Hulu Not Working With Surfshark? Here’s How To Get It Streaming Again!

Struggling to get Hulu working with Surfshark? Trust me, you’re not alone. It’s super frustrating when you just want to kick back and watch your favorite shows, only to be met with that annoying “Hulu is not available in your region” or “anonymous proxy tool” error message. The good news is, Surfshark is generally a solid VPN for Hulu, and most of these hiccups are pretty common and, thankfully, quite easy to fix. We’re going to walk through all the common reasons why Hulu might be giving your Surfshark connection the cold shoulder and, more importantly, how to get everything back on track so you can dive into Hulu’s fantastic library. Think of this as your personal troubleshooting guide to bypass those pesky blocks and enjoy a smooth streaming experience.

Why Hulu Puts Up a Fight Against VPNs

Before we jump into the fixes, it helps to understand why Hulu is so determined to block VPNs in the first place. It’s not just to make your life difficult, I promise! It all comes down to money and legal agreements.

Geo-Restrictions and Licensing Agreements

Hulu, like many other streaming services, only has the rights to show its content in specific regions, primarily the United States and Japan. These are called “geo-restrictions” or “licensing agreements.” Content creators sell the rights to broadcast their shows and movies to different companies in different countries. If Hulu allowed everyone everywhere to watch, it would be violating those contracts and could face big legal troubles. So, they have to actively prevent access from outside their licensed areas.

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How Hulu Detects Your VPN

Hulu employs some pretty sophisticated technology to figure out if you’re using a VPN. It’s a constant game of cat and mouse between streaming services and VPN providers. Here are the main ways Hulu tries to sniff out your VPN:

• IP Address Blacklisting: This is probably the most common method. Hulu keeps a massive blacklist of IP addresses that are known to belong to VPN servers. If your Surfshark server’s IP address is on that list, Hulu will block your access, simple as that. VPN providers are constantly adding new IPs, but Hulu is just as quick to identify and block them.
• Shared IP Addresses: VPNs often assign the same IP address to many users. If Hulu sees hundreds or even thousands of different accounts trying to log in or stream from the exact same IP address within a short period, it’s a huge red flag that a VPN is in use.
• IP, DNS, and WebRTC Leaks: Even if you’re connected to a VPN, sometimes your real IP address or DNS Domain Name System requests can “leak” through, revealing your actual location. Hulu’s systems are designed to detect these mismatches between your VPN IP and your real IP/DNS information, leading to a block.
• Browser Cookies and Cache: Your browser and even the Hulu app itself can store old location data in cookies and cache. If you’ve accessed Hulu without a VPN before, your device might still be holding onto that information, which then contradicts your VPN-assigned US IP address.
• Geolocation Mismatch Mobile Devices: On phones and tablets, Hulu’s app can sometimes access your device’s GPS location. If your GPS coordinates don’t match the location of your VPN’s IP address, Hulu will quickly flag it and block access.
• IPv6 Leaks: Some internet service providers ISPs use both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols. Many VPNs primarily route IPv4 traffic through their secure tunnel. If your device also uses IPv6 and your VPN doesn’t properly handle it, your IPv6 address can leak outside the VPN, exposing your true location to Hulu.

When Hulu detects a VPN, you’ll typically see an error message like “You seem to be using an anonymous proxy or VPN” or “Error 16. Your account is not valid in this region”. Don’t worry, though, using a VPN for Hulu won’t get your account banned, but it will block access from that particular server.

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Getting Started: Basic Setup for Hulu with Surfshark

Before we dive into troubleshooting, let’s just quickly make sure you’ve got the basics covered. Sometimes, a simple setup mistake is all it takes to cause an issue.

1. Subscribe to Surfshark: First things first, you need an active Surfshark subscription. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to sign up. They often have good deals and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out risk-free.
2. Download and Install the App: Get the Surfshark app on the device you plan to use for Hulu. They have apps for just about everything: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and even routers.
3. Connect to a US Server: Log into your Surfshark app and choose a server located in the United States. This is crucial because Hulu is primarily a US-based service. While Surfshark has many US servers, some users have reported good luck with “United States – Latham” and “United States – Detroit”.
4. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: This step is super important. Even after connecting to the VPN, old data in your browser or app’s cache and cookies can give away your real location. So, clear them out! We’ll go into more detail on how to do this in the troubleshooting section.
5. Open Hulu and Enjoy: Once your VPN is connected to a US server and your cache is clear, open the Hulu app or website, log in to your account, and try streaming.

If you’re still seeing that “proxy detected” message, don’t sweat it. We’ve got more advanced tricks up our sleeve.

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Troubleshooting Hulu Not Working with Surfshark: Your Step-by-Step Fixes

Alright, if you’ve done the basic setup and Hulu is still playing hard to get, it’s time to roll up our sleeves. These are the most common and effective troubleshooting steps that many users find successful.

