HBO Max VPN Not Working? Try These Fixes (2024)

Max (formerly known as HBO Max) often blocks VPN connections to prevent subscribers from accessing its geo-restricted content in unauthorized countries. This is to adhere to broadcasting rights and licensing agreements signed with content producers.

You can still use a VPN to stream Max, but many don’t work as the platform actively blocks VPN IP addresses. Before you decide to change your VPN, I recommend troubleshooting and trying a few easy fixes that have worked for me.

But if you’re not using a good VPN, there’s a big chance that the problem will reoccur. If you’re considering changing your provider, try ExpressVPN as it has high-speed servers and constantly refreshes its IP addresses to make sure you can always watch your favorite shows on Max. If you don’t like it, you won’t lose your money — you’re entitled to a refund if you ask for it within 30 days of purchase.

Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Watch Max in UHD

Quick Guide: Best VPNs That Work With HBO Max

Why Is Your VPN Not Working With HBO Max?

The following are some common reasons why you can’t watch Max with your VPN:

• The VPN server is blocked — technically, Max detects and blacklists entire blocks of IP addresses belonging to a VPN server. This makes the whole server incapable of working with the platform.
• Your IP address is leaking — if Max detects a difference between your device’s IP address and the VPN’s, it blocks your connection due to the discrepancy.
• Extremely slow connection — some VPNs affect your baseline speed too much for your data to move in a timely fashion, which can cause the connection to be halted.

HBO Max VPN Not Working: 8 Easy Fixes

1. Change to a Different Server

This is one of the easiest methods to fix Max not working with a VPN. If the streaming platform has blocked all the IP addresses of your chosen VPN server, try another one. A different server may have IP addresses that haven’t been blocked by Max.

2. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, data stored in your browser’s cache and cookies can trigger Max’s proxy detection. To avoid this, log off the streaming platform and delete your browser cache and cookies. After that, reconnect to a VPN server. It should work when you log into Max again through your browser.

3. Run a Leak Test

To make sure your connection to the VPN is working and encrypted, use this IP address lookup tool. If it shows the VPN server location you selected, there are no leaks. If you’re seeing a different location, try changing servers and enabling the kill switch to prevent future leaks.

4. Try a Different VPN Protocol

Some VPN protocols are not the best for certain online activities like streaming. If one doesn’t work with Max, try another one. With my Max account, I found ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol to be the most reliable (and the fastest). No matter which VPN you’re using, you’ll usually have at least 2 or 3 options in the settings.

5. Change Your Max Password

If you’ve been using your Max account for a while and frequently log in on different networks, the platform might assume that you’re not the same person and block your access. It associates a changing IP address with multiple people using your account or a sign it has been hacked.

Some users get a notification that their username and password are incorrect, although they’ve never changed them. If you’ve been locked out, all you have to do is reset your password to get back in.

6. Update Your VPN

VPN updates include important security patches and other elements that help the service work at an optimal level. If you haven’t updated your VPN app in a long time, do it now or reinstall it altogether. While you’re at it, also check if you need to update your Max app.

7. Contact Customer Support

If nothing else works, get in touch with your VPN provider’s support team. They might be able to recommend a server that works best with HBO Max. In some cases, they can help troubleshoot if there are other issues preventing streaming. The best VPNs in 2024 have 24/7 live chat support available.

8. Use a Tried-and-Tested VPN

If the support team is unable to help, consider changing to a VPN that’s known to work with HBO Max. Some VPNs, especially the free options, are just not equipped for streaming. Premium VPNs are a lot more reliable.

Although I’ve listed a few below, I recommend ExpressVPN for Max because it very rarely has any issues with Max. It’s also the fasted VPN I’ve ever used, so you can watch your favorite shows without interruptions. Plus, it constantly refreshes its pool of IP addresses, so you’ll always be able to rely on it.

