Fix Can’t Sign Into HBO Max Account

It sounds like you're encountering various sign-in issues with HBO Max (now simply "Max"), spanning different devices and service providers like AT&T, DIRECTV, Xfinity, Verizon, Spectrum, Cox, Optimum, Apple TV, Android, and even PlayStation 4. Here's a breakdown of common fixes for each scenario.

Fix Can’t Sign Into HBO Max Account

1. HBO Max Sign-In Error with AT&T / DIRECTV

Not all AT&T plans include free HBO Max. You should have received an email confirming your eligibility. If not, check your myAT&T app or log in online to see if HBO Max is listed as an available benefit.

For AT&T Subscribers (General Steps):

Confirm Eligibility: Log in to your AT&T account at att.com or via the myAT&T app to verify if your plan includes HBO Max access.

Activate HBO Max:

Once confirmed, log in to your AT&T account from a computer.
In your Account Overview, look for the link for HBO Max and click it.
You'll be prompted to sign in to your AT&T account again.
You can then create your HBO Max account and set up profiles. Crucially, set up your HBO Max password during this web process, not directly in the app. You can typically find this option under "Account" within the HBO Max setup. Hit Save.
Finally, use your newly created HBO Max credentials (not your AT&T login) to sign in to the HBO Max app on your phone (iOS or Android).

"Help! I don't see the link for HBO Max in my AT&T Account Overview?"

This often happens if your AT&T accounts aren't linked under a single ID.

Action: Log in to att.com. Look for a link like "Link all your AT&T accounts to one ID" (usually found under your name). Ensure all your relevant AT&T services (e.g., Wireless, Internet, TV) are linked to the same AT&T ID, ideally pointing to the same email address. Once linked, the HBO Max activation link should appear.

"Help! The steps didn't work for my DIRECTV account. What else can I do?"

If you're a DIRECTV subscriber and the general AT&T steps didn't work:

Go to directv.com and sign in.

Select My Account, then My Account Info.

Look under Login Information and select Change My Password.

Change your DIRECTV password. You'll receive an email confirming the change.

Lastly, sign back into the HBO Max app using your new DIRECTV password.

2. Can't Sign Into HBO Max on Apple TV?

If you're having trouble signing in on your Apple TV:

Force Close Background Apps:

Double-press the Home button on your Siri Remote to bring up the app switcher (multitasking view).
Swipe up on all open apps in the app drawer to force close them.

Reinstall HBO Max App:

On your Apple TV, uninstall the HBO Max app.
Then, reinstall the app from the App Store.
Attempt to sign in again.

Clear Browser Cache (if using browser on Apple TV): If you're attempting to sign in via a web browser on Apple TV (less common but possible for linking providers), try clearing the browser's cache and then restarting the browser before signing in.

3. Can't Sign Into HBO Max on Android App?

Android devices are a common source of sign-in issues, often presenting "Service Error" messages or getting stuck on the "Post Data" page.

Force Close and Restart App: First, try to force-close the HBO Max app (swipe it away from recent apps), then restart it and attempt to sign in.

Clear App Cache and Data:

Go to your Android device's Settings.
Navigate to Apps & notifications (or just "Apps").
Find HBO Max in the list and tap on it.
Select Storage & cache.
Tap Clear Cache. You can also try Clear Storage / Clear Data (be aware this will delete all app data and settings, requiring you to sign in again from scratch).

Reinstall App & Restart Device: If clearing cache doesn't work, delete the HBO Max app from your device, then reinstall it from the Google Play Store. Many users also report success after restarting their Android devices following the reinstallation.

VPN Services: If you are using a VPN, ensure it is compatible with HBO Max. Incompatible or free VPN services may trigger geolocation blocks. Consider disabling your VPN temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.

4. Using a Provider Like Xfinity, Verizon, Spectrum, Cox, Optimum?

The most crucial step for these providers is to first sign in through the HBO Max website on a computer using the "Sign in with TV or provider" option.

Go to hbomax.com on your computer.

Click Sign in, then click on the "Sign in with TV or provider" button.

Choose your provider (e.g., Xfinity, Verizon, Spectrum, Cox, AT&T, DIRECTV, Hulu, Apple TV, YouTube TV).

You will be redirected to your provider's login page. Sign in using your provider's account credentials.

Once successfully signed in through your provider, you'll be able to link your provider account to HBO Max.

After this web-based authentication, you should then be able to sign in to your HBO Max Android or iOS app by entering your provider's credentials on the app's login page (you typically don't need to create a new HBO Max username or password unless specifically prompted).

Tip: It often helps to perform these steps in an Incognito or Private Browse window to avoid conflicting cookies or cached data.

5. PlayStation 4 HBO Max Sign-In Issues

Sign-in and streaming issues on PS4 are common. While there aren't many definitive fixes for sign-in specific to PS4, general troubleshooting helps:

Close Background Apps: Close all other background running applications on your PS4.

Pause Updates: Temporarily stop any game installations, updates, or patches that might be running.

Update HBO Max App: Ensure your HBO Max app is up to date. On your PS4, highlight the HBO Max app, press the Options button on your controller, then select "Check for Update."

Update PS4 System Software: Go to Settings > System Software Update on your PS4 and install any pending system updates.

Reinstall App: Consider deleting and reinstalling the HBO Max app on your PS4.

Create HBO Max Password (for YouTube TV users): Some users who get HBO Max through YouTube TV have fixed PS4 issues by creating a direct password for their HBO Max account on hbomax.com first, as accounts linked via YouTube TV might not have a default password. Then, sign out of the PS4 app and sign back in using the newly created HBO Max password.

Note: It's likely that HBO Max will continue to release updates for the PS4 app to address ongoing issues. Enable auto-updates on your PS4.

6. Fixing YouTube TV HBO Max Sign-In Issues

Confirm Primary Subscriber: Double-check your YouTube TV account profile to ensure you are the primary subscriber, not just a family member.

Mobile Device Troubleshooting: If you're using YouTube TV on an Android or iOS device, try the general mobile app troubleshooting steps:

Clear app cache.
Restart the device.
Reinstall the app.

Web-Based Sign-In for Credentials: If other tips don't work, this tedious but effective solution often resolves the issue:

Sign in to your YouTube TV account from hbomax.com on your computer (as described in Method 4).
Set up a distinct username and password for your HBO Max account from within the website's account settings.
Then, use these new HBO Max credentials to sign in to your HBO Max app on other devices.

How to Fix Can’t Sign Into HBO Max Account