How to watch HBO Max outside the US

HBO Max is HBO’s new streaming service that is only available in America. This is because HBO places geo-restrictions on its content to comply with distribution rights and copyright protections. This service succeeds previous HBO Now and HBO Go services.

HBO Max has a huge range of high-quality content, including the latest blockbuster releases from Warner Bros. So how can you watch it if you’re outside the US? Luckily, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in the US. This will let you bypass geo-restrictions, so you can watch HBO Max from anywhere in the world.

But is it really that easy? Read on as we take you through a complete guide to lift restrictions on HBO Max using a VPN.

A 5 step guide: How to watch HBO Max outside the US

1. Choose a VPN to bypass HBO geo-restrictions. We recommend NordVPN, as it offers excellent speeds and security. We used it to watch HBO Max and it worked flawlessly.
2. Install and set up the VPN service on your device.
3. Log in and connect to an American server.
4. Go to the HBO Max website and register an account. Keep in mind that you’ll need a payment card linked to a US address.
5. Grab the popcorn and enjoy HBO Max.

Why do you need a VPN to watch HBO?

HBO and HBO Max are only available in the US. This is because HBO places geo-blocks on its material to comply with distribution rights and copyright laws. So, if you don’t live in a country that has access to HBO, you will need a VPN to watch it.

When you try to access HBO without a VPN, you will be met with an error code. This tells you that HBO is restricted and will not work in your country.

You can get around this by using a VPN to connect to a US server. This means HBO will see that you are using an American IP address and will unlock the content for you.

Best VPNs for HBO Max

• NordVPN – best VPN for HBO Max
• Surfshark – great low-cost VPN for HBO
• VyprVPN – the perfect VPN for streaming
• ExpressVPN – excellent VPN for fast speeds
• Windscribe – feature-rich streaming VPN

Watching Infinity Train or Raised by Wolves on your couch sounds amazing, doesn’t it? It’s a shame that HBO is only available to US users, that is, unless you’re using a VPN service.

It still might not be as easy as it sounds. All of this is further complicated by the fact that not all VPNs handle streaming services. You can pay the subscription price and find out that you still can’t access the site.

Luckily for you, I’ve hand-picked some of the VPNs that are confirmed to work with HBO Max.

NordVPN

NordVPN is a go-to service if you need a VPN for HBO Max. It unblocks much more streaming services, so you’re not getting a one-trick pony. Whether it’s additional Netflix libraries or other video-on-demand providers like Disney+, NordVPN can help you out with all of them.

Thank’s to their SmartPlay feature, you don’t necessarily have to use an app to access geographically restricted content. Instead, add the DNS addresses provided on your account page, and grab some popcorn. With it, you’ll be able to watch restricted content even on devices that don’t support VPNs.

For more NordVPN features, see our NordVPN review.

Visit NordVPN to learn more about the features

Surfshark

Surfshark does many things right, and it’s a perfect VPN for HBO Max. Connect to any server in the US, and you will be able to access the content that was blocked by you a few minutes ago. Still, if you ever get the feeling that you’ve seen it all – switch it up. Surfshark can handle other services like Hulu and Netflix, so you won’t ever run out of things to watch.

In addition, they also have a SmartDNS feature, which can unblock restricted US content on devices that don’t have VPN apps.

For more information, read our Surfshark VPN review.

Visit Surfshark to learn more about the features

VyprVPN

VyprVPN is one of the most capable VPN for streaming. Naturally, it’s a perfect VPN for HBO Max, though this isn’t the only service that Vypr is capable of unblocking. The list includes Netflix, DAZN, YouTube, and many more.

It doesn’t hurt that they’ve added some of the fastest next-gen tunneling protocols like WireGuard to the list. This has a negligible decrease compared to your baseline speeds and should provide plenty of headroom for streaming UHD (4K) video content.

For more information, read our VyprVPN review.

Visit VyprVPN to learn more about the features

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the oldest services in the game. This has given them plenty of time to make a great VPN for HBO Max (among other things). With their breakneck connection speeds, you won’t ever feel slowed down or have to endure buffering screens.

Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, DAZN – ExpressVPN can unblock all of these streaming services, and you won’t necessarily have to use an app. ExpressVPN also has a MediaStreamer feature that allows you to unblock media without a VPN app.

For more information, read our ExpressVPN review.

Visit ExpressVPN to learn more about the features

Windscribe

Windscribe uses dedicated Windflix servers for streaming. They are configured in such a way that you wouldn’t trigger any tripwires when trying to unblock them from the outside. What you should know is that they have dedicated servers just for HBO Max. Though, don’t think that this is the only streaming service that it unblocks. Netflix, Disney+, and others have dedicated servers, too.

Windscribe is also a good free VPN for HBO Max, as its free version offers servers in the US. However, they don’t always unblock this streaming platform.

Other features may indirectly help you with streaming. For example, split tunneling can be used with streaming service apps, so your VPN works only with it.

For more information, read our Windscribe review.

Visit Windscribe VPN to learn more about the features

How to watch HBO Max on your device

You can use a VPN to unlock HBO Max on any device. So, you and your family can sit down in front of HBO’s latest blockbuster by connecting it to your smart TV. Or, you can keep up with all your favorite shows while you’re traveling by watching on your smartphone.

Let’s take a closer look at how you can watch HBO Max on different devices and operating systems.

HBO Max on Mobile (Android, iOS)

If you are traveling and don’t have access to a TV, you can still watch HBO content on your iPhone or Android phone. Apps for all the major VPNs, like NordVPN, are available on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.

Here’s our step-by-step guide:

1. Set your phone and app store location to the US.
2. Download and install your chosen VPN. We recommend NordVPN because it’s fast and reliable, and it has a large number of servers in the US.
3. Create a new Google account for Android users, or a new Apple ID if you’re an iOS user. Make sure you select the US as your country.
4. Switch to your new American account and search and install the HBO Max app.
5. Create an HBO Max account. Once it’s been verified, you will be able to watch HBO Max.

You can also do this on tablets, such as Amazon Fire, iPads and Android tablets.

HBO Max on PC (Mac, Windows)

Using a VPN to watch HBO on your desktop is very easy. It can be done in minutes and will allow you to remove the geo-restrictions quickly and securely. You can do this on Chrome OS, MacOS or Windows PC.

1. Download, install and set up your VPN.
2. Launch the app and search for and connect to an American server.
3. Create an HBO Max account and enjoy watching all HBO has to offer.

HBO Max on Firestick

To bypass HBO’s geo-restrictions on your Firestick, you need to visit the app store and pick a VPN. Once you have set up your VPN, connect to a US server.

Once you have connected to your new IP address, you need to search for the HBO Max app on the app store and install it. Once you have created an American HBO account, you should be able to watch HBO Max on your Firestick. You can also follow these steps for other streaming sticks, such as Roku, Chromecast or Xfinity Flex.

HBO Max on Smart TV

You can watch HBO and HBO Max on your smart TV with a VPN. This works on Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Samsung TV. Once you have downloaded a VPN app on your smart TV and set up an account, you will need to connect to an American server. Then, all you need to do is download and sign up to HBO and start watching.

Alternatively, you can install a VPN onto your router. This will let you watch HBO on all your connected devices, including games consoles, like PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

How to watch HBO from your location

HBO and HBO Max are only available in the US. This is because all countries and broadcasters have to abide by airing contracts and distribution rights.

Luckily, there are ways to access HBO from anywhere in the world. This even includes countries like Germany, India, and Japan that doesn’t have any official presence. Read on to find out how to watch it where you are.

Watch in Canada

HBO is not available in Canada. However, you can access it by using a VPN to connect to an American server. But if you sign up to HBO Max, it might refuse your Canadian bank card.

To get around this issue, we recommend signing up on your smartphone because HBO doesn’t control the payment methods on Android or Apple devices.

Watch in UK

Sky Atlantic owns the exclusive distribution rights to HBO and its programming in the UK. However, Sky doesn’t always get this content straight away. You also can’t access HBO Max in the UK, which means you won’t be able to watch Warner Bros’ latest blockbusters as soon as they are available. So, if you want to watch HBO content as soon as it airs in America, you will need to use a VPN.