Best VPNs for HBO Max in 2024 — Tried and Tested

1. ExpressVPN — High-Speed Servers to Stream HBO Max in UHD Without Lags

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	3,000+
📱Devices	8
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN I’ve tested for streaming Max. Of all the protocols ExpressVPN provides, I found its proprietary Lightway connected to a server the quickest. It also kept my speed loss to a minimum 11% on average during tests, so my streams never lagged. With other VPNs, the decline was always higher than 17%.

Since most streaming services (including Max) constantly detect and block VPN IP addresses to protect their licenses, ExpressVPN refreshes its IP addresses frequently to stay ahead. As a result, every local server my teammates and I tested always had working IP addresses for Max. You can log into your account and watch your favorite shows without seeing error codes.

Although ExpressVPN has apps for all major devices, there are a few platforms that don’t support VPNs. If you’re in the US or UK, you can use MediaStreamer to watch Max on your smart TV or game console. It took about 10 minutes to set up on my smart TV with the help of a comprehensive online guide. However, it doesn’t encrypt your traffic like the VPN.

Whether you’re a pro user or a beginner to VPNs, ExpressVPN’s apps are easy to use. You can add up to 5 favorite websites to the app as shortcuts. Once you connect to a server, you can click the Max app icon in ExpressVPN’s app and it will open instantly.

If you use public WiFi to catch a few episodes of South Park on Max during commute or break times, ExpressVPN secures your traffic with 256-bit encryption. It’s trusted even by the US military and has never been compromised. Other security and privacy features ExpressVPN has include:

• Data leak protection — prevents DNS, WebRTC, and IP address leaks that could expose your identity.
• Split tunneling — lets you configure apps like Max to use the encrypted connection while other online traffic bypasses it, saving valuable data.
• TrustedServer technology — RAM-based servers cannot physically store data long-term, and all servers are wiped clean during regular reboots.
• Audited zero-log policy — independent third-party audits prove ExpressVPN never logs or stores identifiable user data.

ExpressVPN is a little more expensive than other services, with plans starting at $6.67 per month for a 1-year + 3 months subscription. However, its high-speed servers and constantly refreshed IP addresses for Max are worth the price (and never having to troubleshoot!).

You can try ExpressVPN without worrying about losing money. If you don’t like it, you’re entitled to a full refund within 30 days. I tested the process and was surprised by how simple it was. It only took 5 minutes — I contacted ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat and requested a cancellation, which was processed with no questions asked. My money was returned in just 5 days.

Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers for HBO Max Work Reliably

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	11,800+
📱Devices	7
💰Refund	45 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

CyberGhost has optimized servers for streaming Max in 6 countries, including the US. These are tested and maintained regularly so that they work reliably with the platform. My teammates around the world tested the servers in the US, Spain, and Sweden to verify this. To find these servers, just click the ‘For streaming’ option and type ‘HBO Max’ or ‘Max’ to the search bar.

When you connect to public WiFi, your online activity can be exposed to hackers. To overcome this, you can set CyberGhost to automatically initiate a VPN connection whenever you use a public hotspot. This ensures your data remains secure when streaming Max on the go. CyberGhost also protects your data with:

• NoSpy servers — operated in-house independently by CyberGhost to reduce the risk of interference by third parties.
• Perfect Forward Secrecy — ensures each session has a unique encryption key — if one session is compromised, your past and future sessions remain secure.
• Headquarters outside the 14 Eyes Alliance — CyberGhost is less likely to be compelled to share your data, enhancing your privacy while streaming.

No matter which device you download the CyberGhost app to, its design is intuitive and easy to use. The search bar makes it easy to find the correct server and avoid scrolling endlessly. Advanced features like privacy settings and WiFi protection are clearly labeled if you want to adjust them for streaming Max.

My only concern is CyberGhost’s distant servers can be slow. However, its optimized servers for Max are fast and never lag. During testing, my colleagues confirmed its regular servers in several countries also worked with Max and offered speeds of at least 76Mbps. This is more than sufficient for streaming in UHD without lags.

