How to Fix Hulu Error Code 3 And 5 [Quick Guide in Apr 2024]

Summary

The blog will teach you how to fix Hulu errors 3 and 5. The error is commonly seen when the internet goes wrong or for other issues. When you are prepared to enjoy some movies on Hulu, the following errors can ruin your mood. But don’t worry, such errors can be resolved. Keep reading for more information.

Hulu viewers have periodically reported various error codes during their streaming experience. These codes signify different issues encountered due to internet issues, outdated applications, or geo-restrictions. In this guide, we will show you how to resolve frustrating Hulu error codes 3 and 5 through tested solutions that you can try and get yourself back into the streaming zone in no time. An unparalleled VPN can fix most Hulu errors right away.

What causes Hulu Error Codes 3 and 5?

When Hulu stops working, the error messages you are presented with aren’t of much help unless you already know what you are tackling. Generally, Hulu errors are caused because of outdated devices, inadequate internet connection, and hardware malfunction. The error message displayed with the codes is vague and doesn’t clearly explain the causes of the error. Rarely, you might experience an error due to Hulu being down. Let’s get into the causes of Error Codes 3 and 5:

Hulu Error Code 3

Error Code 3 often arises when Hulu is unable to fetch and run a content title. It typically directs problems with the internet connection. The error is usually displayed with these messages:

“Sorry, we encountered an error playing this video. Please try restarting the video or select something else to watch”

“Error code: 3(-996)”

“Error playing this video”

Other times, you will be displayed the following message:

“Please check your internet connection and try again. Error Code: -3: An unexpected problem (but not server timeout or HTTP error) has been detected”

“We’re having trouble loading this right now”

Hulu Error Code 5

Error Code 5 is caused due to similar problems and includes any of these messages:

“If this problem persists, try restarting your device”

“Please check your internet connection and try again. Error Code: -5: malformed data”

“We’re having trouble loading this right now”

How to Fix Hulu Error Codes 3 and 5?

We have piled up the most convenient ways how to fix Hulu error codes 3 and 5; try the following steps:

Fix 1: Restart Your Device

Restarting your device is a quick and easy way to resolve any minor issues that have arisen before proceeding with further solutions. When faced with a variety of problems, a restart is often the best first line of defense.

Power cycling your streaming device(s) can help you get past the error message. However, if you are a computer user, you may find that this solution is not as effective as others.

Fix 2: Check Your Internet Connection

A reliable internet connection is essential for watching Hulu to its full potential. If you want to test your connection speed without using the Hulu app, you can do so by closing Hulu and launching another app. You could also try turning off your VPN first to see if that speeds up your internet connection.

If the software takes a long time to respond when you try to connect to the internet, move closer to your Wi-Fi router or try one of the other solutions below.

• Reset your modem or router.
• Plug in an Ethernet cable.
• Close any other apps that are running in the background.

Fix 3: Use a Wired Internet Connection

Sometimes wireless internet connections can cause connectivity issues. To avoid this problem, it’s suggested to use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi. Make sure your device is connected to a modem or router with an Ethernet cable before you start streaming.

Fix 4: Check for Updates

In order to avoid Hulu errors 3 and 5, it’s important to always use the most current edition of your software. The update, as is typical, may also enhance performance and provide new features. If you wait too long to do the upgrade, some of the features might stop getting better and you might run into some bugs you didn’t expect.

That being said, if you want to see whether there’s an updated version of Hulu, you may do a search for it in the App Store or the Play Store. If you watch Hulu through a browser, you must upgrade your browser.

Fix 5: Clear the App Cache

You may clear the Hulu app cache in the following devices with the herein steps:

Android Devices

1. Firstly, Go to your phone’s settings from the main menu.
2. Second, Go to your apps and access Hulu.
3. Navigate to Storage, then Clear Cache and Clear Data.

iOS Devices

1. Open the Settings app on your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌.
2. Scroll all the way down to Safari.
3. Scroll to the Privacy & Security section and tap the blue “Clear History and Website Data” option near the bottom of the menu.
4. Tap Clear History and Data in the pop-up window to confirm.

Fix 6: Uninstall and Reinstall Hulu

If nothing else works, this would be one of the potential ways that may fix the error:

1. First, press and hold the Hulu icon until a menu appears. 
2. Select “Uninstall” from the list.
3. Then, reinstall the Hulu app from the App Store or Google Play.

Fix 7: Try Using Other Applications

If the restart did not work, we suggest that you try using other applications on your device to check if you would also encounter errors. Your device’s operating system may have an underlying issue that causes other applications to malfunction.

Fix 8: Try Lowering the Stream Quality

If you see the error code 3 and 5 on Hulu while playing a movie or TV show, your network may be struggling to keep up with the bandwidth requests of the app. Hulu may also be streaming on a higher resolution than what your device supports, explaining the error.

To fix this, follow the steps below to lower the stream quality on Hulu:

• First, launch the Hulu app and tap on your Profile icon located on the bottom navigation bar.
• After that, tap on Settings and open Cellular Data Usage.
• Lastly, select Data Saver from the options.

Fix 9: Report the Problem to Hulu

If the error code 3 and 5 still occur on Hulu, you may be dealing with a more severe issue. In this case, we suggest that you leave the matter to the experts and get in touch with Hulu’s customer support team.

Virtually visit the Help Center and report the problem you’ve been experiencing on their platform. Ensure that you provide your account details, the device you use, and a screenshot of the error to make it easier for their support to understand your situation.

Wrapping It Up

In the end, If you’ve tried all of the above ways and still can’t get rid of Hulu error codes 3 and 5, it may be an unlucky day. If you get a similar error code in the future like a Hulu proxy error, Hulu playback failure, or Hulu error code 400, check your internet connection first, since that’s probably the main problem in the vast majority of cases.

For further details:

• VPN that works with Hulu
• Hulu home location override
• Tips and tricks for Hulu live
• How to watch live TV on Hulu