Hulu is one of the most widely accepted and recognized video streaming services available online. Despite being a famous playback tool, it comes up with some glitches. Sometimes, users can’t play or stream online videos through Hulu. This issue triggers the Hulu playback failure error notification on the screen while playing online videos. 

This error states that “The server key used to start playback has expired. Please try restarting the application.” 

If you are also getting the same error or seeing “Hulu the server key has expired” message, take a look at the guide discussed below. Here you will know the probable causes and solutions which can help you to solve this error in minutes. 

What Causes the Hulu Playback Failure Error? 

These are the top causes of Hulu playback failure:

You can face the error due to the outage of the server that stores everything related to the streaming service. 

This error can also be caused by the servers that are placed far from the Hulu chain. 

Sometimes, some specific applications can’t connect to the Hulu server and generate this error. If the server is unable to show you the particular video that you are searching for, then it can also lead to this error. 

After knowing the actual causes of the error, let’s check some hacks to resolve this issue. 

Fix Playback Failure Error in Hulu with Step-by-Step Guide

Below are some solutions, which you can perform to get rid of this error.

Before implementing the below-mentioned hacks, there are some general steps to solve this issue. So, take a look at the points given below: 

• First of all, check if the device is connected with a stable and secure Internet connection. 
• Turn the Hulu service ‘Off’ and then turn it ‘On’ again. 
• Disable the device’s router and modem and re-enable them. 
• Check if the router or modem needs any modifications. 
• Also, check the configuration of the router. 
• If you are using a broadcast connection, try to connect the device with the router directly using a wired connection. Here you can use an Ethernet cable. 

Solution 1: Check Social Media Accounts of Hulu

Sometimes, the Hulu streaming service can stop suddenly for a few seconds due to some technical issues. So, if the streaming service is not working normally, it displays the message “Hulu playback server key expired” error. 

Henceforth, whenever you notice the Hulu server key expired, check its social media accounts. It will help to know if they are blocking the Hulu service for a few seconds. 

Hulu app also requires proper maintenance, as it used by several users at a specific time. Hence, it is quite normal for the streaming service to crash while showing the video content.

At this juncture, you need to wait for some time until the streaming service gets back online. 

Solution 2: Try to Stream Video in Low-Quality Image Mode

It is not enjoyable to watch the videos in low-quality. But, you can modify the resolution if facing the Hulu playback failure error notification. 

So, when the device is connected to a poor Internet connection, you can quickly access the low-quality videos.  

You can also set the quality settings of the Hulu service to ‘Auto’. It allows the Hulu application to change the video quality, depending on network speed or file size. 

Solution 3: Clear Cache from Hulu Server

To run the Hulu service smoothly and efficiently, it is necessary to clear the cache regularly. By clearing the cache of the Hulu server, you will get enough space in the streaming service to perform the entire process properly. 

How to Clear the Cache of the Hulu Server? 

1. First, go to the Settings. 
2. Then, navigate to the Application section and try to access Hulu. 
3. Afterward, tap on the ‘Clear Cache’ option. 
4. Select the files that are not required and apply the changes. 

Hopefully, you will see that Hulu is now streaming the video content much faster than earlier. If it is not, then you should update the Hulu application to get rid of this error. 

Solution 4: Update Hulu Application

If you are using an older version of the Hulu application, it can also trigger the Hulu playback failure error. The Hulu video may stop playing videos if you are using an outdated version. 

Hence, you can update the Hulu application to get rid of this issue. So, visit the official website of Hulu and search for the available update. Make sure that this update is newer than the version you are using. 

Afterward, download and install the latest version by following the on-screen prompts. Once you complete the installation process, check if the error has been solved. 

Tips to Prevent Playback Failure 

You should follow these tips stated below if getting issues with Hulu playback:: 

When you are using the Hulu streaming service, make sure that no other service or application is running in the background. 

If the device is connected with the wireless connection, ensure that the devices connected with the network are limited. So, if you are connecting too many devices, it requires high-speed Internet to play videos on the Hulu application. 

Summing Up…

Now, it is time to put an end to this post. In the above section, we have discussed all the possible ways to eradicate this playback failure error. 

We hope, if you apply the above methods in their respective order, it will help you to continue with the Hulu streaming service without any error. 

To know more troubleshooting tips on the “Hulu playback failure server key expired” problem, you can follow our posts regularly.