HBO Max Streaming Tip: Sign Up, Move Ads, Cross-Device Usage

The world of streaming services is ever-expanding. Among them, Max (formerly HBO Max) is one of the most popular and unparalleled services that stands tall with its outstanding array of content. You can find it offering a wide range of content that includes groundbreaking HBO Originals to beloved Warner Bros. films, DC Universe adventures, and a plethora of Discovery's factual programming.

This blog is an attempt at understanding the HBO Max streaming service and analyzing the ways that you can enjoy it better. From the sign-up tips to the discount available on Max, this post gets you covered perfectly.

To Begin With: Sign up and Log in

Want to enjoy the huge content library on Max? The first step is the sign up to create an account and then log in to the service. Of course, it should be a straightforward process, just like most other streaming services. But understanding the little nuances can help you address the issues, if any.

How to Sign Up for the HBO Max app?

It is very simple and easy to sign up for Max. The specific options may vary depending on whether you are a new subscriber or a returning subscriber.

For New Subscribers

Here are the steps you can use to subscribe to Max –

1. Open Max – You can either install the Max app or use a browser to access Max. Locate the Create Account option.

2. Choose a plan – Max offers several subscription plans (More on that later in this post). Select a plan that best suits your needs.

3. Create an account – You will now be prompted to create an account using your email address. This would also involve creating a password.

4. Add a payment option - Since Max is a subscription-based platform, you need to provide some basic information, such as a payment option, to start streaming.

Current Subscribers

If you are a returning subscriber of Max, you are already on Max. You can use your existing username, email address, and password to log in to your Max.

If you are a subscriber through Apple, Google Play, Samsung, Optimum, Verizon Fios Internet, Consolidated Communications, and Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico, you can simply log in and access all the content on Max.

Through Third-Party Services

Many users gain access to Max through existing subscriptions with internet, mobile, or TV providers, or even services like Prime Video. If you have HBO as part of your cable or satellite TV package, or a qualifying internet or mobile plan, you are already on Max and can access the content on the platform.

Here are the steps that you can opt for if you are looking for the HBO Max TV sign-in:

1. Check Your Eligibility: The first step is to confirm if your current provider offers Max as part of your package. You can usually do this by visiting your provider's website or contacting their customer support.

2. Activate Through Your Provider: Once confirmed, you'll typically need to activate your Max access through your provider's portal or app. This usually involves linking your provider account to Max.

3. Download and Sign In: After activation, download the Max app on your preferred device. When signing in, choose the "Sign In with a Provider" option and select your provider from the list. You'll then use your provider's login credentials to access Max.

The exact steps that you need to follow will be dependent on the third-party service provider you choose. You can contact them for the right information.

How to Log into HBO Max?

Well, once you have moved ahead with signing up for Max, the options and steps involved in logging in to your account should be very straightforward. You will simply use your credentials that you created the account with.

Here are the typical steps involved –

1. Open the Max App or Website: Launch the Max app on your device (smart TV, streaming stick, mobile phone, tablet) or navigate to max.com in your web browser.
2. Select "Sign In": On the Max home screen, locate and select the "Sign In" option.
3. Enter Your Credentials depending on the 2 situations:
   • Direct Subscribers: Enter the email address and password you used when creating your Max account.
   • Through a Provider: Select "Sign In with a Provider," then choose your specific provider from the list. You'll then be redirected to your provider's login page or prompted to enter your provider account credentials.
4. Start Watching: Once your credentials are verified, you'll be logged in and can begin enjoying the content.

Sometimes, you may face a few difficulties when logging in to your Max subscribers. This is a typical case when your subscription is tied to a third-party service provider. Of course, this can be very frustrating, but these issues have simple fixes.

Summarised by the Max users on Reddit, here are a few fixes that you can use to fix the login issues:

1. Clear app data and cache – This should fix most of the glitches on your device. The steps you use will be based on the device you are on.

