If you have turned on your LG Smart TV hoping to download HBO Max, you may be disappointed if you cannot easily access the app.
There are numerous reasons why HBO Max isn’t on your LG TV.
In this guide, we will dive into some of the problems users encounter regarding HBO Max and how to fix them.
Why is HBO Max missing from my LG TV?
Here are the most common reasons why your LG TV doesn’t have HBO Max
- You are using an older LG TV pre-2018
- Internet connectivity issues
- Old LG Firmware
- Your country/region is blocking the app
- Consider using a VPN
How to get HBO Max on LG Smart TV
Before we dive into some of the potential fixes for getting HBO Max to work with your LG TV, you can check if your LG TV is compatible with HBO Max.
If your LG Smart TV is not compatible HBO Max it may be worthwhile to access HBO Max on streaming devices such as Apple TV, Firestick, or Roku.
Step 1: Can you download HBO Max from the LG TV Store?
If you meet the requirements for HBO Max on LG TV, you should be able to access the app from the LG content store.
- Power on your LG TV.
- Press the HOME menu, then find the LG Content Store.
- Use the search box function
- Type in “HBO Max”.
- Select HBO Max if it is displayed in the options below
- Choose Install
- Select Launch.
If you cannot find the HBO Max app, you may need to follow the steps below.
Related Reading: How to fix LG app store not working
Step 2: Ensure that you are connected to the Internet
This may sound obvious, but you cannot download HBO Max if your LG TV is not connected to the internet.
The easiest way to check your LG TV’s internet speed is to simply head to speedtest.net on your TV’s web browser.
We will review other options for testing the internet speed on your LG TV.
Use your LG TV web browser
One of the easiest ways to test the internet speed on your LG TV is by using your web browser.
Step 1: Choose the web browser from the menu bar from your LG TV.
Step 2: In the URL bar, type speedtest.net
Step 3: Hit go
The SpeedTest tool will perform an LG TV internet speed test and show you statistics such as download, upload, latency and ping.
This is a helpful tool for solving buffering on you
Step 3: Reset your Router
If you are not connected to the internet, you will not be able to access the HBO Max on LG TV.
By resetting your router, you can eliminate this common cause of the problem.
How do I reset my router?
The easiest way to reset your router is to unplug it from the wall socket for 30 seconds before plugging it back in.
This action will “power-cycle” your router and, hopefully, allow you to install your desired LG TV app without further issues.
Step 4: Update Country / Region Settings
Sometimes your Country settings, especially if incorrectly set, can cause HBO Max to not display in the LG TV content store.
To access the country settings:
- Settings (on remote)
- All Settings
- General
- Location
- Country Settings
Try to reset your country settings to see if that will resolve the issue.
As of writing this article, HBO Max is only available in the United States country region.
Step 5: Soft Reset your LG TV (All LG Models)
A soft reset of your TV can help ensure that any recent software updates are fully installed.
Unplug your LG TV and wait 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
What does a soft reset do?
The restart allows any updates downloaded in the background to install and start successfully.
The soft reset clears the system cache and makes a new connection to your internet/router.
Step 5: Update your LG TV software
To ensure that you can get HBO Max on LG TV, you must ensure your TV is entirely up to date.
Most LG TVs have automatic updates enabled by default, and the updates should install automatically, presuming that your TV is connected to the internet.
We strongly recommend you update your LG TV firmware to ensure you have the latest software, access to new apps, and an improved viewing experience.
Ultimately, regular updates improve your viewing experience and give you better security & privacy protection.
How to update your LG firmware
Assuming your TV is turned on, hit the settings button on the remote.
Now you will see the setting menu appear on the left-hand side of the TV (Please note that this may vary depending on the model of your LG TV).
At the bottom of the row of icons, you should see the all settings button. Please select this option to proceed to the next menu.
Now navigate down to “SUPPORT” on the new menu that appears and then select “SOFTWARE UPDATE”
Now you can activate the automatic update feature and also check for new updates.
Once the updates have been installed, restart your TV to see if the HBO Max app is now available.
Related Reading: How to delete LG TV apps
Step 6: Consider using a VPN to access HBO Max
Sometimes, you will take all of the steps listed above, and finally, download the HBO Max app on your LG TV to find that the app itself will block your access.
You may get the message “Sorry, HBO Max isn’t available in your region yet”
This occurs if your IP address shows another location other than the United States.
In this event, you may want to consider accessing a VPN so that your IP address aligns with those within the United States.
Related Reading: Can’t find the ESPN app on your LG Smart TV?
Alternative ways to access HBO max on your LG TV
- Use a streaming device (Apple TV, Firestick, Roku. etc)
- Use a games console (Xbox or PlayStation)
- Via HDMI using a laptop of Macbook
- Use Airplay to cast from your iPhone
- Using the LG TV web browser
Method 1: Use a Streaming Stick to access HBO Max
The simplest solution (especially if you own one already) is to use a streaming device such as Apple TV, Firestick, or Roku to access HBO Max on your LG TV.
You can search from the main menu of these apps and quickly download and install HBO Max and enjoy it on your LG TV.
Method 2: Use a games console to access HBO Max on your LG Smart TV
One of the forgotten benefits of having a gaming console such as a Playstation or Xbox is the ability to stream media and television.
Unfortunately, HBO Max is not available on Nintendo Switch.
You can search for the HBO Max app on both Playstation and Xbox, once you have downloaded and installed the HBO Max app, you can start watching HBO content on your LG TV.
Method 3: Use a Laptop or Macbook via HDMI
You can access HBO Max either through an app or your web browser on a laptop or Macbook.
If you want to watch HBO Max on your larger LG Smart TV, simply connect your laptop or Macbook to your LG TV via HDMI.
You will now be able to enjoy the HBO Max app on full screen on your LG TV.
Method 4: Use airplay to cast HBO Max to your LG Smart TV
If you have an iPhone, you can install the HBO Max app and cast the picture on your LG TV via Airplay.
We also have an article on how to reduce lag when using airplay on your LG TV.
Method 5: Use your LG TV web browser to play HBO Max
If you do not have an external device to play HBO Max on your LG TV, then you can sign in to your HBO Max account via the web browser on LG TV.
Contact LG Support
If these tips have not allowed you access to the HBO Max app, it might be time to consider contacting LG support to help you troubleshoot the issue further.
It is important to note the prerequisites in this article, in particular, ensuring that your LG TV model, software, and country region are compatible with the HBO Max app.
LG may be able to advise you of other things to try or help diagnose the root cause of the issues.
Conclusion – HBO Max App on LG TV
Getting your LG TV to access the HBO Max app can be easily done, especially if you are in the United States and have a compatible LG TV model.
If you are not in the US, you may have to dive deeper and be creative to access HBO Max.
We hope this article resolves the issue for you.