HBO Max is one of the most popular streaming services on the planet, with millions of active users enjoying exclusive content on a regular basis. For the most part, the platform works fine, but if your HBO Max isn’t working, it could be a sign of a bigger issue.
In this article, we look at the common reasons for issues with the HBO Max app, including information and troubleshooting tips designed to get you back online. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
What Causes HBO Max To Stop Working?
There are a few different reasons why your HBO Max might not be working and it could be any one of these things. Here are some of the most common causes for HBO Max not working:
- The content isn’t available in your region
- A poor internet connection
- Incorrect app permissions
- You’re streaming on too many devices
- Your cache and cookies need to be reset
- The app needs to be updated
- An issue with your device settings
- A problem with your HBO Max account
- HBO Max isn’t available (server downtime or outage)
The next step is to work out which of these things is causing the problem, so you can resolve it. Below is a breakdown of each potential cause and what to do to fix it.
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The Content Isn’t Available in Your Region
HBO Max, like most other streaming services, limits its content to users in specific locations. For example, a show may be available in the USA, but not in The UK. This is known as geo-restricted content. It may be that the content isn’t available in your region yet, or it may never be due to licensing restrictions.
There is a workaround, though. If you want to access the streaming service or specific content from even more countries, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Without the help of a third-party tool, like a VPN, HBO Max will not work when you try to access geo-blocked content.
A Poor Internet Connection
An unstable internet connection is the number one reason for HBO Max issues. If you’re experiencing error code 905, it’s almost always your internet. It could be that your internet connection is too slow for the app to deliver content and ads, or your internet is completely down.
HBO Max recommends a download speed of at least 5 Mbps for standard resolution content, and 50 Mbps if you want to watch in 4k. We suggest running an internet speed test to determine whether your connection is strong enough. If it is, and other streaming apps are working, it’s unlikely to be an internet issue.
Incorrect App Permissions
If you’re using the HBO Max app on an Android device, it’s possible that the app doesn’t have the correct permissions to run properly. This can cause playback issues and subpar streaming quality.
To fix this, go to Settings > App permissions on your smartphone or tablet and make sure that the HBO Max app is allowed to access your location, camera, microphone, storage, and other necessary permissions.
You’re Streaming on Too Many Devices
If you try to stream HBO Max on more than three devices at the same time, you’ll get an error message telling you that you’ve reached your limit. This is a restriction set by the platform and there’s no way to increase it and so you will need to decide which device you want to play on.
The best thing to do is to try and stream on a different device, or delete one of the devices that you’re currently streaming on from your account. To do this, go to Settings > My devices on the HBO Max website.
Your Cache and Cookies Need to Be Reset
If you’ve been having trouble with the HBO Max app, one thing you can try is resetting your cache and cookies. This will often fix minor glitches and issues with the app. Here’s how to clear cache and cookies:
On an Android device
- Go to Settings
- Click Apps & notifications
- Find HBO Max
- Click Storage
- Click Clear cache
On an iOS device
- Go to Settings
- Click Safari
- Click Clear History and Website Data
The App Needs to Be Updated
If you’re using an outdated version of the HBO Max app, you may start to experience playback issues, error messages, and other bugs. It’s always a good idea to keep your apps up-to-date to avoid these kinds of problems.
To update the HBO Max app on an Android device, go to the Google Play Store and check for updates. On an iOS device, go to the App Store and do the same thing.
An Issue With Your Device Settings
If you’re having trouble with the HBO Max app, it could be due to a problem with your device’s settings. This is most likely to be an issue with your date and time settings.
If the date and time on your device are set incorrectly, it can cause problems with apps and services that rely on an internet connection. To fix this, go to Settings > Date & Time on your device and make sure that the settings are correct.
If you’re watching HBO on an internet browser, you will need to enable targeting cookies. HBO Max uses cookies to measure usage and recommend content relevant to your interests. It’s also what allows HBO media and advertising partners to serve ads. Turning these off can cause issues with the platform.
A Problem With Your HBO Max Account
Still having issues? it could be due to an issue with your HBO Max account. This could be anything from a billing problem to an issue with your account details.
The first thing you should do is check your account status on the HBO Max website. If there’s a problem with your account, you should see a message explaining what the issue is. If you don’t see any problems with your account, try logging out of the HBO Max app and then logging back in. This will often fix minor login issues.
HBO Max Isn’t Available (Server Downtime or Outage)
If you’re trying to watch HBO Max but you can’t get past the loading screen, it’s possible that the platform is experiencing a server outage. You can check this on websites like Down Detector. This is usually temporary and the problem will fix itself in time.
In the meantime, you can check the HBO Max Help Center or the HBO Max Twitter page to see if there are any updates on the situation. You may also want to try streaming on a different device or using a different internet connection. This will often fix playback issues that are caused by server outages.
HBO Max Still Not Working? Time to Contact Support
If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still having trouble with HBO Max, it’s time to contact customer support. You can do this by going to the HBO Max Help Center and submitting a help request.
You can also try contacting HBO Max on social media. The platform has an active presence on Twitter and Facebook, and you can often get help from a customer support representative by tweeting or posting on the HBO Max Facebook page.
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