Hulu app is Buffering, Freezing, or Skipping

Published: Jan 9, 2020

Hulu has a native app for all operating systems and devices. While it surely adds convenience into the lives of the users, it also runs into certain streaming-related issues that completely ruin users’ streaming experience. Problems such as buffering, freezing, lagging or skipping are quite common and come without a specific error code to help pinpoint the exact issue. But fret not, below we have outlined some general fixes recommended by Hulu that can get your app back into streaming mode in a matter of minutes.

Aside from common issues like buffering or freezing, Hulu app users are also subjected to some uncommon problems like poor streaming quality and connections errors. In any of the above cases, you can try the below solutions to fix them.

Please make sure that you try the solutions in ascending order and follow each step carefully. Once you’re done with a fix, restart the Hulu app to see if the problem is resolved. If it isn’t, then move on to the next solution and repeat the same process until you’ve checked each one off of your list.

Solution 1: Power cycle your streaming device and internet device

Completely turn off your streaming device, unplug it from the electrical source (if applicable for the device), wait for about 2 minutes and start it again. Now repeat the same process with your internet router or modem (if applicable).

Solution 2: Check your internet speed

Run a speedtest of your internet connection to see if it meets Hulu recommended speed criteria for smooth streaming which is as follows:

  • 3.0 Mbps for on-demand streaming
  • 8.0 Mbps for live streaming
  • 16.0 Mbps for 4K content

If you find your internet connection speed to be anywhere closer to 1.5 Mbps, chances of you getting a poor quality feed among other problems are quite high. A minor drop in the average connection speed is normal and can be easily fixed, but any significant drip must be immediately investigated with your local ISP and it may as well be yet another case of ISP throttling. In order to improve your internet connection, here are a few things you can try.

  • Disconnect any/all other devices other connected to the internet
  • Close all background apps
  • If you have a Wi-Fi router, move your device closer for better signal strength
  • Use an ethernet wire to connect your device directly with the router (if applicable)

Solution 3: Check Hulu App for Updates

All apps run into unwarranted problems like crashes when there’s a pending update available. That might as well be the case with you. Cross this item off of your list by visiting your device’s native app store and update the Hulu app if needed.

Solution 4: Purge all Cache and Data

Hulu app may also crash if there’s minimum or no data storage capacity left. This issue is common with devices that have a smaller memory like Amazon Firestick. As a means to be sure, you can go to device’s settings menu and clear all cache and data till date to free up needed space.

Solution 5: Uninstall and then Reinstall Hulu

As a last resort, you can simply delete and then reinstall the Hulu app. It’s also a solid way to make sure that you’re using the latest version of the app.