Fix: Hulu Connection Error 5003
Error 5003 is an error that shows up while streaming on Hulu and it indicates an issue with the video playback. The error usually comes with the following three messages “Playback Failure“, “We’re sorry, but there was an issue while playing this video.” and “Please check your connection and try again. (5003)”.
What Causes the “Error 5003” on Hulu?
The underlying causes for the Error are:
- Internet Connection: If the internet connection is running slow or isn’t stable, the error might be triggered. Hulu requires the internet connection to be perfectly stable and also requires a consistent upstream and downstream from the users’ end.
- Outdated App: In some cases, the application might be outdated due to which the error is being triggered. It is important that the application is updated to the latest version in order to accommodate the server enhancements and to provide a smooth streaming experience.
- Outdated Device: There are many devices on which Hulu can be streamed, therefore, in addition to the Hulu app, the device itself also needs to be updated to the latest version or else it might cause incompatibilities between the App and the device.
- VPN: If you are using a VPN service to either mask or change your location, it might trigger the error because Hulu isn’t available in certain regions and the servers might also flag your connection as insecure if you are masking your location.
Solution 1: PowerCycling Devices
As a first troubleshooting step, we will be power-cycling all the devices involved in the streaming process to get rid of any corrupt cache. In order to do that:
- Unplug the power to your Internet Router and the device on which you are streaming.
Unplugging from the socket - Press and hold the “Power” button for at least 15 seconds.
- Plug the devices back in and wait for them to power on.
plugging the Power cord Back in - Try to stream and check to see if the issue persists.
Solution 2: Updating Application
This process might differ depending on the device that you are using to stream from Hulu, but we have listed the methods to update the Hulu app for most of the streaming devices. Follow the guide for your particular device to update.
For Windows:
The updating process is fairly easy for Windows. In order to update:
- Close the Hulu app completely and click on the “Microsoft Store” icon in the taskbar.
- Click on the “Three Dots” in the top right corner and select the “Downloads and Updates” button.
Clicking on the “Three Dots” and selecting “Downloads and Updates” - Select the “Get Updates” button and wait for the downloading process to start.
Selecting the “Get Updates” button - After the updates have been downloaded and installed, try to stream from Hulu and check to see if the issue persists.
For Android:
- Click on the PlayStore icon and select the “Menu” button in the top left corner.
- Click on the “My Apps and Games” button and select the “Updates” tab.
Clicking on the Updates Tab - Click on the “Check for Updates” button and select the “Update” button in front of the Hulu app to initiate the updating process.
Selecting the “Update” tab - Wait for the update to be downloaded and installed.
- Try to stream and check to see if the issue persists.
For Android TV:
- Press the “Home” button on your remote.
Clicking on the “Home” button - Select “Google Play Store” under the “Apps” option.
- Click on “Auto-Update Apps” and then click on “Auto-Update Apps at any time”.
For Apple TV:
- Open Settings and click on “Apps”.
- Select the “Automatically Update Apps” button to configure the TV to update apps on its own.
- Click on it again to turn it off after the app has been updated.
Solution 3:Updating Device Software
Device software can sometimes get outdated and it can cause incompatibility issues with the Hulu app. Therefore, it is recommended to check online for the method to update your exact console to the latest software provided by the developer. This will help in clearing out any incompatibility issues with the application.
