Causes & Fixes
How to Fix HBO Max Not Working on Roku Device

There are various reasons present when you face issues while streaming HBO Max on Roku. However, encountering issues where HBO Max fails to open or function properly on Roku can be frustrating. In this article, we have explored the common reasons behind HBO Max not working on Roku and presented you with effective solutions to help you resolve the issue. You can follow the below troubleshooting guide made by our experts to resolve the HBO Max issue on your Roku device.
HBO Max Not working on Roku: Basic to Advanced Troubleshooting
Try the below-mentioned solutions one after another. If a solution fails to fix the issue, move on to the next one.
Check Internet Speed
HBO Max on Roku requires a stable internet/WiFi connection for an uninterrupted streaming experience. When you find HBO Max not working or loading, you must check for the internet speed.
- To check internet speed on Roku: Press the Home button on the remote → Select Settings → Choose Network → Select About.
- Check for the Internet Speed and Signal Strength. If they are low, you may find streaming issues.
So, ensure to use WiFi or internet with high speed on Roku to fix the HBO Max not working issue.

You can even disable and connect Roku Stick to WiFi and check if the internet speed gets better.
Restart WiFi Router
When the internet connection speed drops, there may be an issue with the WiFi router, and it may be the cause of HBO Max not working on Roku properly. In such a case, Roku users shall restart or power cycle their WiFi router.
- To restart the router: Unplug the ethernet cable from the modem and plug it back in after 2-3 minutes.
Check if HBO Max is working on Roku TV without buffering or loading issues.
Use a Different WiFi
Try connecting your Roku device to a different WiFi and check if you can use HBO Max without any issues. If the issue persists, the problem is with the device and not with the WiFi connection or router. So, you shall try out the fixes related to the device and check if the HBO Max Not Working is resolved.
Restart HBO Max App
Restarting the app will reboot the HBO Max app for a fresh start. It will resolve the temporary bugs and glitches in the app.
To restart HBO Max: Press the Home button on the remote → move to the HBO Max app among available channels → Press the * button → Select Close → Choose the HBO Max app to open again.
It will also force close the app whenever you cannot access any options in the app.
HBO Max Server Down
The server down is a common issue among streaming apps. There is no best fix available for the server-down issue unless it is solved by the creators. You can probably check whether the site is stable or not. Downdetector is an effective site for finding the working status of any site. You can visit the Downdetector website to verify the server-down issue of HBO Max.

If there is any server issue, you have to wait for some time to resolve the condition.
Unblock Geo-Restriction
HBO Max streaming is restricted to certain countries. You can use the VPN to bypass the geo-restriction of HBO Max. It is advisable to go for Premium VPNs for stable connectivity.
[reblex id = ‘2317’]
Relogin to HBO Max on Roku
When the issue is with the HBO Max user account, log out of your account on Roku. Re-login and check if you can watch HBO Max on Roku TV Stick. If the issue doesn’t resolve, you may need to check other fixes to resolve HBO Max not working.
Subscription Expired
The HBO Max app may not work on your Roku device due to an expired subscription. So, check if the HBO Max subscription is active. If it isn’t active, you should renew the premium plan of HBO Max from the website and check if you can access HBO Max on Roku.
Update HBO Max App
The outdated firmware could be the reason for HBO Max not working on Roku TV. It is necessary to update the channels on Roku at regular intervals.
- To Update HBO Max: Go to Channels on Roku → Select HBO Max → Press * button on Roku remote → Choose Check for Updates → Update the app if the update is available.
Uninstall and Reinstall HBO Max
Installation error could be the reason for the app not working or loading. It is better to delete apps on your Roku device and install the app again from the Roku Channel Store.
- To Uninstall HBO Max: Select HBO Max on the Home screen → Press the * button on Roku remote → Select Remove Channel to uninstall.
- To Reinstall HBO Max: Go to Roku Channel Store → Search for HBO Max → Select Add Channel to reinstall.
Device Compatibility
The HBO Max service is only compatible with certain Roku models. Visit this support page to find the compatibility. You can’t download the HBO Max app if you have an incompatible model. You can find the model number of Roku on the back side of the device. If not, you can find it on the device by navigating to Home → Settings → System → About.
When your device is incompatible, replace it with the compatible one and easily access the HBO Max app. If it is compatible, move to the next solution.
Clear Cache on Roku
When the cache files of HBO Max become corrupted, the application may not work properly on Roku. In that situation, you need to clear them from your device. Unfortunately, you can’t clear the cache on Roku TV for a specific app. So, you need to clear them for the entire device.
To clear the cache files on Roku,
- Head to the Home menu on your Roku by tapping the Home button on the remote.
- Press the following keys on your remote in order.
- Home button – 5 times
- Up button – Once
- Rewin button – 2 times
- Fast forward – 2 times
- Wait for Roku to restart. Then relaunch the app to check whether the issue is fixed.
Try the next solution if the issue is unresolved after clearing the cache file.
Restart Roku
Restarting the Roku TV/streaming device is one of the simple solutions to fix the temporary issues associated with HBO Max and other apps installed on the device. To restart the device,
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Choose Settings and select the System menu.
- Now, select System Restart on the right-hand side.
- Click on Restart.

