Does the HBO Max app stop working on your Samsung TV for no reason? Don’t panic. You’re not alone. Many Samsung TV owners have also experienced the same problem.
Count me in! I was about to start my HBO Max marathon but the app just wouldn’t load on my Samsung TV. I thought it was just a temporary glitch and tried again. Well, I still have no luck getting it to work.
My good news is that it’s fixable though! Here’s how I did it and how you can resolve the HBO Max not working on Samsung TV issue to go back and enjoy watching your favorite HBO show.
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HBO Max Not Working on Samsung TV
To resolve the HBO Max not working issue, soft reset your Samsung TV and Wi-Fi router. If this doesn’t help, try clearing the app cache, resetting your TV network settings, and examining your router’s internet speed. Moreover, try to keep the HBO Max app and Samsung TV OS up to date.
Why Won’t HBO Max Load on Samsung TV?
There could be numerous reasons why HBO Max won’t load on Samsung TV. Here are some of them:
1. Outdated TV Firmware
HBO Max may not work if you do not keep your Samsung TV firmware up-to-date. If you haven’t updated your TV OS in a while, it may create compatibility issues with the app.
2. Compatibility Issues With HBO Max
Sometimes, compatibility issues with the HBO Max app prevent your Samsung TV from even downloading it from the Samsung store. So, if you’ve got a TV older than 2016, HBO Max may not work properly.
3. Server Outages
Like any service, HBO Max servers can go down from time to time. If that’s the case, there’s not much you can do about it except wait for the servers to get back online.
4. Outdated HBO Max app
An outdated HBO Max app may not work properly and cause issues like freezing, crashing, or slowness. Moreover, if your TV’s memory is full, the app will also not work.
5. Loose Connections
There’s a probability that the wires connected to your TV and router might loosen up while cleaning or moving things. If that’s the case, HBO Max will malfunction as it cannot receive sufficient Internet connection and speed.
How to Fix HBO Max Not Working on Samsung TV?
Try these troubleshooting fixes to get HBO Max working on your Samsung TV in no time!
1. Check HBO Max Compatibility With Samsung TV
Before trying the fixes below, check whether your Samsung TV is compatible with HBO Max. Here’s a list of some Samsung TV series compatible with HBO Max:
- UHD and Crystal UHD TVs (manufactured after 2019)
- Most HD and Full HD TVs (manufactured after 2017)
- LED K-series TVs
- OLED TVs (2022 or later models)
- Premium UHD TVs (manufactured after 2018)
- QLED 4K and 8K series TVs (manufactured after 2018)
- Samsung Neo QLED 4K and 8K series (manufactured after 2018)
- The Frame series
- The Serif series
- The Sero series
- The Terrace series
You can check the list of compatible devices with HBO Max on the Samsung website to get precise information on specific models compatible with the app.
2. Soft Reset Your Samsung TV
Now that you’ve confirmed that your TV does support HBO Max, soft resetting your TV is the quickest way to get the app working again.
Soft resetting your TV fixes numerous issues, including freezing, a black screen, slowness, and technical glitches.
Follow these steps to soft reset your Samsung TV:
- Turn off your TV and unplug it from the power source.
- Locate and press the power button on your TV for 30 seconds. Doing so will drain any residual power remaining in the television.
- Once done, wait for another 30 seconds.
- Now, plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
- Turn on your TV and launch the app.
It should work now!
3. Reset Your Wi-Fi Router
An unstable or faulty internet may cause numerous problems like lagging, disconnecting, or technical glitches.
You can check all devices connected to your home Wi-Fi for any issues; if they aren’t getting a proper signal as well, try restarting your router. Here’s how:
- Unplug the router’s power cord from the wall outlet.
- Disconnect all the cables connected to it and wait for at least 3–5 minutes.
- Now, reconnect all the cords to the router, ensuring the connection is firm.
- Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and turn it on.
4. Check for HBO Max Server Outages
If you’re still experiencing the HBO Max not working on Samsung Smart TV issue even after restarting your TV and router, check HBO Max for any server outages.
