Starting an episode from the beginning on Hulu is a surprisingly common need, whether it’s due to accidental pausing, a quick jump ahead to avoid spoilers, or simply wanting a fresh start. Thankfully, Hulu offers several easy methods to ensure you’re always seeing the episode from the very first second.
Understanding Hulu’s Playback Interface
Hulu’s interface is generally intuitive, but pinpointing the exact method to restart can sometimes be tricky depending on your device and viewing platform. The key lies in understanding the options available within the playback controls. These controls differ slightly depending on whether you are using the Hulu app on a smart TV, a mobile device, a web browser, or a gaming console. However, the core functionality remains consistent: manipulating the playback timeline.
Restarting on a Web Browser
When watching Hulu on your computer through a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.), restarting an episode is arguably the simplest. Hovering your mouse over the video player reveals the playback controls, including a timeline. You can simply click on the very beginning of the timeline to instantly rewind to the start. Alternatively, look for a small rewind icon (usually a triangle pointing backwards with a vertical line) that, when clicked repeatedly, will quickly rewind the episode to the beginning.
Restarting on Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
Smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast generally use a similar remote-based navigation system. While the specific appearance of the on-screen controls might vary, the principle remains the same. Use your remote to bring up the playback controls. Look for the timeline and use the directional buttons to navigate to the beginning of the timeline. Select the beginning of the timeline to restart the episode. You may also find a rewind button which, when pressed repeatedly, will rewind to the start. Some newer devices may also have a dedicated “Restart” button within the playback controls, making the process even easier.
Restarting on Mobile Devices (iOS and Android)
The Hulu mobile app, available on both iOS and Android, offers a touch-based interface for controlling playback. Tapping on the screen during playback usually reveals the controls. As with other platforms, you’ll see a timeline that you can drag to the beginning of the episode. Look for a rewind icon; tapping it multiple times will rewind the episode to the beginning. In some versions of the app, there might be a small, almost imperceptible “replay” button represented by a circular arrow, that immediately restarts the episode.
Addressing Playback Issues
Sometimes, issues like buffering, freezing, or slow internet connections can interfere with your ability to restart an episode smoothly. Before attempting to restart repeatedly, ensure your internet connection is stable. Restarting your device (the TV, streaming device, or mobile phone) can often resolve temporary glitches that might be affecting the Hulu app.
FAQs: Your Hulu Playback Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how to efficiently restart episodes on Hulu:
What do I do if the timeline doesn’t appear when I tap the screen on my phone?
Make sure you’re actually in the full-screen playback mode. Sometimes, if you’re still navigating the Hulu menus, tapping the screen won’t bring up the playback controls. Tap the screen to enter full-screen mode first, then tap again to reveal the timeline and playback options. Also, ensure the app is updated to the latest version.
My remote doesn’t have directional buttons. How do I move the timeline to the beginning?
Some remotes have a touch-sensitive trackpad instead of traditional directional buttons. In this case, use your finger to swipe across the trackpad to move the timeline to the beginning of the episode.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to restart an episode on my computer?
Unfortunately, Hulu doesn’t offer dedicated keyboard shortcuts for rewinding or restarting episodes within the web browser. You’ll need to rely on mouse-based navigation to manipulate the playback controls.
The rewind button is too slow! Is there a faster way to get to the beginning?
The fastest way is almost always to use the timeline and drag it directly to the start of the episode. Even if the rewind button seems faster at first, dragging the timeline is generally more efficient, especially for longer episodes.
I accidentally skipped ahead and missed a crucial scene. Can I rewind a specific amount of time?
Yes. Most playback controls allow you to drag the timeline precisely to the desired point in the episode. Use the pause button to stop at the exact moment you want to re-watch. Some devices may have “fast forward” and “rewind” buttons that skip in set increments (e.g., 10 seconds).
Why does my Hulu app keep freezing when I try to rewind?
Freezing is often a sign of a slow or unstable internet connection. Try pausing the episode and allowing it to buffer for a few moments before attempting to rewind. Also, ensure no other devices on your network are consuming excessive bandwidth. If the problem persists, try restarting your router and modem.
Does Hulu remember where I left off in an episode?
Yes, Hulu automatically remembers where you last stopped watching an episode and will typically offer you the option to “resume watching” when you next select that episode. This feature can be disabled in your Hulu account settings if desired.
Can I use voice commands to restart an episode?
This depends on your device. Smart TVs or streaming devices that support voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri may allow you to use voice commands like “Alexa, restart this episode” or “Hey Google, rewind the video.” Check your device’s documentation for specific voice command compatibility with Hulu.
I’m watching a live TV program. Can I restart from the beginning?
No. Live TV programs cannot be restarted from the beginning. You can only watch what is currently being broadcast. However, Hulu + Live TV offers a “Lookback” feature for some channels, allowing you to watch previously aired shows on demand. Additionally, the DVR functionality allows you to record live shows for later viewing.
Is there a way to automatically start every episode from the beginning?
There is no global setting within Hulu to automatically start every episode from the beginning. You will need to manually restart each episode as needed.
How do I restart an episode using Chromecast?
When using Chromecast, you’ll control playback from your mobile device or computer. Open the Hulu app on your device and cast the episode to your Chromecast. Then, use the playback controls on your device to restart the episode, just as you would if you were watching directly on your phone or computer.
My “Restart” button disappeared! Where did it go?
The appearance and placement of playback controls can change with Hulu app updates. Check for updates and ensure you’re using the latest version. If the “Restart” button is genuinely missing, rely on the timeline method to rewind to the beginning. Contacting Hulu support might also be helpful if you believe there is a bug.