How To Fix Hulu Error Code 3 And 5 In 2023? Updated November

Ever since Hulu has become one of the most used streaming services in the world, numerous error codes have surfaced, and some of them appear more frequently than others, like Hulu error code 3 and 5.

This doesn’t really mean that Hulu is prone to errors. The popular American streaming platform has an optimized user interface that provides you with a smooth streaming experience. However, due to many factors, occasional errors become inevitable.

This guide tackles the infamous Hulu Error code 3 and 5, offering easy-to-follow solutions. These methods are guaranteed to resolve any issues with Hulu, helping you return to your streaming experience easily. So, don’t wait any longer; read this blog to the end.

How to fix Hulu Error Code 3 and 5?

The error code 3 and 5 on Hulu typically occur due to reasons like interruptions in the internet connection during the time when you are playing a video. These errors come with various messages, indicating that the Hulu app is struggling to load a video. It is important to keep in mind that the message can vary every time depending on the cause of the error.

Well, we’re going to explain the factors that play a role in triggering these errors later in this blog. So, for now, let’s just dive right into the ways you can solve these issues.

Here are the few options you have to fix Hulu Error Code 3 and 5:

Power Cycle your Device
Restart your Internet Router
Check for Hulu App Updates
Clear the App Cache
Reinstall the Hulu App
Lower the Streaming Quality on Hulu
Report the Problem to Hulu

Power Cycle your Device

This may sound like a basic approach, but there’s a reason we have put it in the first place on this list of fixes to solve Hulu error code 3 and 5. Restarting your streaming device is an effective method to handle minor glitches with Hulu and other applications before you start considering more complex troubleshooting methods.

When we faced the same issue while streaming Hulu on Firestick, the power cycle method served as the most effective approach for resolving the problem.

Turning the streaming device off and on again might help overcome any error messages for users of a variety of devices. However, for the ones who are using computers to watch Hulu, this approach might not be as useful compared to other solutions that we have mentioned in this blog. So, if you are watching on Hulu on PC, do check out other fixes.

Restart your Internet Router

As we have already mentioned, the Hulu error code 3 and 5 are often related to connectivity issues with your internet. To fix it, you can also consider restarting the internet router that your streaming device is connected to.

This method is fairly simple and won’t require you to do any sort of technical work. All you need to do is turn off your internet router, wait for at least 60 seconds, and then turn it on. Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? We can assure you this process can solve almost all network connectivity issues.

We have already used this method to fix the error code 3 and 5 while using Hulu on Windows, and it worked just fine. However, in case the issue continues after restarting your internet router, it might be because the issue isn’t originating from your internet connectivity. In such a situation, it is best to explore other methods.

Check for Hulu App Updates

Sometimes the Hulu app that is installed on your streaming device might face issues like Hulu error code 3 and 5 because it hasn’t been updated to the latest version; to prevent encountering this problem, it’s necessary to keep track of your software updates.

Regularly updating your apps not only fixes bugs but also enhances overall performance and introduces you to new features of the app. Delaying updates could lead to unexpected glitches with your Hulu app.

If you are a Hulu app user, checking for the latest version in the App Store of your device is highly recommended. But if you’re accessing Hulu on Mac via a web browser, you must make sure your web browser is updated to the latest version.

Clear the App Cache

Another easy fix to Hulu error code 3 and 5 or a variety of other errors is to delete the cached files on your device. Every streaming device has a different method for clearing the app cache, but we have mentioned the steps for two of the most used devices below: Android and iOS:

Steps to Clear App Cache for Android users:

If you are using Hulu on Android, we suggest you follow the simple steps below to clear the app cache on your device to fix the Hulu error code 3 and 5:

Go to your Android device’s settings.
Go to the Apps section and locate Hulu.
Navigate to Storage and select the Clear Cache and Clear Data options.

Steps to Clear App for iOS users:

Facing the error code 3 and 5 while watching Hulu on your iPhone? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Let us inform you that iOS devices don’t allow you to clear app cache. So, how are you going to fix the Hulu error code 3 and 5?

In the case of iOS users, reinstalling the Hulu app is the best option because once you will uninstall the app, it will automatically delete all the cached files from your device. Follow the steps below to reinstall Hulu on iOS devices:

Go to Settings on your iOS device
Click on General and go to Storage
Find and select the Hulu app and click on the uninstall option
Go to Apple Store and search for Hulu
Reinstall the Hulu app on your iOS device

Reinstall the Hulu App

Like iOS devices, there are a lot of devices where you cannot clear the app cache, and there’s also a possibility that even if you do clear the Hulu app cache from your device, it might not fix the Hulu error code 3 and 5. To resolve the issue fast and easily, you should reinstall the Hulu application on your device.

This approach guarantees that you are using the most current version of the app. Reinstalling the app also often fixes any minor glitches or performance issues that might be affecting your streaming experience.

