How to Fix Hulu Error Code PLRUNK15 and PLAREQ17

The error codes plrunk15 and plareq17 are typically encountered by Hulu users when they attempt to stream content via Roku, PC, or from a Smart TV. The majority of affected users are reporting that they can stream normally with any other client (Netflix, HBO Go, Amazon Prime, etc.).

Hulu Error Code PLURNK15 & PLAREQ17

As it turns out, there are several different potential causes that might end up causing one of these two error codes with Hulu streaming:

  • Internet connection doesn’t meet the minimum requirements – Keep in mind that Hulu (just as any other streaming platform) has a minimum bandwidth requirement. Failing to meet that requirement can result in one of the two error codes.
  • Network restriction – In case you are currently connected to a filtered network (public, work, school, hotel, etc.) chances are the network administrator has imposed some restrictions on Hulu and other similar streaming clients. If this scenario is applicable, you talk to the network administrator to lift the restrictions or you can connect to a non-restrictive network.
  • Network inconsistency – In some cases, this particular issue can be facilitated by some kind of TCP or IP inconsistency. Most of these potential problems can be resolved by a simple network reboot. In more serious cases, you might need to go for a full router reboot.
  • The connection is refused due to a VPN or Proxy Server – If you’re using a system-level VPN or you’re currently connected to a proxy server, chances are Hulu is refusing to allow your device to stream content from the platform. In this case, you should try disabling the VPN or Proxy server and see if the problem is resolved.

Method 1: Checking Internet Connectivity (if applicable)

Before you try any other fixes, you should start by ensuring that the current network that you’re connected to is not interfering with Hulu. Keep in mind that Hulu has some Internet Speed Recommendation that you need to be aware of:

  • 3.0 Mbps for Hulu’s Streaming Library
  • 8.0 Mbps for live streams
  • 16.0 Mbps for 4K content

If you’re under these values, chances are the error code is appearing due to the fact that your network connection is incapable of transferring data quickly enough.

Another potential reason for seeing the error codes plrunk15 and plareq17 is some type of network restriction. This is quite common among public, work, school, and hotel networks. Certain network administrators will block streaming clients in order to prevent connected users from taking up too much bandwidth.

In case the same problem is still occurring and none of the potential causes above are applicable to your particular situation, move down to the next potential fix below.

Method 2: Reboot or Reset Modem

One of the most common instances that will cause one of these two Hulu Error Codes (PLURNK15 & PLAREQ17) is a network inconsistency facilitated by an IP or TCP issue having to do with the way your router manages the exchange of data.

If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix the problem either by doing a simple restart or resetting your router.

In case you didn’t try this potential fix until now, start by pressing the power button on the back of your router to turn the device off, then wait for 30 seconds before turning it back on to drain the power capacitors.

reboot router
A demonstration of restarting the router

Note: Additionally, you can physically unplug the power cable to achieve the same effect.

Once your router is restarted, attempt to stream content once again from Hulu and see if the error code (plrunk15 or plareq17)

If the problem is still not resolved, the next logical step should be to do a network reset. But before you do this, keep in mind that this operation will reset any custom settings (including custom credentials, forwarded ports, blocked devices, etc.) that you previously established in your router settings.

Furthermore, you should keep the ISP credentials at the ready in case you are asked to re-establish the internet connection.

Resetting Router

To deploy a router reset, use a sharp object to press the reset button on the back of your router. Press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds or until you see the front LEDs flashing at the same time. When this happens, release the reset button and see if you are required to reinsert the ISP credentials in order to restore the connection to the internet.

In case the same problem is still occurring, move down to the next potential fix below.

Method 3: Disable VPN or Proxy Server (if applicable)

If you’re using a proxy server or some kind of VPN client that works at a system level, chances are the problem is actually being caused by Hulu’s refusal to work through filtered connections.

Hulu is notoriously known from causing a variety of issues with Proxy and VPN networks, so if you’re using one of these two options to protect your web anonymity, you need to turn them off or uninstall them whenever you attempt to stream content from Hulu.

Whether you use a Proxy server or a VPN client, we’ve created 2 separate guides that will walk you through the process of disabling them in order to resolve the plrunk15 and plareq17 error codes.

A. Uninstall the VPN Client

  1. Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Next, type ‘appwiz.cpl’ and press Enter to open up the Programs and Features screen. When you see the User Account Control (UAC) menu, click Yes to grants administrative privileges.
    Type appwiz.cpl and Press Enter to Open Installed Programs List
  2. Inside Programs and Features, scroll down through the list of installed programs and locate the VPN client that you suspect might be causing the issue. When you see it, right-click on the entry associated with it, then click Uninstall from the newly appeared context menu.
    Disabling all VirtualBox adapters
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation, then restart your computer and see if the issue is fixed once the next startup is complete.
  4. Once the operation is complete, restart your computer and see if the issue is resolved at the next startup.

B. Disabling the Proxy server

  1. Open up a Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R. Next, type ‘inetcpl.cpl’ inside the text box and press Enter to open up the Internet Properties tab.
    Opening the Internet Properties screen
  2. Once you’re inside the Properties tab, access the Connections tab (from the menu at the top), then click on LAN Settings (under Local Area Network LAN settings).
    Open LAN settings in Internet Options
  3. Once you’re finally inside the Settings menu of Local Area Network (LAN), go to the Proxy server category and uncheck the Use a proxy server for your LAN box.
    Disabling Proxy Server
  4. Once you have successfully disabled the Proxy server, restart your computer and see if the problem is resolved at the next startup.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.