Step by step: How to watch HBO Max using ExpressVPN

HBO Max (also known as Max) is one of the most popular streaming services around, but you’ll need a VPN to use it if you’re outside of certain countries. Signing up with ExpressVPN is the first step in gaining access, but what happens after that? Our handy guide explains how to watch HBO Max using ExpressVPN.

You’ll be pleased to hear that the process isn’t that tricky. In fact, all you need to do is load up the ExpressVPN app, navigate to a server based in a country supported by HBO Max and connect. We’ll got all the details below.

In this article:

• What is ExpressVPN?
• How much does ExpressVPN cost?
• Watch HBO Max using ExpressVPN
• More VPNs that work with HBO Max

What is ExpressVPN?

It’s a VPN that spoofs your location so you can watch HBO Max even if you’re not based in America. All you need to do is load up the ExpressVPN app, connect to a server based in the US and then navigate to the streaming website. In other words, you’ll have access to the same shows that TV addicts over in America do.

Another big benefit of using ExpressVPN relates to privacy. This is one of our highly recommended VPNs that keeps your personal information secure around the clock. By signing up with ExpressVPN today, you’ll get instant access to servers dotted around the world in over 90 different countries.

Try ExpressVPN with our unique discount code (30-day money-back guarantee)

How much does ExpressVPN cost?

• 1-month subscription: £10.63 per month
• 6-month subscription: £8.20 per month (23% off)
• 1-year subscription + 3 months free: £5.47 per month (49% off)

Watch HBO Max using ExpressVPN

1. Open the HBO Max website

Before we try using ExpressVPN to access HBO Max, load up the HBO Max website without a VPN running in the background.

To prove that the VPN is inactive, you’ll see a message on the website that says ‘HBO Max isn’t available in your region’. Obviously, this message will only show if you’re based in a country where the service isn’t officially supported. Keep this tab open, as we’ll use it later on when we refresh the page after enabling the VPN.

2. Download ExpressVPN on your PC – Windows or Mac

You’ll need an ExpressVPN account now. If you don’t have one already, you can use our exclusive ExpressVPN sign-up link to get yourself started.

Visit the ExpressVPN website and log into your account using your email address and password. Once you’ve done that, navigate to the download page. In this example shown above, we’ll be clicking ‘Download for Windows’. If you’re on a Mac, you’ll spot the appropriate download link on the same page.

Once the ExpressVPN app is downloaded, run the set-up software and follow the on-screen instructions. When it’s done, an ExpressVPN icon will appear on your desktop.

3. Load up ExpressVPN and choose an American server

Load up ExpressVPN. By default, ours loaded up with a ‘Smart Location’ based in the UK. We’ll need to change that if we want to watch some content through HBO Max.

Click the three small dots on the first screen (shown above, left) to bring up the VPN Locations screen. From there, type ‘USA’ in the search box and click one of the server names. We’re doing this because HBO Max is officially supported in America and we want to be assigned a US IP address before we try the HBO Max website again.

Once you’ve selected an American server (in this example, we’re using New York), click the large Connect button. The screen will go from red to green (show above, right) to show that you’re connected.

4. Refresh the HBO Max website

We suggest you wait around 30 seconds before proceeding. When you’re ready (ExpressVPN needs to be running a US location spoof in the background), refresh the HBO Max website.

If the VPN has worked correctly, you’ll no longer see the ‘not available in your region’ error message on your website. You can now sign in to HBO Max and stream content as if you were based in America. Enjoy!

More VPNs that work with HBO Max