You can follow HBO Max on their official Twitter page to get the latest update on when the issue will be resolved. You can also get more information from websites like IsItDownRightNow and Downdetector.
If the HBO Max servers are down, there’s not much you can do about it except wait for them to get back online! But if everything is fine with the server but you still face the problem, try the other fixes.
As for me, I learned that on the day my HBO Max wasn’t working, the servers crashed because of the Last of Us premiere. It could be a similar instance for you, so also look out for any new releases that are affecting HBO Max servers.
5. Clear HBO Max App Cache
If the HBO Max app closes unexpectedly every time you launch it, this happens because of corrupted cache files. These files are stored on your TV to reduce the launch time. However, these could get corrupted due to some bugs.
To fix this, try clearing the app cache or deleting app data on your TV. Here’s how:
A. Clear the App Cache on a Samsung TV Manufactured Before 2019
- Take your Samsung TV remote and press the Home button.
- Navigate to Settings > Support > Device Care > Manage Storage.
- Once you’re there, locate and select HBO Max > View Details.
- Now, choose “Clear Cache” and return home.
- Restart your TV and launch the app to see if it’s working.
If you still experience the problem, try deleting the app data by repeating the same steps above and choosing the “Clear Data” option.
Note: Make sure there’s no app running in the background, as it will restrict you from accessing the Device Care option.
B. Clear the App Cache on Samsung TV 2019 Models and Newer Lineups
To clear the HBO Max app cache, follow these steps:
- Take your Samsung remote and press the Home button.
- Navigate to Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > TV Device Manager.
- Here you’ll see three options: Memory Boost, Clean Running Apps, and Manage Storage.
- Try the first two to improve your TV’s performance.
- Once done, highlight “Show App List” and press OK.
- Here, select the HBO Max App and press View Details > Clear Cache.
6. Examine Your Router’s Internet Speed
The quality of your internet speed determines the experience you’ll get while streaming. HBO Max requires at least 5 Mbps of download speed for streaming HD content, and it’s 50 Mbps or more for 4K content.
You can check the download speed by running a test on your TV browser.
If the download speed is more than 25 Mbps, you’ll not have any problem streaming HBO Max or any other app.
However, speeds lower than that can cause issues like buffering or lagging. There could be numerous reasons for slow download speeds. Here are some of them:
A. Not Subscribed to a Sufficient Internet Plan
Sometimes, we think a 50-100 Mbps plan is sufficient for our home devices. But the one thing we tend to forget is that the speed divides in half every time a device gets connected to the router.
So, if you’ve subscribed to a 100 Mbps plan and connected four devices, then each device will receive a 25 Mbps download speed. Moreover, if you use a VPN, the speed is further divided in half.
The solution is to either upgrade to a better plan or disconnect extra devices.
B. Using an Old Wi-Fi Router
If you’ve subscribed to the adequate internet plan, but your TV still doesn’t receive much download speed, it could be due to an outdated or old router. If your router is 5–6 years old, consider buying the latest one. However, if your router is working fine, try getting yourself a Wi-Fi extender for your Samsung TV to get a stronger signal.
7. Reset the Network Settings on Your Samsung TV
If all the devices connected to the router receive proper signals except your TV, it’s because of a network glitch. To fix this, reset the network settings on your TV. Here’s how:
Note: Some steps may vary depending on your TV model.
- Take your Samsung TV remote and press the Home button.
- Navigate to Settings > General > Network > Reset Network > Yes.
- Wait for a couple of moments for the process to complete.
Once done, reconnect your Samsung TV to your home Wi-Fi. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > General > Network and select “Wireless” or “Wired”.
- Wait a few seconds until your TV searches for your home Wi-Fi.
- Once found, select it, enter the password, and press OK.
8. Update the HBO Max App
Using an outdated HBO Max app might cause numerous issues, like the app not launching, lagging while playing videos, or freezing after a few seconds.
To rectify the problem, you’ll need to update the app. Updates help improve the app’s performance, add new features, and remove bugs.
