What Is Hulu’s Password-Sharing Ban? (And How To Access Your Account From Anywhere)

For years, rumblings of streaming platforms enforcing password-sharing bans have become roars and eventually reality when Netflix announced its controversial crackdowns. Since then, multiple platforms have implemented similar policies, with Hulu joining the trend in March 2024 when Disney+ acquired it.

To soften the impact of this policy, Hulu introduced an extra fee for unlimited screens so multiple household members can watch content simultaneously. We cover Hulu’s password-sharing ban and discuss how you can use a VPN to access your account outside your home network.

How does the Hulu password-sharing ban work?

With the password policy in place, Hulu Live TV users are required to set a household location. Hulu will use that IP address to assess whether someone outside it has accessed your account and is streaming content. For those wondering — yes, if you want to watch Hulu on vacation, at work, or on your account at a friend’s house, you won’t be able to. All users are required to sign in from their household location network every 30 days, which can add to many frustrations, especially for those who regularly travel.

The exact details of how the company decides to analyze and enforce this policy haven’t been clearly outlined, making Hulu’s password-sharing ban ambiguous. Some Hulu users have even faced suspensions because the company determined that they shared their account’s password with others.

How many people can use your Hulu account?

Although not a complete workaround, Hulu’s Unlimited Screens Add-On lets Hulu Live TV users pay an extra $9.99/mo to watch content on various devices simultaneously. Note that these devices must still be connected to the home network. Here’s what you can expect from each subscription tier:

What does each Hulu plan allow?

Hulu plan	Max number of viewers
Hulu (with ads)	2 screens
Hulu (no ads)	2 screens
Hulu + Live TV	2 screens
Hulu + Live TV + Unlimited Screens Add-on	Unlimited screens (connected to the home network)
Hulu + Premium Add-ons (Max, Cinemax, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, or Starz)	Up to 5 screens (including 3 out-of-home mobile devices)

How to access your Hulu account outside of your home network

Hulu’s Unlimited Screens Add-On is necessary for bigger households with multiple devices. All devices still have to be connected to the home network, but this policy offers some flexibility. You’ll be able to change your home network if you move or are relocating for an extended period of time. You can read more about how to do that with our guide on how to change your Hulu location.

If you want to access your Hulu Live TV account when outside, you’ll need to use a virtual private network (VPN). These tools are key for protecting your privacy by concealing your digital activities and personal details. However, they also work to obfuscate your IP address and location, making it possible to access Hulu content wherever you are. All streaming platforms discourage the use of VPNs, but these services are totally legal, depending on which country you live in.

How to access your Hulu account using a VPN

Using a VPN to access your Hulu account is extremely simple. You can change your IP address to different U.S. regions, which is especially useful when traveling. Since Hulu registers accounts by IP address and GPS location, you’ll need a VPN that can also spoof your GPS (AKA obfuscation).

Here’s how you can connect to a VPN and access Hulu:

1. Download a VPN of your choice (see our best Hulu VPNs list for recommendations).
2. Log in or register an account if you don’t have one already.
3. Select the U.S. as the country you want to connect to.
4. (Optional) Choose which state/region you want to connect to.
5. Log in to your Hulu account.
6. Enjoy watching!

The best VPNs for streaming Hulu

There are many VPNs on the market, but not all of them have the dedicated IP address and GPS location obfuscation capabilities you need to access Hulu when you’re out of town.

Based on our testing, we recommend NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost for accessing your account outside your home network. Their servers are streaming optimized, providing fast speeds so you don’t suffer from excessive buffering and stutters.

FAQs

Bottom line

Sharing passwords with family and friends as a token of love and appreciation was a way you shared entertainment together. Now, Hulu's password-sharing ban has impacted how users interact with the platform, making it more complicated to share your account.

VPNs are powerful tools that help keep you safe online and bypass geo-restrictions. They're noteworthy investments if you’re looking to access Hulu while away from home. Remember, VPNs aren’t strictly for Hulu. You can use them to keep all your online activities safe and private, from shopping and online banking to streaming and torrenting.