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You can watch Hulu on iPhone in Japan by using a VPN service like ExpressVPN. Hulu offers a dedicated Hulu app for iOS subscribers. However, because of the geo-restrictions, you must connect to the premium VPN service.

Hulu is a popular streaming platform with an extensive collection of content. You can enjoy its shows and even Hulu Live on your iPhone. Connecting to the US server will let you unlock Hulu in Japan. In this guide, I’ll address common issues like Hulu not working on iPhone, and how to download Hulu on iPhone in Japan ensuring a smooth streaming experience.


How to Watch Hulu on iPhone in Japan in 2024? [5 Quick Steps]

Here are the quick steps to watch Hulu on iPhone in Japan and how do I use VPN on Hulu on my iPhone in 2024:

  1. Subscribe to a premium VPN service. I recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install the VPN app for iPhone.
  3. Connect to a US-based server. I recommend using the New York server.
  4. Go to the App Store and download Hulu app in Japan for iPhone.
  5. Sign in with your Hulu account and start streaming your favorite content!

Note: Don’t miss out on ExpressVPN’s exclusive offer – - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free!

To know how to get Hulu for free on iPhone? All the new customers can sign up for the Hulu free trial in Japan using a VPN, it allows them to watch Hulu on iPhone in Japan free for 30 days regardless of their locations.


How do I Sign up for Hulu on my iPhone in Japan?

Here are the easy steps to sign up for Hulu account and how to download Hulu on iPhone in Japan:

  1. Download Hulu app for iPhone from the App Store.
  2. Open the app and select “Start Your Free Trial.”
  3. Choose the desired plan.
  4. Create an account and provide the necessary payment details.
  5. Confirm your subscription and start streaming.

Note: You can manage your Hulu subscription directly through your Apple account settings. For all the users in Japan, you must connect to ExpressVPN while using the Hulu app iPhone.


What are the Methods to Pay for Hulu Subscription on iPhone in Japan?

While creating your account in Japan, you have to pay for your subscription using an American credit card. However, getting an American card in Japan is the only problem.

You can also use a Hulu gift card, but you still need an American card initially when registering. Here, I have discussed the ways that you can use to get an American credit card in Japan:

  • Ask an American resident if you can use their card or if they can create an account for you.
  • If you can share, ask someone who has a Hulu account.
  • Obtain a US-issued prepaid card. Either ship it to yourself or ask someone in the US if you can ship it to them, or let them know if they can purchase one from a store. Having a card with money on it is essential for this to work.
  • Obtain a virtual card that is US-issued. This approach has a lower success rate but is comparatively quick.

Once you have figured out how to pay for Hulu subscription in Japan, you will also be able to know How do I set up Hulu on my iPhone?


Why do you Need a VPN to Watch Hulu on iPhone in Japan?

You need a VPN to unblock Hulu on iPhone, since Hulu’s extensive library of TV shows, movies, and original content is an entertainment treasure trove. Unfortunately, this service is geo-restricted is available exclusively to viewers within the United States.

If you’re in Japan, you will get the following error message while accessing Hulu on your iPhone:

geo-restriction-error-on-hulu-on-iphone-in-Japan

Hulu error message occurred while accessing it in Japan!

A VPN is needed for accessing Hulu on iPhone because it masks your original IP address and gives you a US IP address, tricking Hulu into thinking you’re accessing the platform from within the country and answering your trouble of can Hulu be watched on iPhone?

This not only bypasses geo-restrictions but also provides an extra layer of security and privacy while you stream.


What are the Best VPNs to Watch Hulu on iPhone in Japan? [Quick Overview]

After rigorous testing of over 25 VPN services, I have shortlisted the following VPNs best to use with Hulu app on iPhone in Japan:

1. ExpressVPN: The best VPN to watch Hulu on iPhone in Japan

Offers stable and fast speeds servers for high-quality Hulu streaming, even HD or 4K, with unlimited bandwidth. It has server locations in 105 countries, including 20+ in the US. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 8 multi-logins.
➔ Get ExpressVPN for JPY 1031.09/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free

