Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of Dallas Cowboys football? Imagine settling in on game day, your favorite snacks at the ready, and your screen perfectly tuned to watch America's Team in action. If you're a cord-cutter or simply looking for the most convenient way to catch every touchdown, tackle, and triumph, then streaming the Dallas Cowboys on Hulu + Live TV might just be your perfect play!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of getting set up, ensuring you don't miss a single moment of the Cowboys' season. Let's get started!
Step 1: Do You Have Hulu + Live TV?
This is the absolute first and most crucial step! If you already subscribe to Hulu's standard on-demand service, that's not enough to watch live NFL games. To catch the Dallas Cowboys live, you need the Hulu + Live TV subscription.
What's the difference?
Hulu (on-demand): Provides access to a vast library of TV shows, movies, and Hulu Originals, but does not include live TV channels.
Hulu + Live TV: Includes everything from the on-demand plan plus over 90 live TV channels, including those that broadcast NFL games. It also bundles Disney+ and ESPN+, making it a robust entertainment package.
If you don't have it: No worries! It's incredibly easy to sign up. Head over to the Hulu website and look for the "Hulu + Live TV" option. You'll typically be offered a free trial, which is fantastic for testing the waters.
If you already have it: Excellent! You're already one step closer to cheering on the Cowboys. Proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Ensure Your Device is Ready for Kickoff
Hulu + Live TV is widely supported across a multitude of devices, making it incredibly convenient to watch from almost anywhere. However, it's always a good idea to confirm your device is compatible and has the latest Hulu app installed.
Supported Devices:
Hulu has excellent device compatibility. You can likely watch on:
Smart TVs: Most modern Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Android TV models.
Streaming Devices: Roku, Apple TV (4th gen and later), Amazon Fire TV (sticks, cubes, TVs), Chromecast (including with Google TV).
Gaming Consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch.
Mobile Devices: Android phones and tablets, Apple iPhones and iPads, Amazon Fire tablets.
Web Browsers: Access Hulu directly through a web browser on your computer (PC or Mac).
How to Check & Update Your App:
Locate the App: On your chosen device, find the Hulu app. If you don't have it, search for "Hulu" in your device's app store (e.g., Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Roku Channel Store, Amazon Appstore).
Install/Update: If you haven't installed it, download and install the app. If you already have it, check for updates. Most devices will automatically update apps, but manually checking ensures you have the latest version for optimal performance. An outdated app can sometimes lead to streaming issues.
Log In: Once installed/updated, open the Hulu app and log in with your Hulu + Live TV credentials.
Step 3: Understanding NFL Channel Availability on Hulu + Live TV
This is where the specifics for watching the Dallas Cowboys come into play. NFL games are broadcast across various national and local networks. Hulu + Live TV provides access to most of these, but there are some important nuances.
Key Channels for NFL Games:
Local Broadcast Networks (FOX, CBS, NBC): A significant number of Cowboys games will air on your local FOX, CBS, and NBC affiliates. Hulu + Live TV includes these channels based on your geographic location. This is crucial for in-market games.
ESPN: For Monday Night Football (MNF), ESPN is your go-to. Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN.
NFL Network: Hulu + Live TV also carries NFL Network, which broadcasts some regular-season games (including Thursday Night Football early in the season) and extensive NFL-related programming.
NFL RedZone (Sports Add-on): If you're a fantasy football fanatic or simply want to catch every touchdown from all Sunday afternoon games, NFL RedZone is a must-have. This is available as part of Hulu's Sports Add-on, which costs an additional monthly fee. While not strictly necessary to watch Cowboys games, it enhances the overall NFL viewing experience.
Other Platforms (Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube TV/NFL Sunday Ticket): It's important to note that not all Cowboys games will be exclusively on Hulu + Live TV. Some Thursday Night Football games are exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, and the NFL has even started broadcasting games on Netflix (like a Christmas Day game for the 2025 season). Additionally, NFL Sunday Ticket (for out-of-market games) is now exclusively on YouTube and YouTube TV. Hulu + Live TV will not grant you access to these exclusive broadcasts.
Checking Your Local Channels:
Regional Blackouts: NFL games are subject to regional availability and blackout restrictions. This means if a game is airing on a local channel in your market, you generally won't be able to watch it on NFL Sunday Ticket (if you had it) because it's considered "in-market."
Hulu's Live Guide: The best way to see which local channels are available in your area on Hulu + Live TV is to use their "Live Guide" feature within the app. You can also enter your ZIP code on Hulu's website to check your specific channel lineup.
Step 4: Finding Dallas Cowboys Games on Hulu + Live TV
Once you're subscribed and your device is ready, finding the games is straightforward.
Using the Live Guide:
Open the Hulu App: Launch the Hulu app on your preferred device.
Navigate to Live TV: Look for the "Live" tab or icon, which will bring up the Live Guide (channel guide).
Browse Channels: Scroll through the channels to find FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, or NFL Network.
Check Schedule: Look for upcoming NFL games. The Live Guide will clearly show what's currently airing and what's coming up.
Searching for NFL Content:
Use the Search Function: Hulu has a robust search feature. Type in "NFL Football," "Dallas Cowboys," or even the specific opponent you're looking for.
