Is your HBO Max not working with VPN again? Check this guide to fix it!
HBO Max (now is known as Max after combining with Discovery Plus ) is one of the best streaming platforms in the world, and it offers an impressive on-demand library and excellent apps. While using a device that supports 4K resolution, you can stream your favorite shows with 4k resolution once you subscribe to the ad-free plan.
The platform consists of excellent shows such as Peacemaker and Gentleman Jack, so if you are running out of shows to watch, why not subscribe to HBO max? You will be spoilt for choice for the library is filled with excellent shows and movies. All you need to do is subscribe to HBO and enjoy having vast content for you to choose from.
Unfortunately, HBO Max in Canada is not available; therefore, you will realize that HBO max app not working in your region. With the help of a reliable VPN, you will bypass the geo-restrictions imposed by HBO Max. However, it hasn’t been a smooth connection, as many have raised issues of Max not working with VPN.
A VPN is an only capable tool that would allow you to stream restricted content from anywhere. So why would it not work with HBO Max?
Why is HBO Max not working with VPN?
HBO Max not working with VPN means that the VPN servers you are using to bypass the geo-restrictions have been backlisted. And once blacklisted, you will find that you will be blocked every time you try to bypass the platform geo-restrictions.
So, once your VPN gets detected, that should be a clear indication that you should consider using another VPN. However, you will need to know that when it comes to VPNs, they are many available in the market, and not all can bypass geo-restrictions.
So, if the one you are using fails, then it’s clear that it’s not doing a good job when it comes to masking your region. So, you should consider swapping to a good streaming VPN. But, how does the platform detect VPN?
How does HBO Max detect VPN?
HBO Max shows this message when it detects VPN usage on its platform.
As we mentioned earlier, there are many VPNs available in the market, and not all are great when it comes to hiding your IP address. So, once they fail, the HBO Max system will detect that you are trying to log in to the platform using a VPN server. Therefore, blocking the servers used.
HBO Max detecting VPN and blocking VPN IP addresses is not difficult because it’s basically a game of numbers. However, a VPN server can look suspicious, especially if many people use the same IP address to access the platform via HBO Max Chromecast or other mediums. Once HBO Max detects VPN, it blocks the address used, making it hard to bypass the platform using that server.
So, once you detect that you can’t bypass the geo-restrictions using your current VPN in Canada, you will need to look for the best HBO Max Canada VPN.
But what is left to do if still HBO Max app not working with a VPN?
What to do if HBO Max is not working with VPN?
HBO Max not working with VPN can be frustrating sometimes, especially if you have decided to swap your VPN for another only to face the same HBO Max issues.
If you still can’t connect to HBO Max after trying several ways, consider doing the following:
1. Use Different Servers
If you find out that the server you are using can’t connect to HBO Max, you will need to try using different servers. It’s easy to do so; all you will need is to interrupt your VPN connection for a few minutes while trying a server from a different region.
As we already know, HBO Max is available only in the USA, and you will need to select a server in the USA. HBO doesn’t work with servers outside the USA. Therefore, while in Canada, you need to choose a server based in the USA.
You will have HBO Max issues if you log in to servers of a different country. The reason because HBO Max can’t connect to servers outside the USA.
You need a VPN that consists of a large server network, there when one server is detected, you will just switch to the next one and stream the best HBO Max movies without any issues.
2. Try SmartDNS
It’s not an easy task to bypass the geo-restrictions imposed by the leading streaming platforms. However, many streaming platforms are aware that people in different regions that are restricted are using VPNs to bypass the geo-restrictions. Therefore, they have upgraded their technology to detect VPN IP addresses.
The main aim of a VPN is to protect your privacy and does so by routing your data through an encrypted tunnel. Making it hard for anyone to detect your online activity. But that is detectable when it comes to streaming services like HBO Max.
Fortunately, it is possible to bypass the geo-restrictions for HBO Max using a different way of SmartDNS.
Smart DNS Proxy is a classy technology that allows you to access geo-restricted platforms such as HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, etc.