You can update the HBO Max app in two ways:
A. Manual Update
- Take your Samsung TV remote and press the Home button.
- Scroll to the left and select Apps.
- Now, search for the HBO Max app. Once found, select it.
- You’ll now be taken to the full detailed page of the app.
- Next, select the Update option.
- Wait for a while till the app gets updated to its latest build.
- After that, select the “Open” option to launch it and see if it works.
B. Automatic Update
- Take your Samsung TV remote and press the Home button.
- Scroll to the left and select Apps.
- Now, go to the Apps Settings displayed on the top right of the screen.
- Select the “Auto Update” option and turn it on.
Now, all the apps on your TV will be automatically updated.
9. Delete and Add the HBO Max App
If updating HBO Max didn’t help resolve the issue, try reinstalling it.
First, you need to uninstall or delete the app.
A. Delete the HBO Max App
- Take your Samsung TV remote and press the Home button.
- Select Apps and go to its Settings.
- You’ll see a list of the installed apps.
- Locate and select HBO Max from there, and press the Down key to expand its menu.
- Now, select Delete or Remove from the list and confirm your choice.
Once done, restart your television.
B. Add the HBO Max App
- Press the Home button on the remote and open the Apps page.
- Select the search icon displayed on the top-right corner of the screen.
- Open the search bar, type “HBO Max,” and press OK.
- Select HBO Max from the search result and choose the Install option.
Wait for a while till the installation gets completed. After that, launch the app and see if it’s working properly.
10. Remove Unwanted Apps
Installing unnecessary apps may cause HBO Max to not work on the Samsung TV. They fill up your TV’s storage and eventually slow it down. To rectify this, uninstall unwanted apps from your TV.
- Open the Apps section on your TV and go to its Settings.
- Once you’re there, select the apps you don’t want.
- After that, select Delete and press OK. It’ll remove all these unwanted apps.
If you can’t select multiple apps, try deleting them one by one.
11. Reset Samsung Smart Hub
The Samsung Smart Hub allows you to customize the app interface according to your preferences. So, if there’s a glitch, it will cause apps to malfunction. You can check this by running different apps on your TV. If they are not launching or malfunctioning, you’ll need to reset your TV’s Smart Hub.
Follow these steps to reset the Samsung Smart Hub:
Note: All your saved settings and login data will be removed after this reset. So, make sure you remember all the login credentials and customized settings.
- Take your Samsung TV remote and press the Home button.
- Navigate to Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub.
- Once you select it, you’ll need to enter a 4-digit PIN to confirm the operation.
- Enter “0000” as the default pin and press OK.
Wait for a couple of minutes for the process to complete. Once completed, reinstall the HBO Max app.
12. Update Samsung TV Firmware
If resetting the Smart Hub doesn’t help, try updating the firmware on your Samsung TV. Samsung releases software updates frequently to improve device performance by removing unwanted bugs.
Follow these steps to update your Samsung TV OS:
- Press the Home button on your Samsung TV remote.
- Navigate to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now.
- Press OK to confirm your selection. Now, your TV will start searching for updates. If available, it will install them.
Note: Make sure that your TV stays connected to your home Wi-Fi the whole time and doesn’t get any power cuts during the updating process.
13. Reset Your Samsung TV to Factory Defaults
If you’re still facing the HBO Max not working on Samsung TV issue, then your last resort is to reset your Samsung TV to its factory defaults.
A factory reset will bring your TV’s settings back to the day you first bought it.
To factory reset your TV, follow these steps:
- Take your Samsung TV remote and press the Home button.
- Navigate to Settings and select General.
- Now, select Reset from the list, enter the pin “0000“, and press OK.
- If you’ve got an older Samsung TV, the steps for a reset are Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset > Enter PIN.
If you don’t know the pin, try resetting it to the default “0000” from your remote.
A. Using the Samsung TV remote
Turn on your TV and take the remote. Press any volume (+ or -) button, then Volume + > Return > Volume – > Return > Volume + > Return. That’s all. The pin is now reset to its default.
