Have you opted for a subscription with Hulu but some of the movies are locked when you try and watch them, questioning why is Hulu not letting you watch certain films and shows?
With Hulu having over 35 primary TV programs and 2500 films to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice, however, Hulu does require you to have further add-ons to be able to watch specific items on their list.
We have generated this easy-to-follow guide for you to be able to understand why Hulu is restricting you from certain options on your account, and provide you with the knowledge on how to rectify this setback so you can gain access to every component on Hulu.
Why are movies locked on Hulu
Why are movies locked on Hulu
If you are on your Hulu account and there is a lock on a movie icon, this is due to your account not having access to that specific film.
Why are some Hulu movies locked?
Some items on Hulu are restricted because they are under a different category that requires you to get additional add-ons that give you ‘premium channels’ or you need to get Hulu Plus which will include more options than the standard subscription.
Hulu offers a variety of different add ons that you can choose from, so the locked shows would have been under one of these optional extras;
Premium Add Ons
- Showtime
- HBO Max
- Cinemax
- Starz
You are also able to opt for additional add ons like their Network add-on which provides you with entertainment and sports channels.
Note, if you decide to get an add-on onto your original Hulu account, it will increase your monthly subscription. If you want to check out how much they each cost, you can click here.
Why does Hulu not let me watch certain movies
Hulu not allowing certain movies to play
Why are some shows on Hulu not working?
One would think that if your Hulu works on your device, it will be able to play every content on the app, however, this is not the case.
Some of the items on Hulu are not compatible with certain devices. It is also good to know that the different add ons may not work on different devices either, so before you choose which one you may include with your subscription, make sure it will work.
Tip, make sure your Android, Apple, or Smart TV devices are all updated with the latest software.
Why can’t I see certain movies on Hulu
Have been watching a certain program on your Hulu account and you’ve expected the latest episode to show up on your app, but it hasn’t, or are you struggling to find a show that you know is on Hulu?
This is due to a few possible reasons that can be rectified;
Reason 1. Hulu cache needs clearing
If the cache data from your Hulu app gets too full, this can stop updates from successfully happening.
Getting rid of the cache data off your device clears out space and gets rid of any bugs that may be in the data files that are interfering with your updates.
On Android Mobile/Tablet
Step 1. Go into your ‘Settings’
Step 2. Selects ‘Apps’ and then find Hulu
Step 3. Click on ‘Storage’ and click on ‘Clear Data’ and ‘Clear Cache’
On Android TV
Step 1. Select ‘Settings’
Step 2. Go into ‘Applications’ and click on Hulu
Step 3. Press ‘Clear Data’ and ‘Clear Cache’
On iPhone/iPad
With Apple, you will need to delete the app off of your device and reinstall it.
Reason 2. The show is not available
You may be searching for a show that is still yet to be released on Hulu.
Hulu also occasionally do a ‘rolling’ set with certain series. This means that only a few episodes will be aired on Hulu, and are normally the latest ones.
Programs and movies can also expire on Hulu. Hulu does notify you if something is going to expire soon, so you could have just missed the notification.
If you have gone for Hulu’s LIVE add-on, and you are trying to watch a certain live event, you may be restricted from being able to watch it due to the area you are in or the event is not being shown on Hulu’s platform.
Reason 3. The show is on a break
Sometimes, a series can have a ‘break’ and not release any new episodes until they come back.
This can happen for a couple of weeks, and on rare occasions, a few months until a new episode will be aired. These programs do come back, it is just an occurrence that you will, unfortunately, have to wait out.
Reason 4. You have changed location
This reason is based on the LIVE add-on.
If you are trying to watch a live show on your Hulu, but the channel is not being found, this could be because you have changed locations and your network cannot pick it up.
Bad weather conditions can also play in part in your Hulu not picking up a certain channel.
Reason 5. Restricted link
If you have been sent a link from someone to watch a movie or TV program on Hulu, they may have sent you one that is under their add-on extras that you do not have if the link will not play.
Certain content will not play if it does not fall under the same category on Hulu.
How many TVs can watch Hulu at the same time
You are able to log into your Hulu account on multiple devices, however, you won’t be able to have Hulu playing on all of them at the same time.
Hulu allows you to have two screens streaming at the same time.
You can, however, include the ‘unlimited screen add-on’ to your LIVE TV account only, which will allow you to stream Hulu on more than two devices at the same time.
Conclusion
With Hulu providing a wide range of programs and movies to choose from, you shouldn’t have an issue finding something to watch when using the app.
We hope this guide has assisted in helping you understand why movies are locked on Hulu and provided you with enough knowledge to know why some shows are not appearing on your Hulu.
