The Download
- Hulu’s free to download and might come pre-installed, but you need a free trial or subscription to watch content.
- Add: Roku Channel Store > search for Hulu > select Hulu Channel > Add Channel.
- Watch: Launch Hulu > log in with Hulu username and password > link account on Hulu’s site.
This article answers the questions of whether Hulu’s free on Roku, how to install the Hulu channel, and find and watch Hulu content on your Roku.
Is Hulu Free on Roku?
The Hulu channel might come pre-installed on your Roku, and is free to install if it’s not already on your device. If it’s not on your Roku home screen, follow these steps to install it:
Before you can view content on the Hulu channel, you’ll need a Hulu account and subscription.
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From the Roku home screen, highlight Search > OK.
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Use the remote’s voice control or the onscreen keyboard to search for Hulu. Highlight it and click OK > Add channel.
Alternatively, select Store or Streaming Store > Apps to search for and add the Hulu channel.
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The Hulu channel is now available on the home screen. Highlight the channel and click OK to open it.
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Select Log In and click OK.
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If you’re going to log in to your account directly on Hulu, highlight Log In on This Device, click OK and go to the next step.
Alternatively, click Activate on a Computer and skip to Step 7.
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To log in directly on your Roku, enter your account email and password. Then, highlight Log In and click OK.
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To link your existing Hulu subscription to your Roku, use your computer, phone, or tablet to access Hulu’s activation page.
You’ll need the confirmation code that appears on your screen after you log in.
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Enter the activation code and wait for the confirmation message to appear on your phone; your Hulu account is linked to your Roku, and you’re ready to start streaming!
How to Watch Hulu on a Roku TV
It’s easy to find and watch Hulu movies and TV shows on your Roku device. Just follow these steps:
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Go to the Roku Home Screen > use the remote control to highlight Hulu > click OK.
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From the Hulu home screen, browse featured content using the remote to scroll. To dive deeper into movies or TV shows, use the left-hand menu to find sub-categories in each section.
To search, click the magnifying glass icon and type exactly what you want to watch. You can also press the microphone button on the Roku remote and do a voice search.
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Highlight a movie or TV show you’re interested in > OK on your remote to view information (summary, running time, seasons and episodes, etc.) about the selection. Select Start Watching > OK on the remote to start watching.
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For playback controls, press the up button on the remote to reveal onscreen controls.
The other option is to use the remote control’s physical playback buttons, including play/pause, forward, and back, and volume and mute buttons.
If Hulu Isn’t Working on Roku
The Hulu channel is compatible with the following Roku devices running firmware 11 or higher:
- Roku 2 (4210X)
- Roku 3
- Roku Streaming Stick (3600X, 3800X), Stick+, 4K, 4K+
- Roku Express, Express+, 4K, 4K+
- Roku Premiere, Premiere+
- Roku Ultra, Ultra LT
- Roku Smart Speaker
- Roku TV, 2K, 4K, 8K
If you are having trouble, restart your Roku (or, if Roku is built into your TV, unplug your TV for 2 minutes).
Still not working? We’ve got troubleshooting tips in Hulu Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It.
FAQ
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Is Hulu free?
There’s no free version of Hulu, but there is a free trial to new and returning members. If you’re trying to decide on the right plan, we also have a guide to Hulu vs Hulu Plus Live TV so you can see how they compare.
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How do I kick someone off of my Hulu account?
If you suspect someone else might be accessing your account from a specific device, or you’d like to remove device access, log in to your Hulu account on the web. Go to Account > Manage Devices > locate the device > select Remove. To start over completely, sign in at my.disney.com > Access and Security > Log out of everywhere.
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