Hulu is an absolute go-to for OG cord-cutters. If you love the ABC, NBC or Fox programs or corporate cable siblings, Hulu brings you closer to Cable TV without any cable connection.
However, in the middle of a show, Hulu bombarded me with error 2(-998), and the video went dark. It gets more frustrating as the video won’t play whatever I do.
Aren’t you facing the same issue?
Well, for both of our sake, I’ve researched deeply on the internet. And lucky me, after a tremendous trial and error session, I’ve discovered the best viable solutions available to solve Error Code 2-998 in Hulu.
So, waste no time and read this article thoroughly to solve Hulu Error 2 once and for all.
Why are you Getting Error Code 2 on Hulu?
Generally, Hulu error code 2 (-998) or 2 (975) occurs for an unstable internet connection. Also, outdated Hulu applications, missing app files, internet errors, server issues, heavy cache files, expired subscriptions, and too many background tasks can cause this issue.
Here are the main reasons behind Error code 2 (-998) or 2 (975) on Hulu:
- You have an unstable and laggy internet connection. So the videos you are watching can’t load properly.
- The Hulu application you are using isn’t up to date.
- The cache file of Hulu is corrupted and makes the app lag
- Hulu app isn’t getting the required bandwidth and RAM for unnecessary background applications.
- Your subscription to Hulu has expired.
These are the main reasons for getting error code 2 (-998) in Hulu. You will get a short message. Sorry, we encountered an error playing this video. Please try restarting the video or select something else to watch. Error Code: 2(-998) in the event of this error.
As you now know the reason behind this issue, the fixing will be easier. Because you can now apply the right solution to solve this issue, follow the next section to know the available solution to solve this issue.
How to Fix Error 2(-988) on Hulu
To fix error 2(-988), first, ensure steady internet connectivity and then look for Hulu server status. When both things are ok, and you are still facing this error, you can solve this issue by updating the application, deleting the app cache, closing background applications, force-stopping Hulu, etc.
I’ve included the fixing methods step-by-step in the following section. Read thoroughly to apply.
Here are the fixes for Error 2(-988) on Hulu:
1. Ensure Suitable Internet Connection
In 9 out of 10 cases, error 2 occurs for an unstable internet connection. The unstable internet connection won’t let the Hulu app load properly. So you need to ensure a stable internet connection at the beginning. When that doesn’t work, apply the next solution.
2. Check the Server Status
Sometimes the server of Hulu gets updates or routine maintenance. That time you can face 2(-988) issues while playing any TV program or other videos. So you should check Hulu’s server status at the time of facing this problem.
One of the trusted sites to check any website’s server status is DownDetector. Just go to the link, and you will know to get all the necessary information.
3. Update the Hulu Application
If you are using an old version of the Hulu application, the data transfer from the server may get interrupted, and you will face error 2. So keep your application updated all the time.
Here are the steps to update the Hulu application:
For PC
- Open Microsoft Store.
- Go to the Library.
- Click the Update button next to Hulu.
For Android TV
- Navigate to Settings > Apps.
- Open Google Play Store.
- Click My Apps and find the Hulu application.
- Hit the Update button beside Hulu.
For Android Phone
- Go to the Play Store.
- Write Hulu in the search bar.
- Press the green button name Update, and your app will start updating.
For iPhone
- Go to the iPhone App Store.
- Touch the Profile icon in the Upper right.
- Get to Pending updates and release notes.
- Tap Update next to the Hulu icon.
After executing the steps, you will see your application will start updating. Depending on your connection speed, the update will take 2 to 10 minutes to complete. After the update is complete, restart your device to get the best out of the update.
4. Conduct an SFC Scan
The Hulu app files on your PC can get missing or corrupted for some virus infection. Running an SFC scan will replace the corrupted data.
Here are the steps to run an SFC scan:
- Left-click the Windows search icon and Insert cmd in the search box.
- Right-click Command Prompt, then select Run as administrator.
