Some Google Pixel Fold users unable to stream content from Hulu, Netflix, & YouTube TV; issue escalated

Some Google Pixel Fold users have lately been complaining that they are unable to stream content from popular platforms like Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube TV.

As per the claims, the smartphone fails to play content from most of the apps that have DRM protection. And this is undoubtedly quite frustrating and annoying for those who cannot binge-watch their favorite shows or movies.

According to reports (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10), the issue mostly pops up on devices that have been replaced by the company under warranty.

Users claim that the replaced units work fine in the majority of aspects. However, they fail to playback any video from popular streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, Paramount Plus, Peacock, and YouTube TV.

In addition, people also allege that they are unable to stream content from the official web portal using ‘desktop mode’. They assert they get a notification asking them to turn on ‘protected content’ from the site settings.

And to their surprise, users are getting such alerts even when the concerned setting is already on. Luckily, they can watch video clippings on their phone’s browser, Photos app, and YouTube without any occasional hiccups.

People have even tried upgrading their phones to the latest Android 14 Beta with the hope of getting rid of the problem. But sadly, all their efforts were in vain.

Notably, a section of users is facing such problems only on certain apps. For instance, an individual contends that they can watch content available on Netflix but are encountering issues while streaming from other sources.

So … I recently bought my Pixel Fold (switched from an iPhone 14 Pro Max) and I’m in LOVE with this phone! It’s been way better than what I expected. I only have an issue and is that I can’t install the Hulu app. It says “This foldable isn’t compatible with this app”.
Source

Another claims that the Netflix app fails to launch on their Pixel phone. However, other apps, like YouTube TV and Hulu, can be opened normally.

Those affected have tried following the common troubleshooting steps like tinkering with the app, phone, and Play Store settings, as well as factory resetting their devices, but without success.

I had a pixel fold shipped on the first day available, that phone worked with streaming content. Motherboard failed, and got replacement device. Replacement device will not stream any apps (have tried Paramount plus, peacock, Hulu, yttv, Netflix).
Source

Users have also contacted customer care in this regard but couldn’t get a resolution even after spending a few hours. However, a few lucky folks were once again offered free replacements by Google.

And as per the reports, content from various streaming services plays normally on the recently shipped devices.

Fortunately, a Google support staff member has officially responded to the matter and said that they have passed on the relevant information to the concerned team.

They also assert that they will provide updates whenever they come across any new information.

In the meantime, we will keep tabs on this issue and update this story as soon as something noteworthy comes up.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Google section. So make sure that you follow them as well.

Featured Image: Google Pixel Fold.

PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.