(13 Fixes) HBO Max Not Working On PS4 [Updated 2023 Guide]

The PS4 is more than just a gaming console.

Thanks to streaming platforms like HBO Max, it’s also a great media player as well.

Speaking of…

Running HBO Max should be as easy as pie.

If it isn’t working, don’t worry…

Continue to find out:

How to reset your HBO Max.
How to increase your PS4’s connection speed.
13 easy fixes when your HBO Max isn’t working on your PS4.
And more…

Why is HBO Max not working on my PS4?

HBO Max isn’t working on your PS4 because of internet problems. Other issues to consider are firmware versions of your console and the streaming app, the servers of HBO Max, and the app’s regional availability. You can lose track of your subscription to the platform as well.

HBO Max not working on PS4: 13 fixes

#1: Check your connection speed on your PS4

Your PS4 needs the internet to:

Play and download games online.
Run and update apps like HBO Max.

So check if your speed is reaching the recommended settings for HBO Max. Here’s how to do so:

Turn on your PS4.
Press up on the control and scroll right to Settings.
Head to Network.
Choose Test Internet Connection.

Now, HBO Max requires at least a 5mbps connection to run. For 4K streaming, you’re going to need 50mbps and above.

If you aren’t reaching the best speed for streaming, you should do these next tips.

#2: Check for ongoing downloads and updates

Your PS4 will automatically download updates to your apps and games.

However, if you have multiple downloads happening, your PS4’s speed suffers greatly.

To check for updates:

From the main menu, press up on the controller.
Select Notifications.
Select Downloads.
To stop an update, highlight the item and press O.
Choose to either Pause or Cancel and Delete the download.

Tip: You can choose to pause the update temporarily. If it’s too large, what you can do is to run it in the PS4’s Rest Mode:

Press the PS logo on your controller.
Select Power.
Select Enter Rest Mode.

This mode doesn’t shut off your PS4.

It’ll allow the console to run at minimum power. You can leave it running for downloads to resume while your PS4 isn’t in use.

#3: Connect your PS4 with an ethernet cable

A PS4 connects to the internet via a wireless or wired connection.

Want a more stable connection?

Opt in for wired:

Connect an ethernet cable to the port at the back of your PS4.
Connect the other end of the cable to your router.
From the main PS4 menu, press up on your controller.
Head to Settings.
Select Network.
Select Set Up Connection.
Select Use a LAN Cable.

This can help resolve most issues that arise when you’re connected via Wi-Fi.

#4: Modify your PS4’s DNS settings

DNS stands for Domain Name System.

It’s basically a phonebook for your internet. But instead of numbers, it stores IP addresses of websites.

Now, your service provider will automatically set up a DNS in your stead. However, you can switch to a Google DNS to improve your Wi-Fi speed.

You can change the settings by doing this:

Press up from the main PS4 menu and head to Settings.
Select Network.
Select Set Up Internet Connection.
Find the current network you have.
Proceed with the menu, then select Personalized once you reach DNS settings.
Input the data as follows:

IP Address Configuration	Automatic
DHCP Hostname	Do not specify
DNS Configuration	Manual
Primary DNS	8.8.8.8
Secondary DNS	8.8.4.4
MTU Setting	Automatic
Proxy Server	Do Not Use

After setting it up, reset your PS4. You’ll see a slight speed increase after that.

Here’s a video you can watch to guide you:

#5: Update your PS4

Your PS4 will not be able to use online services if it’s not updated to the latest firmware.

The only thing you can do is update the console.

Your PS4 will notify you of updates when they arrive. However, if you somehow overlook the notification, here’s how you can check it on your own:

Press up from the main PS4 menu and head to Settings.
Select Network.
Select System Information.

#6: Update HBO Max

Like your PS4’s system software, your HBO Max needs to be updated too.

If any app or game on your PS4 needs an update, you’ll be notified of it when you try to open it.