2. Sign Out and Restart (All Devices) – A simple sign-out from the HBO Max app, followed by a complete restart of your device (not just sleep mode), can often fix temporary authentication problems.

3. Try a Different Browser/Device (Web Users) – If you're accessing Max via a web browser and experiencing issues, try a different browser or attempt to log in on another device to rule out browser-specific problems. Ensure browser extensions (especially ad-blockers) are temporarily disabled.

4. Check Account Status – Ensure your subscription is active and there are no billing issues with either Max or your third-party provider.

HBO Max Subscription Explained

It should be important to check different subscription plans of Max depending on your specific needs and expectations. It may also be worth looking for any HBO Max deals to optimise your budget for streaming services. Max offers a range of options, from ad-supported tiers to premium experiences, and even bundles with other popular services. Let us check out for HBO Max price across different tiers.

Regular Plans

The core plans revolve around the presence of ads, video quality, and the number of simultaneous streams. Check out these plans and their details so that you can choose a plan that best meets your special needs.

Max with Ads – The plan is available at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. This plan offers you two simultaneous streams and ads interspersed throughout the content. There is no offline download option. You can also enjoy 5.1 surround sound quality.

Max Ad-free – The plan is charged at $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year. It offers ad-free streaming and two simultaneous streams. It offers you 1080p HD video playback, up to 30 offline downloads, and 5.1 surround sound quality.

Max Ultimate ad-free – This plan is available at $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year. You can get up to 4 simultaneous streams and ad-free streaming. It comes with up to 4K HD Ultra video playback with HDR, 100 offline downloads, and Dolby Atmos sound quality.

Bundled Options

Apart from the regular plans, Max also offers you bundled plans. Max is now available as part of a discounted bundle with Disney+ and Hulu. You can choose from among different HBO Max bundle options.

Disney Plus/Hulu/Max bundle with Ads – The plan is available at $16.99 per month. It provides you access to Disney+ Plus Basic, Hulu (with ads), and Max (with ads).

Disney Plus/Hulu/Max bundle without Ads – This plan will be available at $29.99 per month. With this plan, you can get Disney Plus Premium, Hulu (no ads), and ad-free Max.

The table here should provide you with a good insight into all subscription plans available on HBO Max:

There are some important considerations for your reference if you're going to pick a subscription plan on Max:

Max offers significant discounts if you opt for an annual subscription rather than paying monthly. This can result in substantial savings over a year. For example, the annual Ad-Free plan can save you over 20% compared to monthly payments.

Regardless of the plan you choose, you get access to the same core Max content library. The differences lie in the presentation (ads or no ads, video quality) and practical features like simultaneous streams and downloads

While not always directly offered by Max, various third-party providers (like certain internet companies or streaming aggregators) may offer bundles that include Max with other services (e.g., a "Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle").

These bundles can sometimes offer a better overall value if you intend to subscribe to multiple services. Keep an eye out for these special deals.

Special Offers

Of course, you may not observe Max advertising its special plans and discounts directly. But, there are several ways you can avail the best benefits. Apart from the savings through the annual plans, you can make use of the special offers and promotions throughout the year.

Annual Subscription Discounts

These offer you straightforward discounts on your annual pricing. Committing to an annual plan typically provides a discount equivalent to getting 2-3 months free over the course of a year. The table above should give you an idea of the savings that you can have.

Student Discount (Save 50%)

Max offers a generous 50% discount to eligible college and university students. You should avail the benefits through service providers like Student Beans. Check your university email address or other academic credentials. You must be currently enrolled in an accredited higher education institution.

Provider-Based Services

Major providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, AT&T, Verizon Fios, Hulu (with certain bundles), and sometimes even specific mobile carriers offer a Max subscription or access to certain content on Max. You can get in touch with your service provider for the details.

Promotional Offers

You can avail of a few discounted options on Max subscription from different streaming service providers.

Sling TV – Sling TV offers on max subscription that can be availed through coupon aggregation services. These offers may be dynamic in nature.

