Are you trying to watch MAX outside the US? And it’s not working? If you’re coming across MAX not working with VPN issues, the streaming service has managed to identify the IP address your VPN has given you and has blocked it.
This can be annoying, especially if your VPN was working with MAX and now it’s not.
Fortunately, there are a few fixes you can try to resolve MAX not working with VPN. We’ll explain how you can fix the issue in this article so you can get back to watching your favourite MAX content again in no time!
Which VPNs work with Max?
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | PIA | Ivacy | CyberGhost | |
| Max | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Download Speed | 79 Mbps | 71 Mbps | 27 Mbps | 31 Mbps | 41 Mbps |
| Throttling | 79% | 71% | 27% | 31% | 41% |
| Stream quality | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Price per month | $6.66 | $3.79 | $2.03 | $1.00 | $2.19 |
We regularly check which VPNs are working with Max. Our last test was on 16th October 2023.
Max not working with VPN: Checklist
- Check if Max works with your VPN on another device
- Connect to a US Server with a low user count (if possible)
- Clear Cookies and Cache: Remove old location data from your browser/device
- Verify VPN IP Address: Use whatismyip.com to check you have a US IP
- Disable GPS and/or location services on mobile devices
- VPN Software Update: Make sure your VPN software is the latest version. Try uninstalling and reinstalling
- Switch VPN protocols
- Reach out to your VPN’s customer service for Max-specific recommendations
- Upgrade VPN: If all else fails, consider switching to a known Max-friendly VPN
- I recommend ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) or NordVPN ($3.79/month) for Max
Tip: Sometimes, simply restarting your VPN or changing the server can resolve access issues. If consistent problems arise, it may be time to consider a more reliable VPN service.
Remember, this checklist will only work if Max hasn’t blacklisted your VPN’s IP addresses. And if you’re not using ExpressVPN or NordVPN, there’s a good chance that Max is not working with your VPN because its IP addresses have been blacklisted.
How to fix Max not working with VPN
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Check if your VPN works on another device
This is the easiest thing you can do to figure out what you need to do next. If you VPN works with Max on your smartphone, but not your computer, then you know your VPN isn’t the problem. If your VPN does work on one device, jump to Step 3 below.
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Contact your VPNs live chat service
This is another easy one. Cycle through your VPN’s available servers. If you only have a few options available to you, go to your VPN’s website and find the Live Chat feature (if they have one) and ask for a specific server number that works with Max. This is the single most effective way to diagnose if your VPN is the problem or not. If they can’t point you towards a server that works with Max then you know, without doubt, that the VPN is the problem.
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Delete your cookies
Deleting your cookies can potentially fix VPN issues. Accumulated or corrupted cookies in a browser might interfere with the way websites and online services function, especially when using a VPN. Clearing these cookies removes any old or problematic data, thereby ensuring a cleaner slate for your VPN connection to operate. This can help in establishing a more stable connection and resolving conflicts between the VPN and certain web services like Max.
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Connect to a different server
If your VPN has suddenly stopped working with Max, it might be because the IP address your VPN has given you has been identified and blocked by the streaming service. Changing to a different server will give you a different IP address, and if that one hasn’t been blocked, your VPN will work with Max again.
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Reinstall or update your VPN
Think of this as the classic “turn it on and off again” tactic. Removing your VPN, and its settings, from your device and starting again is a good way to get the most up-to-date settings configured on your devices without much effort. If you don’t want to reinstall the software, you can always check to see if there’s an update available to download any fixes your service may have introduced.
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Switch VPN protocols
VPN protocols are the beating heart of a VPN. They determine how the VPN works. When you use a VPN the protocol is responsible for hiding your data and rerouting it via VPN servers. If Max isn’t working with your VPN, it might be because the protocol you’re using is no longer working with the service. If your VPN allows it, try changing to a different protocol to see if that fixes the issue. Take a look at our VPN protocols article to discover more about which technology might be best for you.
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Upgrade your VPN
If all of the above fails, you should consider upgrading to a high-end VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) or NordVPN ($3.79/month) for Max. For more information, check out our VPN list below to see which VPN suits your needs and budget.
