Hulu Keeps Skipping Forward: 5 Ways to Fix It

Kerry Souder
by Kerry Souder

Nothing can be quite as frustrating as trying to watch a show and it keeps skipping forward. Unfortunately for Hulu users, this can be a common issue. There are a handful of different reasons for why this happens, and we’re here to talk about them all. So, why does Hulu keep skipping forward, and what can you do to stop it from being an issue in the future?

Hulu will keep skipping forward for many reasons, including slow internet speeds, corrupted cache and data, outdated apps and devices, or Hulu server malfunctions. To resolve the problem, you should check your internet and for app updates, power cycle your device, delete corrupted cache and data, reinstall the app, or contact a Hulu support team member.

In this article, we’re going to take a deeper dive into this issue as well as all the different ways you can fix it. We’ll keep this as quick as possible, so you can get back to watching your shows and movies in peace.

Why Does Hulu Keep Skipping Forward?

There isn’t one answer to why Hulu keeps skipping forward, and knowing the root cause will help you solve the issue as fast possible. The most common causes for Hulu to skip forward include:

  • Low Internet Speeds: Hulu requires a certain amount of bandwidth speed to stream without glitches. If your connection dips below a certain point, it will impact Hulu’s performance.
  • Cache and Data Issues: Any app will continuously save cache and data on the device they’re operated on because it improves overall performance. These files can easily become corrupted and cause issues when you’re launching the app.
  • Hulu Needing Updates: If the Hulu app needs an update, you may experience issues from bugs and faulty files.
  • Server Malfunctions: Whether it’s planned maintenance or an outage, Hulu’s server can go down, in which case you can’t do much but wait. You should be able to check if the server is down for yourself.

Fixes for When Hulu Keeps Skipping

If Hulu keeps skipping forward, don’t stress out. There are plenty of ways to go about fixing it, and you can handle most on your own without leaving your home or taking too much time out of your day. Here are the steps you should take to ensure your Hulu app is performing at optimal levels.

Check Your Internet Speed

The easiest way to check your internet speed is through Speedtest. Typically, you’ll want to have 3Mbps for programs and movies, 8Mbps for live streaming, and 16Mbps for high definition 4K.

A good way to make sure you have the right internet speeds is not to have any apps running in the background while you’re streaming on Hulu. You can also disconnect any devices with internet connection. Should you be using wireless connection, you can move the router closer to your Hulu device or opt to use an ethernet cable to wire it in.

Check for App Updates & Delete Data and Cache

The best way to fix an outdated app is, well, to update it. To check for updates, go to the app store on your device and download it. You should also go into the settings section of the device you’re using Hulu on. This may need a software update, too, which can also affect streaming.

Every now and then, you should also go into your Hulu settings and delete the data and cache of the app. When this builds up, it can cause issues with streaming, including constant skipping. Once you’ve deleted this, you shouldn’t experience any other streaming issues.

Power Cycle the Device

If your app is up to date and your internet speed is okay, you should power cycle any internet devices. To do this, you’ll want to switch off the streaming device and completely unplug it. After about 5 minutes, restart it once more. For best results, follow the same steps with your internet modem or router.

Reinstall the App

If none of these other fixes have worked, there’s a chance your Hulu app has an incorrect configuration. Simply restarting it won’t resolve this issue. Instead, you should try deleting the app off your device, rebooting it, and redownloading Hulu once more.

Contact Support

If nothing else is working, you have one other option for fixing this issue. That option is to share your problem with a member of Hulu’s support team. In many cases, the issue could be due to an unexpected outage or routine maintenance.

If this is the case, the only thing you can do it wait. Depending on the issue, this can take minutes, hours, or even days. That said, Hulu will reach its full performance levels once more.

Should something else be going on with your specific Hulu device, a customer service member may be able to walk you through the fix. Just be sure to tell them all the things you already tried, so you don’t waste their time or your own.

Why is Hulu Crashing?

Your shows and movies skipping is one thing, but what should you do if the entire app keeps crashing? This frustrating issue can feel like a big deal, but the cause can usually be narrowed down to two things: corrupted installation files or problems with Hulu servers.

Some of the most common issues people face with their Hulu streaming service other than it skipping is Hulu responding very slowly, crashing, buffering, or having issues specifically with using it on Firestick.

If Hulu is responding very slowly on your TV or keeps crashing altogether, there are three main things you should try to optimize performance once more. First, clear the cache and data to make more room on your device and get rid of any corrupted files. If that doesn’t work you can uninstall and reinstall the app to give it a refresh.

Should neither of these actions fix the solution, your internet may be the culprit. Check your WiFi connection and test internet speeds if that is the case.

So, Why Does Hulu Keep Skipping Forward, and How Can You Stop It?

As with any technology, you’re bound to experience issues with Hulu. If Hulu keeps skipping forward, it can be due to slow internet speeds, data and cache build up, needing to update the app or your device, or dealing with server malfunctions. In most cases, you’ll be able to fix the problem on your own. If worse comes to worst, you can always contact a Hulu technician for additional support.

Kerry Souder
Kerry Souder

I am a copywriter and editor based in the Las Vegas area with nearly a decade of experience under my belt writing landing pages, cost guides, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and social media content. I have a degree in Strategic Communication and experience working in both the account and creative spheres. My goal is to always be discovering new interests and bettering myself as a writer and editor along the way.

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