Is it possible to watch Hulu in China in 2025? Although Hulu is technically not accessible in China, I’m still able to log onto my account and stream my favorite TV shows and movies. The frustration of being unable to access blocked websites is common, especially for streaming services like Hulu. What’s the secret? By using a reputable VPN provider, you can enjoy the Hulu app and other platforms like BBC iPlayer and Netflix from restricted locations. Here’s a quick explanation on how you can access Hulu in China too.
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Is Hulu Blocked In China?
Technically no, Hulu has not been blocked by China’s “Great Firewall” in the same way that Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Gmail is censored in China. Instead, the content has not been licensed to stream in China.
This is also why you can’t stream Netflix in China and other streaming services – licensing agreements limit availability based on geolocation and China is one such place.
As a result, accessing Hulu directly from China is not possible without using a workaround like a VPN.
Note: This article contains affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I will be compensated if you use some of these services I recommend. The good news is that in many cases, such as this link to NordVPN, I’ve negotiated special deals to get you 3 months of free service.
Why Hulu is Not Available in China
Hulu is not available in China because it is a US-based streaming service that is only licensed to operate within the United States. The service is not authorized to broadcast its content in China, and the Chinese government has not granted Hulu a license to operate in the country.
Additionally, Hulu’s content is subject to copyright and licensing agreements that restrict its distribution outside of the US. These agreements are in place to protect the rights of content creators and distributors, making it challenging for Hulu to offer its services internationally without proper licensing.
It sucks, I know – you paid for the right to watch Hulu, right? So how can you watch what you paid for?
Accessing Hulu in China Using a VPN
For those who have never heard of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) before, don’t worry. You can think of it as software that tricks online service providers like Hulu into thinking you are in the United States, when in fact you are actually in China.
In other words, when you connect to a VPN server in the US and then login into Hulu, Hulu detects an American IP address from your device instead of a Chinese one and then allows you to stream content. The extensive server locations offered by VPN services ensure you can always find a stable connection, optimizing your streaming experience on platforms like Hulu.
Additionally, vpn apps are available across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, making it easy to access and stream content from Hulu and other popular services seamlessly.
Now you may be thinking that masking your location to get around Hulu licensing restrictions sounds shady and potentially illegal. But rest assured that as long as you are a paying customer of Hulu’s, there’s no reason you can’t use a VPN to watch Hulu in China.
For a more detailed explanation on how to connect to a VPN and what it is, check out this explanation of what a VPN is.
Connecting to a VPN in China
Ask any long-term expat in China and they’ll tell you how often they use a VPN. It’s not illegal to use a VPN in China (contrary to popular belief) and it makes life in China bearable.
The big thing you need to keep in mind is that because China blocks access to VPN websites, you’ll want to get set up with a VPN prior to arriving in China.
Go ahead and purchase a VPN subscription and get everything installed on your phone, computer or tablet. Some VPNs such as NordVPN even have an app to install and use on your Apple TV!
This is what usually happens when you’re setting up a VPN for your phone or tablet:
- You purchase a VPN service on your computer (5 min)
- Download the VPN app on your phone (3 min)
- Sign into the App and use the app to install server connections (5 min)
- Click “Connect” and you’re done!
Set aside about 20 minutes to get this all put together and you’ll be good to go. It’s thankfully quite simple, even for those who are less “tech-savvy”.
Additionally, using a VPN allows you to access popular Google apps that are often blocked in China, enhancing your overall experience.
One more thing: I highly recommend you download at least two VPN services for your phone as a backup in case one doesn’t work. China sometimes blocks certain IP addresses, which can cause major connection issues no matter which VPN you use. I recommend the following VPNs:
- NordVPN: One of the most popular VPNs on the market that has one of the best phone apps I’ve seen. I use this every day. Best of all, they have a 30-day money-back guarantee in case it doesn’t work well for you.
- ExpressVPN: Again, another VPN that has an easy-to-use mobile app and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Troubleshooting Hulu VPN Issues
If you’re experiencing issues with your VPN while trying to access Hulu, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Check your VPN connection: Ensure that your VPN is connected and working properly. Sometimes, simply restarting your VPN app or switching to a different server location can resolve the issue.
- Check your Hulu account: Make sure your Hulu account is active and that you have a valid subscription. Sometimes, account issues can prevent you from accessing content.
- Check for VPN server issues: If you’re using a VPN server that’s not optimized for streaming, you may experience issues with Hulu. Try switching to a different server location or contacting your VPN provider for assistance.
- Check for Hulu’s VPN block: Hulu has a system in place to detect and block VPN traffic. If you’re using a VPN that’s not compatible with Hulu (especially free VPNs), you may need to try a different VPN provider. Reputable VPN services often have servers specifically designed to bypass these blocks.
By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and resolve most issues that may arise when using a VPN to access Hulu.
Is Using a VPN with Hulu Legal?
Using a VPN with Hulu is a bit of a gray area, and the legality of it depends on the country you’re in and the terms of service of your VPN provider. In the US, using a VPN to access Hulu is not strictly illegal, but it does violate Hulu’s terms of service. Hulu’s terms of service prohibit the use of VPNs or proxies to bypass location restrictions.
However, using a VPN to access Hulu from outside the US is not strictly illegal, and many VPN providers offer servers in the US that can be used to access Hulu. It’s essential to note that using a VPN to access Hulu may result in your account being terminated, and you should always check the terms of service of your VPN provider before using it to access Hulu.
It’s also worth noting that some countries have laws that restrict the use of VPNs, and using a VPN to access Hulu may be illegal in those countries. Always check the laws and regulations in your country before using a VPN to access Hulu.
Start Streaming Hulu in China Today
Once you are connected to your VPN, you can start watching Hulu. It’s that easy! Just remember to connect to a VPN server in the United States as Hulu is not available in any other country.
With the same VPN, you can also access other restricted streaming services like BBC iPlayer, which is typically blocked in regions such as China.
Occasionally Hulu stops working when your VPN gets disconnected, but this does not happen too often. Just reconnect to another VPN server in the USA to continue streaming from Hulu.
Conclusion: Using Hulu in China
Hulu may not be one of the many blocked websites in China, but just because Hulu lacks the licensing to stream content outside the U.S. does not mean you should suffer! A quality VPN can allow you to enjoy all your favorite movies and TV shows.
To learn more about VPNs you can check out many resources including reviews of my favorite VPN providers here.