The best VPNs for Max
ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) is the gold standard of VPNs. With servers in 94 countries and top-tier encryption protocols, it provides users the fastest and most reliable way to unblock streaming services from anywhere in the world.
NordVPN ($3.19/month) has an expansive network of 5,800+ high-speed servers in 60 countries – making it a great option for anyone looking to unblock popular streaming services, at a more mid-range prince point. An excellent choice.
Private Internet Access ($2.03/month) is the “best of the rest” VPN. It stands out as a solid streaming VPN with a budget price tag. It’s not as reliable, or fast, as ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Making it a more suitable choice for a casual VPN user.
Ivacy ($1.00/month) the price is the selling point here. If you want a VPN that works with major streaming services “most of the time” and don’t mind a bit of buffering during peak periods, Ivacy is fine. But it’s a nowhere near as good as ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
CyberGhost ($2.19/month) is a decent VPN option that offers user-friendly apps and a range of servers worldwide. While it may not lead the pack in all features, it provides a satisfactory balance of privacy, speed, and ease of use.
Why can’t I access Max with a VPN?
If you’re coming across MAX not working with VPN issues, it means that the streaming service has blacklisted the VPN server and IP address you’ve been given.
This has happened because the VPN you’re using doesn’t have measures in place to ensure it can stay one step ahead of Max’s blocks. And subsequently, the streaming service has identified and blocked all of its IP addresses.
The easiest (and best) workaround you can try is switching servers and connecting via another one. If that doesn’t work, you’ll either have to wait for your VPN to fix the issue – which it might never do – or you can use a VPN that works reliably with MAX.
The best VPNs for MAX that we’ve tested are ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) and NordVPN ($3.19/month).
How does Max block my VPN?
HBO Max uses three main techniques to block VPNS:
- The most common technique is all to do with the IP addresses ExpressVPN can provide. ExpressVPN has more customers than IP addresses, and this results in customers having to share IPs. HBO Max monitors for an abnormal amount (more than a standard household) of connections coming from the same IP address. When it sees hundreds or thousands of connections coming from the same IP, it knows that this is an ExpressVPN IP address, and it blocks it.
- HBO Max monitors for IP, DNS and WebRTC leaks that can tip the service off you are using a VPN.
- HBO Max teams up with GeoIP databases like Maxmind to identify IP addresses. If the IP address your VPN provides is on one of these databases, HBO Max will be able to find out where in the world you are connecting to the internet from and it will block you.
Can I unblock Max with a VPN?
Yes, Max works with a VPN. However, you need to use one that can win the battle with MAX’s VPN-blocking techniques.
You need a VPN that’s fast, fully secure, has a large number of US-based IP addresses, and, most notably, has measures in place to ensure it stays one step ahead of MAX.
The best VPNs for MAX meet all of these requirements.
From our tests, the VPNs that work most reliably with MAX are ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) and NordVPN ($3.19/month). We’ve been using them to reliably watch MAX outside the US in New Zealand without issues.
Max not working with VPN: FAQs
Q: Why can’t I access MAX streaming service with my VPN?
Answer: This issue often arises due to MAX identifying and blocking IP addresses associated with VPNs. It’s a common practice among streaming services to enforce geo-restrictions.
Q: How can I select the best VPN for streaming MAX without encountering issues?
Answer: Look for a VPN with a proven track record of bypassing geo-restrictions and with servers that are not commonly blocked by streaming services. We recommend ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
Q: What should I do if MAX suddenly stops working while I’m connected to a VPN?
Answer: Try switching to a different server or IP address within your VPN. Sometimes, simply changing the server can resolve the access issue.
Q: Can using a VPN affect the streaming quality on MAX?
Answer: Yes, a VPN can potentially slow down your internet connection, which might affect streaming quality. Choosing a VPN with high-speed servers can help mitigate this.
Q: Is it legal to use a VPN to access MAX from a restricted region?
Answer: While it’s not illegal to use a VPN for accessing MAX, it might be against the service’s terms of use. It’s essential to be aware of and respect the legal and contractual boundaries in your region.
