HBO Now vs. HBO Go vs. HBO Max: How to Get Access?

Here’s how to access all three HBO platforms wherever you go: Max: The major HBO streaming platform, Max (formerly HBO MAX) is only available in the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. When traveling outside of those regions, consider connecting to a VPN server in New York, Buenos Aires, or San Paolo. HBO GO: Since the HBO GO app is only available in the US, you will need to connect to an American server when traveling outside the country. HBO NOW: The service is only available for US-based viewers, so you will need to connect to a US-based server to access it when leaving your home country. Please note that using a VPN to access a streaming platform from a country where it’t not available may be against the service’s rules. Keep in mind that VeePN does not promote, condone, or encourage using a VPN in ways that would potentially violate Terms of Service of streaming service providers. For more details, please read the VeePN Terms of Service.

HBO Max VPN: Stream Safely and Access HBO Max from Anywhere Worldwide

Here’s some good news for HBO Max fans: the service is actively reaching new markets. And the bad news? It’s still unavailable in many countries. So, to watch HBO Max abroad, you’ll need an IP address from your home country. Here’s where a VPN comes in. Read along to find out the main workaround on how to access HBO Max from anywhere with a VPN.

VeePN Research Lab

Feb 18, 2025

7 min read

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Can I watch HBO Max from anywhere?

Quick answer — NO.

Due to licensing agreements and geo-restrictions, if you try to watch HBO Max from an unsupported country (even if you signed up in a supported one) you’ll get an alert like this:

Can I watch HBO Max from anywhere? Error message on HBO due to geo-availability — Error message on HBO Max due to geo-availability

Where is HBO Max available?

You can watch HBO Max in select countries in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe. It’s available in the US, Mexico, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and other countries. For a full and up-to-date list of supported countries, head to HBO Max. But overall, if you travel abroad to any other that’s not on the list, HBO Max won’t be accessible. Unless you have a reliable VPN.

How to Watch HBO Max Abroad: VPN Setup Guide for Global Streaming

To watch HBO Max while abroad, you’ll need to use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your Internet connection and routes it through a server in another location, allowing you to watch HBO Max by connecting to a server in a supported country — for example, the US.

Does a VPN work on HBO Max?

Yes, it’s a great workaround to streaming. However, note that HBO is trying to curb VPN users. For instance, it can block VPN server IP addresses. This means that a low-quality VPN provider won’t unblock HBO Max — you need a trustworthy service to do the job, and here’s how to pick one.

How to choose the best VPN for HBO Max

Choosing a VPN provider that offers a secure connection and provides access to HBO Max can be hard. We made things easier for you and highlighted what to look for in the best VPN for HBO Max:

🌎 Servers around the world in HBO-supported locations. This lets you hide your true location and access HBO content from anywhere in the world. Look for servers in the US, Poland, Spain, Portugal, and more to enjoy vast streaming libraries.
⚡️ Fast speeds for HD streaming. Support for modern tunneling protocols like WireGuard® will make sure your streaming experience is smooth. Check for Split Tunneling too, which lets you choose which data a VPN encrypts and gives you better performance.
🔐 Strong privacy and security features. To keep your data safe, looking for encryption protocols, like AES-256, DNS leak protection, and Kill Switch is key here.
💻 Many supported platforms. Check for a Smart DNS feature that lets you stream on non-VPN devices. Or see if the VPN lets you use it on Smart TVs and gaming consoles.
💁🏻 Helpful customer support. Running into problems can be inevitable, so make sure your VPN offers the best support in the form of 24/7 live chat, email, and guides.
🚀 Best price. Consider a provider with a money-back guarantee so you can try it out before committing to a long-term payment. Avoid free VPNs since they have limited functionality and poor security.

Boost your streaming with VeePN

VeePN is a VPN service that ticks all the boxes above. Here’s what perks you can get with our HBO Max VPN. But really, no limits are in your way — tune into all popular streaming services with VeePN and stream from any location when traveling.

How to choose the best VPN for HBO Max: VeePN VPN service

How to use VPN to watch HBO Max?

Let’s get to details and learn how to watch HBO Max abroad with a VPN when traveling.

Get a VPN for HBO Max — give VeePN a go and get up to 85% off to stream without hitches.
Download a VPN on your device and follow installation instructions.
Open the app and log in.

Note: For better connectivity, choose WireGuard as your VPN protocol in Settings.

Scroll down the server list. Choose location in a HBO-supported country, like the US.

How to use VPN to watch HBO Max: Choose a US server in the VeePN app

Click Connect on the main screen and wait for the VPN connection to turn on.

How to use VPN to watch HBO Max: Connect to a US server in the VeePN app

You should now have a US IP address. Go to HBO Max and log in or sign up. You may need to refresh your browser before going to the website.

How to use VPN to watch HBO Max: Head to the HBO Max website with a new IP address

Grab your favorite snacks and happy streaming!

Disclaimer: VeePN does not promote, condone, or encourage using a VPN in ways that would potentially violate Terms of Service of streaming service providers. For more details, please read the VeePN Terms of Service.

To watch HBO Max on all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network, consider connecting a VPN to a router. Read our article to learn how to install VeePN on your router.