The difference between SmartDNS and a VPN is that it only re-routes specific details related to your region, but a VPN routes all data details that can be detected easily.
When it comes to bypassing geo-restrictions for HBO Max, SmartDNS works by changing your device’s DNS when trying to bypass geo-restricted platforms. Some of the data is re-routed to a dedicated proxy server located in the country where the platform is located, in this case, the USA. As a result, it will look like you are accessing HBO Max in the USA.
3. Use Public DNS Servers
Public DNS has been around for a long time, since 2009. Since then, it has now become the best service in the industry. It’s easy to use all you need is to change your IP address numbers to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
It is good for enhancing security for it can block any attacks or even DNS cache poisoning. By changing your DNS, you will avoid bandwidth throttling and dodge restrictions. If the ISP-assigned DNS was the reason you were experiencing the HBO max app not working with VPN, it should now work after changing.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a kill switch feature, so in case your internet is interrupted, you will find that HBO Max can’t play the title until you connect again. Also, you will experience HBO Max, not loading due to the loss of internet connection.
4. Make sure to clear Cookies and Cache
If you experience HBO max app not working, it could be because of cookies and cache. They can disrupt the functionality of certain websites on your device.
So, make sure to clear your cache if you have HBO Max free trial issues or are unable to log in. They could be the reasons why.
If the HBO max app is not working, look for programs running on your device. That could be why it might not work.
5. Use a different VPN Protocol
If still Max not working with VPN, you may consider changing your VPN protocols. It is easier to do so; just go to general or connection settings and make sure to go through all the supported protocols and try to change them a bit if possible.
The reason this can prove to be helpful is the fact that HBO Max may have blocked certain ports, and changing them can give you access.
If you find a message that HBO Max is not in the service area, you can try to restart the device and try again. Or try HBO Max troubleshooting tips to see if any will work.
6. Pick a VPN with Obfuscation features
A VPN with obfuscation features will prove to be helpful, for they will mask your VPN traffic and make it look like a normal one. Therefore, makes your VPN hard to be detected by HBO Max. So, if you are using a VPN that doesn’t have obfuscation features, switch to those that do and enjoy streaming the best HBO Max shows from Canada.
7. Use a Premium VPN
If you subscribe to a VPN, it shows that you value your privacy while surfing the internet. Also, a paid VPN will have features that are not available on a free VPN. As we mentioned earlier, streaming platforms upgrade their systems to detect VPNs.
But, a good HBO Max VPN can bypass the geo-restrictions undetected, such as ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN. Once they are detected, it’s easier to continue streaming using any of their servers in that region because there are many.
For example, ExpressVPN does have servers in many different cities in the USA, making it easier for you to select other servers in case of any issues or one gets detected.
Watch HBO Max in Canada with ExpressVPN
You can also check out the below video to see how ExpressVPN is effortlessly unblocking HBO Max in Canada:
Note that HBO doesn’t work with most free VPNs. So, if you are using a free VPN without quality features, its chances of getting blocked are very high.
VPNs Blacklisted by HBO Max
HBO Max blocks all VPNs. Unfortunately, not all VPNs have that availability of servers and therefore get detected easily.
Below are some of the VPNs not working with HBO Max:
- Buffered
- HotSpot Shield
- IPVanish
- Windscribe
- VyprVPN
- HideMyAss
- PureVPN
- TunnelBear
Has HBO Max rebranded itself in 2024? HBO Max and Discovery Plus merger answered
Yes, HBO Max has rebranded itself in 2024 as Max, presenting viewers with an upgraded streaming experience and a wider range of content options.
FAQs: HBO Max Not Working with VPN
Does HBO Max work with VPN?
What VPN unblocks HBO Max?
How do I change my region on HBO Max?
Does Smart DNS work with HBO Max?
Is HBO Max blocking VPNs?
How much does Max cost?
Conclusion
HBO Max keeps updating its content with entertaining shows and movies. Unfortunately, it’s only available in the USA. But with the help of a VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions imposed by the platform.
If you find that HBO max is not working with a VPN, you can try to troubleshoot HBO Max using the ways mentioned above.