Max not working with a VPN? 6 steps to fix it (2025)
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As of May 2025, our research and tests show that NordVPN remains the best VPN for unblocking HBO Max. Thanks to its wide array of servers and excellent obfuscation protocols, I’ve had no problem accessing libraries all around the world, all while retaining high speeds and avoiding buffering.
Max (formerly HBO Max) is a popular streaming service featuring hit shows like The White Lotus, The Pitt, and The Last of Us, as well as classics like Game of Thrones or The Sopranos. Unfortunately, Max is only available in the US, some European countries, the Caribbean, Australia, several Asian countries, and Latin America. This means that many viewers can access its wide streaming library by changing their region with a VPN.
Unfortunately, most VPNs struggle with going past Max’s VPN detection algorithms, blocking viewers from watching their favorite shows. However, some VPNs work with Max, tricking its algorithms into thinking they’re the real deal.
In this article, I’ll address why VPNs get detected by Max and provide 6 easy fixes for the issue. With the help of our research team, I tested 41 VPNs and identified a few that work seamlessly with VPN, bypassing its detection.
My top pick for unblocking Max is NordVPN. Thanks to its extensive global server network and reliable IP leak prevention, NordVPN will help you access Max from anywhere. However, if you’re still encountering issues, our research team has helped me compile 6 easy fixes to any issues with Max not working with a VPN.
Why is HBO Max blocking my VPN?
Max blocking your VPN can be caused by several issues. For example, it may be due to your VPN not having enough server obfuscation, or your IP address leaking due to a VPN error.
Here are the most common issues VPN users encounter while accessing Max:
- VPN is not streaming-optimized. The best streaming VPNs offer SmartDNS and server obfuscation technologies to bypass geographical restrictions. Max will likely detect the ones that don't. For example, completely free VPNs most likely won’t be able to unblock Max due to a low server count.
- IP address leak. An unreliable VPN might leak your original IP address and expose an actual geographical location to Max. However, if you subscribed to a trustworthy VPN, your IP address might leak because you didn’t enable leak protection features, such as a kill switch.
- Max blocked the VPN server. This streaming service continuously hunts down VPN servers and blocks them, and you may have stumbled upon a blocked one. This may also be the case if your VPN has a tiny server fleet.
- Slow speeds. If your selected VPN is slow, it may result in buffering and failure to play videos.
VPNs that will work with Max
After reviewing 41 VPNs our research team helped me pick the ones that effortlessly bypass geoblocks. We tested the following VPNs in 2025 to ensure that they’re still working and Max hasn’t found a way to block them. After testing, I can safely confirm that our top picks work seamlessly with the streaming service.
- NordVPN is the best Max VPN thanks to its wide network of servers and built-in SmartDNS. With 7700+ high-speed servers in 125 countries, it guarantees buffer-free Max streaming worldwide.
- Surfshark has over 100+ servers in 100 countries, SmartDNS, and allows for account sharing, making it the best Max VPN for households
- ExpressVPN – offers high speeds and privacy, while also including a MediaStreamer DNS service that easily bypasses geo-restrictions on platforms like Max.
Max VPN not working: 6 steps to fix it
Streaming sites and VPNs have an arms race of sorts, with each improving technology to boost VPN detection or obfuscation. If your Max VPN is not working, thankfully, there are easy ways to bypass error messages and enjoy your favorite shows without issues. Here are six steps to regain access and make Max VPN work again.
1. Check for IP address leaks
Go to a website like whatismyip, and if it displays your original IP address, you have an IP leak. You can fix it by enabling a kill switch feature to prevent future leaks and reconnecting to another server. After you complete that, you can verify your address once again until it displays the VPN server IP address.
2. Change VPN server
Is Max still not loading even if you verified the IP address? It may happen because you’re using a VPN server that Max blocked. You can try reconnecting to another server in a country where Max is available to regain access. Remember that Max can block entire batches of VPN servers, and seldom it can take a few tries until a successful hit.
