How to Troubleshoot Hulu Live TV When It’s Not Working

Hulu Live TV might not function properly even when other Hulu features are operational, and this issue could stem from various factors. Such problems can arise on any device or platform that supports Hulu. Users may encounter different types of issues, including the Live TV feature not being visible within the app, TV channels failing to load, excessive buffering, the guide not displaying, or unexpected disconnections during live broadcasts.

You might also encounter a black screen, be routed back to the home screen, or receive a notification indicating that Live TV is blocked. It’s worth noting that there have been instances reported where Live TV suddenly stops working at specific times, such as precisely at 11:00.

Basic Troubleshooting 

1. Ensure that Hulu services, especially the Live TV feature, are operational.
2. If the Live TV option does not appear on your Hulu app, verify that the device supports Live TV.
3. Relaunch the Hulu app.
4. Perform a cold restart on your TV, streaming device, and router.
5. Update the Hulu app along with the firmware of your TV or streaming device.

1. Re-log into the Hulu App

Issues with account authorization between the Hulu app and its servers can prevent Live TV from functioning correctly. Re-logging into the Hulu app can rectify this problem.

1. Open Hulu and tap on your profile icon.
2. Select Log out and confirm your choice.

   

3. Restart both your device and router.
4. Reopen Hulu, log in, and check if the Live TV issue has been resolved.

2. Try Another Network

If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is incompatible with Hulu’s Live TV, this could cause problems. To test if this is the case, connect your device or TV to a different network.

1. Disconnect your device or TV from the current network.
2. Restart the device or TV and connect to a different network. Avoid using a phone’s hotspot unless necessary, as this can lead to connectivity issues with Hulu on TVs or streaming devices.

   

3. Open Hulu again to see if the issue has been fixed.

3. Disable IPv6 on the Router and Device

If your router or device relies on IPv6 for Hulu server communication, but your ISP does not support IPv6 properly, this could disrupt Live TV service. Disabling IPv6 on both your router and device may solve the problem.

1. Access your router’s admin portal via an app or web browser, then navigate to Advanced > IPv6.
2. Disable IPv6, and restart your router, device, or TV. If IPv6 is already disabled, try enabling it instead.

   

3. Relaunch Hulu to determine if the issue has been resolved.
4. If the problem persists, consider disabling IPv6 on the device to see if that addresses the problem.

4. Reinstall the Hulu App

Damaged modules within the Hulu app, particularly following an update, can interfere with the Live TV function. Reinstalling the app can often resolve these issues.

For Android devices, follow these steps:

1. Open device Settings, navigate to Applications > Hulu.
2. Force stop the app, and clear its cache and storage to remove obsolete data.
3. Tap Uninstall and confirm the removal of Hulu.

   

4. Restart the device, reinstall the Hulu app, and log in with your credentials. Verify that Live TV is now working.

5. Set or Change Your Location in the Hulu Settings

Hulu requires location authorization for Live TV, and failure to properly authenticate your location can prevent access. Adjust your location settings within Hulu to resolve this issue.

1. Open a web browser and head to the Hulu website.
2. Log in and navigate to Privacy and Settings.
3. Select Set or Change Home and input a new location.

   

4. On the device with issues, launch the Hulu app and log out.
5. Restart the device, relaunch Hulu, and check if the issue is fixed.

6. Remove Your Device from the Hulu Account Profile

A lack of proper communication between your device and Hulu’s servers can lead to Live TV issues. Removing and then reauthorizing your device might solve the problem.

1. Open a web browser and visit the Hulu account page.
2. Select Manage Devices and remove the problematic device.

   

3. Launch the Hulu app on the affected device and log out. For iOS devices, also remove Hulu from TV Providers in Settings.
4. Restart the device and router, then relaunch Hulu and log in. Verify if Live TV is now operational.

7. Reset the TV or Streaming Device to Factory Defaults

Any damage to essential firmware modules within the TV or streaming device might hinder the execution of Hulu’s Live TV feature. Resetting the device to factory defaults could provide a solution.

Before resetting, remember to backup any important data. To reset a Roku device:

1. Navigate to the Roku device’s Settings, then System > Advanced System Settings > Factory Reset.
2. Choose Factory Reset Everything and allow the process to complete.

   

3. Afterwards, set up your Roku device, reinstall Hulu, and sign in. The Live TV feature should be functioning properly at this point.

Should the issue continue to persist, it’s recommended to contact Hulu Support for additional assistance. They may suggest updating or resetting your IP address to rectify the problem.