How to fix the Hulu loading error on PS4

The PS4 is a gaming console but it doesn’t limit itself to games. It is an entertainment platform that supports, in addition to games, streaming services like Hulu and Netflix. You can use your console to stream from these, and other services.

Fix Hulu loading error on PS4

Hulu can be installed on the PS4 (and the PS5). You need a Hulu subscription and it must be purchased separately. If you want to use Hulu’s LiveTV, you must be running one of the newer PlayStation models i.e., PS3 isn’t supported.

If you’re trying to watch something on Hulu and you see a loading error, try the following fixes.

1. Check network connection and connectivity

It is impossible to stream from Hulu without an internet connection.

Make sure your internet connection is up and running. Connect a different device e.g., a phone or a laptop to the same network and access Hulu.
Make sure the PS4 is connected to the network. It’s possible that the connection has dropped. In this case, go to the settings on the PS4 and connect to the network again.
Make sure the PS4 is getting decent signal strength and that there is nothing that can interfere with the signals. Your PS4 and router should not have any obstructions between them.

2. Power cycle PS4/PS5

The PlayStation, like most devices that tend to remain On all the time, can benefit from a power cycle to resolve common errors.

Press the power button on the PS4/PS5.
Wait for the device to power off.
Disconnect it from its main power source.
Let the device rest for a few minutes.
Connect the power source again and turn the PS4/PS5 On.
Try streaming from Hulu.

3. Delete Hulu app data

The Hulu app may have expired cookies (or similar files) stored on the PlayStation. Unlike a TV stick, the PlayStation has on-board storage and external storage can be connected to it. Garbage files can accumulate over time and cause streaming problems.

On the PS4;

Access the Settings.
Go to Application saved data management.
Select Saved data in system storage.
Go through the list of apps and select Hulu.
Select the Options menu.
Select Delete.
Install Hulu again.

Note: this is harmless for Hulu since it works with an online account but if you decide to do this for a game, make sure you’ve backed it up to be safe.

4. Rebuild PS4/PS5 database

Rebuilding the Playstation’s database is another simple solution that can solve most common problems.

On the PS4/PS5;

Press the power button on the console for 5-10 seconds and release it when you hear two beeps.
Allow the device to power off.
Wait 30 seconds.
Press and hold the power button and wait for the second beep.
Release the button on the second beep.
Connect your controller to the console using a USB cable.
You will enter Safe Mode.
From the menu, select the Rebuild database option.
Power the console on and try streaming.

Note: Rebuilding the database will NOT delete data.

5. Check VPN

If you’re using a VPN to stream from Hulu, check if the VPN is working or not. It may have been blocked by Hulu or it may be experiencing connectivity problems of its own. Turn it off and check if Hulu works.

6. Initialize PS4/PS5

This is the nuclear option for when all else fails. Make sure everything is backed up as your data will be deleted when you initialize the console.

On the PS4/PS5;

Go to Settings>Initialization.
Select Initialize PS4.
Select the Quick option (think of this as quick format vs full format for a hard disk on Windows).
Click Initialize.
The PS4 will restart and start to initialize.
Once it’s complete, install Hulu again and stream from it.

Note: if you run into a deactivation error, you can skip deactivation and continue with the initialization.

Conclusion

Streaming errors can appear for all sorts of reasons. With devices like the Playstation that are generally On all the time, the streaming error is likely related to the network and it’s highly unlikely the you’ll need to initialize the device to fix it.