Jacob Ant
Hulu is an amazing American streaming platform that provides its users access to over 100 premium channels featuring live sports, news, and events, in addition to the vast streaming library of thousands of movies and hundreds of TV shows. What if we tell you that you can enjoy all that on your big Vizio Smart TV screen?
If you reside within the United States, streaming Hulu on your Vizio Smart TV is a straightforward process and won’t require any hassle. However, if you’re a traveler or live outside the US, you can still enjoy Hulu with the assistance of a trustworthy VPN service.
We’re here to assist you with the information that is required for getting Hulu on Vizio Smart TV, no matter where you are. So, without further delay, continue reading and unblock limitless Hulu entertainment possibilities.
How to get Hulu on Vizio Smart TV in 2023?
Vizio and Hulu are committed to delivering a seamless and user-friendly experience for smart TV owners who wish to enjoy their desired content on the big screen of their devices.
Various models of Vizio Smart TVs offer a convenient quick access button or a dedicated Hulu app, making your streaming journey easier. Now, we are here to guide you even deeper into the realm of Hulu streaming on Vizio Smart TV.
Check out the following steps that we have mentioned for all online streaming enthusiasts who watch to get Hulu Vizio Smart TV in 2023:
1- Press the VIA button on your Vizio remote. (If your Vizio model has the “quick launch” button instead of the VIA button, press that)
2- Add the Hulu app to your VIA dock via the Yahoo Connected Store or App Store. (It depends on the model of your Vizio Smart TV)
3- Open the Hulu app and log in to your Hulu account. (You must sign up if you don’t have a Hulu account)
4- Enjoy watching Hulu on Vizio Smart TV.
Note: The Hulu app might already be available in your VIA dock. If it is, skip the 2nd step.
How to Get Hulu on Vizio Smart TV outside the US?
Hulu is not available outside the US due to geo-licensing problems. That is why you won’t be able to access it on your Vizio Smart TVs. However, there is a neat little trick that can offer you the required workaround. The name of that trick is using a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN.
If you want to watch Hulu on Vizio Smart TV outside the US, the following steps are your guiding light:
1- Subscribing to ExpressVPN and install it on your internet router or PC. (It’s important to note that Vizio Smart TVs do not initially support VPN apps)
2- Connect to an American server.
3- Make sure your Vizio Smart TV is connected to the internet, either through Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.
4- Go to the App Store. Search for Hulu and install the app.
5- Launch the Hulu app on your Vizio Smart TV.
6- Log in to your Hulu account or sign up if you don’t already have an account.
7- You’re now ready to start streaming Hulu content on your Vizio Smart TV outside the US.
How to Set up a VPN on Vizio Smart TV?
While connecting a VPN to your Vizio Smart TV is possible, it is important to know that Vizio Smart TVs do not natively support VPNs, and there is no dedicated VPN app for them. However, there are alternative methods to enable VPN usage on these Vizio Smart TV devices.
These options include installing a VPN on your internet router or sharing the VPN connection via WiFi. We have explored each alternative approach below, so check them out for yourself:
1- Installing a VPN on Your Internet Router
Installing a VPN on your internet router grants you the capability to use the VPN connection not only on your Vizio smart TV but also on other devices that are connected to the router as well. To achieve this, follow the straightforward steps outlined below:
1- Subscribe to a premium VPN service. (We recommend ExpressVPN because it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support)
2- Open your router’s firmware page on the browser
3- Find the VPN settings option and click on it
4- Enable the VPN service
5- Check if your VPN is working on your router
6- Make sure your Vizio Smart TV is connected to the router through Wi-Fi.
Note: ExpressVPN’s official website has the whole process of setting up VPN on internet routers with details. We also set up ExpressVPN on our router, and here are the steps we followed.
2- Share Your VPN Connection over Wi-Fi with Vizio Smart TV via PC
The process to connect your Vizio Smart TV with a VPN through sharing Wi-fi with your PC is simple. All you need to do is make sure that your PC and your Vizio Smart TV are connected to the same internet connection, and follow the easy steps below:
1- You’ll first need to connect your PC with ExpressVPN. Make sure you are connected to an American server.
2- In the Windows search bar, type “control panel” and press “Enter.”
3- Go to “Network and Internet,” then select “Network and Sharing Centre,” and finally, click on “Change Adapter Settings.”
4- Locate the ExpressVPN adapter, right-click on it, and choose “Properties.”
5- Go to the “Sharing” tab. Here, enable the option that allows other network users to share this computer’s Internet connection. Confirm your selection by clicking “OK.”
6- Click on the Select a Private Network Connection drop-down menu.
8- Select your Vizio Smart TV ethernet connection and click OK.
9- Choose ‘test network connection’ to see if the VPN service is connected or not.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch Hulu on Vizio Smart TV?
