If you’re a subscriber to Hulu’s live TV product, you’re likely looking for local programming such as news or sports. Thankfully, you can use a VPN to watch Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other streaming services with ease — even if you're traveling outside the U.S.

You're also able to update your Hulu home network up to four times in a 12-month period. When you sign up for Live TV with Hulu, you have 30 days to set up your home network. Your home network determines what local channels you can view with your Hulu Live subscription.

Here's how to set up your Hulu home network, plus steps for using a VPN app to watch your favorite Hulu shows.

How to change your location on Hulu

If you want to change or update your location on Hulu to have access to different Live TV programming, there are several ways to do so. You can update your location on the Hulu app if you’ve moved or changed Internet service providers. However, if you're traveling or want to access local channels in a different region, you’ll need to use a VPN.

How to change your home network

If you need to change your home network, you can do so easily on the Hulu Live TV website. Remember, to update your home network, you need to be connected to an internet connection that is not shared or a mobile network. In most cases, this should be your home internet connection.

1. Sign in to your account.
2. Click on the profile icon.
3. Select account.
4. Head to the “Privacy and Settings” section.
5. Click on “Set or Change Home.”
6. Save new location.

How to watch Hulu local channels with a VPN

In some cases, you can use a virtual private network, or VPN, to watch local channels on Hulu. All you need to do is select a U.S. server in the city where you'd like to see local channels. A VPN works if you’re watching Hulu from a mobile device or a computer, and many VPNs also offer apps for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and other streaming devices and smart TVs.

If you're traveling outside the U.S. and would like to still access your Hulu Live TV shows, a VPN can help you gain access. Hulu’s Live TV is not accessible in countries outside of the U.S., but a VPN can help mask your location and give you access.

Learn More

On NordVPN's website

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• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
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Hulu does not allow you to watch Live TV from multiple locations, so someone cannot be watching Hulu from your home network while you’re outside of the country trying to access it from a VPN.

Here are some VPN providers that will work with Hulu + Live TV.

• NordVPN: NordVPN is known for working with many streaming services; it's even on our list of best VPNs for Hulu. It has over 5,000 servers in its server network, so you have plenty of servers to choose from should you have any connection issues.
  Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review
  
• Surfshark: Another one of our recommended VPNs for Hulu, Surfshark is a great option for anyone seeking an affordable but powerful VPN. Surfshark offers fast speeds for streaming and unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to stream at any time or from any device.
  Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review
  
• ExpressVPN: We also recommend ExpressVPN for Hulu, but it has compatibility with countless streaming services from around the world. Its proprietary Lightway protocol will ensure you have fast streaming speeds, and you can install it on your Smart TVs and devices like Roku and Fire TV Stick.
  Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review
• Atlas VPN: Owned by Nord, Atlas VPN is a budget-friendly VPN that comes with streaming-optimized speeds and support for Smart TVs. It even has a free version, so you can try the service for as long as you like before committing to a subscription.
  Get Atlas VPN | Read Our Atlas VPN Review

Changing your location with a VPN

If you want to use a VPN to change your location to access Live TV on Hulu, you can easily change your location: It’s as simple as starting up your VPN before logging into your Hulu account.

1. Choose a VPN that works for your needs. (We listed some of the best VPNs for streaming above.)
2. Download the VPN and log in.
3. Select the VPN server location you want to connect to.
4. Enable your VPN connection to unblock Hulu’s local programming.
   

Although it is legal to use a VPN with Hulu, it is against its Terms and Conditions to use a VPN to change your location. If the streaming platform detects a VPN, it may give you an error screen and prevent you from streaming.

What is a Hulu home network?

Hulu requires users to designate a home network when using its Live TV product. The home network is the internet connection you’ll be using to watch Live TV. To set your home network, you must be connected to a residential, non-mobile internet connection.

Does Hulu + Live TV work on mobile internet?

Yes, you can use Hulu + Live TV with a mobile connection. However, it comes with a few stipulations beforehand. First, you must have already set up your residential home network. Once that is set up, you also need to check in on the mobile device you’d like to use — and continue to check in every 30 days to continue to watch Live TV on a mobile device.

How to enable or disable location services for Hulu

Hulu may prompt you to enable location services when using the streaming platform on a computer or mobile device. If you’re unsure whether location services are enabled, you can follow these steps to check.

Google Chrome

Here’s how to enable location services on Google Chrome.

1. Open Chrome and select the three dots on the top right.
2. Select Settings.
3. Navigate to Privacy and Security on the left-hand side.
4. Select Site Settings.
5. Click Location.
6. Toggle the “Ask before accessing” button to on to enable location settings.

When using Chrome, you can also use the Location Guard extension which can help you mask your location from websites such as Hulu.

Mozilla Firefox

To update your location settings in Firefox, follow these steps.

1. Click on the menu icon on the right-hand side of your screen.
2. Select Privacy & Security.
3. Scroll down to Permissions and select Location.
4. Find Hulu in the list of websites that have requested your location.
5. Change the status of the Hulu website to allow location sharing.

Microsoft Edge

Ready to enable location services in Microsoft Edge? Follow these steps.

1. Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three dots in the upper right-hand corner.
2. Select settings and then click on Site permission from the left-hand menu.
3. Go to location and click the toggle for “Ask before accessing.”

Apple Safari

To enable location services in Apple’s Safari on a Mac or PC, follow these steps.

1. Click the Apple symbol in the top left of your menu bar.
2. Go to System Preferences.
3. Select Security & Privacy.
4. Click on the Privacy tab.
5. Select the padlock in the bottom left corner to allow you to make changes.
6. Head to Location Services.
7. Scroll to Safari and click to checkmark and enable location services.
8. Press the padlock to save your changes.

Android devices

If you need to update the location services on an Android device, follow these steps.

Android 12 & higher

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen.
2. Press and hold Location.
3. Tap location Services and then select Google Location Accuracy.
4. Turn the location accuracy on or off.

Android 11 & higher

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen.
2. Press and hold Location.
3. Hit Advanced and head to Google Location Accuracy.
4. Turn the location accuracy on or off.

iPhone and iPad

Update your location services settings on your iOS device with these simple steps.

1. Head to settings on your device.
2. Select Privacy and then Location Services.
3. Check to see that location services are turned on.
4. Scroll down to the Hulu app and choose the option for how you’d like to share your location.
   Never: Does not allow location services.
   While Using the App: Location is only available when you’re using the app.
   Always: The app can access your location at any time.

Hulu home location FAQs

Bottom line

There are several reasons you may need to update your location when watching Hulu. If you’re traveling outside the U.S., you can use one of the best VPNs to change your location to still access Hulu’s programming. 

You may also want to update your home location with Hulu’s Live TV if you’ve moved or changed internet service providers. If you’re subscribed to Live TV with Hulu, you’ll need to set your home network to gain access to live programming.

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Learn More

On NordVPN's website

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• Loads of servers for multiple connection options
• Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
• From $3.19/mo
• Limited-time deal on 2-year plan
• Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Andrew Adams

About the Author

Andrew Strom Adams is a freelance writer focused on online privacy and digital security. He writes on various topics to help individuals protect themselves on the internet. Andrew has worked in legal marketing, technology, and startups. He has more than 12 years of experience in marketing and communications. He holds an M.B.A. from Westminster College and a B.A. in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University. When he’s not writing, he’s playing with his two kids or watching reality TV.