How to Unblock Hulu on Your Device

Hulu is a US-based streaming service with one of the largest libraries of TV shows, movies, and series. However, its features are subject to regional restrictions: access is only granted to users with a US IP address. Attempts to open this website or app from outside the United States result in playback errors or account blocks. To unblock Hulu and gain access to the service from outside the US, connection settings and account credentials must be properly configured.

Why Does Hulu Keep Blocking An Account?

Account restrictions can result from incorrect connection settings as well as issues related to the subscription or account activity.

Incorrect Region

Since the platform is only available in the United States, any attempt to log in with a non-US IP address triggers a location check by the security system. If the user's IP does not match a US location, access is denied and an error message appears instead of the content.

Subscription Issues

Hulu only accepts payments through US-issued cards or American payment systems. Cards issued outside the US usually fail verification because the billing address does not match a US-supported region. In some cases, access is also restricted due to an expired card or payment method, as required by the platform’s policies.

Unusual Account Activity

The service may restrict access if signs of unauthorized use are detected. One key factor is exceeding the allowed number of simultaneous connections. On the base plan, the platform permits up to two concurrent streams; more expensive plans with the Unlimited Screens add-on allow access from any number of devices on a home network, but mobile connections remain restricted outside of it.

Frequent IP changes, VPN usage, and excessive channel resets can also be flagged as suspicious, especially if they result in location leaks. Such automated activity is detected by the platform's security algorithms and may result in a block.

Technical Issues

Service outages sometimes occur due to local device errors or network conflicts. Common causes include: outdated app versions, corrupted cache, blocked traffic by antivirus or firewall, or misconfigured DNS settings. Problems may also arise on the platform's end, such as during server overloads or temporary unavailability.

How to Unblock Hulu: Simple Methods

There are several effective ways to unblock Hulu, install the app, activate a subscription, and stream content on your preferred device.

Each method is best suited for specific platforms:

• A new Apple ID or Google account registered in the US region is required to download the Hulu app on smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices.
• Gift cards are a universal payment solution and particularly convenient for Smart TVs and consoles where standard payment methods are not available.
• Smart DNS is suitable for Smart TVs, PCs, and gaming consoles, providing a way to bypass restrictions without a VPN.
• A proxy server works well on PCs and mobile devices, allowing you to manually configure proxy settings or use dedicated software.

Below you will find step-by-step instructions for each method.

Installing Hulu via a US Apple ID or Google Account

To access the app on mobile platforms, you need an account for the US version of the App Store or Google Play. While it is technically possible to change your account’s region in settings, this approach is unreliable in practice.

For Apple ID, changing the country is only possible after cancelling all subscriptions, clearing your balance, and removing non-removable payment methods. On Google Play, you can change the country only once per year and only with a US IP and valid address. These restrictions make this method impractical in most scenarios.

The reliable approach is to create a new account registered in the US region and use it for unrestricted access.

1. Create a new Apple ID or Google account with the US as the country/region.
2. Log in to your device using this new account.
3. Install the app from the store.

For subscriptions, it is easier to use a Hulu gift card as a payment method – this option does not require address or ZIP code verification. Another option is a virtual US card from services like StatesPay, but if the provided IP does not match the billing region, the transaction will be declined. For this reason, gift cards are considered the more reliable choice.

How to unblock Hulu on iPhone by changing your Apple ID region:

1. Tap the Settings icon.

   

2. Go to your Apple ID profile (the top line with your name).

   

3. Select Media & Purchases.

   

4. Tap View Account.

   

5. In Account Settings, select Country/Region and choose United States.

   

6. Review the information about changing your region and tap Continue.

   

7. Review the terms and conditions and tap Agree.

   

8. Enter a US address, add a payment method, and tap Done.

   

To change your region in Google Play:

1. Tap the Google Play Store icon in your system apps or on the home screen.

   

2. Tap your account icon and select Settings.

   

3. In General, go to Account and device preferences.

   

At the next stage, you need to select the United States, but this country may not appear in the list. This usually happens if Google Play does not recognize your connection as originating from the US and/or does not detect a suitable payment method. To unlock the region selection, use a proxy with a US IP address and repeatedly access Google Play from this IP for at least 48 hours. You will also need to add a payment method with a US address, such as a virtual card from StatesPay. After these steps, the option to choose the United States will become available automatically.

