How to get around Hulu home location error

When you sign up as a Hulu subscriber, one of the first things you must do is to set a home network. Hulu recommends that you do it within 30 days. That ensures you can stream both regional and local channels.

But even after setting up the home network, many users still experience some problems with the service. A common error you may have come across is the “video not available in this location” error.

Whenever you try to access the service from a different location, Hulu stops working.

Instead, you get the error message:

Your Hulu subscription allows you to use this type of device only on your home network. If you have moved or your internet service provider has changed, please update your Home Location in your Hulu Account settings on a computer.

If you keep trying, your account may be blocked.

Hulu blocked

But why are you getting the error despite accessing the service from the same location as previously? Here are possible reasons

  • You are using a shared Wi-Fi network
  • Hulu cannot identify the network you are currently using
  • You have not checked in to your mobile device
  • You are using a VPN

So, if you are trying to watch Hulu in two different locations, you will get the above error. That means you will be unable to stream live events.

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Steps to get around home location error on Hulu Live

The following are some of the ways of fixing the home location error on Hulu:

1. Update your home network

If you have moved or gotten a new ISP, you can change or update your home network as follows.

  • Log out of the account
  • Log in using a supported living room device like a Smart TV, Android device, Fire TV Stick, or Xbox One

Ensure you are using a non-mobile or residential internet connection when updating your home network. Alternatively:

  • Go to your Hulu online account page on a mobile or computer browser
  • Click on Privacy and Settings
  • Click on Set or Change Home to change home location

When updating your home network, do not use a shared Wi-Fi network or a mobile hotspot. Also, you can only change the network up to four times within 12 months.

2. Check-in on your mobile device

You can watch Hulu away from home if you are using a mobile device. But that requires you to check in after 30 days. So, if you are getting the error, open the app while you are at home.

Next, access your account from your home network on your mobile device. If successful, Hulu will register the network, allowing you to access its services on other living room devices.

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Also, it will allow you to go anywhere within the US and stream videos on Hulu.

3. Disable your VPN

If you are using a VPN to access Hulu, the service will not determine your accurate geographical location.

You will not stream videos if you are using a proxy server. Thus, you must disable it before you can access any content.

4. Hulu TV in multiple homes

If you are using a Live TV plan, you cannot access Hulu TV in multiple homes. The service is only available for single-home use.

Your only option is to use other plans or signing up for a second Live TV account.

Conclusion

If you are trying to do a Hulu home location override, ensure that you are accessing the service from a home network.

You can also use your mobile device to check in to your account to watch shows. But you must do it every 30 days to avoid interruptions.

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About the Author
Walter Allen
Streaming Media expert and technology writer. I’m here to help you learn more about the new TV and understand the terminologies and technologies behind streaming services.

4 thoughts on “How to get around Hulu home location error”

  1. This isn’t a fix. I am getting rid of my home internet which means I can no longer watch Hulu Live because it won’t let me while using my mobile hotspot for my Roku, it give me the location error. Here is where it makes not sense, I can watch Hulu live on laptop while it is connected to my hotspot and my laptop shows I am on the other side of the country because of the IP address the hotspot is using but I get channels that are local to me. So if I can watch Hulu live on a laptop using hotspot there should be no reason it should stop me from watching it on my Roku or Chromecast device.

    Reply
  2. ???This does not give a workaround, it simply outlines Hulu’s new policy.
    Here’s something else people may not realize – since Disney bought out Hulu most of the major networks that joined to create Hulu will more than likely leave. Especially since most have also created their own FREE All Access apps. Even if they don’t run shows LIVE, most episodes post the next day. If you really want Hulu LIVE Tv, then the ONLY workaround is to keep your internet connection. When Hulu becomes an all Disney app they wont be able to compete and likely will fold so dont cry too much about giving up Hulu.

    Reply

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