B. Using the standard TV remote
Turn on your TV and take the remote control. Press the Mute button > Volume + > Return > Volume – > Return > Volume + > Return. That’s all.
Once you enter the pin, your TV will restart a few times and factory reset itself in a couple of minutes.
Now, reinstall the HBO Max app and see if it’s working.
14. Contact Samsung Customer Service
If you’ve tried all the above troubleshooting methods and you’re still facing the issue, it’s time to contact Samsung Customer Service.
You can reach out to them via phone, chat, or email. They will examine your TV to identify the exact issue you’re facing and provide you with proper guidance to resolve the issue in no time!
What Should I Do if HBO Max Is Not Downloading on My Samsung TV?
If HBO Max is not downloading on your TV, it could be because of Samsung Store app glitches, internet connection problems, or full storage issues.
The best solution to fix this problem is to restart the Samsung Store app, delete unwanted apps, and check your internet connection status.
You can check the connection status on your Samsung by following these steps:
Navigate to Settings > Network > Network Status. You’ll see a few options; try the “Disconnect” or “Retry” option to fix the internet connection problem.
What Are Alternatives for HBO Max?
There are numerous streaming services available, just like HBO Max, that you can try. Here are a few of them:
1. Disney+
Most of us have heard of Disney+ and may have also subscribed to it. It’s a subscription-based service that allows users to stream various Disney content.
2. Peacock
Peacock was launched in 2020 by NBC Universal Network, and since its launch, the platform has gained popularity among a large audience. It’s a subscription-based video streaming platform that allows users to access Peacock originals, live news, sports, and more.
3. YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a paid membership that allows users to enjoy quality content without ads. Moreover, users get access to other YouTube apps.
4. Pluto TV
Pluto TV provides free access to thousands of movies and more than 250 channels with different genres, including live sports, news, kids’ shows, cartoons, and many more.
5. Blackpills FR
Blackpills FR is a recently launched streaming service that offers multiple original series, shows, and movies that you can watch for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow these steps to reset the HBO Max app on a Samsung TV:
1. Take your Samsung TV remote and press the Home button.
2. Navigate to Settings > Support > Device Care > Manage Storage.
3. Next, locate and select HBO Max, then click View Details.
4. Now, choose the “Clear Data” option and press OK.
There could be several reasons that restrict HBO Max from working on your device, including:
1. HBO Max server issues
2. Incompatibility issue with your device
3. Poor internet connection
4. Outdated HBO Max app or your device’s firmware
If the HBO Max app and your TV’s firmware are not updated to their latest builds, it may cause the app not to launch at all. Moreover, entering the wrong HBO login credentials might cause the app to malfunction. To fix this, double-check your login details and try reinstalling the app if the error persists.
Follow these steps to reinstall HBO Max on your Samsung TV:
1. Press the Home button on the remote.
2. Go to the Apps page and select the search icon.
3. Open it and type “HBO Max,” and press OK.
4. Select HBO Max from the search result and choose the Install option.
1. Use your Samsung TV remote to navigate to Settings > Support > Device Care > Manage Storage.
2. Next, locate and select HBO Max > View Details.
3. Now, choose the “Clear Cache” option and press OK.
4. If you’ve got an Android TV, go to Settings > Apps > HBO Max > Clear Cache.
The Bottom Line
If HBO Max is not working on your Samsung TV, don’t panic. With these easy-to-do fixes, you can get the HBO Max app working again in no time!
- Check HBO Max compatibility with your Samsung TV
- Power cycle your Samsung TV
- Reset your Wi-Fi router
- Check for HBO Max server outages
- Clear HBO Max app cache
- Examine your router’s Internet speed
- Reset the network settings on your Samsung TV
- Update the HBO Max app
- Delete and add the HBO Max app
- Remove unwanted apps
- Reset Samsung Smart Hub
- Update Samsung TV firmware
- Reset your Samsung TV to factory defaults
- Contact Samsung Customer Service
Were you able to fix the HBO Max not working on Samsung TV issue? Let us know what worked for you in the comment section below!
