To watch live TV on Hulu, you need a Hulu + Live TV plan. Once you have it, open the Hulu app and select Live in the main menu, then use the Live Guide to pick a channel. A regular Hulu plan only includes on-demand shows and movies, so you won’t see the Live option without a Live TV plan.
This guide covers getting a Live TV plan, setting your Home network, opening the Live Guide on each device, picking channels, live TV controls, recording with Cloud DVR, watching away from home, and fixes when live TV won’t play. It applies to the Hulu app in the U.S. Steps follow Hulu’s Help Center, checked October 1, 2026. Prices and channel lineups change, so check Hulu for current details.
Step 1: Get Hulu + Live TV
Hulu’s Hulu + Live TV plans page lists the current packages, which include Disney+ and ESPN Select, plus Spanish-language and Live TV Only options. Hulu says Live TV plans include 95+ channels. You’ll need to be in the U.S., have a device that supports the latest Hulu app, and a download speed of at least 8 Mbps for smooth live streams.
- New to Hulu: sign up at hulu.com/live-tv.
- Already have Hulu: go to your Account page and change your plan. Result: the Live tab appears in the app.
- Check your channels first: enter your ZIP code on Hulu’s site, since local stations and regional sports networks vary by area.
Step 2: Set Your Home Network
Hulu says Live TV subscribers must set a Home network within 30 days of signing up. It decides which local and regional channels you get.
- Connect your TV device or phone to your home internet. It must be a residential, non-mobile connection; Hulu says mobile hotspots and shared networks like dorms or offices don’t qualify.
- Open the Hulu app and follow the prompt to set your Home network. Result: your local channels appear in the Live Guide.
You can change your Home network up to four times a year, according to Hulu’s Home network guidelines.
Step 3: Open the Live Guide
Select Live from the main menu on the Home screen to start live TV. To open the Live Guide while something is playing, Hulu’s Live Guide help page lists these steps:
- Web browser: select Live in the navigation bar at the top, or select the three-lines icon under the player while something is playing.
- Phone or tablet: during playback, tap the exit-fullscreen icon or turn your device upright.
- TV devices (Roku, Fire TV, smart TVs and game consoles): during playback, press down on your remote. On Apple TV, swipe up.
Step 4: Pick a Channel
- Scroll up or down through the channel grid to see what’s on now.
- Scroll right to see what’s coming up over the next two weeks.
- Press or swipe left for filters like Recent, Channels, Favorites, Sports, News, Movies, Kids and Local.
- Select a program. Result: an options panel opens where you can watch it live, open its details page, or record it to your Cloud DVR.
A rewind icon means you can start that program from the beginning. On a supported iPhone or iPad in full screen, you can swipe left or right to change channels.
Live TV Controls
- Pause, rewind or fast-forward with the buttons at the bottom of the screen.
- Jump to Live, above the Play button, takes you back to what’s airing now.
- Switch channels from the Live Guide without stopping your current stream.
These controls come from Hulu’s How does Hulu + Live TV work? page.
Record Live TV With Cloud DVR
Select a program in the Live Guide and choose Record. Hulu says Live TV plans include unlimited Cloud DVR storage, recordings are kept for up to nine months, and you can fast-forward through ads in recordings. Find them under My Stuff, in Manage DVR.
Customize Your Favorites
The networks you add to My Stuff show up under Favorites. Search for a network by name and add it from its details page, or remove it from My Stuff to drop it.
Watching Away From Home
- You can watch on phones and tablets while traveling in the U.S. Hulu says to check in on your Home network at least once every 30 days, or live TV on mobile may be blocked.
- Living room devices, like a TV stick, only stream live TV on your Home network. Taking one to another house counts as a Home network change.
- Local channels can change based on where you are; national channels stay the same.
If Live TV Won’t Play
- Missing local channels or sports: they depend on your location and blackout rules. Hulu explains them in Live TV availability and broadcast restrictions. Re-enter your ZIP code to check.
- “You’re not at home” error on a TV: you’re outside your Home network. Use one of your Home changes, or contact Hulu.
- Wrong times in the guide: check the time zone on your device.
- Guide won’t load: force quit the app or restart the device, and update the Hulu app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch live TV on Hulu without the Live TV plan?
No. The Live tab and Live Guide only appear with a Live TV plan. Regular Hulu plans are on-demand only.
How many screens can watch live TV at once?
Hulu says Live TV plans stream on two screens at a time. An Unlimited Screens add-on is available for an extra monthly charge.
Do I get ads on live TV?
Yes. Live channels include commercials, and Hulu notes network on-demand videos may have ads even on Hulu Premium + Live TV. However, you can fast-forward ads in DVR recordings.
Related: How to Upgrade to the No-Commercials Plan on Hulu.
Watching on your phone? Here’s how to turn off autoplay in the iPhone Hulu app.
Comparing live TV services? Here’s how to get Sling TV on an iPhone.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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