- Type sfc/scannow and Press Enter.
- Wait until the scan process to complete.
After the process is complete, you should restart your device. Because without restarting the application, the updated file won’t work properly.
Quick Tip: Don’t run any other processes until the scan is complete.
5. Clear App Cache
Sometimes the Hulu application incurs unnecessary cache in your phone. These unadjusted app caches can also trigger the 2(-988) issue in Hulu. So clearing the cache file helps to solve this issue.
Here are the steps to clear the app cache from your phone:
On Android
- Go to Your Phone Settings.
- Touch Apps & Notifications.
- Select the See all apps option.
- Click Hulu from the list.
- Navigate to storage and cache.
- Touch Clear Cache.
On iOS
- Go to Phone Settings > General > iPhone storage.
- Touch Hulu.
- Select the Offload App option.
After completing the steps, Restart your device. Restarting will give the systems some breathable time to adapt to the system change that occurred for clearing the cache files.
6. Close Background Application
Sometimes the background applications eat away most of your bandwidth and increase the pressure on your RAM. For this reason, Hulu won’t get the necessary bandwidth to operate, and you face error 2(-988). So you should close the unnecessary application.
Here are the steps to terminate the unnecessary background apps:
- Go to the PC Task manager, then click Process.
- Click on the network tab. (This will sort the programs according to network usage).
- Select the unnecessary programs from the list.
- Choose End Task for each program separately.
And this way, the unnecessary application will be disabled, and Hulu will get the required speed it needs to load the videos.
7. Change Device
Error code 2 can happen for some unknown bugs from the device or browser you are using. So changing the device is one of the viable ways to avoid this error code of Hulu and enjoy lag-free video streaming.
If you are using any browser like Chrome, or Edge, just change the browser or switch to another device, and your problem will be solved.
8. Force Stop Hulu App
Sometimes Hulu apps can face some unknown bugs, and the video stops working with an error code 2. That time you need to force stop the Hulu application from your device settings to solve this issue.
Here are the steps to force stop the Hulu application:
On Android TV
- Go to the Settings section > Application menu.
- Search Hulu in the list of all the installed apps and click it.
- Select the Force Stop button.
On Android Phone
- Go to Your Phone Settings.
- Touch Apps & Notifications.
- Select the See all apps option.
- Click Hulu from the list.
- Touch the Force Stop button.
After that, you should restart your device and then open Hulu again to see if the issue is gone for good. Other devices like iOS don’t have the force stop menu. So this method isn’t applicable to them.
9. Check your Hulu App Subscription Status
When your Hulu subscription expires, there is a fair chance of facing 2(-998) error codes. To solve this issue, you should renew your subscription.
10. Contact Hulu Support
When any of the above fixes don’t solve the issue, you should contact the Hulu support center with the problem. Just go to the support link and describe your issue.
Caution: You need to have all the Hulu account-related information because the support chat will ask for that information.
FAQs
Why does my Hulu keep saying we’re having trouble playing this?
You are seeing this message for Hulu error code P-DEV320. Just restart your device and reconnect to the internet to solve this issue.
Why does my Hulu keep saying error?
Your Hulu app keeps saying error because of an unstable internet connection, an old app version, or some bugs in your device.
Can I Update Hulu On A Smart TV?
Yes, you can easily update the Hulu app on your smart TV. Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store, click My Apps and hit the Update button beside Hulu. And your app will start updating.
Conclusion
Long story short, the Hulu application may stop video streaming with error code 2 (-998) or 2 (975) for internet connection, server issues, heavy cache files, expired subscriptions etc.
You can solve this issue by updating the application, clearing the cache file, and renewing the subscription. When the methods don’t work, you should contact the support center of Hulu.
After applying the above fixes, I’m sure the issue is solved at your end, and you are enjoying a lag-free video. Which one of the fixes did the trick for you? Comment below.
And for everything else, stick with 10 scopes.
