Max not working with VPN: 11 EASY fixes

Max (formerly known as HBO Max) is for US viewers, so you can’t officially use it outside America. A VPN can spoof your location, but what if your current VPN isn’t working with Max? On this page, see our troubleshooting tips and solutions.

If you’re seeing errors, there’s a chance the VPN server you’re trying to use has been blacklisted by HBO. That means you won’t be able to stream TV shows and movies outside America. Keep scrolling for fixes.

Which VPNs work with Max?

Why you can trust GadgetMouse: Our content is written by a team of humans and we refuse to use AI. Plus, we own (and use) every VPN that we write about. For more details, see our editorial policy.

Why is Max not working with my VPN?

A support page on HBO’s own website explains: “Not in Service Area or VPN Detected. Max is accessible only in the U.S. and certain U.S. territories from your real IP address.”

If your current VPN doesn’t partner with Max, it’s clearly not doing a very good job of spoofing your location. Some or all of the VPN servers you have available to you through that service may be blacklisted. Swapping to a more reliable VPN will save you some trouble.

In summary:

• The VPN server you’re using might have been blacklisted by the HBO Max website and/or app
• Cookies from your browser are telling the streaming site about your real location instead of your disguised location
• A broken VPN is sharing your IP address with Max, which causes the website to block traffic

How does Max detect my VPN?

Rubbish VPNs don’t do a very good job of hiding your true location, which means Max prevents you from streaming content. When the Max website identifies VPN use, it’ll blacklist the temporary IP address provided by your VPN so you can’t use it again. Meanwhile, the best VPNs for Max are quick to replace their blacklisted servers.

HBO Max fixes

1. Make sure your VPN is updated

Make sure you’re using the latest version of your VPN as the developers might have identified an issue and since patched it.

From a PC, double-click on your VPN and then choose the Settings or Options menu. Some VPNs will display a message on the start screen telling you about updates. Here’s an example of what ExpressVPN users see:

Select Update and you’ll be taken to the VPN provider’s website.

If you’re using an Android phone, you need to open the Google Play store, tap your user profile in the top-right corner of the screen and then Manage apps and device. Choose Update or Update all.

On an iPhone, open the Apple App Store and tap your user profile in the top-right corner of the screen.

2. Swap out the server you’re using with Max

In some cases, specific VPN servers can become temporarily unavailable or slower than usual. This will affect your Max profile and prevent you from streaming shows.

The best VPNs (we recommend Ivacy and NordVPN) offer multiple servers per country. For example, ExpressVPN hosts a ‘UK – Docklands’ server as well as alternatives in East London, London and the Midlands. Cycle between them and see which one works best for you.

I suggest disconnecting from the current server that you’re using.

Steps will vary depending on your VPN, but ExpressVPN users can select the three dots icon to see a list of alternative servers in the same country. You can also favourite the server (use the Star icon) that works best for you.

3. Reach out to support

Our recommended VPN providers all manage support teams that can deal with specific problems you’re dealing with. If Max isn’t working with your VPN, give this a try.

From a computer, head to your VPN provider’s website and find the Support or Contact us pages. Some VPNs offer a live chat service for members.

4. Reset your VPN

Restarting your device often works with computer issues and I’ve found that the same goes with VPNs. Whether you’re on a PC, smartphone or tablet, turn it off and on again, then open your VPN again.

If that doesn’t work, delete and reinstall your VPN. Load up your VPN and the Max homepage and see if you manage to bypass the error screen.

5. Speed test your internet

Your VPN issues might be linked to a dodgy internet connection.

Disconnect from your wi-fi network, then reconnect and try your VPN once again. You can also go a step further and restart your internet router. Speeds of 5-10Mbps should be enough, but you might prefer over 20Mbps if you’re streaming or gaming.

Run a free download speed tool and compare the results alongside your ISP’s ‘minimum guaranteed speed’ promise. Contact your ISP if your connection is unstable outside of VPN use.

More Max fixes:

Did you clear cache and cookies from your internet browser? On Google Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. On Safari, go to Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data.

Are your details being shared due to a DNS leak? A broken VPN won’t conceal your actual IP address and location while accessing Max. To test if your VPN is working as it should, disable it and navigate to the IP Address Lookup tool. Note your current IP address. Then, activate your VPN and rerun the test – if you aren’t assigned a new IP and location, your VPN is faulty.

Have you got the correct VPN username and password? Double-check your login credentials. If you can’t remember your details, choose the ‘Forgot’ option on your VPN provider’s website so you get a reset link sent to your inbox.

Are the VPN servers you’re trying actually active? If you can’t connect to a server, your provider might be experiencing an outage. The best providers are transparent about this and actively update their server status online.

Is your firewall blocking your VPN or the HBO Max website?

If you’re experiencing issues on desktop, make sure your VPN is mentioned in the ‘Allow’ list. On Windows, head to open Windows Security > Allow an app through the firewall. On Mac, try System Settings > Network > Firewall.

Does your web browser need an update?

Your browser might be incompatible with your VPN. Assuming you’ve updated your VPN, check your browser as well. On Chrome, for example, you would go to Settings > About Chrome.

Are you pushing your VPN to its limits?

If you’re streaming, gaming and using social media at the same time, your VPN might struggle to keep up. I suggest you close a couple of apps to test if doing so has a noticeable impact.

Download our free VPN troubleshooting tips poster.

Best VPNs for Max

ExpressVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.53 per month
• 6-month subscription: £8.12 per month
• 1-year subscription + 3 months free: £5.42 per month (49% off)

🌎 Number of servers	160
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	5
⏱️ Our speed test results	-8.7% download, -5.5% upload (London)

If the VPN you’re using at the moment just refuses to work, then it’s time to switch over to ExpressVPN. You won’t have to stare at annoying error messages on the Max website if you’re protected by this tried and tested VPN.

ExpressVPN does a great job of replacing its blacklisted servers. That means that, even if HBO temporarily disables incoming connections from ExpressVPN, the VPN will have a replacement server up and running ASAP. To access your account, all you need to do is open up ExpressVPN, connect to a US-based server and go from there.

ExpressVPN keeps your real IP address hidden, so websites won’t know you’re accessing content from abroad. Every ExpressVPN member can enjoy servers in over 90 countries around the world.

Pros: Smartphone app lets you connect in seconds, 'favourite' most-used VPN servers for quick access, performed remarkably well in our chat support speed test

Cons: Rival VPNs are cheaper, can't use many devices at once

Try ExpressVPN today

Ivacy

• 1-month subscription: £8.62 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3 per month (65% off)
• 5-year subscription + FREE password manager: 80p per month (90% off)

🌎 Number of servers	5,700
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

Ivacy is a great pick if you want to enjoy Max while you’re travelling. This is one of the most popular, affordable VPNs around, thanks in part to its battle against blacklisted servers. The cheapest Ivacy subscription will only set you back $2.45 per month.

This trusted VPN will effectively hide your real location so you can use all of HBO’s features, even if you’ve roamed outside the US. Use our exclusive link below and you get instant access to over 1,000 VPNs servers across the world. A single membership to Ivacy also means you can protect up to 10 gadgets at a time.

Pros: Connection is steady when using multiple devices, notifications mention if Ivacy is disabled, server locations split by country and city

Cons: We think the ExpressVPN mobile app is faster, below-average results in our chat support speed test

Try Ivacy today

NordVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.49 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3.99 per month (40% off)
• 2-year subscription: £2.79 per month (58% off)

🌎 Number of servers	5,200+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	6
⏱️ Our speed test results	-14% download, -7% upload (London)

Here’s another VPN for your shortlist if you want to use Max while you’re travelling. NordVPN has servers all over the world and all of them are protected by military-grade encryption. That means they’re extremely secure and you can connect without handing over your personal data to companies that shouldn’t own it.

If you run into trouble while getting to grips with NordVPN, you can make use of the live chat feature for a helping hand.

Pros: Built-in internet kill switch works well, profile page on app includes 'Security score' with privacy tips, takes less than a minute to reach a live chat agent (based on our tests)

Cons: Other VPNs tested are cheaper, some streaming services require multiple resets to work

Try NordVPN today

PureVPN

• 1-month subscription: $10.95 per month (12% off)
• 1-year subscription: $3.74 per month (70% off)
• 2-year subscription + 4 extra months: $1.96 per month (84% off)

🌎 Number of servers	6,500+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

If your current VPN doesn’t work with Max, it’s time to treat yourself to a better alternative. PureVPN is a great example, being powerful enough to unlock geo-locked websites so you can enjoy them without a hassle. You’ll be able to log in to your Max account even if you’re in a country where it doesn’t usually work.

PureVPN also works with ITV Hub, Hulu and Amazon Prime. There are around 2,000 secure PureVPN servers based in over 130 different countries.

Pros: Surprisingly affordable considering features, lots of UK and US-based servers, generous with simultaneous devices

Cons: Takes a couple of minutes to reach live chat agents (based on our tests), performs better on iOS compared to Android (in our experience)

Try PureVPN today

How to use Max with a VPN

1. Pick one of our suggested VPNs – we’ll use ExpressVPN for this example.
2. Once you’ve created your ExpressVPN account, sign in.
3. From your device, download and open the ExpressVPN app and select a server based in the United States.
4. Once you’re connected, load up Max.
5. Log in to your Max account and enjoy.

FAQs: Streaming with Max

Can I use a free VPN with Max?

Free VPNs for Max might sell your data for money since they do not charge a regular, monthly fee. Connecting to a VPN server might take a long time and your connection could drop without warning.

Top, paid-for VPNs have servers all over the world, letting you access websites and apps. On the other hand, free VPNs often provide coverage for a very limited number of countries.

If you’re considering the benefits of a VPN, see our guide: Do I need a VPN?

Is HBO Max available in the UK?

Without a VPN, you can’t use Max if you’re based in the UK – the service is specifically designed for an audience in the US, as are Paramount Plus and ESPN+. If you want to enjoy streaming shows on Max from anywhere, you’ll need to use a VPN to disguise your location. In other words, you need to trick the website and app into thinking you’re based in the US.

How much is HBO Max?

The price you pay for your membership varies depending on package. As things stand, you can pick from the following options:

• Ad-lite plan – $9.99 a month / $99.99 a year
• Ad-free plan – $15.99 a month / $149.99 a year
• Ultimate ad-free plan – $19.99 a month / $199.99 a year

Why is HBO Max not available in the UK?

In the UK, Sky and HBO have a deal in place that means HBO shows are only found on Sky Atlantic, an alternative paid-for service. If you want to tune in to HBO shows, you’ll need to sign up for Sky Atlantic. Keep an eye out for time-sensitive deals to ensure you get good value for money.

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