Hulu Gift Card

Now, let’s find out how to unblock Hulu on Chrome or in any other browser without changing your store region. A gift card is a payment option that does not require a bank card and is accepted without country or ZIP code verification.

You can purchase a card on MyGiftCardSupply or Amazon US. To activate it, connect to a VPN or proxy with a US IP, go to the Hulu website, create an account, and enter the gift card code.

After activation, platform will work in your browser without VPN or proxy. However, its security system sometimes checks your address, especially if it detects unusual activity (such as frequent IP changes, logins from different countries, or exceeding the allowed number of streams). In these cases, you may need to update your IP address to restore access.

Smart DNS

This technology makes it possible to unblock Hulu without reducing connection speed and without requiring a VPN. This method does not encrypt all your traffic; only DNS requests related to geolocation are rerouted. As a result, the platform detects your region as the United States even though your real IP remains unchanged.

To use it, you’ll need a specialized service such as Unlocator, SmartDNS Proxy, or KeepSolid, which provide the necessary addresses.

The setup process involves:

1. Registering on the service website and obtaining the new addresses.
2. Disabling automatic assignment in your device’s network settings and entering the provided DNS addresses manually.
3. Restarting your connection.

To configure it on a router, first access its control panel. The router’s IP address is typically shown as the “Default Gateway” in your device’s network settings or can be found by running the ipconfig command in the command prompt (Win+R → cmd). Once inside the control panel, manually set the DNS addresses provided by your service.

On most Smart TVs, DNS settings are found under “Network” → “Advanced” → “IP settings” or “DNS”. The exact location may vary by manufacturer and model; refer to the device manual or the support site for your brand.

Proxy Server

Using a proxy with a US IP enables you to unblock Hulu Plus abroad. It is crucial that the address appears as that of a regular US-based user – this prevents the platform from blocking your connection.

The most suitable proxy types to unblock Hulu include:

• ISP – IP addresses allocated by American internet service providers. These are static and highly reliable for this use case.
• Residential – addresses from regular users, typically dynamic. For stable access, choose Sticky sessions, which keep the IP unchanged for longer periods.
• Mobile – IPs from mobile network operators. While effective, connection speeds may be lower compared to other options.

Datacenter proxies (IPv4 or IPv6) are generally less effective. These are registered to hosting providers, making them easily identifiable and often restricted by Hulu.

To ensure your account remains accessible and avoid issues, always use proxies that are indistinguishable from those of real US users. Top proxy providers offer the most reliable solutions with persistent US addresses and high anonymity.

Detailed guides are available for configuring proxies on Windows and macOS, as well as for connecting via iPhone and Android.

What to Do If Hulu Still Doesn't Work

Even with the correct setup, issues can still occur: the service may not launch, a region error appears, or the interface freezes while loading. In these situations, it’s important to methodically check several points and correct any inaccuracies.

If none of the methods work, check Hulu server status at downdetector.com. If there are no outages, contact support: your account may be subject to internal restrictions. In such cases, follow the support team's recommendations on how to unblock a Hulu account.

Conclusion

Methods to unblock Hulu Plus outside the US allow you to fully use the platform’s features without limitations. Among all bypass options, proxies are the most balanced solution for stability, speed, and security. They do not require complex setup, are easily integrated into your system, and allow connections from any device. This approach makes it simple to stream from any country without the risk of being blocked.

FAQ

Does Hulu require a US ZIP code – what should I enter?

You can use any valid postal code from an active US address.

Is a free VPN suitable?

Usually not. Free solutions often fail to bypass regional restrictions and may have speed or security issues.

Which devices are best for Hulu access outside the US?

Best results are achieved on PCs, Smart TVs, and TV boxes where you can manually configure DNS or a proxy server. Using a VPN-compatible router is also convenient — it provides access to all devices on your network without the need to configure each one separately.