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Hulu on ChromeOS

Hulu is a popular streaming service that offers a vast library of TV shows, movies, and original content. With various subscription plans, including Hulu (With Ads), Hulu (No Ads), and Hulu + Live TV, users can access both on-demand and live television content. ChromeOS users can stream Hulu content via the web version or the Android application.

While the web version allows for traditional streaming, the Android version of Hulu provides additional benefits, including offline downloads for users with an eligible plan.

Installing Hulu on ChromeOS

To install the Hulu Android app on ChromeOS:

  1. Open the Google Play Store.
  2. Search for Hulu.
  3. Click Install.
  4. Once installed, open the Hulu app and sign in with your account.

Benefits of Using the Hulu Android App on ChromeOS

Offline Downloads for Eligible Plans

One major advantage of using the Hulu Android app on ChromeOS is the ability to download content for offline viewing. This is ideal for:

  • Watching shows and movies without an internet connection.
  • Reducing mobile data usage when traveling.
  • Enjoying content in areas with slow or no Wi-Fi access.

However, offline downloads are not available on all Hulu plans. To access this feature, users must have a Hulu (No Ads) or Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV subscription. The standard Hulu (With Ads) plan does not support offline downloads.

Other important considerations for offline viewing:

  • Not all content is available for download due to licensing agreements.
  • Regional restrictions apply—offline downloads may not be available in certain locations.
  • Downloads expire after a set time and must be watched before they are automatically removed.

To check whether offline downloads are available:

  • Open the Hulu app.
  • Navigate to the Downloads section.
  • If available, a "Download" button will appear on eligible titles.

Full-Screen and Touchscreen Support

The Hulu Android app is optimized for tablet mode on convertible ChromeOS devices, providing full-screen playback and touch-friendly controls.

ChromeOS Media Integration

The Hulu Android app works seamlessly with ChromeOS’s media controls, allowing users to:

  • Adjust volume and playback using keyboard media keys.
  • Manage playback from the ChromeOS notification tray.
  • Resume watching from where they left off with ChromeOS multitasking features.

Limitations of the Hulu Android App on ChromeOS

  • Offline downloads require an ad-free plan: Users on the Hulu (With Ads) plan cannot download content for offline viewing.
  • No 4K Streaming: Currently, the Hulu Android app does not support 4K streaming on ChromeOS. To stream in higher resolutions, users should access Hulu via the web browser.
  • Limited Keyboard Shortcuts: Unlike the web version, the Android app is designed for touchscreen controls and lacks full keyboard shortcut support.
  • Expiration of Downloads: Offline downloads have a limited viewing period and may expire after a set time.