Manually check if there’s an update for HBO Max:

Highlight the HBO Max icon on your PS4.
Press the Options button on your controller.
Select Check for Update.

To avoid the hassle of waiting for an update to finish, you should…

Enable automatic updates on your PS4 instead:

Pressing up from the main PS4 menu and head to Settings.
Selecting Network.
Selecting System Information.
Selecting Automatic Downloads.
Toggling Application Update Files.

Note: Make sure that there’s enough space on your PS4. Updates won’t proceed if the storage is full. So…

Free up space on your PS4:

Pressing up from the main PS4 menu and head to Settings.
Selecting Storage.
Selecting System Storage.
Browsing through files you can delete.
Pressing the Options button on your controller.
Selecting Delete.

#7: Restart your PS4 And HBO Max

Doing this helps sort out any problems with your console that are causing HBO Max to malfunction.

Reset your PS4 by:

Pressing and holding the PS button on your controller.
Selecting Power.
Selecting Restart PS4.

Restart your HBO Max (while it’s running):

Press the PS button on your controller.
Select Close Application.
Proceed and re-launch HBO Max.

#8: Reinstall HBO Max

If your HBO Max itself crashes unexpectedly, it’s best to reinstall it.

How to properly reinstall the HBO Max:

Look for the HBO Max icon from the main PS4 menu.
Press the Options button on your controller.
Select Delete.
Head to the PlayStation Store from the main PS4 menu.
Search for HBO Max.
Reinstall the app.

Reminder: This process can take a while. Aside from the app itself, your PS4 will also have to download the updates that HBO Max has.

#9: Check if your region allows HBO Max

HBO Max is available in many regions, but yours might not be one of them.

Check out this HBO page to see whether you can stream their content on your location.

If your region doesn’t allow HBO Max yet, don’t worry. HBO promises to deliver the streaming platform to more regions soon.

#10: Update your subscription plan

Your HBO Max becomes inaccessible once your subscription to it ends. You’ll be made aware of this once you open your HBO Max app. The streaming platform offers two tiers:

With Ads plan – $9.99/month or $149.99/year.
Ads-free plan – $14.99/month or $149.99/year.

You can manage your account through the PS4 by opening the app. From there, you can manage subscriptions and payment options.

As long as your payment option has sufficient funds, your subscription will renew automatically. If this is your first time, here are the payment options that HBO accepts:

Visa.
Discover.
MasterCard.
AmericanExpress.

#11: Reformat your PS4

Your PS4 can start to have software problems over time. This is caused by full storage. It can even be a virus in the system if you’ve inserted an external hard drive before.

Additionally, you could also unintentionally tweak a setting within your PS4 that has prevented HBO Max from working. Here’s how you can…

Reset it to its factory settings:

Press up from the main PS4 menu and head to Settings.
Select Initialization.
Select Restore Default Settings.

Before you do this, you can back up your data. This makes the process of restoring your PS4 a lot faster. Here’s how to…

Back up your data on PS4:

Press up from the main PS4 menu and head to Settings.
Select System.
Select Backup and Restore.
Insert USB to place data in.
Reset PS4.
Head to Back Up and Restore again.
Select Restore PS4.

#12: Report the problem to Sony

Now, what if HBO Max still isn’t working even after trying all of these steps,?

Then, I advise you to report the problem to Sony instead:

Pressing up from the main PS4 menu and heading to Settings.
Select System.
Toggle Report System Software Errors Automatically.

Note: It’s not guaranteed that you’ll get a fix after a report. It’ll take a while for Sony to respond but users say they can get back to you in 2-3 days.

#13: Report the problem to HBO Max

Lastly, it’s also a good idea to seek help from the makers of HBO Max itself.

To do this, visit the HBO Max Help Center and contact customer support there.

Note: You can help customer support out by preparing the details. These include:

Account details.
The device you’re using.
The error code that appears on HBO Max, as well as a screenshot of the problem.