Black Friday deals – Like many streaming services, Max often participates in major sales events like HBO Max Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These can be some of the most aggressive discounts. In the past, we have seen discounts in the range of 50 to 70% off on the pricing.

HBO Max Free Trial

Well, this is an area where you may feel a bit disappointed. Max does not offer any free trial on its streaming service. In clear words, there is no direct, standalone free trial for new subscribers via its website or app.

This is in contrast to most other streaming service providers, who offer a free trial period of 7 days or even 30 days. That would mean when you sign up for Max, you will be asked to choose a subscription plan right away.

With an incredibly strong and established content library (including critically acclaimed HBO Originals, Warner Bros. films, and Discovery content), Max likely believes its content speaks for itself and that potential subscribers are already aware of its value proposition.

However, you can have access to a few freebie options through the following means:

1. Watch free collection – Max maintains a rotating collection of "free episodes" from various popular series and even some full movies from its library. This collection is accessible to anyone, even non-subscribers, directly on the Max website or app.

2. Provider-Included Access – The service providers, like Xfinity, may offer you a special free trial on Max. For these users, it's essentially a long-term "free trial" that lasts as long as they maintain their qualifying subscription. You get full access to the Max library without any extra direct payment.

3. Third-Party Platform Trials – Some third-party streaming platforms that offer Max as an add-on channel might provide a free trial for their channel bundles or Max specifically through their platform. A few good examples in this context would include Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

If you're looking for a traditional HBO Max free trial, you're unlikely to find one directly from Max. Your best bets are to explore their "Watch Free" collection for a taste of their content or, more effectively, to check if your existing internet, mobile, or TV provider already includes Max in your current subscription.

HBO Max Streaming Service

Max isn’t just a streaming platform. It is a curated destination for most of the acclaimed and talked-about entertainment available.

What's on HBO Max?

Max library offers exemplary and high-quality content across multiple genres. Here are a few options that you can explore when it comes to the content library.

HBO Originals

This is the best and most viewed content on Max. Here are a few great options that can prove to be very handy.

Critically Acclaimed Series: Game of Thrones, Succession, The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, The White Lotus, Euphoria, Barry, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Westworld, Chernobyl, Watchmen, and many more. These series are known for their high production values, compelling storytelling, and award-winning performances

New Releases: Max ensures you have immediate access to new HBO series as they air, often available concurrently with their linear TV premiere.

Warner Bros. Films

A significant part of the content on Max comes from Warner Bros. You can explore its content library across classic cinema to recent blockbusters.

New Theatrical Releases: Historically, Max has offered some Warner Bros. films concurrently with their theatrical release (a practice that has largely ceased but can reappear for specific titles) or very soon after their cinema run. This means you can often watch major new movies from the comfort of your home relatively quickly.

Iconic Film Franchises: The entire Harry Potter saga, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Christopher Nolan's Batman films (The Dark Knight trilogy), The Matrix films, and a vast collection of other beloved movies.

Diverse Genres: From action and adventure to dramas, comedies, horror, and family films, the Warner Bros. collection is immense.

DC Universe

If you are into superhero movies and shows, Max offers you a prime collection of DC comics.

DC Films: Justice League, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Batman, The Flash, Joker, and more from the DCEU and beyond.

DC Original Series: Exclusive series like Peacemaker, Harley Quinn (animated), Doom Patrol, Titans, and Young Justice. Max consolidates a vast amount of DC content that was previously scattered across different platforms.

Max Originals

Previously known as HBO Max Originals, these shows and movies are specifically produced for the Max platform and are not available on any other platform. These movies and other content are aimed at meeting the prestige associated with the brand HBO.

Some of the shows and movies that you will find belonging to this category include Our Flag Means Death, Tokyo Vice, Julia, The Flight Attendant, Hacks, And Just Like That, and Raised by Wolves. These originals cover a wide range of genres, from comedies and dramas to sci-fi and unscripted content.

