Is your HBO Max having trouble connecting? The platform might be experiencing some internal issues. Here are 6 fixes you can try.
It’s undeniable that streaming services are a modern-day marvel. Regardless of what platform or service you’ve chosen to subscribe to, you’ll get for your money a wide range of options and exclusive shows to watch.
It’s hard to believe we used to go to physical rental stores to get a fraction of this experience, and for a much higher price. Thank you, 21st century!
That being said, not everything can be peachy. If you’re reading this, you’ve been having issues connecting to some of your shows on HBO Max, and you don’t really know where to start looking for answers.
This is more common than you think.
I had this problem not too long ago, so trust me when I tell you that I understand exactly how frustrated you are. But luckily, I found some solutions you can try.
Below, you will find a list with the most common causes behind this problem, and some simple steps you can follow to address them. I’m sure that, if you follow them carefully, your connection struggles will soon be forgotten.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
The first step for solving any kind of issue, is identifying the source. How are you going to implement a solution if you don’t know what the cause is?
While most of the options I’ll provide you with below can be addressed on your end, some others will be out of your hands, leaving patience as your only tool. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Here are 6 fixes you can try to eliminate connection issues:
Sometimes, the platform itself is not to blame for the connection problems. On some rare occasions, the specific show or movie you’re trying to watch might be having trouble streaming.
The best way to tell whether this is your issue, is by trying a different one. If all other shows you’re using for testing have no problem playing, you have your answer.
Worry not, though, fixing this is fairly simple.
More often than not, switching between a couple of shows before trying to stream again the one you were originally watching, will do the trick.
When a specific show fails to stream inside HBO Max, it’s likely due to the fact that something unexpected happened while loading it. You can think of checking other shows as a way to “restart” the platform’s information on your preferred show.
Moreover, this is not exclusive to HBO Max, as some other streaming platforms, like Netflix have the infamous 24% loading problem, which can be solved in the exact same way.
I talked about this in a previous article regarding subscription verification issues, as it’s essential to adequate platform functionality.
Whether you’re watching HBO Max on your computer, tablet or phone, you’re either doing it through their app, or by accessing the company’s website on Chrome, Safari, or your browser of choice.
Whatever the case may be, there’s one universal truth. You’ll most definitely experience a myriad of issues if you don’t keep them up to date.
Just as it happens with your favorite operating system on your computer, regular updates are required to implement new features, and enhance performance of the streaming service.
And while programmers always try to make sure to eliminate compatibility issues with older software versions, it’s not possible every time.
That being said, there’s a chance you won’t ever have to worry about this, as most software manufacturers roll out these updates automatically, and frequently prompt you to install them. However, it’s always possible that you try to use the app before you’re prompted to update it.
Solution: Be on the lookout for any messages from the streaming service asking you to update it. HBO Max is available on so many different platforms, that you’ll have to look up your specific case, but don’t worry, keeping the app updated is fairly straightforward and quick.
Do not hesitate to hit that “DOWNLOAD” button!
If no movies or shows load up, and you’re certain that your app or browser are up-to-date, there’s a good chance that the platform’s servers are acting up.
Believe it or not, even with all their infrastructure, technology, backups, and millions of dollars in investments, streaming platforms still encounter service-interrupting issues now and then.
After all, they’re providing millions of shows and movies to billions of users simultaneously, so a couple of hiccups along the way are only natural, right?
Now, you’re probably wondering, “how on Earth can I check whether the service is currently interrupted? I’m not a technician!”.
Well …it’s easier than you think.
A decade ago, you probably would have had a lot more trouble checking the status of your streaming service, but these days, you’re one Google search away.
Solution: Here’s what you need to do to check on HBO Max’s current status:
The higher the spikes, the more likely you are to be experiencing issues
If you determine that the streaming service is, in fact, having trouble, your only option is to wait. This is one of those scenarios I mentioned before, where the solution is out of your hands.
