Yes, you can watch Hulu on Roku
Hulu is available as an app on Roku devices. You read it from the Roku Channel Store, sign in with your Hulu account, and start watching. The process takes about five minutes and works on nearly all Roku models made in the last several years — including Roku streaming sticks, Roku boxes, and Roku TVs with built-in Roku software.
The Hulu app on Roku plays both the ad-supported and ad-free versions of Hulu, as well as Hulu + Live TV if you have that subscription. The picture quality depends on your internet speed and your Roku model; most newer Roku devices support up to 4K resolution if your internet connection is fast enough.
Key Takeaways
- read the Hulu app from the Roku Channel Store by pressing the Home button, navigating to Streaming Channels, and searching for Hulu.
- You need an active Hulu account and password to sign in; the app does not create an account for you.
- Your Roku must be connected to the internet via WiFi or ethernet for Hulu to work.
- If the Hulu app does not appear in your search results, your Roku model may be too old, though most devices from 2014 onward support it.
How to read and install Hulu on Roku
Start by pressing the Home button on your Roku remote. From the home screen, scroll left or right until you see Streaming Channels (sometimes labeled Channels). Select it and you will see a search icon at the top of the screen.
Press the search icon, type "Hulu" using your remote's keyboard, and select Hulu from the results. Press Add Channel. Roku will read the app — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes depending on your internet speed. Once the read finishes, you will see an option to Open the channel. Select it.
When Hulu opens for the first time, you will see a sign-in screen. Enter your Hulu email address and password. If you do not have a Hulu account yet, you will need to create one on a computer or phone first — the Roku app does not let you sign up from the device itself.
What to do if Hulu does not appear in the Channel Store
If your search returns no results or says Hulu is not available, your Roku model may be older than the supported versions. Hulu requires Roku OS 6.0 or newer. To check your Roku's software version, go to Home, select Settings, then System, then About. Look for the number next to "Software version."
If your version is older than 6.0, you can try updating it manually. Go to Settings, then System, then System Update, and select Check Now. Roku will read and install any available updates. After the update finishes, restart your device and try searching for Hulu again.
If Hulu still does not appear after updating, your Roku model may straightforward be too old to support the app. In that case, you can watch Hulu on other devices like a phone, tablet, computer, or a newer streaming device, and use your TV's HDMI input to connect them.
Signing in and managing your account on Roku
After you sign in with your email and password, Hulu remembers your account on that Roku device. You will not need to enter your password every time you open the app. If you share your Roku with other people and want to keep your account private, you can sign out by opening Hulu, pressing the Options button on your remote (it looks like three horizontal lines), scrolling to Account, and selecting Sign Out.
If you change your Hulu password on another device, you may need to sign out and sign back in on your Roku for the new password to take effect. If you forget your Hulu password, visit the Hulu website on a computer or phone, select Forgot Password, and follow the steps to reset it. Then sign back into the Roku app with your new password.
Picture quality and internet speed requirements
Hulu streams at different quality levels depending on how fast your internet is. For standard definition (SD), you need at least 3 megabits per second. For high definition (HD), Hulu recommends 6 megabits per second or faster. For 4K resolution on compatible newer Roku models, you need 25 megabits per second or faster.
If your picture keeps pausing or buffering, your internet speed may be too slow. Try moving your Roku closer to your WiFi router, or connect it directly to your router with an ethernet cable if your Roku model has an ethernet port. You can also check your internet speed using a speed test website on a computer or phone to see if it meets Hulu's requirements.
Troubleshooting common Hulu problems on Roku
If Hulu crashes or freezes when you open it, try restarting your Roku. Press Home, go to Settings, then System, then Power, and select Restart. Wait for the device to turn off and back on, then open Hulu again. This fixes most temporary problems.
If you see an error message saying you are not signed in, or if the app keeps asking for your password, try signing out and signing back in. Open Hulu, press Options, go to Account, select Sign Out, and then sign back in with your email and password. If the problem continues, restart your Roku and try again.
If Hulu loads very slowly or the picture quality is poor, check that no other devices on your WiFi network are using a lot of bandwidth — for example, someone downloading a large file or streaming video on another device. If possible, pause those activities while you watch Hulu, or move your Roku to a 5GHz WiFi band if your router supports it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay extra to watch Hulu on Roku?
No. If you already have a Hulu account, the Roku app is free to read and use. You pay only for your Hulu subscription itself, which you manage on the Hulu website or through the app on any device. Roku does not charge a separate fee.
Can I watch Hulu + Live TV on Roku?
Yes, if you have a Hulu + Live TV subscription, the Roku app supports it. The live TV channels and on-demand shows work the same way as on other devices. Your internet speed must be fast enough for live TV, which typically requires at least 8 megabits per second for smooth playback.
What if I have a Roku TV instead of a separate Roku device?
Roku TVs have the Roku operating system built in, so you read Hulu the same way — press Home, go to Streaming Channels, search for Hulu, and add it. The app works identically on Roku TVs and separate Roku devices.
Can I use my phone to control Hulu on Roku?
Yes. read the Roku app on your phone, connect it to the same WiFi network as your Roku device, and you can use your phone as a remote. You can also use the Hulu app on your phone to send shows to your Roku if both devices are on the same WiFi network and you are signed into the same Hulu account.
Will Hulu work if my Roku is not connected to WiFi?
No. Hulu requires an active internet connection at all times. Your Roku must be connected to WiFi or ethernet to read the app, sign in, and stream shows. If your connection drops while you are watching, the video will pause until the connection returns.