NFL Football Series Page: Hulu often has a dedicated "NFL Football" series page or a "Sports" collection. This is a great central hub to see all upcoming NFL games available on the platform, and often lets you add the Cowboys to "My Stuff" for easier tracking.
Adding the Cowboys to "My Stuff":
Hulu allows you to add your favorite teams and shows to "My Stuff." When you add the Dallas Cowboys, Hulu will often send you push notifications (if enabled on your mobile device) when games are about to start or if there are important updates. This is a fantastic way to ensure you never miss a game.
Step 5: Troubleshooting & Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
Even with the best setup, sometimes technical glitches can occur. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth Cowboys viewing experience:
Common Issues & Solutions:
Buffering or Poor Quality:
Check your internet connection: A strong, stable internet connection is paramount for live streaming. Hulu recommends at least 8 Mbps for live streaming.
Close other applications: If you have many apps running in the background, they can consume bandwidth.
Restart your router/modem: A quick reboot can often resolve connectivity issues.
Move closer to your Wi-Fi router: Or consider an Ethernet connection for maximum stability.
App Freezing/Crashing:
Force close and restart the app: This is the simplest fix.
Clear the app's cache: On some devices (like Android), you can clear the app's cache in the settings, which can resolve performance issues.
Reinstall the app: As a last resort, uninstalling and reinstalling the Hulu app can fix persistent problems.
Blackout Restrictions: If a game is blacked out, it means it's not available for live streaming in your specific geographic area due to broadcasting rights. There's no way to bypass these on Hulu + Live TV. This usually happens if the game is being shown on a local over-the-air channel in your area.
Location Services: Hulu + Live TV uses your device's location services to determine your local channels. Ensure location services are enabled for the Hulu app on your mobile device, or that your TV/streaming device's location is correctly set.
Tips for Enhanced Viewing:
Record Games with Cloud DVR: Hulu + Live TV includes a Cloud DVR feature, allowing you to record live games and watch them later. This is perfect if you can't watch live or want to re-watch a great play.
Set Reminders: Use the Hulu app to set reminders for upcoming Cowboys games so you get a notification before kick-off.
Explore On-Demand NFL Content: Beyond live games, Hulu + Live TV (and ESPN+ which is bundled) offers a wealth of on-demand NFL content, including replays, analysis shows, and documentaries.
With these steps, you're now fully equipped to enjoy the Dallas Cowboys season on Hulu + Live TV. Get ready to shout "How 'bout them Cowboys!" from the comfort of your home!
10 Related FAQ Questions (Starting with 'How to')
How to watch out-of-market Dallas Cowboys games on Hulu?
Answer: Hulu + Live TV does not inherently provide access to out-of-market games. For out-of-market NFL games, you would need a subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket, which is now exclusively available through YouTube and YouTube TV.
How to get NFL RedZone on Hulu?
Answer: To get NFL RedZone on Hulu, you need a Hulu + Live TV subscription and then add the Sports Add-on package. This is an additional monthly fee on top of your Hulu + Live TV subscription.
How to record Dallas Cowboys games on Hulu?
Answer: Hulu + Live TV includes a Cloud DVR feature. When viewing the schedule or the game's details, you'll typically see an option to "Record" the game or series. Select this, and Hulu will record the live broadcast for you to watch later.
How to watch Thursday Night Football if it's on Amazon Prime Video?
Answer: If a Dallas Cowboys Thursday Night Football game is exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, you will need an active Amazon Prime membership to watch it. Hulu + Live TV does not include Prime Video.
How to watch Monday Night Football on Hulu?
Answer: Monday Night Football games are broadcast on ESPN. Since Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN, you can watch Monday Night Football games live directly through your Hulu + Live TV subscription.
How to check if Hulu + Live TV has local channels in my area?
Answer: You can check the local channel availability on Hulu's website by entering your ZIP code in their "Live TV Channels" section. Alternatively, once you're subscribed, you can view your specific local channel lineup within the Hulu app's Live Guide.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys preseason games on Hulu?
Answer: Many Dallas Cowboys preseason games are broadcast on local FOX, CBS, or NBC affiliates, which are included with Hulu + Live TV. Some might also be on NFL Network. Check your local listings and the Hulu Live Guide closer to the preseason.
How to fix buffering issues while watching Cowboys games on Hulu?
Answer: To fix buffering, ensure you have a strong internet connection (at least 8 Mbps for live streaming), try closing other apps or devices using bandwidth, restart your Wi-Fi router, or connect your streaming device directly to your router with an Ethernet cable if possible.
How to enable push notifications for Dallas Cowboys games on Hulu?
Answer: First, add the Dallas Cowboys to your "My Stuff" section within the Hulu app. Then, on your mobile device settings, go to the Hulu app's notification settings and ensure push notifications are enabled.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys games on multiple devices simultaneously with Hulu?
Answer: Hulu + Live TV typically allows for two simultaneous streams. If you need more, Hulu offers an "Unlimited Screens" add-on for an additional monthly fee, which allows you to stream on an unlimited number of devices on your home network and up to three mobile devices while away.