HBO Max VPN not working? Here are your quick fixes

Nothing is perfect, even (read especially) our connection. If you’re getting the “something went wrong” message or an HBO Max error code 905, 100, or 321, try the following:

Fix your Internet connection. Restart your Wi-Fi router or turn the airplane mode on and off if streaming on a phone.
Remove the clutter. That is — clear your cache. If you are streaming on a phone device or a Smart TV, go to Apps, select the HBO Max app and hit Clear cache. If you are using a browser, select Clear browsing history and clear the cache by going to privacy settings.
Try another device. Switch to another HBO-supported device to find out if the problem is limited to a specific device.
Update the app. Go to the Google Play Store or App Store if using an Android or iOS device and update the HBO Max app if needed. If streaming HBO Max on your TV, go to Settings > Apps > HBO Max. Press Update and restart your TV.
Reconnect to a VPN. Disable your VPN for a few seconds and try reconnecting to another server.
Troubleshoot your VPN connection with other steps.

Your HBO Max VPN should be up and running. If you are still running into problems, contact customer support for further assistance.

Best HBO Max shows to stream in 2023

Finally, with your HBO Max VPN all ready for use, check out our list of new HBO Max shows that’s been roaming the Internet. Stream them all trouble-free.

✨ Show title	🔥 Seasons available	🗓 Release date	🔍 What it’s about
The Last of Us	1	2021	The man is hired to smuggle a 14-year-old from a quarantine zone in a brutal post-apocalyptic journey of survival.
The White Lotus	1-2	2021	Tensions arise between guests and employees of a tropical resort.
Barry	1-4	2018	Black comedy crime drama following a hit man from the Midwest.
Friends	All 10	1995	1990s comedy classic following six young people in the real world.
Succession	1-4	2018	The story of a dysfunctional family that has become a business world giant.
Euphoria	1-2	2019	Dark drama following a group of friends as they navigate through the waters of drugs, sex, identity, trauma, and love.
Rick and Morty	1-5	2013	Animated show about absurd intergalactic adventures of a brilliant but mad scientist and his teenage grandson.
House of Dragon	1-2	2022	Takes place 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones and tells the story of House Targaryen.

And there’s that! To stream your favorite shows and get the most of streaming on HBO Max, pick a VPN price plan and try our VPN for HBO Max risk-free. Stream the newest The Last of Us, sitcom classics like Friends or Big Bang Theory, or plenty of hit movies like the complete Harry Potter saga, The Menu, The Batman, and many many more.

FAQ: HBO Max VPN

Yes, a VPN can work on HBO Max, but it depends on the specific VPN service and its servers. HBO Max can block some VPNs, for example, if it’s a free VPN that doesn’t have the resources to keep up with HBO Max’s anti-VPN measures. That’s why it’s important to pick a reliable provider. Find out our tips on choosing one in this blog post.

If your VPN is not working on HBO Max, it could be because HBO Max has blocked that particular VPN or its servers. This can happen if the VPN has been used for illegal activities, or if it is a free VPN that doesn’t have the resources to keep up with HBO Max’s anti-VPN measures. So it’s crucial to choose a reliable VPN provider to stream HBO Max while abroad without problems. Find out more in our blog post.

HBO Max is constantly updating its anti-VPN measures. However, premium VPNs like VeePN have a large server network and strong encryption that help users access HBO Max when traveling abroad. Learn more in our article.

Here’s how to access all three HBO platforms wherever you go:

Max: The major HBO streaming platform, Max (formerly HBO MAX) is only available in the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean. When traveling outside of those regions, consider connecting to a VPN server in New York, Buenos Aires, or San Paolo.
HBO GO: Since the HBO GO app is only available in the US, you will need to connect to an American server when traveling outside the country.
HBO NOW: The service is only available for US-based viewers, so you will need to connect to a US-based server to access it when leaving your home country.

Please note that using a VPN to access a streaming platform from a country where it’t not available may be against the service’s rules. Keep in mind that VeePN does not promote, condone, or encourage using a VPN in ways that would potentially violate Terms of Service of streaming service providers. For more details, please read the VeePN Terms of Service.

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.

Comments • 6

hoochtkriekt
4th October 2024 at 5:59 pm

Oh I just want to keep watching to the HBO Max for the whole vacation time! Can anyone suggest me the good VPN service that I should use?

Ambitious
26th September 2024 at 5:14 pm

It may sound odd, but every time I go on a business trip, I struggle to use HBO Max. Can you advise something?

Eli
23rd September 2024 at 4:57 pm

they are attempting to stop users from viewing content from regions not their own.

esvanira9
18th September 2024 at 4:52 pm

It’s rather unclear whether one should use a VPN for streaming or not according to certain information. Can you use HBO Max with a VPN, or does HBO Max really ban most VPNs?

kralovat6restolh
16th September 2024 at 5:19 pm

As of now, I’m always watching HBO Max using a VPN while being in different locations, but it isn’t always successful. What’s the best way to check if my VPN is actually working with HBO Max?

David Phillips
11th September 2024 at 8:14 am

I am going to Mexico next week and honestly do not want to lose my favorite shows. Are they available for streaming in Mexico or do I have to use a VPN for HBO Max?