3. Clear your browser's cache and cookies
If you encounter Max not working again, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies is your next step. This streaming platform stores personally identifiable information in the browser cache, including the original IP address. Once you clear the browser's cache, reconnect to a VPN server, and head to Max (keep its credentials close as you will need to log in again.) Here's an example of how to clear your browsing data on the Chrome browser. Navigate to chrome://history/ and click the "Clear browsing data" button. You can also use Incognito mode or create a separate browser profile to test this out without clearing your data.
4. Switch to another VPN service
Ensure you are using a reliable VPN that is capable of accessing Max. Some VPNs, especially completely free ones, are usually not optimized for streaming or have a low server count, causing issues accessing Max. Therefore, you should subscribe to a VPN known to work well on this platform or use a VPN free trial to test it out before committing.
5. Update your VPN software
VPN updates include essential cybersecurity and quality-of-life patches. Therefore, you should apply them immediately to bypass Max geo-blocks. An older VPN version might leak an IP address or expose VPN traffic, failing to avoid Max detection.
6. Disable your ad blocker
Turning off your VPN-based adblocker is one more step to make Max work. Once you do it, refresh the page to verify the error's gone. As frustrating as ads are, you may have to see a few if Max is not working after all the steps above. Sometimes adblockers change your DNS to one recognized by the services as a region-changing one.
How we tested VPNs that work with HBO Max
Our research team has tested 41 VPN providers to determine the best ones on the market, and I selected the top 3 best VPNs for HBO Max from the list by using the following criteria:
- Successful HBO max unblocking (35%). I looked at how the VPN interacts with HBO Max, and whether it unblocks the service as advertised.
- Compatibility with other popular streaming services (25%). I looked at how the VPNs unblock other popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer.
- Wide selection of US servers (20%). Since US servers are the most popular destinations for HBO Max users, I checked how many US servers each provider offered.
- Speed and performance (20%). I looked at how fast each VPN performed, especially in terms of video playback and buffering.
Final thoughts
Like most streaming services, Max always looks to block VPN connections to fulfill its licensing agreements with partners around the world. Many VPNs do not use the technology required to overcome these blocks. Reputable VPNs like NordVPN use SmartDNS technology to overcome these blocks. With a large fleet of super-fast servers, you can get fast video streaming without any buffering.
However, if you have any issues with our top VPN picks, the 6 tips I provided above should help you access Max and watch The Last of Us or any other show you want to check out without issue.
FAQ
How do I bypass Max location restrictions?
You can bypass Max location restrictions using a trustworthy streaming VPN, like NordVPN. It’s the best Max VPN that offers 7700+ servers in 125 countries, blazing fast speeds, and SmartDNS technology optimized to avoid geo-blocks and ensure buffer-free streaming. The best part is that you can get it for just $3.39/month.
Why doesn't my VPN work on Max?
Your VPN doesn’t work on Max because it might leak your original IP address, or its servers may be blocked if it doesn't provide access to the Max streaming platform. Try switching to another VPN server or choose a different provider that's proven to work with Max. If it doesn’t work, follow our 6 steps list to fix the Max error.
How can I use Max in India?
You can use Max in India by using a reputable India VPN, like NordVPN, to obtain an IP address in a country where Max is available. The streaming service will see a local IP address and grant you access to the platform, so you can enjoy Max shows from your location in India.
Why can't I verify my Max subscription with VPN?
You can’t verify your Max subscription because the platform may deny confirming the subscription if it identifies a VPN usage. Choosing a VPN that works well on this streaming site and provides obfuscated servers that excel at avoiding detection is best. Therefore, we recommend NordVPN, now 76% OFF.
Which VPNs does Max blacklist?
Max blacklists VPNs that don’t regularly review their IP addresses and servers. If this is the case with a VPN, it will have fewer chances to unblock Max. Since Max monitors IP addresses for abnormal behavior, such as the same IP on different accounts, IP leaks, and more, you should opt for a reliable VPN, like NordVPN, that regularly renews its server fleet and has proven to unblock Max.
