Buzz
HBO Max is the go-to platform for HBO classics such as The Sopranos and Mare of Easttown, along with an extensive library of other shows and films. However, its functionality can be frustrating, especially when trying to use features like fast forward or rewind. While a solution is reportedly in the works, here are some practical steps to make the platform more user-friendly in the meantime.
You might not even need to pay for it
I’m not encouraging any illegal use of HBO Max, nor am I suggesting you borrow someone else’s login. What I mean is that you might already have access to the service without paying extra.
This happened to me recently. I had signed up for HBO Max through Prime Video Channels, but Amazon removed the service from its platform. Just as I was about to resubscribe elsewhere, I found out that my AT&T plan included HBO Max at no additional cost. Suddenly, I was back to watching The Sopranos, feeling much better about my monthly phone bill.
Take some time to explore services that offer HBO Max for free or at a reduced rate; you might be eligible.
You could save at least 16% on your subscription
If you’re committed to enjoying HBO’s extensive library for the next year, consider paying upfront. HBO offers a 16% discount on its plans for annual subscriptions. This brings the ad-supported plan down to $99.99 and the ad-free option to $149.99, effectively giving you two months free.
Set up a separate profile for your children
HBO offers a wide range of content, much of which isn’t appropriate for younger viewers. To ensure your kids only access age-appropriate shows and movies, create a dedicated kid’s profile.
To set this up, navigate to your profile and select SWITCH ACCOUNT. Click (+ KID), then create a PIN for accessing the account. Choose a picture, color, name, and birth date for the profile, click “NEXT,” and set the allowed ratings for movies and TV. Finally, decide if a PIN is required to switch profiles, click “SAVE,” and you’re done.
Enhance the quality of your downloaded content
By default, HBO Max lowers the video quality of downloads to conserve storage and data. If this isn’t a concern for you, feel free to ignore this tip. But for those who want the best viewing experience, adjusting this setting is a must.
To change it, go to your profile and click the settings gear in the top left corner. Select Video Options, then Download Quality. Opt for “Highest quality,” and HBO Max will download videos in their full resolution moving forward.
Stream or download using cellular data
HBO Max typically restricts streaming and downloading to Wi-Fi only, which is great for conserving data. However, if you have an unlimited data plan or need to watch something urgently, this limitation can be frustrating.
To change this, revisit the Video Options settings page mentioned earlier. Disable the toggles next to Stream Over Wi-Fi Only and Download Over Wi-Fi Only.
For added caution with data usage, you can enable the toggles for Cellular Streaming Warning and Cellular Download Warning.
Clear your ‘Continue Watching’ list
The Continue Watching feature is great for resuming shows or movies you paused, but it can quickly become cluttered. If you frequently switch between different shows, the sight of multiple progress bars and thumbnails can be overwhelming every time you open the app.
To remove titles from Continue Watching, select “Continue Watching” from the home screen. (Alternatively, navigate to your profile and click the “Continue Watching” tab.) Then, tap the Edit button and click the (X) next to any title you want to remove. To clear everything, simply tap CLEAR ALL.
Set up a ‘Guest’ profile if you share your account
If you’re generous with your HBO Max login or allow others to use your account on your TV, your Continue Watching section is likely a chaotic mess. While you can clean it up using the previous method, it becomes a repetitive task if you have friends who frequently use your account.
Instead, encourage them to use a “Guest” profile, provided you have one of your five available profiles to spare. Create it similarly to a kid’s account: go to your profile, select “SWITCH PROFILES,” and this time choose (+ ADULT). Assign it a color, name, and picture (optional), then click “SAVE.”
While nothing prevents others from selecting your profile, this is a step in the right direction.
Remove unfamiliar devices from your account
Sharing your login with friends is one thing, but you didn’t agree to share it with their friends. HBO Max limits streaming to three devices at a time, so if you’re the fourth person trying to access your own account, you’re out of luck.
You don’t have to tolerate this. To remove devices from your account, open the settings gear in your profile and select “Manage Devices.” Here, you’ll see all devices logged into your account. Remove them individually by clicking the (X) next to each, or, if you’re feeling drastic, choose “SIGN ALL DEVICES OUT” to log everyone out, including yourself.
Turn off HBO Max’s email notifications
By default, HBO Max enrolls you in its promotional newsletter from “HBO Max and affiliates.” If you’d prefer not to receive these, navigate to Settings > Notifications in your profile and turn off the toggle next to “Emails from HBO Max and affiliates.”
Disable HBO Max’s app notifications
While it’s nice to get alerts about new shows or movies on a streaming platform, I’ll discover them when I open the app. I don’t need another notification cluttering my life any more than I need another Fantastic Beasts movie (no offense to fans of The Secrets of Dumbledore).
If you’re also fed up with notifications, you can disable them for HBO Max. On iOS, go to Settings > Notifications > HBO Max and turn off the toggle next to Allow Notifications. On Android, navigate to Settings > Notifications > App settings, select All apps from the drop-down menu if HBO Max isn’t visible, find HBO Max, and disable its toggle.