Content from Discovery+

Ever since HBO Max transitioned into Max, this is one of the essential changes that has happened to the popular streaming platform. The content library on the platform offers you a wide range of genres, from comedies and dramas to sci-fi and unscripted content from the Discovery Network.

Some popular options in this genre include

Popular Channels & Genres: Access shows from channels like Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID (Investigation Discovery), Magnolia Network, Animal Planet, and History Channel

Examples: Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Property Brothers, 90 Day Fiancé, Deadliest Catch, MythBusters, true crime documentaries, and nature shows. This significantly broadens Max's appeal beyond scripted drama and film.

Classic Content and Curated Collections

Max also offers you access to a rich archive of classic films and TV shows. The classic content is usually curated into lists based on themes.

Here are a few examples:

• Turner Classic Movies (TCM): A curated selection of classic Hollywood films, including silent films, dramas, musicals, and noirs, often with insightful introductions.
• Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera: A vast library of animated classics for kids and nostalgic adults, including Bugs Bunny, Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo, and The Flintstones.
• Adult Swim and Cartoon Network: Popular animated series for various age groups, from adult comedies like Rick and Morty to kids' favorites.
• Crunchyroll (Anime): A selection of popular anime titles from the Crunchyroll library.
• Studio Ghibli Films: The complete collection of beloved animated films from the renowned Japanese studio, including Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro.

So, what makes Max and its content stand out? Here are a few prime aspects:

• Quality Over Quantity (but now Quantity too!): While always known for HBO's premium, ad-free content, the integration of Discovery+ significantly boosts its quantity, making it a comprehensive entertainment hub.
• Curation: Max often excels in its curated collections, making it easy to discover new content based on themes, genres, or moods.
• Exclusivity: Many of the tentpole series and films, especially HBO Originals and Max Originals, are exclusive to the platform, making it a must-have for fans of specific franchises or creators.

How Many Ads on HBO Max?

The number of ads is an important parameter when you are searching for a good and reliable streaming service. The number of ads you get depends on the subscription plan that you have chosen. If you are on an ad-supported plan, you will have to encounter commercials.

Initially, the Max Ad-supported plan had no more than 4 minutes of ads in an hour of programming. However, this has now been changed to 6 minutes of ads per hour of programming. According to reports (such as from Yahoo! Tech, referencing industry analysis), Max positions its ad experience as "limited commercials," which translates to fewer and shorter ad breaks designed to be less intrusive.

Threads on Reddit and other user-specific forums suggest that there have been cases where the ads tend to be intrusive. Ads are typically placed at the beginning of a show/movie and during natural breaks within the content.

This is how traditional TV shows are structured for commercial breaks. Even with a low ad load, some viewers find any interruption disruptive. It creates issues for serialized dramas or films where immersion is key.

A frequent complaint is the repetition of the same few advertisements. The overall ad load might be low. But seeing the same commercial multiple times within an hour can make the experience feel more annoying. It can be more annoying than the raw ad minute count suggests.

The presence of ads is a trade-off for a lower subscription price. If you find the interruptions too disruptive, consider upgrading your plan or exploring alternative solutions, which we discuss next. The table below should give you an idea of what to expect with the ads on Max:

How to Remove Ads on HBO Max?

For many viewers, the presence of ads, even limited ones, can detract from the immersive streaming experience. Fortunately, there are both official and alternative methods to watch HBO Max without ads.

This can be done in several ways.

This is Max's direct and intended solution for viewers who want an uninterrupted experience. Max offers "Max Ad-Free" and "Max Ultimate Ad-Free" subscription tiers. These plans are specifically designed to eliminate all commercial interruptions from the vast majority of Max's content library.

This offers you continuous playback of your favorite series and films without any commercial breaks. This maintains the cinematic flow and immersion. This can be more so for high-stakes dramas and movies.

The primary drawback is the higher monthly or annual cost compared to the ad-supported plan. You are paying a premium for the convenience of ad-free viewing and enhanced features.