When it comes to streaming Hulu on Vizio Smart TV from outside the United States, using a VPN becomes a necessity due to Hulu’s regional restrictions. Without an American IP address, watching Hulu on Vizio Smart TV is impossible because this streaming platform is only available in the US.
Faced with the frustration of encountering the infamous location error while trying to stream Hulu on Roku, we started our journey to look for solutions, and then we came across ExpressVPN. Now, before we tell you about ExpressVPN, take a look at the error we had to face while attempting to access Hulu from outside the US:
“Hulu isn’t available to watch in your location.”
Okay, so coming back to ExpressVPN, this premium VPN offers optimized American servers that effectively grant you access to US-based geo-restricted platforms like Hulu from anywhere. All that is required of you is to connect to an American server from the list of countries, and your IP address will be changed.
Best VPNs to Get Hulu on Vizio Smart TV
Just like other smart TV devices, Vizio doesn’t support VPNs natively. That is why it is necessary to carefully pick a reliable VPN service that can allow you seamless access to Hulu on Vizio Smart TV from anywhere.
Our team of experts has checked more than 30 VPN services and have found that ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are the only three premium VPN services that can efficiently provide the necessary services to eager Vizio users who want to watch Hulu on their smart TV device.
Let’s get started with exploring each of these amazing VPNs.
1- ExpressVPN – Best VPN to watch Hulu on Vizio Smart TV
Total Servers: 3500 | Countries: 105 | American servers: 24 servers 17 cities | Trustpilot Rating: 4.7 | Simultaneous Connections: 8
ExpressVPN is the ultimate choice for streaming Hulu on Vizio Smart TV from anywhere worldwide. Our detailed speed on ExpressVPN while watching Hulu on Samsung Smart TV demonstrated the capability of ExpressVPN’s blazing-fast servers, with an impressive downloading speed of 94Mbps and an uploading speed of 86Mbps.
It has an extensive network of 3000+ servers spanning 105 countries, including a robust collection of approximately 25 American servers, through which it can effortlessly unblock Hulu and many other popular streaming services from outside the US.
What sets ExpressVPN apart is its remarkable ability to bypass Hulu’s geographical restrictions discreetly. This service has allowed us to enjoy all the latest movies and TV shows in the treasure chest of Hulu on Chromecast and get an uninterrupted binge-watching experience without any buffering, thanks to the unlimited bandwidth it offers.
The cherry on top is that this VPN service employs the military-grade AES 256-bit encryption protocol, ensuring the utmost security and privacy to its users. When we watched Hulu on Android, we were truly satisfied with the rock-solid security it delivered. In terms of security, it also offers an automatic Internet Kill Switch and TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers) as well.
ExpressVPN doesn’t discriminate among devices and operating systems either, offering dedicated apps for all major platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and even Amazon Firestick. Thanks to this outstanding device flexibility, you can even enjoy Hulu on Kodi.
For those devices not supporting the VPN app directly, ExpressVPN provides an easy solution in the form of MediaStreamer; this is a remarkable Smart DNS service that allows you to enjoy Hulu on Smart TV, Roku, Apple TV, and PlayStation. With this feature, we were even able to watch Hulu on Xbox.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers you the ability to connect up to eight devices simultaneously, and all of this comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. It offers these exceptional features at an affordable rate of just $6.67 per month (49% discount), with an additional three extra months free when you sign up for the 12-month plan.
2- NordVPN – The Best Alternate to ExpressVPN
Total Servers: 5893 | Countries: 60 | Trustpilot Rating: 4.5 | American Servers: 1970+ in 16 cities | Simultaneous Connections: 6
NordVPN has the most extensive server network for streaming Hulu on Vizio Smart TV. The vast server network it has in its pocket has over 5500 servers across 60+ countries, a huge chunk of which consists of 1970+ American servers located in 15 different locations in the US.
NordVPN is also known for its cutting-edge privacy features and encryption protocols. It offers some of the most state-of-the-art encryptions with its AES 256-bit encryption. It even features unique privacy tools such as the NordLynx protocol. It is also known for its specialty servers like Onion Over VPN and Obfuscated servers.
We came to learn about its outstanding device compatibility when we watched Hulu on Xfinity. This versatile VPN service can be used on various operating systems, including macOS, Android, Linux, and Windows.
NordVPN’s specially optimized servers can reach impressive download speeds of up to 94Mbps with upload speeds as high as 80Mbps. When we wanted to access Hulu on iPhone to watch The Kardashians, it provided us with the smoothest streaming experience in 4K quality without any quality drops.
Additionally, thanks to its SmartPlay feature, you can seamlessly use NordVPN on various popular devices, including Firestick, Apple TV, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more. With a single NordVPN account, you can connect up to six devices simultaneously, effectively protecting almost every device in your household without any issues.
