Just got your HBO Max subscription, but you find any TV show or movie you stream keep buffering?
If you currently subscribe to HBO Now—either directly or via Apple, Google Play, Samsung, Optimum and Verizon Fios Internet—your HBO Now app will just update to HBO Max on supported devices. Since HBO Now is the same price as HBO Max but has fewer offerings, existing customers and those billed through Apple, Samsung, Optimum, Google Play and Verizon Fios will get instant access to HBO.
With HBO Max being the latest entry into the so-called streaming wars along with Disney Plus, Netflix, Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime, it has one of the biggest and most popular catalogs of hit shows, movies, and own selection of exclusive originals.
However, with more and more people moving onto streaming content directly from their devices and abandoning their cable TVs, it does bring about bandwidth and connectivity limitations during streaming. One such common issue, where users have had to face, is experiencing the infamous buffering loading screen whenever you try to stream content.
This guide was written because we couldn’t find a guide that directly discusses how to go about addressing buffering issues with the HBO Max platform.
The guide is pretty comprehensive and includes all the solutions which we’ve tried and tested to be effective, which credit due is a result of tens or hundreds of user feedback and multiple Reddit posts that discussed this very topic online. So if you’re looking to get your HBO Max stream fixed and reduce the amount of buffering, then this post will help you achieve that. We will guide you step-by-step on how to go about some of the solutions as you may well need to configure certain settings on your device to obtain the most optimum streaming experience.
Let’s jump right in!
1. Check If Your Internet Speeds Are Fast Enough To Stop Buffering.
The minimum download speed to stream for HBO Max is 5.0 Mbps [source].
Whether you’re using your phone, tablet, computer, or your TV, it will need to meet at the very least, the minimum download speeds stated to reduce the amount of buffering experienced.
We assume for when once 4K UHD streaming is available for HBO Max, that the minimum download speed for that will be 25.0 Mbps, similar to that of Disney+, which we’ve covered before.
Now, usually, if your internet connection is slower than the recommended 5.0 Mbps, the quality of the stream will be adjusted to stream at a lower bitrate, such as 720p, 480p, or 144p to make sure that the stream does not buffer.
However, if this happens too often, then the culprits will either be the HBO servers or your internet connection. The latter is often the most common, and you will want to test if your internet connection speeds are optimal.
How do you go about testing your internet connection speed? You can test using a service like Speedtest.net, which will measure both your Download and Upload speeds. You must take note of the Download speeds (Mbps).
https://gybobc.weebly.com/blog/whats-the-best-cleaning-app-for-mac. If the internet is slower than 5.0 Mbps, then you will want to get in touch with an internet service provider such as AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, Sprint, T-Mobile if you’re here in the US. If you’re outside the US, you will need to get in touch with your local internet service provider.
2. Lookout for HBO Max App Updates.
At the time of this writing, HBO Max has just been released a day or two ago, which means that the service is still relatively new and still has a lot of room for improvement. Expect to receive tons of frequent updates and patches for bugs for the platform over the coming months.
We will show you how you can check for updates no matter which device you’re on:
If you’re on an Apple device such as an iPhone or an iPad
If you’re on an Android device
If you’re on a Windows 10
If you’re on a Mac
If you’re on a PS4, then you can follow this guide here.
If you’re on an Xbox One, then you can follow this guide here.
3. Force Close the HBO Max App.
If you’re experiencing your HBO Max streams to keep buffering when using your smartphone or tablet, then a great effective way that has often worked is to fully force close the app.
On an iPhone without a Home button — iPhone X, iPhone XS or XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11 or iPhone 11 Pro or later models; you can force-close the HBO Max app by swiping up from the bottom of your screen and pausing in the middle of the screen (as shown in the GIF below).
On an iPhone with a Home button — iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6S, or earlier; you can force-close the HBO Max app by double-pressing the Home button and then swiping up to close the app.
On an Android device, the method of force closing an app varies based on your device’s manufacturer. Meaning, force closing a Samsung app may be different from that of on the Google Pixel. If you’re on a Google Pixel device, then simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen and then hold it in the middle. Then simply swipe up to close the HBO Max app.
On a Samsung device, just go into your Home screen and tap on the Recent Apps shortcut. This icon is located in the bottom-left corner of your Samsung phone’s screen (it looks like a hamburger icon with three lines). Tap on the icon and then swipe left or right to look for the HBO Max app. Once you locate the HBO Max app, swipe upwards to close it.
Again try to reopen the HBO Max app and test to see if you’re able to stream without experiencing any buffering.