While upgrading your subscription is the official way to remove ads during live streaming, there's an excellent alternative for those who prefer to watch content offline or want a permanent, ad-free copy they can access anytime, on any device. This is where a dedicated downloader tool like KeepStreams for Max comes into play.

KeepStreams For Max

Remove ads from all downloaded Max shows and save them in 1080p and even 4K.

• Permanent Ad Removal- Complete removal and elimination of ads from your downloaded content. This feature is particularly valuable for binge-watching without interruption.
• High-Quality Downloads - KeepStreams allows you to download videos in high resolution, often up to 1080p. It lets you choose based on your storage capacity and viewing preferences.
• MP4/MKV Format Conversion - Videos are downloaded and saved in widely compatible formats like MP4 or MKV. This is a crucial feature as it addresses the HBO Max device limit by allowing you to bypass it entirely.
• Batch Downloading and Fast Speeds - KeepStreams is designed for efficiency, enabling you to download multiple episodes or even entire seasons in bulk.
• Subtitle and Audio Track Options - The downloader typically allows you to select and download subtitles in various languages, either embedded directly into the video or saved as separate SRT files.
• Metadata Preservation - Important metadata, such as show titles, episode numbers, season information, and cover art.

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KeepStreams for Max acts as a comprehensive solution for offline Max content consumption. It frees your viewing from internet dependency and subscription-tier limitations. It offers ad-free downloads and highly compatible file formats.

It also provides unparalleled flexibility for enjoying Max content whenever and wherever you choose. This tool redefines your Max subscription into a true personal media library. You are ready to watch HBO Max offline on any device you own.

Also find how to fix HBO Max not working on your device.

Devices Supported by HBO Max

Max is accessible on a wide range of devices. That way, you can be assured of enjoying a wide range of content while on the move or otherwise.

Where Can You Use the HBO Max App?

The HBO Max app is broadly available across a multitude of platforms, covering smartphones, tablets, computers, and various TV-connected devices. Max strives to support current and widely used operating systems and hardware.

1. Phones and Tablets: The list includes Android and iOS devices and tablets. You can also access Max on Amazon Fire tablets.

2. Computers (Web Browsers): You can access Max directly through a web browser on most modern operating systems, including:

• Windows PCs: Running Windows 7 or later.
• macOS (Apple computers): Running macOS X 10.10 (Yosemite) or later.
• Chromebooks: Running Chrome OS.

You can access Max on all these devices on practically every major browser - Supported Browsers- Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari. Make sure that you are on the latest version of the browser.

3. TV Devices (Smart TVs & Streaming Players): Max has dedicated apps for most of the Smart TV brands and streaming players.

Smart TVs:

• Samsung Smart TVs: Models from 2016 and later.
• LG Smart TVs: Models from 2018 and later.
• Vizio SmartCast TVs: Models from 2016 and later.
• Sony Android TVs: Most Android TV models.

Streaming Media Players:

• Roku Devices: Various Roku streaming players and Roku TVs (most models currently in use).
• Amazon Fire TV Devices: Fire TV Stick (all generations), Fire TV Cube, Fire TV Edition smart TVs.
• Apple TV: Apple TV HD (4th generation) and Apple TV 4K.
• Google Chromecast (with Google TV): Devices running the Google TV interface.
• Android TV: Any smart TV or streaming box running the Android TV operating system (e.g., NVIDIA Shield TV, Sony Android TVs, Hisense Android TVs).

Game Consoles:

• PlayStation: PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
• Xbox: Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.

If you want to use casting or screen mirroring options to enjoy Max content, you can check out the following options:

1. AirPlay - If you have an Apple iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can wirelessly mirror or cast Max content to an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV or an Apple TV device. It allows you to leverage your mobile device for playback while using your TV as a display.

2. Chromecast - Chromecast allows you to cast content from the Max app on your smartphone/tablet (Android or iOS) or the Chrome web browser on your computer to a Chromecast device plugged into your TV.

