Well, if you are into streaming, Hulu is perhaps one of the most popular streaming services that you would have ever come across. But the default download feature available on the streaming service can be a mixed bag.
Even when it comes with an excellent option for downloading and watching your favourite shows offline, there are several Hulu download limits that make it a bit annoying.
Hulu is going to add these hit shows to its library recently. Do not miss!
- No Hard Feelings (Film)
- Secrets of the Penguins (Documentary)
- Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story (Film)
- Jessica Kirson: I’m the Man (Hulu Original on April 25)
Read on to see how you can watch and download these shows without any of the limits imposed by Hulu.
There are several questions that may be bothering you. How much can you download on Hulu, or how long do downloads last on Hulu – these can be just a few of those questions. We will attempt to answer these queries and help you fix the download limits on Hulu for a better offline viewing experience.
Can You Download on Hulu?
So, does Hulu let you download videos on the platform? Well, yes. You can download the videos from the streaming service. But, wait, the feature comes with a few limitations. It isn’t as if it is free for all.
To begin with, you need to have an eligible subscription. Apart from that, there are a few other limitations on the Hulu default downloads. Please note that not all devices and plans are compatible with the download functionality.
You should meet the following requirements to be able to use the download functionality:
- You should have a supported device, such as a mobile device or a tablet
- You should have an active and eligible subscription plan
- A strong internet connection is needed with a speed that matches the video quality you prefer.
- You should also have the latest version of the Hulu app installed.
Hulu Download Limits Explained
To understand the limitations of the default download and use the feature in a practical way, it is important to have a clear understanding of the different download limitations.
Hulu Device limit
Does Hulu have a limit on devices? You can use the download feature only on iOS, Android, and Amazon mobile devices. You cannot download Hulu shows on Mac, PC, or smart TVs. That should answer your query on "Why can't you download on Hulu?" — that's your answer.
Hulu subscription limit
Can you download on Hulu on all plans? Unfortunately, it isn’t possible. There are specific plans that support default downloads.
You can use the download feature only on two subscription plans –
- Hulu (No Ads)
- Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV
If you’re on the basic Hulu plan with ads, the download feature is disabled. And if you switch from a "No Ads" to a regular plan, your downloads will disappear, as outlined in Hulu’s help center.
Hulu time limit
How long does Hulu downloads last? Well, under ideal conditions, the Hulu downloads last for a maximum of 30 days. After this period, the downloaded titles will expire.
However, once you begin watching a downloaded title, you should finish watching it within 48 hours. After the expiry of 48 hours, the title is deleted even when the 30-day period has not crossed.
Number of downloads limit
How many downloads can you have on Hulu? Yes. You can only have 25 downloads per profile across 5 devices. Many users on Reddit found this a bit annoying, as the number of downloads is not specified at the device or profile level, but across the account level.
That would mean you have a limit of 25 downloads across all 5 devices at a time. If you hit the limit, you will get the “Hulu too many downloads” error.
Hulu Simultaneous Screens Limit
How many people can watch Hulu at once? The limit will be dependent on the plan that you have opted for.
- Standard Hulu: 2 simultaneous streams
- Hulu + Live TV: 2 streams, unless you buy the Unlimited Screens Add-on
In essence, you can only get two streams at a time. This is applicable to the downloaded videos as well.
Note: The simultaneous streaming limit does not affect your ability to download, but if multiple users are trying to download or stream content simultaneously, Hulu may restrict some actions.
Why Hulu is not downloading?
Ever wondered why can't you download on Hulu? It can happen due to several reasons. If you are unable to download the Hulu titles, you can check out the following reasons and try fixing them.
1. You do not have an appropriate plan on Hulu
The download feature is available only on two specific subscription plans. Hulu with No Ads and Hulu+ Live TV let you download the titles, subject to the download limits that we have found above.
2. Your device is not supported
The download feature – as we have already found out above - is not available on all devices. You can download the Hulu videos for offline viewing only on a few specific devices. Here is the list of supported devices:
| Device | Supported Version |
| Apple Devices | iPhone, iPad and iTouch on iOS 15.3 and later |
| Android Devices | Any Android device on Android 7.1 and above and with a screen size of at least 800x480 pixels. |
| Amazon Fire tablets |
|
3. The title may not be available for download
You cannot download every title available on Hulu. Some titles may have download restrictions and are not supported for download. You can only stream these titles.
4. You have hit the download limit
As stated above, Hulu allows only 25 downloads across 5 devices. You might have hit this limit and thus cannot download more videos. You may need to delete a few downloaded videos and attempt downloading new videos.
5. Your internet connection may be unstable
You may have an unstable internet connection. It is advisable to go with a higher plan or change your ISP that supports high-quality downloads.
6. You might have logged out
You might have logged out of Hulu. This can make the download to fail. Check once again and sign in to your profile.
[Bonus] How to Bypass Hulu Download Limit
What if you are not comfortable with the download limits on Hulu? Well, there are several options that can be helpful in downloading the titles and keep them forever. It may be a good idea to use third-party Hulu video downloaders for a robust download experience with no restrictions whatsoever.
My search led me to KeepStreams for Hulu, which I consider to be an exceptional downloader for all your practical needs. It offers several outstanding download features, making it one of the promising downloaders ever.
Using KeepStreams for Hulu is never a tough task. The easy-to-use steps make it a dream walk even for beginners.
Using the official website, download KeepStreams onto your Mac or Windows device. Choose the free trial option so that you can get to know the tool before opting for a subscription.
From among the several streaming services supported, choose Hulu. Sign in to your Hulu account or create a new account.
Search and locate the video that you want to download. Clicking on the video file will bring up the download parameters for you to configure. You can choose the download resolution and other preferences.
Click on Download Now to begin downloading the video. You can check the download progress from within the downloader tool.
FAQs
Q1. Do Hulu downloads consume my cellular data?
A1. The data will be consumed – either cellular or WiFi – only when downloading the title or streaming new content. In fact, downloading the titles is the best way to save on your cellular data – especially when you are on the move. Watching downloaded videos does not consume any data.
Q2. How do I renew expired Hulu downloads?
A2. To redownload the expired downloads, you can go to the downloads folder, tap on the icon next to the expired downloaded video, and tap on Renew download. However, there may be a limit on the number of times a video can be redownloaded.
Q3. Can I download all the content on Hulu?
A3. No. Some titles may not be available for download. This would be dependent on the limitations from the content providers or based on the licensing agreements. However, KeepStreams for Hulu lets you download practically every title from Hulu.
In Conclusion
Hulu’s download functionality is a helpful feature, but it comes with strings attached. From limits on devices and downloads to tight expiration rules, it’s no surprise that users search terms like “Why is Hulu not downloading?” or “Does Hulu have a limit on devices?”
The good news? You’re no longer stuck with Hulu’s default restrictions. With tools like KeepStreams for Hulu, you can bypass all Hulu download limits and save your favorite content forever, no matter the plan, device, or expiration window.