4. Reinstall HBO Max App.
By uninstalling and reinstalling the HBO Max app, it helps both to reduce the storage that it takes up on your device and clear the cache of the app, which may have gotten corrupted.
https://gybobc.weebly.com/blog/how-to-stop-app-from-opening-on-startup-mac. Whenever you uninstall an app after much usage, you will notice that there will be a significant decrease in the amount of storage that the app uses up. The data that is removed in the process is what’s called the cached data. Cache data are temporary files that get stored on your device that help speed up the process of not having to load up the same parts of the app repeatedly [source].
One way to remove cached data with the HBO Max app is to delete and reinstall the HBO Max app.
Here’s how you can reinstall the HBO Max app depending on which you’re using:
If you’re on an Apple device.
If you’re on an Android device (varies between devices)
If you’re on an Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Playstation, Xbox One, then you may refer to HBO’s help page on uninstalling and reinstalling HBO Max on those particular devices.
5. Make Sure You Have The Right Cables For HBO Max App.
If you’re using your Chromecast, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Android TV, or any alternative, then you will want to use the correct cables and hardware that is recommended for streaming the high-definition content.
Unlike Disney, where they’ve explicitly stated the recommended cables required for streaming, HBO Max instead only suggests using a ‘wired connection’ using an Ethernet cable for best performance instead of relying on your wireless connection to stream content over onto your devices.
We will also go with the same recommendations given by Disney, where it’s best to use high-speed HDMI cables and displays that have HDCP 2.2 for streaming content, particularly if you’re looking to stream in HDR or 4K Ultra HD. Additionally, you will also need to have an HDCP 2.2 compliant cable. The recommendations should be effective for HBO Max just as it is for Disney+.
For your convenience, we have listed down the cables which we recommend that can be obtained via Amazon for cheap:
High-speed HDMI cables
Let us know down below if you have any questions regarding the method. ?
6. Clear Out Any Cached Data.
Aside from uninstalling and reinstalling the HBO Max app, there are separate ways to remove the cached data stored if you’re using the web browser version of HBO Max or accessing the HBO Max from an Android device.
If you’re using the search browser to stream, then here are the steps on how you can clear the browser cache:
![]() If you’re on Google Chrome (on Mac and Windows)
If you’re on Firefox (Mac)
If you’re on Firefox (Windows)
If you’re on Safari (Mac)
If you’re on Microsoft Edge (Mac and Windows)
For steps to clear out the cache from Edge, you may refer to the steps laid out here.
If you’re using an Android device (varies with device):
For steps to clear out the cache on Android TV, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast, Playstation 4, Xbox One, you may either refer to the Help page by HBO or simply search for the instructions yourself.
7. Wait It Out.
Since HBO Max was just released a few days ago (May 27, 2020) from the time this was initially written, the platform is still evolving and growing in both its offerings and stability.
It’s possible to experience buffering issues, closed captions not working, sign-in issues, error messages, etc. all within the first few months since the birth of the platform.
So while HBO Max is still in its infancy, there will inevitably be improvements and updates released over time that will address these issues.
How To Use Hbo Now App On Macbook Pro
Hence this will only come with time and a bit of patience. ?
However, while you’re waiting, you can also follow up with the next method as well.
8. Reach Out to HBO Max Support.
HBO provides four ways of reaching out for support — Phone, text, chat, or email.
This is helpful as in case if you are experiencing an issue such as buffering issues or can’t sign in using your DirectTV account (which is another content we have in works), the support team can assist you and help you.
Lastly, you can also try to reach out to them via their HBO Max Twitter page and even the HBO Max subreddit. Although they’re not as responsive there, it sure does present itself as an alternative option if needed.
Try it and see if any of the ways above helps to address or at least have someone over at HBO Max raise the issue to their technical team.
That’s pretty much it! We hope that this guide has helped you provide some useful solutions to fixing HBO Max streams from keep buffering. If you have questions, please feel free to leave a comment below, and we will love to help you out. ❤
P.S. If you have found a better solution to the above, please comment down below, and we will credit you when we update this article. ?
If this guide helped you, please share it. ?
Now that you’ve signed up for an HBO Now account, you want to start watching HBO right away! Though you have to register with a compatible device, once you have registered, you can sign in to your HBO Now account on your computer and watch shows right on your PC or Mac. Read below for a detailed description of how to use HBO Now on your computer, or visit our tutorial on using HBO Now on a compatible device.
Signing in to your HBO Now account1. Open your web browser and visit www.hbonow.com to access the online streaming service.2. Enter your email address and password, and click SIGN IN TO HBO NOW.
If you have a subscription through your TV service provider, click Sign In Here, and click on your provider. You can then sign in with your provider username and password.
You are now signed in to HBO Now, and can begin using it to stream your favourite HBO shows!
How to stream content on HBO Now
Now that you are signed in to HBO Now, you can begin to choose from HBO’s extensive lists of series, movies, documentaries, and much more. There are a few ways you can go about doing this:
How To Use Hbo Now App On Mac Computer1. From the main page
If you’re not sure where to start, browse around the main page of HBO Now. At the top, you will see a banner that skips through the shows or movies HBO has chosen to feature to its viewers. Use the white arrows on either side to browse through these features and click on one if it looks interesting to you.
