If you keep getting the "Hulu was not able to start" error, you probably are dealing with network connectivity issues. This can be due to a couple of different reasons, but your Wi-Fi network being weak is a major contender.
Apart from internet connection issues, you can get stuck with the error if there's some kind of software problem, like a bug, lurking in the background. Most of the time, updating the Hulu app sorts this out.
The first time I faced the error, it was due to a bug. I managed to update the app and easily take care of it. But the last time it popped up, I couldn't figure out what was causing it. Turns out, my operating system was really outdated.
I not only discussed how I ended up fixing it, but all the other solutions that you can try.
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There are a few different ways that you can get rid of the error, but before I get to them, make sure that you're not facing any issues because Hulu's servers are down.
You can visit a server status page to figure this out - there should be a message on it telling you that the streaming service currently isn't working. If this turns out to be what you're dealing with, there's really nothing you can do other than sit it out.
Also, you can contact Hulu support and tell them about their servers being down. Hopefully, they'll get back to you soon and will be able to tell you when this will be sorted.
The Hulu app usually hits you with errors when you're having some kind of internet issue. Now, there are a few different ways that your internet might be causing you trouble, like your Wi-Fi signal being weak, or your router glitching out. However, they're almost always easy to fix.
When it comes to your Wi-Fi signal being weak, you most likely are facing this because you're far away from your router. So, try moving your streaming device closer to your router and see whether this helps.
But of course, if you're using a smart TV, like a Samsung TV, this will be easier said than done. You should think about moving your router closer to you, instead.
As mentioned, the issue can also be due to some kind of router glitch. Generally, these are minor, and you should be able to take care of them by turning your router off and then back on again. I'd recommend that you pull your router's plug before you turn it on too.
Before I move on to the next fix, I have to mention that your internet can of course be acting up because of an issue on your ISP's end. Just like with Hulu's servers possibly being down, there's nothing you can do about this, other than wait it out. You might have gotten a text message from your internet service provider about when it will be sorted, though.
If you haven't updated the Hulu app in a while, the error message really isn't a surprise. The Hulu app probably is dealing with some kind of bug that's lurking in the background. By downloading the latest update, you should be able to download any new patches that can get rid of it.
Just remember that you'll need a stable network connection first. The whole process can take forever, otherwise.
On most phones and computers, all you have to do is go to your respective app store, search for the Hulu app, and then click on the update button. The download will start, and you should see a notification that the update has finished once everything has wrapped up.
But on a different device, like the Samsung TV, the process to follow is a bit different. Here's how you can update Hulu to get it to start working on your Samsung TV again:
Instead of the Hulu app being outdated, it might be your operating system that's needing an upgrade. Just like with the streaming app, it might be stuck with some kind of bug that's lurking in the background. You should be able to take care of this by downloading the latest software update. But once again, make sure that you have a stable network connection first.
As you can imagine, the process to follow will differ depending on the OS that you're using, especially when you compare Android and iOS devices to smart TVs.
Here's how you update an iOS device:
Here's how you can update an Android device:
Here's how you can update a Samsung TV:
Hulu might keep hitting you with the unable to start error because its cache has become corrupted. It's hard to say why this happened, but something might have gone wrong with its temporary memory. You should be able to fix this by clearing the Hulu app's cache.
You won't lose any important data when you do this - you'll just be signed out of your account, so expect to take some time to sign in again.
Here's how you can clear Hulu app cache on iPhones:
In addition to clearing the cache, this will also delete the app from your iPhone. But your settings and other data will be restored when you reinstall the app.
Here's how you do this on an Android mobile device:
Here's what you do on Samsung TVs:
Last but not least, I'd recommend that you delete and then reinstall Hulu. It might not be working for you because of some kind of major software problem on it. So, the only possible trick that may help would be to delete and then reinstall the Hulu app.
Here's how you can delete Hulu on iPhones:
Here's how you can delete Hulu on an Android device:
Here's what you do on a Samsung Smart TV:
To reinstall the Hulu app again, you'll have to head to your respective app store, search for the application, and then click download. You should get a notification when it's installed now.
If none of the above fixes worked, you should try contacting the Hulu support team. The issue might be due to some kind of bug on their end that they're not aware of. Hopefully, they'll get back to you soon and will be able to shed some light on why you keep getting the error message.
Answered below are some popular questions.
There's no specific way to force restart the Hulu app. But you can always close and reopen it.
Here's what you do on Androids:
Here's what you do on iPhone X and newer models:
Here's what you do on iPhone 8 and earlier models:
Here's what you do on a Samsung TV:
You might get hit with the 'Hulu was unable to start' error message because your network connection isn't the best. As mentioned, you can move closer to your router to take care of it. But if this doesn't do the trick, you may have to restart your router and see whether this does anything.
Also, the Hulu is not working issue can be due to software problems, like you running outdated software on your phone or TV, or you running an older version of the Hulu app.
Hopefully, you found all of the points that were run through useful and are able to get rid of the Hulu was unable to start error message for good.