If you had any issues with accessing the settings menu, power cycle the Roku device by unplugging the power cable from the source and then connecting it back after a few minutes.
Update Roku
Using outdated firmware on your Roku device is another reason behind HBO Max not working properly. So checking the device for regular updates is essential to use the installed apps without any issues. Upgrading the Roku TV also updates the app installed on the device.
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Go to Settings → System.
- Select System Update and tap on Check Now.
- Choose Update Now and wait for the device to install the latest firmware.

After updating the firmware, launch the HBO Max app and check whether it works properly. If it fails to work again, try resetting the firmware on Roku.
Reset Roku Firmware
Resetting Roku is the final solution to fix the HBO Max app not working issue. Please note that the firmware reset will remove the installed apps and data from the device.
- On the home screen of Roku TV, tap on the Settings menu.
- Go to System → Advanced system settings → Factory reset.
- Confirm the reset and wait for the process to complete.

After resetting, set up your Roku device from scratch and install the HBO Max app again to use it without any issues.
Customer Support
When none of the above-discussed workarounds helps in fixing up the HBO Max not working on Roku, you shall reach out the customer support for help. You can contact them via live chat and ask for assistance. They will help resolve the issue with technical assistance.
HBO Max Error Codes
Error Code | Description | Solution |
---|---|---|
905 | A problem with your internet connection is preventing you from streaming HBO Max. | 1. Check your internet connection and restart your router. 2. If the issue persists, contact your ISP. |
H | Your account is preventing you from streaming HBO Max. | 1. Sign out and sign back into your account. 2. Contact HBO Max support. |
100 | The HBO Max app is preventing you from streaming. | 1. Restart your streaming device and check for updates. 2. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. |
321 | The content you’re trying to stream is preventing you from watching it. | Check your internet connection and restart your streaming device. |
420 | HBO Max’s servers are preventing you from streaming. | Wait a few minutes and refresh again. If the issue still exists, contact HBO Max support. |
Try the Alternatives
If you find no solution to resolve HBO Max not working on Roku TV, you shall look for better alternatives for an endless streaming experience.
Platforms | Price | Free Trial | Installation Guide |
---|---|---|---|
Prime Video | Starts at $14.99 | 30 days | Amazon Prime Video on Roku |
Paramount+ | Starts at $4.99 | 7 days | Paramount Plus on Roku |
Disney Plus | Starts at $7.99 | – | Disney Plus on Roku |
FAQ
HBO Max might get stuck on the loading screen when there is a slow internet speed, compatibility issues, cache corruption, and server issues. Check the internet connection or clear the cache files to fix the issue.
If your Roku firmware is outdated, you can’t stream HBO on your device due to incompatibility. Try updating the Roku device to the latest firmware and install the app.
Though HBO Max has an Audio & Subtitle feature, you must have enabled the closed captions on Roku settings to generate subtitles. The subtitles don’t work if you haven’t enabled closed captions on a Roku device.
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