2. Surfshark: Budget-friendly VPN to watch Hulu on iPhone in Japan

Offers an affordable price, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It has 3200+ servers worldwide, with 600+ servers in the US and unlimited multi-logins for accessing Hulu on multiple devices.
➔ Get Surfshark for JPY 384.92/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee

3. NordVPN: Largest server network VPN for watching Hulu on iPhone in Japan

Offers 6000+ servers worldwide with servers in 15 cities in the US that can be used to unblock Hulu. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 6 multi-logins.
➔ Get NordVPN for JPY 616.8/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend


Why is the Hulu App not Working on iPhone in Japan? [Best Fixes in 2024]

If you encounter issues with the Hulu app on your iPhone in Japan, such as the app failing to load or videos not playing correctly, here are some troubleshooting steps that I recommend you to take to resolve the problem like Why can’t I watch Hulu on my iPhone?:

  1. Restart Your iPhone: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor glitches that may be causing the Hulu app to malfunction.
  2. Update the Hulu App: Make sure you have the latest version of the Hulu app for iPhone installed. Check the App Store for any available updates and install them.
  3. Check Your Internet Connection: A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for streaming Hulu content. Test your connection to ensure it’s working correctly.
  4. Clear App Cache and Data: Over time, cache and data buildup can cause the app to slow down or crash. Try clearing the cache and data for a fresh start.
  5. Reinstall the Hulu App: Uninstalling and then reinstalling the Hulu app can also help resolve any issues caused by corrupted app data.
  6. Switch VPN Servers: If you’re using a VPN to watch Hulu on your iPhone in Japan, try switching to a different US server. Some servers may be blocked or slower than others.
  7. Check for iOS Updates: Ensure your iPhone’s operating system is current. An outdated iOS can lead to compatibility issues with the Hulu app.

If you are trying to stream on your TV, then you can read more in my guide about Hulu not working on Smart TV in Japan to get the working solution.


How do I Change Hulu Home Location in Japan on iPhone?

Changing your Hulu home location on an iPhone when you’re in Japan requires a few specific steps. If you’re a frequent traveler or living abroad, you might encounter geo-restrictions that prevent you from accessing Hulu.

Remember, if you have a Hulu Live TV subscription, then you can only change your home location four times per year. Here’s a comprehensive guide to changing your Hulu home location on your iPhone:

  1. If your current Apple ID is registered to a country other than the US, create a new Apple ID and set the United States as your home country.
  2. Once connected to the VPN and signed in with your US Apple ID, search for the Hulu app in the App Store and download it.
  3. Open the Hulu iOS app and sign up for a new account or log in to an existing one.
  4. You can now stream Hulu content on your iPhone as if you were in the United States.
  5. If you have a Live TV plan and need to update your home location, navigate to the Account page on the Hulu app, and under the Privacy and Settings section, select “Set or Change Home.”

Note: You must use a VPN service for the Hulu location trick in Japan and enjoy watching all your desired content on your iPhone.


How to Cancel Hulu Subscription on iPhone/iPad in Japan?

You can cancel your Hulu subscription on iPhone/iPad in Japan through either the Apple App Store or directly from the Hulu App. Follow these easy steps:

  1. First, connect to ExpressVPN‘s US server.
  2. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  3. Tap on your Apple ID profile at the top of the settings menu.
  4. Select Subscriptions to view your currently active subscriptions.
  5. Scroll through the list until you find your Hulu subscription and tap on it.
  6. On the Hulu subscription page, you will see an option to Cancel Subscription. Tap on it.
  7. You might be prompted to confirm your decision. Choose Confirm to finalize the cancellation.

If none of the above fixes work, no need to cancel Hulu subscription in Japan. Instead, you can try some quick fixes like clearing the cache or contacting Hulu’s customer support for assistance with the iPhone app.


How Much is Hulu on iPhone/iPad in Japan?