Lower the Streaming Quality on Hulu

When encountering Hulu error code 3 and 5 while watching a movie or TV show, it might indicate that your internet connection is facing challenges in managing the minimum bandwidth requirements of the Hulu app. Additionally, Hulu could be playing the content at a resolution exceeding your device’s capabilities, which could be the reason behind these errors.

You can follow the steps below to fix this issue by lowering the streaming quality on Hulu:

Open the Hulu app and tap on your Profile icon.
Click on Settings and open Cellular Data Usage.
Select the Data Saver option.

Report the Problem to Hulu

After trying each and every method we have mentioned above, if you continue to encounter the Hulu error code 3 and 5, it might mean that a more serious problem is at play here. In such an unfortunate situation, it is advisable to seek professional assistance by contacting Hulu’s support team.

Go to their Help Center to report the issue you’re facing. However, you must make sure to include details about your Hulu account, the streaming device you’re using, and a screenshot of the error.

This information will help their support team better understand your situation and provide you with the proper assistance that is required.

What does the Hulu Error Code 3 and 5 mean?

The infamous error code 3 and 5 on Hulu mean that there is a disruption in the internet connection during video playback. These codes come with various messages, but they essentially mean that the Hulu application is facing difficulties in loading a video.

Following are the error messages you will get when Hulu Error Code 3 is triggered:

“Error playing this video”
“Sorry, we encountered an error playing this video. Please try restarting the video or select something else to watch.”
“Error code: 3(-996)”
“We’re having trouble loading this right now”
“Please check your internet connection and try again. Error Code: -3: An unexpected problem (but not server timeout or HTTP error) has been detected.”

The Hulu Error Code 5 shows the following error messages:

“We’re having trouble loading this right now”
“Please check your internet connection and try again. Error Code: -5: malformed data.”
“If this problem persists, try restarting your device.”

Note: Both Hulu error code 3 and 5 have the same troubleshooting methods.

What causes the Hulu Error Code 3 and 5?

Hulu error code 3 and 5 are often caused by a poor internet connection, causing problems with Hulu’s ability to process user commands efficiently and play videos. Additionally, these errors can be triggered by an overloaded or corrupted cache file within the Hulu app on your device. Having an excessive of cached files on your device can lead to various app glitches and problems.

Technical issues within Hulu’s own system can also trigger these error codes. These issues might be specific to the device or region where Hulu is being used.

Often, a simple solution, like restarting the device or the Hulu app, can resolve these temporary glitches, or you might even consider reinstalling the Hulu app altogether.

FAQs

1- Why is Hulu not working?

If Hulu is not working, there might be a range of reasons behind that. Hulu usually works just fine without causing any issues. But oftentimes, various errors, like Hulu error code 3 and 5, can cause disruptions in your streaming experience.

Whether you are facing error code 3 and 5 or any other issue that is resulting in Hulu not working, you can consider common fixes like restarting your device, rebooting your internet connection, or reinstalling the Hulu app.

2- Are Hulu error codes 3 and 5 the same?

No, Hulu Error Code 3 and 5 are different from each other, but both signal problems are related to video playback on Hulu. The error code 3 on Hulu means there’s a problem with your internet connection.

On the other hand, the Hulu error code 5 often means there is some issue with Hulu’s servers. It occurs when the Hulu app fails to load a program or movie because of server-side problems.

The main difference between the two is that you can often fix the Hulu error code 3 from your end by restarting the streaming device, restarting the internet router, or reinstalling the app. However, when it comes to Hulu error code 5, the issue is mainly from Hulu’s end, so you can’t really do anything until they fix it themself.

3- Can using a VPN fix Hulu error code 3 and 5?

Hulu error codes 3 and 5 are mainly server-related or internet connectivity-related playback errors, and using a VPN might not fix them. However, if you are located outside the US, where Hulu isn’t officially available, using a VPN might work on rare occasions and allow you to access Hulu from anywhere.

We have used a premium quality VPN service known as ExpressVPN to access Hulu from various European countries, and it worked absolutely flawlessly. Thus, it is highly recommended to all Hulu enthusiasts who are situated in geo-blocked regions.

What to Watch on Hulu in 2023?

Once you’re able to get past the Hulu error code 3 and 5, it’s time to enjoy popular movies and TV shows that Hulu has to offer. But the main question still remains, “What to watch on Hulu?” Don’t worry; we’re here to get you out of this dilemma.

Check out the list of some of the best titles we have curated for you to watch on Hulu in 2023:

Wrap Up

Wrapping it up, if none of those mentioned above methods fix the Hulu error code 3 and 5, it might just be that Hulu is facing a momentarily service outage. You can check if Hulu is up and running via websites like Downdetector.

Additionally, should you encounter other common issues such as a Hulu error code: p-dev320 or Hulu error code: BYA-403-007, it’s advisable first to check your internet connection, as it is often the primary cause in most instances.

How To Fix Hulu Error Code 3 and 5 In 2023? (Updated November)