Many users often ask, why can’t I watch certain movies on Hulu. We have all the answers you’re looking for in this guide.
It can be disheartening to find out some movies are locked on Hulu. This error typically occurs when content is subject to licensing restrictions or requires add-ons to access them.
You’ll see a lock icon on these movies, and you won’t be able to watch them.
If you can’t watch certain movies on Hulu, you must bypass these restrictions by upgrading your subscription to Hulu Plus. You will also want to get Hulu add-ons and bundles to access other shows and content from other platforms.
Let’s find out all the ways to fix this problem with your Hulu account!
How to Unlock Movies on Hulu – 8 Solutions to Fix This Error
Fortunately, we have compiled 8 solutions to help you fix this issue. All you need to do is follow these carefully and watch your favorite movies and content.
#1: Verify Your Device’s Compatibility with Hulu
Since Hulu is a streaming service that relies on an app, it doesn’t run on every possible device.
You want to ensure that the devices you’re using to stream are compatible with the app and service.
Some older devices or unsupported platforms will encounter certain limitations in accessing movies or content.
Here are some of the popular devices that are compatible with Hulu:
- Android phones and tablets running Android 5.0 and above.
- Apple iPhone 5S or later
- Apple iPad 5th generation or later
- Playstation 4 and 5
- Microsoft Xbox
- LG WebOS, Samsung, Vizio Smart TVs
- Amazon Fire OS 5.0 and later devices
- Xfinity Flex and X1 TV boxes
If your device is not listed, we recommend you look for a different device compatible with Hulu.
If you have a device that meets the requirements, move to the next step as you deal with a different cause of your issue.
#2: Clear Temporary Files from the Hulu App
There are instances when files and data on your Hulu app get corrupted and cause streaming issues.
To fix this, you must remove these files to make the app work as intended. Here’s how you do it on both iOS and Android devices:
For iOS devices, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Go to General.
- Select iPhone or iPad Storage.
- Locate the Hulu app from the list.
- Tap on Offload App to remove its temporary files
Note: If you want to watch Hulu, simply tap on it and wait for your device to reinstall it and restore its data.
For Android devices, follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings app on your device.
- Tap on the Apps or Applications menu.
- Find the Hulu app and select it.
- Select Storage.
- Tap on Clear Cache.
Optional: Additionally, you will need to tap Clear Data to remove all temporary and residual files.
#3: Upgrade Your Hulu Subscription to Hulu Plus
You won’t have access to the entire Hulu content library without a basic subscription. There will be some movies that will have the lock icon.
To unlock them, you must upgrade to the Premium plan to watch most movies and shows.
To upgrade your subscription, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Hulu account or open the app on your device.
- Navigate to Your Subscription.
- Select Manage Plan.
- Choose Hulu (No Ads) from the list.
- Confirm your payment details.
- Tap on Submit.
At this point, you have to check whether the movie you want to watch has been unlocked. If not, it’s on another platform, and you must proceed to the next solution.
#4: Get Hulu Premium Add-ons to Access More Content
If you’re still asking, why can’t I watch certain movies on Hulu, it’s likely the content you want is on a different platform.
Hulu displays shows from their partners like HBO, Showtime, or Starz. You must bundle these with your Hulu subscription to access more movies and shows.
Here’s how to get Hulu premium add-ons:
- Log in to your Hulu account or open the app.
- Go to the Your Subscription option.
- Select Manage Add-ons.
- Choose which add-on you want to add to your Hulu plan.
- Confirm your payment details.
- Select Submit to confirm your option.
Tip: The advantage of getting these premium add-ons is that you won’t have to worry about which platform to watch. Just open Hulu, and you’ll have access to their content.
#5: Change Your Hulu Location Settings
If you’re outside the US, some movies will be locked due to regional restrictions.
Changing your location settings on your account to match your current location fixes this.
Doing this gives you access to movies that are also available in the country you’re in.
Here’s how to do it:
- Log in to your Hulu account or open the app.
- Navigate to the Your Account option.
- Choose Privacy and Settings.
- Select the Location option.
- Tap on Change Location.
- Choose the country you’re currently located in.
- Tap on Save Changes.
Stream and see if you are able to watch the movie that’s locked. If you still can’t, proceed to the next solution.
#6: Use a VPN If You’re Outside the US
If you’re outside the US, another option is to use a VPN to access movies you want to watch.
This way, you bypass regional restrictions and geo-blocks, allowing you to watch your locked movie.
Here’s how to do it:
- Choose a VPN service that works with Hulu.
- Download the VPN app on your device.
- Open the VPN app.
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Open the Hulu app and log in with your credentials.
- Navigate to the movie you want to watch and select it.
VPN: A reputable service that we recommend is AtlasVPN. It works with Hulu, and they have multiple servers in the US, allowing you to have the best possible connection every time.
#7: Verify Your Internet Connection
Sometimes the problem is not with the Hulu servers, app, or even your device.
Internet speed and quality also matter since a slow or unstable connection causes buffering, freezing, or unable to watch movies.
You want to confirm that your internet is in the best shape, and here’s how you do it:
- Go to speedtest.net and run an internet test on your device.
- You want your download speeds to be at least 3 Mbps. (See table below)
| Hulu Content | Recommended Speed |
| Hulu Streaming Library | At least 3.0 Mbps |
| Hulu Live Content | At least 8.0 Mbps |
| 4K Content | At least 16.0 Mbps |
If your speed is too low, consider these steps:
- Move closer to your router.
- Restart your router or modem.
- Disconnect your other devices from the network.
After performing these steps, check if you are now able to watch movies on Hulu without issues.
#8: Manage Your Devices Not Exceed the Limit
Your Hulu account only allows a limited number of devices to stream simultaneously.
Depending on your plan, your limit is either one, two, or five. Watching a movie on more than the allowed devices will cause an error message to appear.
To resolve this, manage your devices and remove those you’re not using to stay under the limit.
Here’s how to do it:
- Log in to your Hulu account or open the app on your device.
- Select the Your Account option.
- Choose Manage Devices.
- Review the devices on your list.
- Tap on Remove.
Tip: If you have Hulu Live TV and want to stream on more devices, consider getting the Unlimited Screens add-on so you won’t have to worry about limits.
Go to the Your Subscription section and select Manage Add-ons to get the add-on.
Contact Hulu Support for additional assistance if you’re still struggling with movie access.
Wrap Up
Why can’t I watch certain movies on Hulu? You’re on their basic subscription and need to upgrade to get access to more movie options. Getting the bundle with HBO, Showtime, and Starz will also open up additional movies you will be able to access.
If you need help with other Hulu issues, visit our blog for more troubleshooting articles!
Read Next: Why Is Hulu So Dark On My Roku TV? – (Quick Fix!)
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.