HBO Max is accessible in dozens of countries worldwide including the US, Australia, France, and Spain. Unfortunately, it’s not yet offered in countries such as the UK, Canada, or China. If you travel to one of these countries and try to access HBO Max, then you’ll encounter an error message along the lines of “HBO Max is not available in your region yet.” If you want to get around this annoying geo-blocking, you’ll need a VPN like Total VPN.
The trouble is that not every VPN, or Virtual Private Network, has a perfect unblocking record. Although Total VPN is one of the best HBO Max VPNs, there may be times when you’re still unable to bypass restrictions. In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll explore the common causes of Total VPN not working with HBO Max. More importantly, you’ll find out what you can do to fix the issue and stream HBO Max shows, including The Wire, Game of Thrones, and Succession.
Why isn’t Total VPN working with HBO Max?
Streaming platforms such as HBO Max often have their own original content for which they hold exclusive global rights. However, it’s also common to see content from third-party distributors. If HBO Max only holds the rights to show certain TV shows and movies in select countries, then it has to take measures to prevent this content from being accessed elsewhere.
The result is region-locking measures, usually by blocking IP addresses from countries that shouldn’t have access, as well as blacklisting known VPN IP addresses. If you’re attempting to use Total VPN to access HBO Max and it’s not working, it’s likely due to geographic restrictions.
Here’s why Total VPN isn’t working with HBO Max:
- Your Total VPN IP address has been blocked by HBO Max
- HBO remembers your previous IP address and location
- You’re not connected to a Total VPN server in a country that receives HBO Max
- The VPN connection has dropped, and you’re not connected to a server
- Your phone’s GPS location is giving away your actual location
It’s easy enough to see if you’re currently connected to a Total VPN server within the app. Yet it’s not always obvious if HBO Max has blocked a VPN IP address or has a cookie in your browser that reminds it of your previous location. We’ll next explore some fixes so you can get streaming again.
How to fix Total VPN not working with HBO Max
Total VPN ranks among our best VPNs for HBO Max but, like any VPN, may encounter occasional difficulties. Finding a fix is usually quite straightforward.
Here’s how to fix Total VPN not working with HBO Max:
- First, check that you’re running the latest version of Total VPN. You can do this within the Total VPN app or, if you prefer, by downloading and installing the latest version on Total VPN’s official website.
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. This is usually done by going to your browser’s settings page and looking for references to browsing data or cookies. It helps HBO Max forget your previous IP address.
- Sometimes, it’s as simple as needing to try a few different servers. Some IP addresses will work with HBO Max, some won’t. Just be sure to clear your cookies between each new attempt so that HBO Max acknowledges the new Total VPN IP address.
- If you’re on mobile and struggling to access HBO Max using Total VPN, then it may be your device’s GPS location that’s causing the issue. This is more difficult to get around so, if possible, you should switch to desktop, which is more likely to work.
- Remember that Total VPN provides 24/7 live chat support. If you’re still having trouble even after trying the above fixes, then you can always get in touch to see if Total can recommend a specific server or troubleshoot the issue further.
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How to access HBO Max with Total VPN
If you’re a first-time VPN user, it may be that you’re just not familiar with how to use Total VPN to access HBO Max. Fear not! We’ve got you covered.
Here’s how to use Total VPN to access HBO Max from anywhere:
- Sign up with Total VPN if you haven’t already. It’s one of the best VPNs for HBO Max, providing consistent unblocking and impressive speeds for lag-free streaming.
- You can now download the Total VPN app, making sure you’re installing the correct version for your streaming device. This should only take a minute or two.
- Open the VPN app and log in if prompted. Once inside, you can connect to a TotalVPN server in a country where HBO Max is offered. For example, a server in the US.
- Go to HBO Max and start streaming! If all works as it should, the content should stream without interruptions and with absolutely no streaming errors or geo-blocking messages.
- Last but not least, we always recommend you contact Total VPN’s customer support if you’re all out of ideas. Chances are they’ll be able to help you find a solution.
Which are the best VPNs for streaming HBO Max?
Total VPN is not the only VPN for HBO Max. With several excellent alternatives to choose from, all with generous money-back guarantees, there’s no reason you can’t be streaming HBO Max from anywhere in a matter of minutes.
Here are the best VPNs to watch HBO Max from anywhere:
- NordVPN: The best VPN overall for HBO Max. Works with many other popular streaming platforms. Huge server network, fast speeds, and packed with security extras.
- Surfshark: Best value VPN for HBO Max. Lightweight VPN with a quality antivirus and the ability to access Netflix, Disney+, and more. Connect all of your devices at once.
- Proton VPN: Strict no-logs, privacy-first VPN which accepts anonymous cash payments. Huge server network and has no trouble streaming HBO Max, Netflix, and more.
- ExpressVPN: Highly reliable VPN provider with user-friendly apps and quality customer support around the clock. Works with HBO Max and includes a password manager.
- IPVanish: Vastly improved server speeds, putting it among the fastest VPNs. Lots of North America servers for accessing HBO Max. New features including cloud storage.
- CyberGhost: The fastest VPN we’ve tested and therefore ideal for watching HBO Max in high resolution. Huge server network and an independently audited no-logs policy.
Total VPN with HBO Max FAQs
Can you watch HBO Max in Europe?
Yes, HBO Max is available in many countries across Europe including Belgium, Denmark, France, Spain, and Turkey. Some notable exceptions in Europe include the UK, Germany, and Italy, all of which should see the arrival of HBO Max in the near future, possibly as soon as 2026. If you are visiting a European country that doesn’t receive HBO Max just yet, you can always use one of the best VPNs for HBO Max to access it as normal.
Does HBO Max block VPNs?
Yes, HBO Max is no different to most streaming services in that it works to protect licensing agreements by ensuring certain content is inaccessible in regions where it doesn’t hold the rights. Streaming platforms such as HBO Max therefore block known VPN IP addresses, but that doesn’t make it entirely inaccessible when you’re traveling. The best VPNs for HBO Max are better equipped to stay ahead of these restrictions than others.
How do I change regions on HBO Max?
Switching your HBO Max region is quick and easy to do. All you need to do is sign up with one of the best HBO Max VPNs and connect to the VPN server location that matches the version of HBO Max you want to access. You should then be able to stream HBO Max as normal regardless of your actual location. Just remember that you may need to clear your cookies in order for the IP address change to take effect.
Do free VPNs work with HBO Max?
No. Unfortunately, free VPNs aren’t known for their unblocking prowess, nor for their ability to stream content seamlessly. The fact is that most have very few IP addresses on offer. Shared by many users, these IP addresses are quickly identified by HBO Max and subsequently blocked. Bandwidth throttling is very common too, and that can make for a lot of lag and buffering when you’re trying to stream, which is undoubtedly frustrating.
If you’re considering using a free VPN, it’s important to first know that you’re unlikely to receive the same level of protection as a quality paid VPN service. A lower level of encryption, the absence of a kill switch, or even the logging and selling of your personal data are all risks that come with some free VPNs. When many of the best HBO Max VPNs offer free trials and lengthy money-back guarantees, there’s little reason to use a free VPN nowadays.