Scroll down to see various categories that you can choose from such as “Series,” “Comedy,” or “Kids.” Click the white arrow to the right of each category to continue scrolling through it if you want to see more shows from that category.
If you move your cursor over the icon for the program, you can watch it immediately by clicking on the white play symbol. If you don’t want to watch it right now, click on ADD TO WATCHLIST instead. For an explanation of the Watchlist, see step 4 below.
This is a good way to look for something to watch if you’re not entirely sure what you’re looking for, or you simply want to see just how much HBO has to offer you. You can get back to this page at any time by clicking the HBO Now logo in the top left corner of your screen.
2. By type of content or genre![]()
If you know what kind of content you may be looking for, or what you’re in the mood for, try searching by genre from the top menu bar of HBO Now. Select an option from the top menu, or click More to see all of them.
Scroll down to see an alphabetized list of everything HBO has in that genre. Click on the white letters on the right side to jump to a particular place in the alphabet.
Click on any program to view your options for it, or if you would like to start watching it. Some shows only allow you to see recent content, so be sure to keep up with your favourite shows.
3. Search for content
If you know exactly what you’re looking for, skip the browsing and use HBO Now’s search function. Click the magnifying glass in the top menu bar to open a search window. Type the name of what you are looking for and press the 'Enter' key on your keyboard to see if HBO Now has it.
As you type, suggestions will be made for you. Click on any program to get more information about what is available. Remember that this search is only by program name, so you must know what you are looking for. Click the white X in the top right corner to close the search bar.
4. From your Watchlist
HBO Now has a function called the 'Watchlist,' which allows you to add content that you can watch later without needing to try and find it again. As you are browsing, simply move your cursor over a program and click ADD TO WATCHLIST to add something to your list. To access your list, click Watchlist in the top right corner of your screen at any time.
From here, you can select any program that you’ve added to the list, or click Continue Watching to continue a program that you have already begun watching. These programs will automatically add themselves to your Watchlist, so it is not necessary to add them to your list before you close the video player.
You can sort your shows with the drop-down menu at the top of your Watchlist by Newest or Alphabetical. Remove an item from your Watchlist by moving your cursor over it and selecting REMOVE FROM WATCHLIST, or selecting Remove All at the top of your Watchlist screen. Close the Watchlist at any time by clicking the white X at the top right of the screen.
How to use the HBO Now video playerHow To Use Hbo Now App On Mac Os
Once you have selected a program to watch, click the white play symbol in the center of it to begin playback. You will see a small window with the video in it, and the video will begin playing. It is typical for an advertisement for other content to be played at the beginning of the video.
Once the movie or show begins playing, you can use the various controls in the video player to customize your viewing experience. Just move your cursor over the viewing pane to make the controls appear.
How to change your HBO Now settings, profile, or account
To change your HBO Now settings, begin by clicking on your name in the top right corner of any window.
From this screen, you can access any of your HBO Now settings and preferences, and update your account information. It is also how you sign out of HBO Now. Click on any of the selections on the right side to cycle through your pages, choosing from Profile, Notifications, Billing Information, Parental Controls, or Sign Out. Click the white X at any time to close this menu. Below is a breakdown of each of these selections.
Profile
Click the blue Edit Profile button to change any aspects of your profile, including your name, email address, password, ZIP Code, or to add a phone number. You will need to sign in again to make any of these changes. Simply make the changes, and click Save Changes to finish.
Notifications
Under Notifications, you can click the check box that says “Yes, I want to receive offers and updates” to mark or unmark it. By default, this is marked, so if you would like to prevent HBO Now from sending you emails, make sure to uncheck the box.
Billing Information
Under Billing Information, HBO Now will give you a quick summary of your current account, letting you know how long you have paid your subscription for, and what your current rate is. Click on Manage Your Subscription to alter the details through the provider you signed up with (most likely youre device's app store).
Parental Controls
Here you can modify or enable parental controls on your HBO Now Account. Select a rating for movies and TV shows from the two drop down menus, and enter a 4-digit PIN number to lock the account. Click Enable Parental Controls when you are finished.
Note that once you enable the parental controls, you cannot disable them. You can however change the Movie ratings to R, and the TV ratings to MA, which removed the restrictions on the account.
Sign OutHow To Use Hbo Now App On Macbook
To Sign Out of your HBO Now Account, select Sign Out from the far right menu. That’s all you need to do!
Now that you know how to use HBO Now on your computer, why not give it a try on your compatible device? Check out our next tutorial to see how HBO Now functions on other devices, including pictures of how to use it on your mobile device.
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