- By SaviourVPN
- June 14, 2025
Hulu has a long list of error codes, and users generally face a few of them more frequently, like Error Code 3 and Error Code 5. If you’re experiencing either of these, don’t worry, as this guide goes through some relatively simple troubleshooting solutions for you to start streaming again in no time.
If you’re experiencing repeated issues, trying a SaviourVPN, it will resolve most Hulu errors instantly.
What Causes Hulu Error Codes 3 and 5?
When Hulu stops working, the error messages you see aren’t really helpful unless you already know what you’re encountering. In general, Hulu errors occur in one of three areas: the device itself, the internet connection, or related hardware. In rare cases, an error may be introduced due to Hulu being down.
So, what causes Hulu error codes 3 and 5?
Hulu Error Code 3
Error code 3 happens when Hulu cannot fetch and run a title; therefore, it is normally an indication of an internet connection issue. The error commonly occurs along with these messages:
- “Error playing this video.”
- “Sorry, we encountered an error playing this video. Please try restarting the video or select different content to watch.”
- “Error code: 3(-996).”
- 4K Ultra HD: 13 Mbps
In other scenarios, you might see a message like this:
- “We’re having trouble loading this right now.”
- “Please check your internet connection and try again. Error Code: -3: An unexpected problem (but not server timeout or HTTP error) has been detected.”
Hulu Error Code 5
Error code 5 indicates a similar problem and includes any of these messages:
- “We’re having trouble loading this right now.”
- “Please check your internet connection and try again”
- “If this problem persists, try restarting your device.”
How To Fix Hulu Error Codes 3 and 5
Because it isn’t an error with the servers of Hulu, and that is a timeout issue, you can take some responsibility and troubleshoot the issue on your own. Here is what you need to do:
Power Cycle Your Streaming Device
It may sound simple, but turning off the device for a minute and then turning it back on again will usually be sufficient to correct the Hulu Error Codes 3 and 5.
Note: Placing your device in sleep or standby mode will not work; you must completely shut it down.
Reboot Your Modem Or Router
Because this error indicates problems with the internet connection, you may want to reboot your modem and router. Unplug the device, wait about a minute, and turn it back on.
Check For Updates
Error Codes 3 and 5 may also occur if Hulu has deployed a new version of the app. You can learn how to see if you have app and system updates on your device here.
Reinstall the Hulu App
Another simple fix is to uninstall and then reinstall the Hulu app. This ensures you are running the most recent version of the app on your device. The actual installation process will vary from device to device, and Hulu has an easy-to-follow guide to make your device reinstallation even easier.
Use a Wired Internet Connection
Sometimes, the mistake happens because of wireless connectivity. If you want to see if this is the problem for you, then you will use a wired connection (not Wi-Fi). You would connect the streaming device to the router or modem with an Ethernet cable and see if you can stream.