Hulu error codes like this can have a number of causes, but they typically indicate that some sort of problem has prevented your device from being able to access data from Hulu’s servers. Your Hulu app may need to be updated, you may have a network or connection problem, or there may be an underlying issue on Hulu’s end.
How Hulu Error Code PLAREQ17 Appears
When this error occurs, you will usually see a message that looks like this:
Causes of Hulu Error Code PLAREQ17
Hulu playback failures can have a number of root causes, but failures associated with the PLAREQ17 code usually occur on Roku devices and Roku TVs that are unable to obtain data from the Hulu server. This error can occur when streaming on demand movies and shows, when streaming live television through Hulu with Live TV, and even when watching content that you have recorded to your cloud DVR.
The PLAREQ17 error code is often caused by connectivity problems with your home network or internet connection, but it can also be caused by issues with the Hulu channel on your Roku. If everything checks out on your end, then there may be an issue with Hulu itself.
How to Fix the Hulu Error Code PLAREQ17
Most of the problems that cause the PLAREQ17 error code are related to your internet connection, and others are related to your Roku or Roku TV. In order to diagnose and fix this problem, you will need to have access to your local network hardware, like your modem and router, and your Roku or Roku TV.
To diagnose and fix Hulu error code PLAREQ17, follow each of these steps in order:
Check your internet connection. Using the same device that is showing the PLAREQ17 error, check the quality and speed of your connection. An unstable connection, slow connection, or lack of an internet connection altogether will cause the PLAREQ17 error code to appear. To check your internet connection on a Roku, press the Home button on your remote, then select Settings > Network > Check connection. Roku recommends at least 3+ Mbps for standard definition, and 5+ Mbps for high definition. Try a different wireless network or a wired connection. Try a different wireless network if you have one available. You may be able to fix the problem, but verifying that Hulu works on a different network will narrow the problem down to your wireless network. If your Roku has the option to use an Ethernet connection, try that instead. Even if you temporarily have to move your Roku to a different room on a different TV, check to see if it works when connected via a wired Ethernet connection. If it does, then you will need to reposition your Roku or your router, or figure out a way to use a wired connection. Restart your local network hardware. In many cases, restarting devices can clear strange problems and allow things to start working normally. To fully restart your network hardware equipment, start by turning everything off and unplugging everything from power. You will then need to wait about a minute before plugging everything back in. Start by plugging in your modem and turning it on, then plug in and turn on your router after the modem has successfully connected to the internet. Restart your Roku device. Follow the procedure to perform a system reset, not a factory reset. This procedure will correct a lot of basic problems, including error code PLAREQ17, but it won’t erase any of your channels or change any settings. Update your Roku and the Hulu app. If the Hulu channel on your Roku is outdated, there’s a chance that Hulu has already fixed the problem causing your PLAREQ17 error and you just don’t have the updated software. To check for updates on a Roku device: press the Home button on your remote, then select Settings > System > System update > Check Now. Your device will automatically download and install any available updates. You may also try restarting or resetting your Roku to trigger the updating system to check for available updates. Clear your cache. The Hulu channel stores temporary data on your Roku during streaming. If that data is corrupt, it can cause this error. When that happens, clearing your Roku cache will fix the problem. To clear your cache on a Roku, press the Home button on your remote to return to the home screen, then press Home five times, Up once, Rewind twice, Fast Forward twice. Your Roku will clear its cache and restart in about 30 seconds. Remove and reinstall the Hulu channel. In some cases, you may have an issue with corrupted data in the Hulu app itself instead of the cache. When that happens, removing the channel and then reinstalling it will fix the problem.
What if Hulu Still Doesn’t Work?
If you’re still seeing Hulu error code PLAREQ17 on a regular basis after having gone through all of the previous steps, then it’s very likely that the problem isn’t on your end. That means there is probably some kind of compatibility issue with the current version of the Hulu channel and your Roku, or a problem with Hulu’s servers. In any case, you can either contact Hulu customer support to provide information about your case, or wait for Hulu to fix the problem without your input.
To check your internet connection on a Roku, press the Home button on your remote, then select Settings > Network > Check connection.
If your Roku has the option to use an Ethernet connection, try that instead. Even if you temporarily have to move your Roku to a different room on a different TV, check to see if it works when connected via a wired Ethernet connection. If it does, then you will need to reposition your Roku or your router, or figure out a way to use a wired connection.
To fully restart your network hardware equipment, start by turning everything off and unplugging everything from power. You will then need to wait about a minute before plugging everything back in. Start by plugging in your modem and turning it on, then plug in and turn on your router after the modem has successfully connected to the internet.
To check for updates on a Roku device: press the Home button on your remote, then select Settings > System > System update > Check Now.
Your device will automatically download and install any available updates.
To clear your cache on a Roku, press the Home button on your remote to return to the home screen, then press Home five times, Up once, Rewind twice, Fast Forward twice. Your Roku will clear its cache and restart in about 30 seconds.
It may be useful, at this point, to check social media and sites that track service interruptions. For example, you may want to check a hashtag like #huludown on Twitter and select the latest tab to see if anyone else has similar complaints about Hulu being down. If you don’t see a lot of complaints, then you may want to contact Hulu customer service as they are less likely to be aware of the issue.