The VPN services we recommend for Max
1. ExpressVPN 🥇 $6.66/month
The fastest and most reliable streaming VPN of 2023
- ✔160+ IP addresses in 94+ countries
- ✔5 simultaneous devices
- ✔Live chat support
- ✔Over 3,000 servers
- ✔>80% connection speed
- ✔Unlimited bandwidth
ExpressVPN is a top contender for accessing MAX due to its exceptional speed and high reliability. It boasts a vast network of servers across multiple countries, facilitating easy bypassing of geo-restrictions imposed by MAX.
This VPN is known for its strong encryption and no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure. Additionally, its user-friendly interface and 24/7 customer support make it a great choice for both novice and experienced VPN users who wish to enjoy uninterrupted streaming on MAX.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
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(30-day money-back guarantee)
2. NordVPN $3.19/month
An incredibly fast and trustworthy VPN
- ✔Over 5,000 servers worldwide
- ✔6 simultaneous devices
- ✔Reliable customer service
- ✔Fast NordLynx protocol
- ✔Cybersec ad and tracker blocker
- ✔Easy to use interface
NordVPN is renowned for its advanced security features and a large network of servers, making it a strong choice for accessing MAX from anywhere in the world. Its Double VPN and CyberSec features ensure an extra layer of security and protection from ads and malware.
NordVPN provides consistently high speeds and stable connections, which are essential for a smooth, buffer-free streaming experience on MAX. The service also offers dedicated IP options and a strict no-logs policy, further enhancing user privacy.
Read our full NordVPN review.
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(30-day money-back guarantee)
3. Private Internet Access $2.03/month
An affordable, reliable VPN
- ✔35,000 servers worldwide
- ✔Unlimited simultaneous devices
- ✔24/7 chat support
- ✔Servers in over 80 countries
- ✔MACE ad blocker included
- ✔Supports multiple protocols
4. Ivacy $1.00/month
A trustworthy and affordable VPN
- ✔5700+ servers worldwide
- ✔10 simultaneous devices
- ✔24/7 customer support
- ✔Dedicated IP address option
- ✔Available on all major platforms
- ✔Great price
5. CyberGhost $2.19/month
A solid VPN package
- ✔Deloitte verified no logs policy
- ✔Servers in 91 countries
- ✔7 simulatenous devices
- ✔Proprietary NoSpy servers
- ✔Multiple protocol options
- ✔Split tunneling support
Can I access Max with a free VPN?
Although free VPNs are an attractive proposition when trying to watch MAX outside the US, from our tests, they often don’t work with the streaming service.
This is because of the measures MAX uses to block VPNs. It’s significantly easier for MAX to identify and block an IP address provided by a free VPN.
Also, free VPNs aren’t reliable. They often aren’t secure; they’ve been found to collect and log user data, and they put limitations on their service. You may find a free VPN has limited US servers; you can only use it for a small amount of time or it doesn’t provide a secure connection.
If you want to fix MAX not working with VPN and watch MAX reliably outside the US, we recommend one of the best VPNs for MAX below.
Is using a VPN to watch MAX legal?
In most countries, using a VPN is legal. There are only a handful of countries (spot the authoritarianism link) where using a VPN is illegal; these are: China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, North Korea, Iraq, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Egypt, Eritrea, Seychelles, Suriname, Namibia, Slovenia, Nicaragua and Tajikistan.
If you’re outside these countries and are using a VPN, you’re legally allowed to do so. However, it’s important to know that using a VPN with some streaming services may breach that service’s terms of use.
The HBO Max terms of use state, “to subscribe to the Platform: (a) reside within one of the fifty (50) states of the United States of America (“U.S.”), the District of Columbia or certain U.S. territories” and “You may only access the Content on the Platform in your Service Area. Restrictions may be enforced according to the location from which you are accessing the Platform.”
This means, HBO Max can stop your subscription and ban you from the streaming service if you try to access its content with a VPN turned on.
However, given the wide-spread use of VPNs, plus the many legitimate and legal use cases for VPNs, it’s fair to suggest that banning customers for using a VPN would be a heavy-handed and financially costly policy for HBO Max (and other streaming services) to enforce.
If you’re trying to watch HBO Max outside the US, you risk having your account banned. In theory. However, the best VPNs use military-grade encryption it is impossible for streaming services to trace where you’re physically accessing its content from.
There’s one final thing to note on the subject: HBO Max has never banned anyone for using a VPN to access its service.
