This guide is for users who are having issues streaming Max (formerly HBO Max) while connected to the VPN.

To comply with the Max Terms of Use and ExpressVPN Terms of Service, you should connect to a server location that matches the country where you are currently located.

Jump to…

1. Change to a different VPN server location
2. Sign out of the Max app, then sign in again
3. Watch Max using your browser
4. Contact ExpressVPN Support


1. Change to a different VPN server location

If you are a U.S. user having issues streaming Max, try changing to these VPN server locations in the following order:

  1. USA – San Francisco
  2. USA – Washington DC
  3. USA – New York
  4. USA – Los Angeles – 1

Below are instructions for changing your VPN server location on:

If you are streaming via the Max app, you should force-close it and reopen it each time you change location. Below are instructions for force-closing an app on:

iOS: Swipe up from the bottom of the homescreen, keeping your finger pressed until app previews appear at left. Swipe to find the Max app preview, then swipe up to close the app.

Android: On your Android device, open your multitasking interface. The way to do this varies depending on your device:

  • If your device has three icons at the bottom of the screen, tap either the three vertical lines icon or the square icon.
    If your device features a single horizontal line at the bottom of the screen, swipe up from the bottom to the middle of the screen, hold for a second, then release.

Next, swipe to find the Max app preview, then swipe to force-close the app. The direction you need to swipe will vary depending on your device.

Android TV: Go to Settings, select Apps, and scroll to find the Max app. Select the app, then select Force Stop.

Fire TV/Fire Stick: Go to Settings, select Applications, select Manage Installed Applications. Scroll to find the Max app. Select the app, then select Force Stop.

Apple TV: Double-click the TV icon on your remote to see the apps currently running. Swipe to find the Max app preview, then swipe up to close the app.

If you are a non-U.S. user having issues streaming Max, proceed to the next step.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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2. Sign out of the Max app, then sign in again

If you are using the Max app, sign out of it, restart your device, and then sign back in.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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3. Watch Max on your browser

Try streaming Max via your browser by going to https://www.max.com/login and signing in with your Max account details.

If you are having issues streaming Max from your browser while connected to the VPN:

  1. Get the ExpressVPN browser extension (available for Windows, Mac, and Linux). To use the browser extension, you must also have the ExpressVPN app installed on your computer.
  2. U.S. users should try connecting to these server locations in the following order:
    1. USA – San Francisco
    2. USA – Washington DC
    3. USA – New York
    4. USA – Los Angeles – 1

    Non-U.S. users should proceed to the next step.

  3. Try using a different browser. The ExpressVPN browser extension is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and it works with Chrome, Firefox, Vivaldi, Chromium, Brave, and Microsoft Edge. The ExpressVPN app must also be installed.

Need help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate assistance.

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4. Contact Support

If you are still unable to stream Max while connected to the VPN, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team.

You can also email the team directly at: support@expressvpn.zendesk.com

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ExpressVPN is optimized to work with Max so you can enjoy online privacy and security all the time, without the VPN interfering. It should never be used as a means of copyright circumvention, which is strictly against our Terms of Service. As we cannot see or control what you do while connected to our VPN, you are responsible at all times for complying with our terms, the Max Terms of Use, and any applicable laws. Compliance requires you to be located in the U.S. while streaming Max with ExpressVPN.
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