You’ll have to trust the professionals working tirelessly at HBO Max to resolve this issue.
Bummer, I know.
I know this is something extremely obvious, and you’re probably thinking there’s no way you could ever miss it. But sometimes, it’s the most apparently unimportant things, that we tend to overlook the most.
If none of the solutions above have worked for you, it might be time to take a look at your modem and internet status, as it could be creating some problems.
The best way to tell whether your modem is to blame, is by testing other devices and websites. If you’re having trouble accessing the Internet on your phone, computer, tablet, and any other connection-dependent gadget, the answer is clear.
Now, unless your modem is broken or your internet provider is experiencing issues on their end, a simple restart should do the trick.
Solution: There are two ways you can go about this. You can either do a forceful restart, or a controlled one.
You see, most technicians will advise you to just unplug your modem from its power source, and wait 30 seconds before plugging it back in. However, sometimes you’ll have to take the longer route.
On some rare occasions, you’ll need to use the reset button located at the back of the device. Here’s what to do:
I think we can all agree that VPN’s are great. Not only do they provide a secure connection to browse the internet, but also allow us to access international entertainment content.
Something a lot of us could only dream of 20 years ago!
Having said that, not everything can be perfect. Unfortunately, there’s only a handful of VPN services out there that can actually deliver a stable, reliable connection.
I understand how the idea of free VPN software would be attractive, but more often than not, they’ll create more problems than they solve. If you’re trying to watch HBO Max by using one of these, there’s a very good chance you’ll have connection issues.
Solution: Take a moment, and explore the paid VPN options available out there. You’ll be surprised at how economic some plans can be for what they offer. If you buy yearly plans, you could pay as low as $3 per month for unlimited access to international shows and movies.
That being said, HBO Max has been known for blocking most VPN providers, so make sure you find one that still works on the platform.
Alternatively, assuming you don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on a paid VPN provider, you might have to face the music, and settle for the shows your country has to offer.
I know this is not what you wanted to hear, but hey, it’s not the end of the world!
If you’re not sure what cookies are, don’t worry, neither does 90% of people. It’s just one of those things that are easy to ignore if you’re not a programmer.
That being said, understanding what they are and how they work could help you find the solution to your connection problems. And since I want to help you figure this out as quickly as possible, let me briefly explain them to you.
In a nutshell, cookies are tools used by website developers to track some of your information in order to achieve certain purposes, such as providing you with an easier login, or even targeting you with personalized ads.
If you’ve ever ran a Google search on your favorite superhero, only to find your social media flooded with deals on collectibles soon after, cookies are to blame.
Now, don’t throw your computer in the bin yet. As of today, most sites still ask your permission to use cookies, so you’re still under control.
That being said, while they’re a great marketing tool, and can definitely provide you with a more personalized browsing experience, sometimes, cookies can interfere with your ability to connect to HBO Max.
If you’ve already tried everything else on this list, and you’re still experiencing connection issues, your best bet will be to clear your cookies.
Solution: Please follow these steps, I’ll use Google Chrome for Windows as an example:
Deleting your cookies should resolve the issue, and stop your connection problems in HBO Max.
To keep having connection issues on a streaming service you’re already paying for, can be frustrating. Especially when you’re on a date or trying to enjoy a mouth-watering, hot dinner that grows colder with every passing second.
Luckily, as I hope you’ve learned in this piece, addressing most of the culprits behind your HBO Max not connecting, should be simple and quick. More often than not, keeping your app updated, and double-checking your internet connection, should do the trick.
Remember, patience is your ally.
Thank you for reading. If you found this article helpful, you’ll be glad to know we upload new content frequently, answering your most burning questions. Make sure to check it out!
Detective Anderson is a grizzled veteran of policing the internet’s cyber-streets. After decades of experience busting illegal floppy disk rings and underground dial-up connections, Anderson has now been placed in charge of the more modern Tech Detective team.