1. Switch to a Different US Server

This is often the quickest and easiest fix. Hulu actively blacklists IP addresses that it identifies as belonging to VPNs. If the server you’re currently connected to has been flagged, simply switching to another US server can give you a fresh, unblocked IP address.

• How to do it: Open your Surfshark app, disconnect from your current server, and then select a different US location from the server list. Surfshark has over 600 servers across the US, so you have plenty of options. Give a few different ones a try. Some users have found success with servers in Latham or Detroit.

2. Clear Your Browser’s Cache and Cookies and App Data

As mentioned earlier, your browser’s stored data can betray your real location. Hulu’s detection methods might check these files. Clearing them ensures Hulu only sees the location provided by your VPN.

• How to do it Browser:
  • Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. Make sure “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” are selected, then clear data for “All time.”
  • Firefox: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data… Check both boxes and click “Clear.”
  • Edge: Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Choose what to clear under “Clear browsing data now.” Select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files,” then clear for “All time.”
  • Safari macOS: Go to Safari > Clear History… Select “all history.”
• How to do it Hulu App: If you’re using the Hulu app on a mobile device or smart TV, clear its app data or cache. The exact steps vary by device, but generally, you can find this under your device’s “Apps,” “Applications,” or “Storage” settings. Force stop the app first, then clear its cache and data.
• Pro Tip: After clearing, try accessing Hulu in your browser’s Incognito or Private mode. This prevents new cookies from being saved immediately and ensures no old data is loaded.

3. Change Your VPN Protocol

Surfshark offers several VPN protocols, which are different sets of rules that determine how your data travels through the VPN tunnel. Sometimes, one protocol might be more easily detected by Hulu than another. How to Cancel Your Surfshark VPN Subscription and Get a Refund

• How to do it: In your Surfshark app settings, look for “VPN Protocol.” If you’re on WireGuard or IKEv2, try switching to OpenVPN UDP. OpenVPN TCP is another option, though UDP is generally faster for streaming. Experiment with different protocols to see which one works best for you.

4. Check for IP, DNS, or WebRTC Leaks

A leak means your real IP address or DNS requests are slipping past the VPN tunnel, allowing Hulu to see your true location.

• How to do it: Before connecting to Hulu, visit a website like dnsleaktest.com or ipleak.net while connected to your Surfshark US server. If it shows your actual location or your ISP’s DNS servers, you have a leak. If you detect a leak, try switching servers or protocols within Surfshark, and ensure your Kill Switch is active more on that next.

5. Enable the Kill Switch Feature

Surfshark’s Kill Switch is a crucial security feature that disconnects your device from the internet if your VPN connection accidentally drops. This prevents your real IP address from being exposed, even for a second, which could trigger Hulu’s detection.

• How to do it: Go into your Surfshark app settings and make sure the “Kill Switch” feature is turned on. It’s usually a simple toggle switch.

6. Update Your Surfshark App

Outdated software can lead to performance issues or security vulnerabilities that make your VPN easier to detect. Surfshark is constantly updating its app to improve performance and bypass streaming restrictions.

• How to do it: Check your app store Google Play, Apple App Store or Surfshark’s official website for any available updates. Make sure you’re running the latest version of the Surfshark app.

7. Disable IPv6

Many VPNs, including Surfshark, primarily route IPv4 traffic. If your ISP provides an IPv6 connection and your VPN doesn’t fully support it, your IPv6 address could leak and reveal your true location.

• How to do it: Disabling IPv6 is done in your device’s network settings, not in the Surfshark app. The steps vary by operating system Windows, macOS, etc., but a quick search for “disable IPv6 ” will give you specific instructions. Be aware that this might slightly affect your general internet connectivity, though usually not significantly for most users.

8. Flush Your DNS Cache

Your device’s DNS cache stores information about websites you’ve visited, which can sometimes include old location data that conflicts with your VPN’s IP address. Flushing it forces your device to get fresh DNS information. Surfshark’s Help Center and Customer Support: Your Go-To for Assistance

• How to do it: This is typically done through your device’s command line or terminal.
  • Windows: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns then press Enter.
  • macOS: Open Terminal and type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache. sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder then press Enter you’ll need your administrator password.

9. Test Your Internet Connection

A slow or unstable internet connection can sometimes cause your VPN to drop, exposing your real IP, or simply lead to poor streaming performance that you might mistake for a VPN block.

• How to do it: Disconnect from Surfshark and run a speed test e.g., speedtest.net. Then connect to Surfshark and run another one. Hulu recommends a minimum of 3.0 Mbps for its library, 8.0 Mbps for live streams, and 16.0 Mbps for 4K content. Surfshark often averages over 300 Mbps in tests, so it should be more than enough. If your speeds are consistently low, try connecting to a server closer to your physical location while still being a US server or contact your ISP.

10. Restart Your Devices

Sometimes, a good old-fashioned restart is all it takes to clear out temporary glitches, whether with the Surfshark app, the Hulu app, or your streaming device itself.

• How to do it: Close the Surfshark app and the Hulu app. Restart your computer, phone, smart TV, or streaming device like a Fire Stick or Roku. Then, try connecting to Surfshark and Hulu again.

