Are you encountering Hulu network error 503? The struggle ends after reading this guide!
The exact reason why Hulu error “503” appears is mildly unclear, but there are proven solutions that help to resolve the error permanently.
Users reported that this error is used by Hulu to notify the users that there’s an ongoing outage and that the Hulu website is currently not accessible.
A couple of quick solutions you could attempt in response to Hulu error “503” is to reboot the streaming device and check the internet connection.
If the problem is occurring again, clear the browser cache/cookies and deactivate all VPN services.
Let’s keep unwrapping the situation of Hulu error “503”!
Understanding Error Code 503 Hulu?
The most common causes of error “503” are typically on Hulu’s end. However, the nature of the error suggests that Hulu’s server is unreachable.
This can also translate as an issue on your side, where some troubleshooting is inevitable so let’s continue to unwrap the known facts…
- Hulu “503” Error Code Meaning?
The error code usually comes with a description similar to “The network host is unavailable” which refers to the servers hosting the Hulu website.
You’re only able to encounter this problem while accessing the web Hulu service and not the mobile application.
- What Causes Hulu “503” Error Code?
Issues on Hulu’s end, misconfigured browser settings, or most often, problems related to an activated VPN service.
The “network” part of the error’s description could be an indication that your streaming device has lost internet connection or indicate a software problem.
- The “503” error code on Hulu is an HTTP Status code that means “denied access”.
- The “503” error code could be given as an indication of ongoing Hulu maintenance.
With this in mind, let’s jump into the troubleshooting guide!
7 Working Solutions Against Hulu Network Error 503!
Important: While troubleshooting the error code, attempt to access the Hulu platform after each of the solutions below to determine if the error code is still there.
When the text message of the code changes, you can grasp an idea of the origin of the problem.
1. Reboot the Streaming Device
To check if the Hulu “503” network error will go away on its own, the network device must be rebooted.
The restart is a proven solution against any type of platform error code and there’s a high chance that the issue is only temporary and it will go away after the device is refreshed.
Here’s how to reboot most streaming devices in easy steps:
- Access the power settings of the streaming device.
- Choose “Restart/Reboot” from the power settings.
- Wait for the streaming device to complete the reboot.
- Launch a browser and check if Hulu is accessible.
Pro Tip: While the device is powered off, unplug the power cable to perform a power cycle!
2. Check the Internet Connection
Although you may have already checked this, an internet connection is mandatory for accessing and streaming Hulu.
When we take the “networking” part of the 503 error code’s description into consideration, your access may have been revoked due to internet issues on your side!
How to Check if My Device is Connected?
✅ If you’re on mobile, check if you’re connected to cellular at Settings > Cellular and if you’re using Wi-Fi, go to Settings > “Wireless” > “WiFi”.
✅ If you’re on a desktop, press the “Wi-Fi” indicator on the taskbar and check if you’re connected to the home network. If using Ethernet, simply inspect the cable’s condition.
How to Restart All Network Services?
If the issue is related to the network equipment (router, modem, gateway, or network settings), there’s an easy way to resolve the problem.
Here’s how to perform a power cycle easily:
- Power cycle your network router by unplugging the device from the power!
Once 30 seconds have passed, plug the network device back in and wait for the “Internet” lamp to turn solid green.
If the light remains orange, (no internet connection), contact the ISP for help!
3. Check the Hulu Server Status!
There is no official service released by Hulu that allows for checking the current state of their servers.
However, you can simply check for any publicly reported outages on the official Hulu Twitter page or from the official Hulu Facebook page.
Simply check the most recent posts from Hulu to determine whether they announced any planned or unplanned outages. If not, then continue with the troubleshooting of error 503…
Note: Third-party sources that reported Hulu’s downtime should not be blindly trusted!
4. Clear Browser Cache & Cookies
Since the Hulu “503” network error is presumed to only occur on browsers, clearing the cache and cookies could resolve the persistent error code.
All links and services you access through a browser are saved as “Browsing History” and “Cookies” under the “Cache Data” index.
How to Clear Browser Cache & Cookies On Chrome?
- Launch Chrome, and go to More > More Tools > Clear Browsing Data > “All Time” > “Cookies and other site data” > “Clear Data”.
How to Clear Browser Cache & Cookies On Firefox?
- Open Firefox and go to “History” > “Clear Recent History” > “Everything” > “ Cookies” > “Clear All History”.
How to Clear Browser Cache & Cookies On Safari?
- Hold Ctrl-Shift-Delete on Windows or Command-Shift Delete on Mac.
Tip: We recommend using the Chrome browser with Hulu as it has the best compatibility!
5. Deactivate a Browser VPN Service
The “503” Hulu error code is reported to occur if you’re accessing the service from a VPN-masked browser.
Your original location is required to access the service and alternating the IP of the desktop computer repeatedly could easily revoke your access to Hulu.
About Browser VPN-Extensions?
VPN services can be added to any browser via browser extensions that could either be bought or added for free from the Chrome store.
If you have a VPN working on your browser through an extension, make sure to temporarily disable/uninstall the service.
Downloadable VPN Services?
On desktop (and many mobile devices), you’re able to download a VPN application that lets you choose your host location and access advanced user settings.
If you have such an application downloaded on your desktop device, make sure to deactivate the VPN service from there.
Note: If you’re not able to pause or suspend the VPN temporarily, uninstall it completely!
6. Reinstall the Online Browser!
In case Hulu network code “503” still appears, it’s time for a more drastic approach. The last check for issues related to the browser is to reinstall the platform.
Some browsers’ files get corrupted, especially if your desktop device was compromised by unknown third-party apps!
How to Reinstall a Browser App (Windows)?
- Access the Task Manager on your PC and find the browser service.
- Highlight the browser’s service and click on “End Process” to stop it.
- Open the Windows Start Menu, type “Control Panel” and hit enter.
- Go to “Uninstall a program” and locate the problematic browser.
- Right-click the “.exe” of the browser and choose “Uninstall”.
- Once the browser is deleted, download it from the official link.
How to Reinstall a Browser App (macOS)?
- Navigate to the “GO” menu and press “Applications”.
- Scroll down to locate the browser application in the list.
- Highlight the app and choose “File” > “Move to Trash”.
- Access the default Safari browser on your Mac device.
- Download your previous browser or use Safari to access Hulu.
Note: On Linux, locate the browser’s files in the “PC” section and uninstall it like on Windows!
7. Wait or Seek Qualified Help!
With nothing left to do, the best option is to wait. Hulu is probably informed already of the ongoing outage and they are working on restoring the online service to all users.
If you have a family member or friend that can test whether error “503” appears for them would be great. This will suggest whether you need to seek Hulu’s help or simply wait for the outage to end.
In case you need to contact Hulu, simply call them at (888) 265-650 / (818) 560-1000, and report the issue you’ve been facing. Best of luck!
Note: Typically Hulu outages and maintenance need about 2-3 hours to be resolved.
Quick Recap:
Although the Hulu network error 503 is caused by Hulu in most cases, users should attempt to eliminate the possibility of network issues on their side.
The troubleshooting involves a power cycle on the router, disabling VPN, and clearing the browser’s cache!
Read Next: Why Is Hulu So Quiet On My TV? – Best Working Solutions
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.