4K content.

Surfshark is more than fast enough for all of these, averaging over 300 Mbps in our tests. Remember that the closer the server to your physical location, the faster it is likely to be. However, it’s also important to consider the encryption type used and the server load. With unlimited bandwidth, Surfshark should allow you to stream Hulu in HD and even 4K without having to worry about lag or buffering.

What can I watch on Hulu?

Hulu offers streaming of live TV as well as on-demand content. Below, you’ll find some of the TV channels and shows you can watch on Hulu:

Live channels

TV shows