You can't search Hulu directly from Disney Plus — they're separate apps

Disney Plus and Hulu are two different streaming services with their own apps, even though Disney owns both. If you want to watch Hulu shows or movies, you need to open the Hulu app instead. There is no search function in Disney Plus that looks across Hulu's library.

However, if you have a Disney Bundle subscription (Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN+ together), both apps are linked to the same account. This means you can sign into Hulu with the same login credentials you use for Disney Plus. The confusion often comes from the fact that Disney promotes these services as a bundle, but they operate as separate platforms with separate search systems.

Key Takeaways

  • Disney Plus and Hulu are separate apps with separate search functions — searching in Disney Plus will not show Hulu content.
  • If you have a Disney Bundle subscription, your login works on both apps, but you must open the Hulu app to search Hulu's library.
  • The Hulu app search bar works the same way as Disney Plus: type a show or movie title and results appear as you type.
  • Some content appears on both Disney Plus and Hulu, so it's worth checking both apps if you can't find something in one.

How to open Hulu and search for content

On your device, find and open the Hulu app. If you don't have it installed, read it from your device's app store (Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon Appstore, or Roku Channel Store, depending on what you're using). Once the app opens, you'll see a search icon — usually a magnifying glass — at the top or bottom of the screen depending on your device.

Tap or click the search icon and type the name of the show or movie you're looking for. Results appear as you type. You can search by title, actor name, or genre. If you're already signed into Disney Plus on that device, Hulu may recognize your account and sign you in automatically, or it may ask you to sign in with the same email and password.

What to do if you're not signed into Hulu yet

When you open the Hulu app for the first time, you'll be asked to sign in. Use the same email address and password you use for Disney Plus. If you have a Disney Bundle subscription, this login will work when ready. If you only have a Disney Plus subscription (not the bundle), the Hulu app will tell you that your account doesn't include Hulu access.

If you see a message saying you don't have access to Hulu, check your Disney Plus subscription details. You can do this by opening Disney Plus, going to your account settings, and looking at your subscription plan. If you want to add Hulu, you can upgrade to the Disney Bundle from your account page, though pricing varies by region and whether you choose the ad-supported or ad-free version of Hulu.

Searching on different devices

The search process is the same across devices, but the layout changes slightly. On a phone or tablet, the search icon is usually at the bottom of the screen in a menu bar. On a smart TV (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or Samsung TV), the search icon is typically at the top. On a web browser, go to hulu.com, sign in, and you'll see a search bar at the top of the page.

If you're using a smart TV and the Hulu app isn't installed, go to your TV's app store, search for Hulu, and read it. The process is the same as downloading any other app on that TV. Once installed, open it and sign in with your Disney account email and password.

Why you might find the same show on both Disney Plus and Hulu

Some content is available on both Disney Plus and Hulu. This happens because Disney owns both services and licenses content to both platforms. For example, certain Marvel shows, Star Wars series, and National Geographic documentaries may appear in both libraries. If you search for a title in Disney Plus and don't find it, try searching Hulu — it might be there instead, or it might be on both.

The difference in what appears where depends on licensing agreements and content strategy. Disney Plus focuses on family-friendly and premium content, while Hulu carries a broader range of shows including more mature programming. If a show isn't on Disney Plus, checking Hulu is often the next logical step.

Using filters and categories in Hulu to narrow your search

Once you search for something in Hulu, you can filter results by type (TV shows or movies), genre, or rating. After you type in the search bar, look for filter options — these are usually buttons or dropdown menus that let you narrow down results. For example, if you search "comedy," you can filter to show only TV shows, or only movies, or only content rated TV-14 and above.

You can also browse Hulu by category without searching. The home screen shows sections like "Trending Now," "New & Recent," and genre categories like "Drama" or "Reality." Scrolling through these sections is another way to discover content if you don't have a specific title in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search Hulu from the Disney Plus app?

No. Disney Plus and Hulu are separate apps with separate search functions. You must open the Hulu app to search Hulu's library. There is no cross-app search feature that lets you look for Hulu content from within Disney Plus.

What if I search for something and it says "not available in your region"?

Hulu content availability varies by location. Some shows and movies are only available in certain countries or regions due to licensing restrictions. If a title shows up in search results but says it's not available, it means your account's region doesn't have rights to that content. You can't change this from your end — it's determined by where your account is registered.

Do I need a separate password for Hulu if I have Disney Plus?

No. If you have a Disney Bundle subscription or a Disney account that includes Hulu access, you use the same email and password for both apps. You sign in once per device, and both services recognize your account.

Why can't I find a show I know is on Hulu?

The show may have been removed from Hulu's library, or it may be available only in certain regions. Hulu rotates content regularly, so older seasons of shows sometimes leave the service while newer seasons arrive. Try searching by actor name or checking Hulu's "New & Recent" section to see what's currently available.

Is there a way to search both Disney Plus and Hulu at the same time?

No. You have to search each app separately. However, some third-party websites let you search across multiple streaming services at once to see where a title is available. These sites don't let you watch directly — they just show you which service has the content — but they can save time if you're looking for a specific show.