3. HDMI Cable (Direct Connection from Computer) - This is a simple, wired solution. Connect your computer (laptop or desktop) directly to your TV using an HDMI cable. Your TV will act as a second monitor.

4. Streaming Player (Connecting an External Device) - Even if your smart TV doesn't have the Max app or is too old, you can purchase an external streaming player (like a Roku Stick, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast with Google TV). These devices plug into your TV's HDMI port, connect to your Wi-Fi, and provide access to the Max app

Or better still, you can download the Max shows using a tool like KeepStreams Max Downloader and then transfer the videos to an external hard drive or any other similar storage device. This method offers you several benefits as opposed to the other methods outlined here.

How to Bypass HBO Max Device Limit?

The Max device limit is yet another concern that most of the users on Max face. It has been a common point of discussion among the Max subscribers who share accounts within a household or with friends and family.

HBO Max Device Limit

Max, like most streaming services, imposes restrictions on the number of simultaneous streams allowed per account to prevent widespread unauthorized sharing. Max imposes a maximum of 4 simultaneous streams, depending on which subscription plan you are on.

Lower subscription plans support 2 simultaneous streams. If more than the allowed number of devices try to stream simultaneously, one of the active streams will be interrupted, displaying a message about the device limit.

Tier-Specific device limits on Max

• Max Ad-Supported: Typically allows 2 simultaneous streams.
• Max Ad-Free: Typically allows 2 simultaneous streams.
• Max Ultimate Ad-Free: Allows 4 simultaneous streams.

Simultaneous Streams: This refers to the number of devices that can actively play content at the same time from a single Max account.

Registered Devices: Max also keeps track of devices that have logged in, but this is less restrictive than the simultaneous stream limit. You can log in on many devices over time, but only a few can play content concurrently.

Why Should You Bypass HBO Max Device Limit?

You would require bypassing the device limit due to one or more reasons explained below –

• A large family with more than 4 members wants to watch different shows.
• Different groups of housemates want independent viewing
• Watching content on a main TV while also having it playing on a secondary device (e.g., a tablet in the kitchen)
• Desire for flexible viewing across many personal devices without interruption.

The best way to bypass the device limit on Max would be to use a third-party downloader tool to download the videos that you want to share with your friends or family.

The Solution: KeepStreams for Max for Offline Viewing

The most effective and legally sound way to bypass the HBO Max device limit for personal use is by downloading content for offline viewing. Once a video is downloaded, it no longer counts towards your active simultaneous stream limit. This is where KeepStreams for Max becomes an invaluable tool.

KeepStreams For Max

KeepStreams lets you download Max videos and convert them into a compatible MP4/MKV format. You can then share the videos with family or transfer them to any devices. The compatibility brought by the MKV and MP4 file formats makes Max downloads available on any device.

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That apart, you can watch the downloaded shows as many times as you wish and whenever you want to. They will not be treated as streams, and as such, you will not have any issues with working with your downloaded video.

If you use KeepStreams to download Max shows in advance, even when the videos cease to exist on Max, you will still be able to enjoy them until you decide to delete them yourself. So, how to do it with KeepStreams? Just in 4 steps:

KeepStreams is also able to bypass other HBO Max download limits. Continue to read to find more information.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of streaming services, particularly one as rich and evolving as Max, can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. From understanding the nuanced sign-up processes and troubleshooting pesky login issues to deciphering the array of subscription plans and making savvy choices to save money, a little knowledge goes a long way.

We've explored how to get started with your HBO Max login, whether you're signing up directly or activating through a third-party provider like your internet or TV service. We've also highlighted common fixes for when HBO Max is not working as expected, empowering you to resolve issues and get back to your entertainment quickly.

In conclusion, Max offers a treasure trove of entertainment, and by understanding its features, optimizing your subscription, and utilizing smart tools like KeepStreams, you can elevate your streaming experience from good to truly exceptional.

Is Max worth it? For many, with its unparalleled content and the flexibility gained from these tips, the answer is a resounding yes.