Hulu offers different subscription plans tailored to fit various needs and budgets, whether you want to watch on your iPhone, iPad, or any other device. Here’s a breakdown of the current Hulu pricing structure:

Hulu Subscription Type Price in USD Description
Hulu (With Ads): Stream with limited commercials JPY 1113.54 /mo Subscribers can access Hulu’s award-winning original shows on their TVs, laptops, phones, or tablets with this package. The account can be shared with up to six different user accounts.
Hulu (No Ads): Enjoy an ad-free experience JPY 2,617.27 /mo Customers can enjoy a 30-day free trial for this subscription, which includes all the features of Hulu’s basic package. They can also watch Hulu shows without advertising.
Hulu + Live TV: Watch live TV channels and on-demand content with Ads JPY 11,200.85 /mo Customers can explore this plan for free for 7 days, which includes all the features of Hulu’s basic package and access to Hulu’s Live TV with over 90+ channels.
Hulu + Live TV (No Ads): Watch live TV channels and on-demand content without Ads JPY 13,092.15 /mo This plan offers over 90+ channels of live programming which can be enjoyed without ads and comes with a free 7-day trial for users to try before committing.

Note: You can further learn about Hulu price in Japan in my detailed guide to know which plan will be the best for you.


What Devices are Compatible to Watch Hulu content in Japan?

The following devices can be used to stream Hulu content in Japan using a VPN:

Windows Android Device
Samsung Smart TV MAC
LG Smart TV Apple TV
Xbox PlayStation
Firestick Roku
Chromecast Android TV
Nintendo Switch Xfinity TV

What Hulu Shows and Movies to Watch on iPhone in Japan?

Here are the best Hulu shows in Japan that you can catch this weekend to remain on with the entertainment.

And if you are a movie person, then I’ve also got you here with the best Hulu movies in Japan that I recommend watching:

Bonus: If you are done watching the above shows, then do check out my list of what to watch on Hulu right now in Japan to make the most from your subscription after connecting to a VPN.


More Hulu Guides from VPNRanks


FAQs: Watch Hulu on iPhone in Japan

Yes, the Hulu app iOS is readily available on the App Store in Japan only if you’re connected to a VPN. You can easily download the Hulu app for iPhone and enjoy streaming your favorite content without hassle. However, an ExpressVPN subscription is needed to stream Hulu on iPhone in Japan.

Yes, the Hulu iOS app is free to download. If you are looking for how to get Hulu for iOS for free, then note that you must have an active subscription. Hulu offers various subscription plans to fit your preferences, including ad-supported and ad-free options.

While using the ad-supported version of Hulu, it is not possible to skip ads. However, you can upgrade to Hulu’s ad-free subscription to enjoy uninterrupted streaming on your iPhone.

Yes, with a premium Hulu subscription, you can download select shows and movies to your iPhone. With this feature you can download Hulu on an iPhone
that allows you to watch your downloads offline, perfect for keeping entertained without an internet connection.

Watching Hulu on my iPhone outside my home network is feasible, but accessing all local channels may require location adjustments. Regularly checking in at home on iPhone is essential to ensure continuous access to Hulu Live TV services.

You can watch Hulu on your iPhone without the app in Japan by connecting to ExpressVPN and going to the website in your internet browser.

You can use your iPhone or iPad to cast your favourite shows on a large screen in Japan. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Connect to the New York server of ExpressVPN.
  2. Make sure your TV and iPhone are linked to the same wireless network first.
  3. Next, use the Hulu app and choose the desired TV series or film to watch.
  4. In the top-right corner of the screen, tap the “Cast” symbol.
  5. Next, choose your TV from the device list that is displayed.
  6. Your TV will start to play your material as soon as it is selected. And that’s it!

Yes, Hulu is indeed geo-restricted in Japan due to licensing agreements. To access Hulu from abroad, you will need to use ExpressVPN, which can provide you with a US IP address.

Yes, you can use a free VPN for watching Hulu content in Japan, but I never recommend using it. Free VPNs typically have a limited number of servers, which can be overcrowded and slow, affecting your streaming experience. They may track and sell your data to third parties and rely on advertising, which can be intrusive and annoying.

I recommend you to always sign up for a premium VPN like ExpressVPN, which offers unlimited bandwidth, top-notch security, and a smooth streaming experience for Hulu for iPhone users.


Final Words

Hulu is an amazing streaming platform with plenty of on-demand content with Live TV as well. The streaming service is geo-restricted to the US and some locations in Japan. Luckily, with the steps mentioned above, you can easily watch Hulu on iPhone in Japan and stream your favorite shows.

I recommend using ExpressVPN for streaming the content of Hulu on iPhone. It comes with premium features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.