After investigating this particular issue thoroughly, it turns out that there are several commons scenarios that are known to trigger this particular error code when streaming content from Hulu. Here’s a shortlist of potential culprits: Now that you are aware of every potential fix that might be triggering this error code, here’s a shortlist of fixes that other affected users have successfully used to get to the bottom of this issue:
Check for a Server issue
Before you try any of the proper fixes below, I advise you to start by making sure that you’re not facing this problem due to a widespread server issue that is entirely beyond your control. Since it happened a few times in the past, you might see the BYA-500-002 error message if Hulu servers are currently unreachable by users in your area. In this case, you should start by checking official channels and see whether there’s an issue with the main Hulu service. There are multiple ways that will allow you to check if this is the source of the problem but if you want the quickest router use services like DownDetector or Outage.Report. You’ll be able to see if other users living in your near vicinity are currently reporting the same issue. If you notice that other users living in the same area as you are reporting the same problem, you should also check the official Twitter account of Hulu to see if there’s been an official announcement on the server issue. If the investigation didn’t reveal a server issue, chances are one of the methods below will fix the streaming issue. Note: If you just uncovered a server issue via the investigation above, none of the potential fixes below will work for you. In this case, you have no choice but to wait for the issue to be resolved by Hulu engineers. In case there’s no evidence on a widespread server issue, move down to the next potential fix below.
Disable the DuckDuckGo Extension (if applicable)
As it turns out, one of the most common causes that will end up causing this particular error with Hulu is a privacy extension that the streaming service deems as intrusive. If this is what’s causing the BYA-500-002 error, the Hulu app is build to stop any streaming attempts. The most common culprit that might cause this error code with both Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox is the DuckDuckGo extension or add-on. If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix the issue by accessing your extension tab and disabling the problematic DuckDuckGo extension or add-on before attempting o stream content from Hulu once again. Note: As it turns out, you can also experience this error with an extension or add-on similar to DuckDuckGo. If you have a similar extension or add-on installed, follow the instructions below to remove it from your computer. Here’s a quick guide that will show you how to do this on the most popular browsers (Chrome and Firefox):
A. Disable the DuckDuckGo extension on Chrome
B. Disable the DuckDuckGo add-on on Firefox
In case you already disabled any problematic DuckDuckGo extension or add-on that might end up causing this problem and you’re still seeing the BYA-500-002, move down to the next potential fix below.
Enable Location Services for your mobile device (Android and iOS)
If you’re only experiencing this issue while utilizing Hulu from a mobile device (Android or iOS), chances are you’re seeing the BYA-500-002 error because your location services/GPS are disabled for your device. Hulu needs this service to verify if the territory where you are accessing the content is part of a licensing deal or not. If you purposely disabled the location or GPS services, you should be able to fix the issue by ensuring that Hulu can safely retrieve your device location and approve the content lineup. Depending on the operating system that you’re using (Android or iOS), follow one of the sub-guides below to enable the location services for your mobile devices.
A. Turn on Location Services on Android
B. Turn on Location Services on iOS
If you already ensured that location services are enabled and you’re still seeing the same BYA-500-002 error, move down to the next potential fix below.
Check if Hulu works in your territory
As it turns out, it’s fairly common to experience this issue if you’re attempting to access Hulu from a territory in which Hulu has no contracts or licensing deals with any broadcasters there. The BYA-500-002 error is often reported by users trying to access Hulu from international territories like Guam, Mariana Islands, Palau, etc. Keep in mind that Hulu is only officially available for US residents, so any attempt to access it from outside the pre-determined territory will be actively blocked. However, you can probably bypass the geo-location check done by Hulu by using a ‘save’ VPN program. Opposed to Netflix, Hulu pursues anonymous proxy and VPN users much more aggressively. Fortunately, there are still a handful of VPNs that non-US residents can still use to Stram Hulu content. Here’s a shortlist of VPN services that you can use when you’re outside the US:
ExpressVPNSurfSharkCyperGhostPrivateVPNVyprVPN
Important: The majority of these system-level VPNs include a free plan. But keep in mind that this list is subject to change at any given moment as Hulu makes changes to their location checking algo.
Get in Contact with Hulu Support
In case you’ve ensured that no problematic extension, disabled location service, or licensing restrictions is causing this issue the only thing you can do at this point is to get in contact with a Hulu support agent and ask them to investigate what’s the underlying cause of the BYA-500-002 error. Do this by opening a support ticket on their official support page. Once you’re inside the support page, ensure that you are signed in with the same Hulu account that you’re encountering streaming issues with. Once you are assigned to a LIVE support agent, you will have to go through a series of pre-defined troubleshooting steps before the agent will finally reset your personalized data saved on their cloud service. In most cases, this should be enough the resolve the BYA-500-002 error for good.
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