It’s worth noting that not all UK smart TVs and streaming sticks support VPNs. Therefore, we recommend using an Amazon Fire TV stick or an Android box, as they have plenty of reputable VPN apps available.

Watch in Europe

Sky owns the rights to show HBO content in Italy and Germany. So, you can watch it on Sky Italia or Sky Deutschland.

HBO Europe is available in the following countries:

Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

If you are in any other European country, you will need to use a VPN to access HBO content. You will also need to use a VPN if you want to watch HBO Max anywhere in Europe.

Watch in Australia

HBO content is available in Australia on BINGE and Foxtel. However, the time difference makes it tough to keep up with your favorite shows without finding spoilers on social media. And you won’t be able to access HBO Max. To get around this, you can use a VPN to connect to a US server, so you can watch all HBO and HBO Max content.

Watch in Mexico

HBO Max is officially available in Mexico. It was launched there after a year of being available for US users. All the existing HBO Go accounts were automatically converted to HBO Max accounts.

You don’t need to use a VPN. You can go to the page normally and register to get your account. Your credit card will also be accepted as if you were buying from any other store.

How to create an HBO Max account outside the US

The good news is, you can create an HBO Max account from wherever you are in the world. All you need to do is follow this simple step-by-step guide:

1. Download and install a reputable VPN. We recommend NordVPN for this, as it is fast and reliable.
2. Sign in to your VPN and connect to a US server..
3. Go to HBOMax.com and click on Start your free trial in the top right-hand corner.
4. Enter your email address and create a password for your HBO Max account.
5. Enter a US address. If you don’t have one, you can use a US address generator.
6. Enter your payment details (more on this in the next section).
7. Sit back and start streaming!

How to pay for HBO Max outside the US

At the moment, HBO Max’s website will only let you sign up for an account with a US payment method. However, there are ways around this. The first option is to use a VPN service:

1. Download a VPN on your iOS or Android device and connect to a US server. We suggest using NordVPN, but you can choose any other reputable provider.
2. Create a new Apple ID or Google Play Store account.
3. Download the HBO Max app. Be sure to click Skip if you’re prompted to add payment details at this stage.
4. Use your PayPal account to pay for the subscription instead of a US bank card.

Once you have done this, you will then be able to log in and watch HBO Maxon any device, provided it’s connected to a US server.

Alternatively, you can pay for your HBO Max subscription with a digital gift card. The easiest way to do this is on Amazon’s US site, as it doesn’t require you to use a US payment method. When purchasing the gift card, be sure to put your email address as the recipient. The code will then be sent to your inbox. So, all you will need to do is select Redeem gift card or code when you sign up and paste the code in.

Once you have set up your account, you should then be able to change your payment method to your local PayPal account on the HBO Max website.

Can’t access HBO Max with a VPN?

Occasionally, you might encounter an issue when connecting to HBO, even if you are using a VPN. If this has happened to you, the most likely explanation is that you are using a bad VPN or an inconsistent server. Connecting to a different server or switching to a reputable VPN, such as NordVPN or Surfshark should solve this issue.

Another common error is what is shown as a casual error. Clearing your cache or connecting to a different American server, should solve the problem.

If you get the 03-37-215 error on PlayStation, restart your console, and this should resolve it. If you encounter any other problems, we advise deleting cookies, clearing cache and restarting the machine.

And if all else fails, you should contact your VPN’s customer support team.

Why is HBO Max so popular?

Last year, HBO merged HBO Go and HBO Now to create its new streaming service, HBO Max. This paid-for app gives you access to all of HBO’s content.

HBO Max has a huge range of fantastic movies and shows. It is home to some of the world’s most popular shows, like Big Bang Theory, Friends and Game of Thrones. And even though the Game of Thrones finale aired two years ago, it still gets nearly 9,000 searches per month. Meanwhile, other popular shows like Chernobyl get over 6,000 hits.

It has recently acquired the rights to the latest Warner Bros films. This means you can watch all the latest blockbusters as soon as they are released, such as In The Heights, Space Jam 2 and the newest version of Suicide Squad.

FAQs

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