11. Adjust Antivirus or Firewall Settings

Occasionally, overly aggressive antivirus software or firewall settings can interfere with your VPN connection, causing it to malfunction or block necessary ports.

• How to do it: Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall to see if Hulu then works with Surfshark. If it does, you’ll need to create an exception for the Surfshark app in your security software settings. Remember to re-enable your security software afterward!

12. Consider a Dedicated IP

A dedicated IP address is a unique IP address assigned only to you, rather than being shared among many VPN users. Since it’s not shared, it’s much less likely to be blacklisted by streaming services like Hulu because it doesn’t show the “many users on one IP” pattern.

• How to do it: Surfshark offers dedicated IP addresses as an add-on service. This comes with an extra cost, but it can significantly improve your chances of consistently accessing streaming services.

13. Contact Surfshark Customer Support

If you’ve tried all these steps and Hulu is still not cooperating, don’t hesitate to reach out to Surfshark’s customer support. Their support team is usually very knowledgeable about specific server issues and might even be able to recommend a particular US server that is currently optimized for Hulu streaming. They often have 24/7 live chat support, which is super convenient. Does surfshark have vpn

• How to do it: Look for the “Support” or “Help” section within your Surfshark app or on their official website.

Pro Tips for Smooth Streaming with Surfshark and Hulu

Here are a few extra pointers to keep your Hulu streaming experience as smooth as possible:

• Stay Connected to the “Best” Servers: While all US servers should work, some might perform better than others. As mentioned, “United States – Latham” and “United States – Detroit” have been highlighted as good options for Hulu. Keep a mental note of which servers give you the best performance.
• Keep Surfshark Updated: Make it a habit to regularly check for and install updates for your Surfshark app. These updates often include fixes for streaming issues and new ways to bypass VPN detection.
• Clear Cache Regularly: Especially if you switch between VPN and non-VPN usage, or if you travel, clearing your browser and app cache regularly can prevent many common detection problems.
• Understand Hulu’s Purpose: Hulu primarily serves US and Japan markets due to copyright and licensing laws. While a VPN can help you access it from elsewhere, it’s always a cat-and-mouse game, so occasional issues are part of the deal.

By following these tips and troubleshooting steps, you should be able to enjoy Hulu with Surfshark reliably. It might take a little patience and a few attempts to find the perfect server or setting, but it’s usually worth it for the access to great content!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hulu detect Surfshark?

Yes, Hulu can detect Surfshark, just like it can detect many other VPNs. Hulu uses advanced detection methods such as IP blacklisting, looking for shared IP addresses, checking for IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks, and even comparing your device’s GPS location with your IP address. When detected, Hulu typically blocks access from that specific VPN server, leading to an error message.

Will I get banned from Hulu for using Surfshark?

No, you won’t get banned from Hulu for using Surfshark. Hulu’s policy is to block the detected VPN IP address, not to terminate user accounts. If Hulu identifies that you’re using a VPN, it will prevent you from accessing the service from that particular server, but it won’t track your personal VPN activity back to your account or issue a ban. You’ll simply see an error message, and you’ll need to troubleshoot by switching servers or applying other fixes.

What is the best Surfshark server for Hulu?

While Surfshark has many US servers, some users have reported consistent success with specific locations. The “United States – Latham” and “United States – Detroit” servers have been highlighted as good options that often unblock Hulu easily and provide good speeds. However, the effectiveness of a server can change over time as Hulu updates its detection methods, so it’s always a good idea to try a few different US servers if one isn’t working.

Why does Hulu say I’m using an anonymous proxy even with Surfshark?

Hulu displays the “anonymous proxy” error when it detects that your connection is coming from an IP address associated with a VPN or proxy service. This happens because Hulu has strict licensing agreements that limit its content to the US and Japan. Even with Surfshark, this error can occur if the specific server’s IP you’re using has been blacklisted, if your browser or app has cached old location data, or if there’s an IP/DNS leak revealing your true location. Your Go-To Surfshark VPN Guide for Seamless Online Security

Does Surfshark work with Hulu in Japan?

Yes, Surfshark can work with Hulu in Japan. Hulu is available in both the United States and Japan due to content licensing. To access Hulu content specifically for the Japanese region if you have a Japanese Hulu subscription or if you are physically in Japan and Surfshark is not working, you would connect to a Surfshark server located in Japan. For US Hulu content while in Japan, you’d connect to a US server. The troubleshooting steps provided in this guide, such as clearing cache, switching servers, and changing protocols, would apply in both scenarios.

What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps work?

If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps—switching servers, clearing cache, changing protocols, checking for leaks, updating the app, disabling IPv6, flushing DNS, restarting devices, and adjusting firewalls—and Hulu still isn’t working with Surfshark, your next best move is to contact Surfshark’s customer support team directly. They often have specific, up-to-the-minute information on which servers are currently working best with Hulu or can help diagnose more complex issues with your connection or settings.