HBO Max is a video-on-demand (VOD) streaming service that just hit the market earlier this year, replacing HBO Go and HBO Now. What’s drawing eyes is its impressive new features and content library including thousands of titles from AT&T properties. This translates into movies and shows from Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Crunchyroll, DC, Looney Tunes, Sesame Workshop, Studio Ghibli, and TCM. And let’s not forget, that’s on top of all your favorite HBO originals like Deadwood, Game of Thrones, Insecure, and The Sopranos.
Pivot over to our HBO Max review where you’ll find out about its newest features and what content it carries in its library, or learn more about a potential free trial offer if you want to try the service first.
If you’re trying to watch HBO Max on Roku, unfortunately, there’s no app available at this time. We won’t bother you with the details, but AT&T and Roku are close to striking an agreement in their negotiations. So, you’ll likely be seeing an official HBO Max app on Roku’s devices in the near future. But until then, there’s a helpful workaround that will let you stream HBO from your Roku device.
How to get HBO Max on Roku
There are a few ways to get HBO Max on Roku, but none of them are as perfect as an official app. Still, these methods are effective and, at least for the moment, the only way to get HBO Max on Roku.
One feature particularly beneficial is Roku’s screen mirroring tool. With screen mirroring, you can use your supported mobile device to wirelessly share your screen with your TV. Just make sure you’re using the same Wi-Fi connection, or you won’t be able to pair them. Also, iOS devices such as the iPad or iPhone don’t work with the screen mirroring feature.
Are you unsure if your Roku device has the screen mirroring feature? Pretty much all of the latest Roku generations provide it, and the process is the same across the board.
- Make sure that your Android or Windows device has the latest updates.
- Go to your Settings on your menu screen.
- Scroll and select System in the submenu.
- Click Screen Mirroring.
- Here you’ll have the option to be notified every time a device tries to access your Roku with the screen mirror feature. Outside of Prompt which will notify each time, Always Allow will permit any device that tries to sync, whereas Never Allow will not give any device access. Choose one.
- Use your device’s casting option, such as the casting icon on your Android device, to mirror HBO Max.
In recent news, Roku announced that its 4K streaming players will support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit as long as they have the latest Roku OS 9.4 update. Here’s what that means for you. The Roku OS 9.4 hasn’t been released to everyone as of yet, but when it does, you’ll be able to use AirPlay 2 to stream HBO Max.
- You’ll want to begin by opening HBO Max on your iOS device.
- Choose the video you would like to play.
- Select the AirPlay icon (a square with a solid triangle at its base).
- Select your Roku device to cast to your TV screen.
Can you watch HBO Max on older Roku models?
As the largest supplier of streaming devices in the U.S. market, Roku has countless generations and models of its numerous media players. So, it’s safe to say that not every older Roku model will have access to HBO Max. Keep in mind, without an official app, you’re limited to roundabout ways. However, don’t lose hope yet. If your Roku device is able to mirror your screen, then you can simply follow the above method. Although, iOS devices will need to have the latest Roku OS in order to stream with Apple AirPlay 2.
Let’s not forget that there are alternative methods to stream HBO Max, even if it’s with an HDMI cable. Like most streaming apps, you can always watch HBO Max directly from your Internet browser.
Are you in the market for a new streaming device? Before you buy, take a gander at what we think about each Roku devices features, prices, and more. And see what our analyses are of the Roku Express Plus and Roku Premiere models in our product breakdowns.
HBO Max Supported Devices
HBO Max may be able to stack up to streaming devices like Disney+ and Hulu when it comes to features and content catalogs, but its compatibility with devices is noticeably limited. For instance, if you have an Amazon Fire TV or Roku device, you won’t be able to stream the app. That’s a significant portion of the streaming audience.
Below are the devices that support HBO Max.
- Android devices.
- Android TV.
- Apple TV.
- iOS devices.
- PlayStation 4.
- Samsung TV (2016+ models).
- Web browsers.
- Xbox One.
How to download HBO Max content on Roku
Past HBO apps never provided a feature for offline downloads. Thankfully, the new and improved HBO Max lets you download up to 30 titles at any given time. The catch is, you can’t do it on your Roku, only on mobile devices. When you’re finished with a title, you’ll need to delete it to download another.
Like most streaming apps, HBO Max gives you 48 hours once you hit play to finish your episode before it automatically deletes. And if you don’t open the download at all, it’ll live in your downloads folder for 30 days before vanishing.
Once you open the app on your smartphone or tablet, navigate to the title you wish to download. Click the Download icon next to the video. After the video completely downloads to your device, it will be located within the HBO Max app in a Downloads folder.
The Final Cut
At this point in time, there’s still no official HBO Max app on Roku. However, there are a number of workarounds you can use to stream HBO Max on your TV. All ways involve using a mobile device to stream the app directly to your TV. For example, if you’re trying to use your Android device to watch HBO Max, Roku has the screen mirroring feature to get the job done. The same goes for iOS devices and Apple AirPlay 2. And hopefully, an HBO Max app is in the works for Roku.