Long-term plans start at $2.03 a month with the 2-year + 4 months subscription, and include a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try CyberGhost with HBO Max risk-free and get a full refund if you change your mind. When I tested this, my request was approved right away, and my money was returned within a week.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Huge Server Network Prevents Congestion When Streaming Max at Peak Hours

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	35,000+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

PIA’s large network of 35,000+ servers in 91 countries ensures your Max streaming is always supported and not interrupted by overcrowding. The load is distributed widely so users aren’t competing for bandwidth on any single server. This could’ve been an issue since PIA also supports unlimited devices — fortunately, I averaged 65Mbps despite connecting 8 at a time.

Besides the expected kill switch, leak protection, and no-log servers, PIA also has advanced privacy and security features:

• Customizable encryption — use the default 128-bit encryption for streaming Max without lags and switch to 256-bit when you need the tightest security for online banking.
• Private payment — accepts gift cards from major brands when subscribing so you can keep your personal information private.

To provide a clear picture of the performance right away, all servers are arranged by latency — from fastest to slowest. My local servers were always less than 50ms, which is very fast. Like CyberGhost, PIA has streaming servers in multiple locations, including the US and UK. All of them worked with Max when tested by my colleagues worldwide.

Unfortunately, PIA doesn’t work with some platforms like DAZN and 10 play. Still, it’s one of the best VPNs to watch Netflix US and Max. Even many of its regular servers have working IP addresses for major streaming platforms. It just might take a few tries to find a working connection where you are.

If you’re after VPNs with the best monthly plan, PIA is a good option to consider. If you want something long-term, its 2-year + 4 months plan starts at $2.03 a month. However, all plans include a 30-day refund period. I requested a refund via email and heard back the same day. A week later, I got my money back.

Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Comparison Table: Best VPNs for HBO Max

Editors’ Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

How to Fix HBO Max Error Codes: 321, 420, 905

If you see an error message, check whether the problem is with Max (by using a site like downdetector.com) or your internet connection. You can then try these solutions based on the error codes you see:

How to Watch HBO Max on Your Devices

Windows and Mac

Android, iPhone, & iPad

Make sure you subscribe to your VPN through its official website rather than an app store, as this is the only way to ensure you’re eligible for the money-back guarantee.

Smart TVs & Amazon Fire Devices

There are several ways to set up a VPN with your smart TV — the most common is to configure your VPN with your router or set up a WiFi hotspot connection. However, some VPNs have apps available for Android TVs and Amazon Fire devices, making it even easier to get connected. Your VPN will have a full guide of available apps and configurations on its website.

Streaming Devices

Streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Amazon Fire TV Stick can be tricky to set up with a VPN. While your VPN may have a native app, it’s likely you’ll have to configure your VPN with a compatible router — then you can connect your streaming device to your WiFi and stream Max. For example, while VPNs work natively on Firestick, they don’t on Chromecast or Apple TV, for example.

Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

FAQs: HBO Max and VPNs

Watch HBO Max With a Working VPN!

Only a few VPNs have working IP addresses for streaming HBO Max while securing your connection, especially when you’re connected to an unsecured network. Also, most VPNs make your connection too slow to enjoy lag-free streaming.

All our recommended VPNs work perfectly with Max and let you enjoy uninterrupted streams. ExpressVPN is my #1 choice because it delivers the fastest speeds in my tests to enjoy seamless UHD streaming.

You can test ExpressVPN out completely risk-free with Max. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee — if you don’t like it, you can easily get a full refund. I reached out to ExpressVPN’s customer service through live chat and had my money back in 3 days.

Summary: The Best VPNs for HBO Max in 2024

Rank

Provider name

Our score

Price

Top Ranked Top Choice

1.

9.8

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$6.67 / month Save 49%

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2.

9.6

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$2.03 / month Save 84%

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3.

9.4

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$2.03 / month Save 83%

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