NordVPN is priced at just $5.79 per month (65% discount), and they back this offer with three extra months of service with the two-year plan and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Not to forget, there’s also 24/7 customer support for any inquiries or assistance you may require. We have enjoyed the benefits of NordVPN to watch Hulu on our Smart TV, and we can vouch for its capabilities.
3- Surfshark – The Most Affordable Alternate
Total Servers: 3200+ | Countries: 100 | American Servers: 600 servers in 20+ Cities | Trustpilot Rating: 4.3 | Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
Surfshark is the ultimate budget-friendly VPN solution for those seeking to access Hulu on Vizio Smart TV without paying too much for a VPN. This extraordinary VPN can be yours for an unbelievably low cost of $1.99 per month. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark’s wide server network has a global reach in 100 countries and has a total of 3200+ servers. We must tell you about the 600 high-speed American servers Surfshark has in store for the ones seeking to watch Hulu on Vizio Smart TV from outside the US. Thanks to these outstanding servers, we were able to watch Hulu on Windows effortlessly.
We were truly surprised by the stable performance demonstrated by Surfshark. Every time we used it to watch Hulu on Mac or Netflix on Kodi, it delivered an astonishing download speed of up to 83Mbps and an equally impressive upload speed of up to 73Mbps.
What’s truly outstanding about Surfshark is that with a single subscription, you can simultaneously connect an unlimited number of devices, ensuring your entire household can enjoy the benefits. Whether you’re using Windows, iOS, Linux, Smart TVs, Roku, Firestick, or any other device, Surfshark ensures you can enjoy Hulu content seamlessly and securely on all of them.
Surfshark employs the lightning-fast WireGuard protocol, which enhances the overall speed of your connection, ensuring your streaming experience on Hulu on Vizio Smart TV doesn’t get interrupted by annoying buffering hiccups.
Surfshark’s security measures are top-notch, with features such as a Kill Switch, Camouflage Mode, and CleanWeb. These features enhanced our online security while watching Hulu on Firestick.
Surfshark currently offers its services at an 86% discount and offers an extra three months for free with a 24-month subscription plan. So, grab onto this amazing opportunity and watch Hulu on Vizio Smart TV with Surfshark.
Can I use a Free VPN to watch Hulu on Vizio Smart TV?
Hulu blocks access to its wide content library from countries where it is not available, which is basically every country outside the US. Hulu does that through measures like a VPN and IP detection system. This security system can detect if you are using a VPN or not, and it can even detect your actual location.
Free VPNs are not the viable option to watch Hulu on Vizio Smart TV because they rely on blacklisted IP addresses that have already been blocked by Hulu. If you still use a free VPN to access Hulu on Vizio Smart TV from outside the US, you’ll be facing an error similar to the Netflix proxy error that will block you from accessing Hulu.
There are reliable and secure premium VPN options available, like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfhshark. These VPNs can allow you to easily bypass the geographic limitations put on Hulu’s content library. We used ExpressVPN to watch Hulu on PS4/PS5, and we didn’t regret our decision to pay a price of $6.67/month(12+3 months) one bit.
FAQs
1- Why does my Vizio Smart TV not have the Hulu app?
If the Hulu app is not available on your Vizio Smart TV, it’s important to verify the specific model of your TV. The model you have might not be compatible with Hulu, especially as older Vizio TV models often lack support for this streaming service.
2- Is watching Hulu on Vizio Smart TV outside the US with a VPN illegal?
No, there is absolutely no law in any country that states that you can’t use a VPN to watch Hulu on Vizio Smart TV outside the US. Thus, it is perfectly legal. However, Hulu itself doesn’t approve of this method because it has to follow geo-licensing policies. That is why it is better to use a VPN that cannot be detected by Hulu. If you get detected using a VPN, Hulu will block you from accessing its content.
3- What countries is Hulu available in?
As of now in 2023, Hulu is only officially available in the United States, and you cannot access it anywhere else without first changing your IP address to the US. You can use a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN for that.
What to Watch on Hulu on Vizio Smart TV?
It is possible to be eager and clueless at the same time. You are excited to watch Hulu on your Vizio Smart TV, but have absolutely no clue of what to watch exactly. Are we right? Well, in that case, you can check the list of titles below and see what’s there to watch on Hulu on Vizio Smart TV:
- Letterkenny
- Ramy
- The Good Doctor
- America’s Funniest Home Videos
- Home Economics
- The Conners
- The Reasonable Doubt
- Chef vs. Wild
- Meet Cute
- The Handmaid’s Tale
Wrap Up
We hope the steps outlined in the blog will allow you to access Hulu on a Vizio Smart TV anywhere globally. Simply pairing our instructions with a good VPN service like ExpressVPN should do the trick.
There’s nothing between you and Hulu anymore. Sign up for ExpressVPN and start your streaming adventure. You can even watch American Netflix on Roku from anywhere if you want to expand your streaming horizon.
