Among the most well-known streaming services, Hulu provides a huge selection of TV series, films, and other entertainment content. But it’s not unusual for people with Vizio smart TVs to have trouble with Hulu not working properly on their devices. If you are among those people experiencing this problem, don’t worry— there are several ways to resolve the situation so you can resume watching your favorite television shows and films. So, in this article, we’ll share the reasons for Hulu not working on Vizio Smart TV and provide some troubleshooting tips.
Why is Hulu not working on Vizio smart TV?
Before moving on to the solutions, understanding why Hulu might not be working on your Vizio smart TV is important. So, we’ve listed some of the most likely causes.
An outdated app
Your Vizio smart TV’s Hulu app might not work properly if it hasn’t received an update in a while. So, if your Hulu app keeps buffering or freezing on your Vizio TV, then it could be due to an outdated app.
App-specific problems
On occasion, Hulu may face issues on its own, which could result in the app not working on your Vizio smart TV. This can be due to bugs, technical errors, or server-related issues. Though not uncommon, Hulu does suffer from occasional outages that even lead to service disruptions. However, Hulu usually works quickly to resolve any issues and minimize the impact on its users. So, you need to check Hulu’s social media pages to check for any information on the outage.
Network connectivity issues
If your Vizio smart TV is having trouble connecting to your home WiFi network or if there are any other network connectivity issues, Hulu could stop working. Verify whether other devices connected to the same network are also having connectivity problems.
Additionally, check your internet speeds. Slower internet speeds can also cause connectivity issues. If your internet speed is slower than 25 Mbps, you may experience buffering or lagging when streaming videos. Switching to a faster internet plan can help improve your connectivity and overall online experience.
Geo-restrictions
Another reason for the Hulu app not working on your Vizio TV could be due to geo-restrictions. If you are trying to access Hulu from a region where it is not available, you may encounter issues with the app. In this case, you can use a VPN service to bypass the restrictions and access Hulu on your Vizio TV. You can check Hulu’s site to see why it isn’t available globally and the regions it does cover.
Device compatibility issues
There are some Vizio smart TVs on which you can no longer stream Hulu. This is due to Hulu’s decision to discontinue support for certain older Vizio models. Users can check Vizio’s website for the list of TV models that don’t support Hulu.
So, if Hulu is not working on your older Vizio smart TV, then you might need to upgrade your TV. However, there are still two ways for you to stream Hulu on your older Vizio TV. Firstly, you can use some streaming devices such as Amazon Fire Stick, Chrome Cast, etc. You can stream Hulu on your older Vizio TV via these streaming devices. Another method to watch Hulu on your TV is by screen mirroring from another device like your smartphone or tablet.
How to fix Hulu not working on Vizio smart TV?
Now that you know some of the reasons why Hulu might not be working on Vizio smart TV, let’s look at some potential fixes:
Power cycle your Vizio smart TV
A simple fix is to power cycle your Vizio smart TV. This action involves unplugging your TV from the power source and waiting for at least one minute before plugging it back in. This can help refresh the TV’s system and may resolve any issues causing Hulu not to work properly.
Check your WiFi router or connection
We’ve explained earlier that one of the main reasons for the Hulu app not working on your Vizio TV is due to WiFi or network connectivity problems. If you have trouble streaming Hulu on your TV, then check your WiFi network by testing using another device (preferably your smartphone).
Here are a few troubleshooting fixes that you can try to resolve your issues:
- Reset your WiFi router. You should try unplugging the WiFi router from the power source, then wait for at least a minute and plug it back in.
- Get a new or more powerful WiFi router. Your router might be old or not strong enough to handle the number of devices connected to it, causing slow internet speeds and poor connectivity. Upgrading your router can significantly improve your internet experience.
- Disconnect other devices from your WiFi network. Sometimes too many devices connected to the WiFi network can cause drop in internet speed and lead to buffering issues. It is especially true if you are trying to stream content from platforms like Hulu on your smart TV. So, we would recommend limiting the number of devices connected to your WiFi network to ensure smooth and uninterrupted streaming of Hulu on your Vizio TV.
- Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you are still facing WiFi connectivity issues or want to upgrade from your current plan, contact your ISP.
Update the Hulu app
We’ve already established that an outdated app might cause problems. So, you need to update the Hulu app on your Vizio TV if an update is available.
Here’s how to update the Hulu app on Vizio TV:
- First, you need to ensure that your Vizio smart TV is connected to a WiFi network.
- Next, you need to press the V or VIA button on your Vizio TV remote.
- This button will open the Vizio app store on your TV.
- Then you need to find and click on the Hulu app.
- Now if there is an update available, then you’ll see an Update button. Click on it if you see one.
Delete and Re-install the Hulu app
If you think there is an update available for the Hulu app, but you don’t see any option, then you should try reinstalling the app. Here’s how to uninstall and then reinstall the Hulu app on your Vizio TV:
- First, head over to your Vizio TV’s app store and search for Hulu.
- Next, select the app from the list.
- Then click on the Delete option.
- After that, wait for the app to be uninstalled and restart your Vizio smart TV.
- Now, launch the Vizio app store on your TV and search for the Hulu app again.
- Afterward, reinstall the app on your Vizio TV.
Clear the Hulu app cache
Sometimes, clearing the app cache can help resolve issues with Hulu not working on your Vizio smart TV. Clearing the cache can improve the app’s performance and fix errors caused by outdated or corrupted data. So, here’s how to clear the Hulu app cache on your Vizio smart TV.
First, you need to head over to the settings on your Vizio smart TV and look for the Hulu app. After that, select the Clear cache option. Then restart your Vizio TV and check whether it has resolved your issue.
Update your Vizio smart TV software
Another reason you might have problems with your Vizio TV is outdated firmware. So, updating your Vizio TV software might resolve those issues. Here’s how:
- Use your Vizio TV remote and head over to the Settings menu.
- Next, select the System option from your settings menu.
- Then click on Check for Updates option.
- If there is an update available, then install those updates.
Factory reset your Vizio smart TV
You might need to perform a factory reset on your Vizio smart TV if none of the aforementioned fixes work. Performing a factory reset erases all the data on your TV and returns it to its original settings. It is recommended to back up your important data before performing a factory reset.
Here’s how to factory reset your Vizio smart Tv with a remote:
- Click on the Menu button on your Vizio remote.
- Next, click on the System option from the menu.
- Then click on Reset & Admin > Reset TV to Factory Defaults.
- Sometimes the TV might ask for a code before resetting. In that case, the default code is 0000.
- After this, your Vizio TV will revert to the original setting. And you have to install the Hulu app again.
In conclusion
Hulu not working on Vizio smart TV can be frustrating, but there are several solutions to try. In this article, we’ve done just that. If none of the solutions work, it may be worth contacting Hulu’s customer support for further assistance.
Read more about other issues & fixes with Hulu and other streaming platforms: