HBO Max not working with a VPN? Try this

Is HBO Max not working with a VPN? Many VPNs are blocked by Max, causing viewers to experience errors like “VPN detected on HBO Max” or “HBO Max proxy error.” If you see these messages or notice Max not working with VPN, our guide will help you fix it.

HBO Max (now called Max in the US) is a hugely popular streaming platform, but geo-restrictions and aggressive VPN blocks make it difficult to access your account while abroad, at work, or on a restricted school network. The good news? It’s easy to fix HBO Max when it stops working with your VPN.

In this guide, we explain why your HBO Max VPN might not be working. Our HBO Max VPN troubleshooting tips can fix a VPN server blocked by HBO Max, VPN IP address leaks, and other HBO Max internet connection problems. We’ll show you exactly which settings to change to get back to streaming, including how to clear cache and cookies for HBO Max.

Having issues with a specific device? Our tips work to stream HBO Max on smartphones, laptops, Roku, Samsung TV, Firestick, and Chromecast.

Our tests show that NordVPN is the best VPN for HBO Max, with fast speeds and streaming servers that avoid proxy errors. To give you more options, we’ve included our top Max VPN recommendations and info about which VPNs don’t work with HBO Max.

Why isn’t my VPN working with HBO Max?

HBO Max has some of the most effective proxy and VPN blocking methods we’ve encountered. This makes it one of the trickiest streaming platforms to access with a VPN. Thankfully, you can watch HBO Max from anywhere thanks to our troubleshooting steps.

Like other major services, Max uses proxy detection systems to enforce regional licensing agreements. Under its broadcasting contracts, HBO is required to block users located outside the US (or other supported regions).

If you’re using a VPN that Max has already blacklisted, you’ll see the following error message:

“You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.”

This means HBO Max has flagged the VPN IP address you’re using and won’t let you stream until the VPN is disabled or you switch to a provider that still works.

If you’re getting a proxy error, our VPN troubleshooting tips can help! However, you must stick to a recommended VPN. These tips only work with a fully tested VPN. If you’re using a VPN that hasn’t been vetted, you’ll likely need to switch. All free VPNs, and many paid ones, no longer work to stream HBO Max.

What are the most common HBO error messages?

Trying to identify an HBO error message? We have included a list of common error messages along with the reason for each message. This will help you identify which error messages are caused by VPN setup problems.

1. You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again. 

• Cause: HBO Max has detected VPN, Smart DNS, or proxy use.
• Fix: Disconnect your VPN or use one of our tested HBO Max VPNs that consistently avoid detection.

2. Something went wrong 

• Cause: Could indicate a streaming hiccup, app glitch, or server interruption. Seen across devices (TV, mobile, web).
• Fix: Force close or reload the app/browser. Restart the device or network equipment.

3. Error Code 3001

• Cause: The app fails to load content – possibly due to corrupted data or server issues.
• Fix: Try clearing the app cache, reinstalling the app, or updating to the latest version.

4. Can’t sign in to HBO Max

• Cause: Sign-in credential error
• Fix: Try signing in on a different device, resetting your password, or using the “get a code instead” option for email-based login. Clear cookies and cache to ensure no compatibility issues with your VPN.

Other error messages:

• 905: Connectivity problem between the device and HBO Max servers.
• 321: Account or authentication issue.
• 100: Device/browser incompatibility.
• 420: Video playback failure.
• H: General app or device issue.

As you can see, HBO streaming errors are caused by a variety of issues. This guide focuses on solving proxy warnings, which appear when HBO Max suspects you’re using a VPN. Codes like 905 or 321 may also indicate that a VPN is causing authentication or connectivity issues.

The first step is to ensure you are using a VPN that has been tested with HBO Max. If you are sure you are using an HBO-compatible VPN, use the steps below to get your VPN working.

How to use a VPN to watch HBO Max abroad

If you’ve never used a VPN before, the idea can seem intimidating. The reality is that it is extremely straightforward to install and use a VPN to change your IP address. If you are stuck at the first hurdle and just need help setting up and using the VPN, you can follow the steps below:

1. Choose a VPN that works to watch HBO Max abroad. We recommend NordVPN because it works for various HBO Max regions. Alternatively, you can try Surfshark, which is cheap, or ExpressVPN, which is a fantastic all-rounder when it comes to streaming US TV platforms.
2. Follow the link to your preferred VPN for HBO Max. Our link will get you the VPN subscription for the lowest possible cost.
3. Subscribe and download the VPN app for your device. Our recommendations have apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android to let you stream HBO Max on any device.
4. Install the VPN app for your device and log in.
5. Connect to a VPN server in the US (or in your home country) and launch the HBO Max website in your browser.

As soon as the VPN software finishes connecting, you are ready to log in and watch HBO Max abroad. As long as you have selected the right server, it should work. However, if you have any additional issues, scroll down for our troubleshooting steps.

How to fix HBO Max VPN not working

No matter which issue you’re running into, you can usually resolve it by following the steps below.

Keep in mind: unless your VPN has been specifically recommended for HBO Max, there’s a good chance it’s already been blocked. If that’s the case, you’ll need to switch to a VPN that’s been recently tested and confirmed to work.

VPN is causing buffering or poor quality on HBO Max

This is the most common VPN-related problem that users encounter. This problem is less severe because you can log in and load videos with the VPN, but you are suffering from too much buffering or poor video quality to enjoy the content.

If HBO keeps buffering or the video quality is lacking, your VPN may be slowing things down. This could be caused by a congested server that is overcrowded, or by setup issues involving the wrong VPN protocol choice.

Here’s how to fix slow streaming on HBO Max:

• Choose a VPN server closer to your real location. If you’re trying to access HBO Max USA, select a US server on the East or West Coast (whichever is physically closer to you will provide better speeds).
• Ask your VPN provider which servers are optimized for streaming Max.
• Switch VPN protocols in the app. Try WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP), or IKEv2 to see which performs better.
• Try the provider’s custom protocol, if available. Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer proprietary protocols (NordLynx and Lightway), which are built for data-intensive tasks.
• Check that obfuscation is disabled. This is an advanced privacy feature not required for streaming HBO Max.
• Test another device to see whether a slow device is causing the streaming issues. (Caused by insufficient memory or computing power rather than the VPN itself.)

VPN not working with HBO Max

If you can no longer log in and stream HBO shows while connected to your VPN, the problem is slightly more severe. However, there’s no need to stress. As long as you are using one of our top-recommended HBO Max VPNs, you can use the troubleshooting steps below to iron out all the kinks.

Here’s how to fix VPN not working with HBO Max

1. Restart your computer, restart the VPN application, and launch your browser again.
2. Try reinstalling or updating your VPN application to ensure it is up-to-date.
3. Clear the cookies and cache in your browser.
4. Try connecting to a different VPN server location.
5. Ask your VPN which server works to unblock HBO Max
6. Try a different browser.
7. Check that DNS leak protection is enabled in the VPN application.
8. Try using an alternate VPN protocol.
9. Switch to streaming on a desktop PC or laptop rather than a mobile device.
10. Disable geo-location/location sharing in your browser and on your device.

As you can see, our actionable checklist is very straightforward. We have covered every possible eventuality, which means these steps will work to fix your VPN for streaming HBO Max. Just bear in mind that your VPN may only work with certain HBO Max regions.

How to clear cookies/cache to watch HBO Max

When you visit HBO Max, the site may store cookies and cached files in your browser. These can reveal your true location and prevent your VPN from working properly. The easiest solution is to clear cookies and cache to remove any stored location data.

You can test whether this is the problem by opening HBO Max in a private browsing (Incognito) window. This launches a clean session with no old trackers. If your VPN works to stream HBO Max in Incognito mode, clearing your cookies should allow you to watch normally outside of private mode.

Here’s how to clear cookies and cache:

• In your browser: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear browsing data and choose Cookies and Cache.
• In the HBO Max app: Go to your device’s App Settings and clear Data/Cache for the HBO Max app.

Top Tip: We usually get the best results streaming HBO Max in a browser. The standalone app can use extra location services (such as GPS) that sometimes interfere with VPN connections.

Where is HBO Max available?

We recommend starting with your home catalog. Your HBO Max account is tied to the country where you signed up, so connecting to an IP address in that location will give you your usual library. This is handy if you want to keep watching a series you started before traveling.

You can also connect to a server in any of the countries below to unlock region-exclusive titles. If you want the largest HBO catalog, use a US server as this should include the widest selection of shows and movies.

Here is a list of countries where HBO Max is currently available:

• North America: United States
• Latin America & Caribbean: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela
• Europe: Andorra, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
• Asia & Pacific: Philippines (limited Max launch)

Can I watch HBO Max outside the US?

Yes. As long as you stick to a recommended VPN for HBO Max, you will be able to stream your account on vacation. Our recommended VPNs have streaming-optimized servers in the US, which work to access popular services like HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix US, Sling TV, Peacock, Prime Video, ESPN, FOX, and other US TV networks.

What are some regionally exclusive titles on Max?

If you are curious about what you could watch by switching HBO Max regions, we have included information below. Using a VPN to connect to different countries can unlock shows and movies not available in your home catalog.

Here are examples of region-specific titles (bear in mind that the list is not comprehensive, so you should be able to find other regionally-exclusive shows and movies):

United States

• The Last of Us (full season availability before other regions)
• South Park (complete seasons)
• The Flight Attendant (earlier streaming window than EU)
• Classic HBO series like Six Feet Under and Treme (not on all European catalogs)

United Kingdom

• Doctor Who (modern seasons)
• Top Gear specials (BBC licensing in UK)
• I Hate Suzie (Sky/HBO co-production, UK-first window)

Brazil

• Dom (Amazon Original licensed to Max regionally)
• Hebe (Brazilian biographical drama series)
• Local Max Originals like A Menina Que Matou os Pais

Spain

• Veneno (Spanish drama exclusive to Spain’s Max library)
• 30 Coins (30 Monedas, horror series by Álex de la Iglesia)
• Local HBO Europe documentaries

Philippines

• Local Max Originals like On the Job: The Missing 8
• Extended access to Goyo: The Boy General
• Select ABS-CBN licensed dramas

Nordic Countries (Sweden, Norway)

• Beartown (Björnstad) – Swedish HBO Original
• Local crime dramas with Nordic Noir rights

Latin America (Mexico, Argentina)

• Los Espookys (Spanish-language comedy with earlier regional release)
• Regional sports documentaries not available in the US catalog

Which VPNs still work with HBO Max?

The list of VPNs that work to watch HBO Max (Max in the US) is getting smaller. This is because of HBO’s advanced proxy blocking methods. This means you have to choose one of the providers that we have tested and confirmed as working.

Best VPNs to watch HBO Max on vacation:

1. NordVPN: Best all-round performer for HBO Max. Unblocks Max reliably with fast NordLynx speeds and SmartPlay for smooth US streaming on any platform. The Standard plan works perfectly with Max and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best for budget-conscious users. Affordable, fast, and allows unlimited devices, ideal for sharing HBO Max access to all family members. Includes ad blocking and multi-hop servers for added privacy.
3. TotalVPN: Low-cost with streaming-optimized servers that work well for Max. A simple, no-frills VPN for hassle-free access. Amazing value when purchased as part of Total Antivirus.
4. Proton VPN: Delivers strong HBO Max speeds without sacrificing security. Lots of advanced features make it better for techy users in need of port forwarding, multi-hop, obfuscation, and more.
5. ExpressVPN: Lightway protocol ensures top speeds and reliable unblocking in 105+ countries. Sleek app design and fast, expert support.  Also works with Netflix US.
6. IPVanish: Unlimited devices, split tunneling, and encryption control make it ideal for streaming Max securely. Owns its server network for extra privacy.
7. CyberGhost: Great for beginners thanks to its dedicated HBO Max servers for various countries. Generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
8. PureVPN: Strong censorship bypassing and servers in 70+ countries to access Max catalogs worldwide.
9. PrivateVPN: Lightweight app with fast speeds and personal support. Ideal for users who want quick HBO Max access without complexity. Includes port forwarding at no extra cost.

Which VPNs don’t work with HBO Max?

We strongly recommend that you stick with our recommended services, as a growing number of VPNs have lost access to HBO Max. If you don’t see your VPN included in this guide, we cannot vouch for it; however, you are free to test our troubleshooting tips on your current VPN to see if it helps. If it still doesn’t work, it’s probably time to switch to one of our recommended VPNs for HBO Max.

To help you out, we’ve listed some VPNs that don’t work with HBO Max. This list isn’t comprehensive, but it gives you an idea of some VPNs that fail:

• Hola VPN: Logs user data, has slow speeds, and is blocked by Max.
• TunnelBear: Good for casual browsing, but servers are blacklisted for Max.
• Windscribe: Can work briefly, but gets blocked mid-stream.
• Betternet: Fails HBO Max checks, even on premium tier.
• Opera VPN (built-in browser VPN): Detectable and blocked.
• VPNBook: No residential IPs; instantly flagged by Max.

Can I use a free VPN to unblock HBO Max?

No. Although there are many free VPNs on the market, none of them work reliably with HBO Max.

Free VPNs have very small server networks, making it easy for HBO Max to detect and block their IPs. Max’s advanced VPN and proxy detection systems even catch most premium services, which is why very few paid VPNs still work to stream HBO on vacation.

Even if you do manage to find a free VPN that works to unblock HBO Max, free VPNs are too slow. Free VPNs typically have only a few servers, which means that each server is highly congested with users from all around the world. The result? Long buffering times and poor video quality.

Besides performance issues, we also recommend avoiding free VPNs for privacy reasons. Many have invasive logging policies and actively track your browsing activity, selling it to advertisers and data brokers. This means that instead of protecting you, they help to disseminate your information further.

Researchers also found that many free VPN apps lack proper encryption, leak your IP address, or contain serious vulnerabilities. Some even hide malware or spyware in their software. This makes using most free VPNs extremely risky, which is why it is vital to stick to free VPN plans offered by leading VPN brands only.

Always research a free VPN before downloading it from Google Play. Many have glowing reviews despite being caught hiding spyware or malware in their apps. You have been warned!

What is the HBO Max VPN policy?

HBO Max’s Terms of Use don’t explicitly cite “VPNs” or “proxies.” However, they make it clear that content access is tied to your geographic location under licensing agreements. This means that using any tool (including a VPN) to bypass regional restrictions is technically a breach of the terms of service.

The good news? HBO has never terminated anybody’s account for VPN use. HBO wants subscribers to keep paying, so it focuses on blocking VPN servers rather than terminating accounts for VPN use.

Is it legal to use a VPN to watch HBO Max?

Yes. As a paying subscriber, you can log in and stream your account privately if you want to. In most countries, there are no laws against using a VPN, and those countries that do restrict VPNs usually only restrict their use to bypass censorship.

Please bear in mind that we are not attorneys, so you should do your own research to learn the legality of VPN use where you live. This helps ensure you’re always using a VPN within the law.

That said, we’ve never heard of anyone being prosecuted for using a VPN to watch their HBO Max account while traveling or at work.

Can I watch HBO Max at work or in school?

Yes. The VPNs we recommend are ideal for bypassing network restrictions. Our recommended VPNs for HBO Max include fast servers optimized for streaming and military-grade AES encryption. This means that if you decide to bypass network blocks, such as at work or school, nobody monitoring the network will know.

The encryption provided by a VPN prevents anyone from tracking your activities. That said, it’s still best to use a VPN only on your personal devices. Bypassing network blocks on a work computer or device might violate company rules, and could get you in trouble.

HBO Max not working with a VPN FAQs