Why You Need a VPN to Stream Hulu Outside the US
Hulu’s geo-restrictions block access outside the United States, leaving travelers and expats frustrated when they try to watch Criminal Minds or The Handmaid’s Tale. A how to watch Hulu with a VPN setup solves this by masking your real location and assigning you a U.S. IP address. However, not all VPNs work – Hulu aggressively blocks data center IPs and known VPN servers. Choosing the best VPN for Hulu is critical, as it needs obfuscated servers, residential IPs, and DNS leak protection to bypass detection. According to FastestVPN’s tests, only 6 out of 40 major providers consistently unblock Hulu in 2024. You’ll also need a U.S. payment method for account creation, which we’ll cover in detail below.
Step-by-Step: Use a VPN to Watch Hulu from Anywhere
1. Select a Hulu-Compatible VPN (Critical First Step)
Not all VPNs can bypass Hulu’s VPN blocks. The best VPN for Hulu must have:
- U.S. residential IPs – Avoid data center IPs that Hulu flags instantly
- Obfuscated servers – Masks VPN traffic as regular HTTPS
- Money-back guarantee – Test risk-free for 30-45 days
Based on Top10VPN’s research, ExpressVPN (New York servers) and NordVPN (Chicago servers) currently have 95%+ success rates.
2. Install the VPN App & Connect to Optimized Server
After subscribing:
- Download apps for your devices – iPhone users should avoid carrier VPN conflicts
- Enable DNS leak protection in settings
- Connect to a labeled “Streaming” or “Hulu” U.S. server (e.g., ExpressVPN’s New Jersey-3)
Pro Tip: If blocked, clear browser cookies or try a different city server before giving up.
3. Create or Update Your Hulu Account
New Users:
- Use a U.S. zip code like 10001 (New York) or 90001 (Los Angeles)
- For payment, use a States-based PayPal account or gift cards from Amazon.com
Existing Users: Avoid billing updates while connected to VPN to prevent account flags.
4. Launch Hulu & Troubleshoot Errors
If you see “Hulu isn’t available in your location”:
- Force-quit the Hulu app/browser tab
- Switch VPN servers (try Denver, Atlanta, Dallas)
- Disable IPv6 on Mac/Windows if leaks occur
Advanced Tips for Uninterrupted Streaming
Server Selection Strategies
- Avoid crowded cities – Opt for Portland over Los Angeles servers
- Use “Stealth” protocols – Lightway (ExpressVPN) or NordLynx (NordVPN) evade detection
DNS & Browser Tweaks
- Run DNS leak tests before logging into Hulu
- Use Chrome/Firefox private windows to prevent cookie conflicts
Account Security Measures
- Disable VPN before updating payment info to avoid bans
- Use VPN only during streaming – browse normally otherwise
Alternative Methods if VPNs Fail
Smart DNS Proxy Services
Services like SmartDNSProxy reroute only your DNS traffic instead of encrypting all data. Pros:
- Faster speeds than VPNs (no encryption overhead)
- Works on game consoles & smart TVs without apps
Cons: Doesn’t encrypt traffic – risky on public Wi-Fi.
U.S. Remote Desktop Workaround
For tech-savvy users:
- Rent a cloud PC in the U.S. (AWS, Paperspace)
- Stream Hulu through remote desktop software
- Watch via screen sharing (high bandwidth needed)
This bypasses VPN blocks entirely but costs $15-$30/month.
Key Takeaways for Streaming Success
Learning how to watch Hulu with a VPN requires choosing battle-tested providers – we recommend ExpressVPN for beginners and Surfshark for budget-focused users as the current best VPN for Hulu. Always:
- Test servers during free trials before long-term plans
- Use U.S. payment methods without foreign transaction flags
- Never share accounts across multiple countries
If your needs change, many VPNs offer simple cancellations within refund windows.
