[2025 Solved] How to Fix Hulu Downloads Not Working?

The night fall. You lean back against the bed, turning on your iPad ready to watch the Hulu TV series you've already downloaded ahead of time. But you find that the app keeps reporting errors. Or maybe you missed the live sports event on Hulu Live TV that got you all pumped up. You had set it up to record with Hulu DVR in advance, but then you suddenly find the downloaded video is corrupted. That would definitely be frustrating. Don’t worry—it’s totally understandable to feel that way. 

Many people met with issues with Hulu downloads not working. How to solve the problem? Read this article and you will know the answers. 

Hulu Downloads Not Working — Cause and Solution

It's so disappointing to find your Hulu downloads not working. Hulu users sometimes encounter sudden disappearance of their downloaded videos, movies, and TV series.  Based on my own experience and feedback from forum users, I have compiled a list of common scenarios where downloads fail, along with explanations of the causes and suggested solutions for everyone’s reference.

The download button is not available or grayed out

If you're having trouble clicking or launching the download feature, here's a chance to cause：

• Videos are not available for download

Some people can't find a download option for some videos on Hulu. That's normal because not all Hulu videos are available for downloading, and some shows can't be downloaded due to copyright restrictions, even if you have an ad-free subscription.

For streaming content that doesn’t belong to the Hulu streaming library, the download function is not supported, either.  You can only watch videos from Hulu premium add-ons and content with a Live TV subscription online if you want to download them.

• Subscription not support download offer

Some subscription plans do not support downloads.  The general subscription plan is as follows:

When the problem occurs, we advise you to check your Hulu account. The downloading function is only available for subscribers with Hulu ad-free plan. If you are a Hulu ad-supported subscriber, you will not be able to enjoy offline watching. That's one reason for Hulu downloads not working.

If you don't have an ad-free plan, switch to one that allows downloads. If you do not want to pay for the ad-free subscription, you can try using other comprehensive video downloaders like Y2Mate Hulu Downloader to bypass the issues with Hulu downloads.

• The device does not support the download function

The device or operating system version used is too old and not compatible with Hulu's download features.  Currently, Hulu's download feature supports mobile smartphones and tablets. iOS devices must be running iOS 12.0 or later. Android devices support phones and tablets with version 5.0 and above.

• Geographical restrictions

Some countries or regions restrict downloads.

The download failed or interrupted

If there is a download icon beside the video but the downloading process crashes with various error codes, you may check whether the internet connection is good enough.  If you are experiencing an error during the download process, the video is not fully downloaded. Common situation is caused by poor network status.

Weak Wi-Fi signals, network fluctuations, or temporary disconnections can all cause downloads to be interrupted.  Sometimes the Hulu app optimization is needed for normal functioning. The app Cache and the device's insufficient storage capacity may lead to download failures.

Referencing the Hulu statement:

You can have up to 25 downloads on five supported mobile devices at one time. These limits are set at the account level, not per profile or device. If you exceed one of these limits, you’ll get a popup alert with next steps.

The downloaded video cannot be played

• The download file is corrupted or incomplete

There was an error during the downloading process, which caused the video file to get corrupted and not play properly.  

• The device or app isn't compatible

The video format is not supported by the player or device system version you are using. This is associated with DRM (Digital Rights Management) issues. The copyright protection will causes the video to be decoded and played back properly on the device. 

• Account or subscription permission expired

The account is abnormal, or the subscription has been canceled, and the offline privilege is revoked.  If you are an ad-free subscriber meeting with such problems, we advise you to check whether your account and subscription are in validation.

Your downloads are automatically deleted if you log out of your account or your ad-free plan expires.

If you find something wrong with your ad-free subscription, you have to re-download these expired videos.  The time lag does lead to the working failure of Hulu video downloads. So you should pay attention to Hulu app reminders, or you can set a note on the calendar app on your mobile phone to remind you to top up your Hulu plan. 

Downloads disappear or are deleted

Hulu has a time-limited time limit for offline content, and the video will expire after the expiration date. How Long it Can be Last？ Most downloads are valid for 30 days, which means that users have 30 days from the date the download is completed to watch the content offline. Once you start playing a downloaded video, you usually need to watch it within 48 hours; otherwise, the video will expire, and you will need to reconnect to the internet to verify your account before you can continue watching or re-downloading.

How to fix when Hulu downloads not working

• Check whether the content is available for download
• Check whether the video page is clearly marked as supporting offline download.
• Check your subscription plan and account status. Confirm that the subscription plan includes download permissions and that the account login is valid and valid.
• Upgrade applications and device systems Update the Hulu app to the latest version while making sure your device's operating system is a supported version.
• Regularly clearing out the cache and upgrading the Hulu app are important for normal download functioning.
• Shift to other internet connections.
• Clearing out the downloads that you have already watched for storing new downloads.
• Use a trustworthy third-party video downloader to prevent the "Hulu downloads not working" problem.

Y2Mate Hulu Video Downloader enables you to download videos as long as they can be streamed on your device online. 

Use Y2Mate to Solve "Hulu Downloads Not Working"

Previously we have discussed common issues concerning "Hulu downloads not working". We can see that Hulu download limits really undermines our viewing experience. A Hulu ad-free subscription doesn't necessarily guarantee smooth downloading and offline watching. Is there a better way to solve "Hulu downloads not working"? YES! Y2Mate Hulu Downloader enables you to download 200 videos per day. You can download Hulu on Mac and Windows. The downloads are stored on your device, which means there is no worry about expiration and you don't have to use the Hulu app to stream them.

How to Use Y2Mate Hulu Downloader?

• Download Y2Mate Hulu Downloader to your PC from y2matedownloader.com, which is the official website for it.

• Access the Hulu website through 'VIP Services' on the left side of the interface.

• Locate the video you are about to download.

• Play the video and wait for the download configuration window to appear. Tap 'Add to Queue' or 'Download Now' to start the downloading process.

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