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.

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.

Quick guide on how to watch HBO Max

1. Choose a VPN. 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.
3. Connect to an American server.
4. 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.

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 and ExpressVPN, 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. 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.

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.

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