Why is Max (Formerly HBO Max) Not Working on Roku? [2023]
Max (formerly known as HBO Max) is just one of the well-known streaming apps that can be installed on Roku streaming devices. What happens, though, if the Max app on your Roku fails to work?
Fortunately, there are several tried-and-true solutions you can use to solve the issue.
ℹ Max not working on Roku? Try this quick fix first…
If Max isn’t working on your Roku, you must reset it. Press the Roku remote’s HOME button 5x. Then, press UP 1x and REWIND 2x. Finally, press the FAST FORWARD button 2x. This will perform a safe soft reset on your Roku, allowing it to start right up and Max to work without any issues.
The above method is called a “soft reset” and will most likely cure the issue, but if it doesn’t don’t worry….because we have compiled a list of alternative ways to fix your Max not working on Roku problem.
How to Troubleshoot Max Not Working on Roku
Are Max Servers Down?
First, verify that the servers are not down if Max is not accessible on your Roku.
Although it’s possible, it doesn’t happen very frequently. As an alternative, you can check to see if Max is also unavailable on your laptop or mobile device.
Live status updates about Max outages are available HERE (via Downdetector).
Following the official Max account on Twitter may give you an idea of when the service will be back up and running.
If the servers are truly down, your only option is to wait for Max to address the issue on their end.
Restart Network Equipment (Router & Modem)
To access the internet, your streaming device needs a working router or modem to make a strong connection.
Frequently, all that is needed to fix Max not working on Roku is to unplug and replug your network equipment.
However, it may take a few minutes before your Roku is able to connect to the internet once everything has fully reset (look for the blinking lights to stop flashing).
Clear Max App Cache (Uninstall App)
Try deleting the app’s cache in order to get Max operating again.
In case you weren’t aware, a cache is a collection of data that is saved on your device to speed up particular processes.
It is possible that your cache is responsible for a variety of reported Roku problems, including YouTube not loading properly, app crashes, streaming sluggishness, and audio stuttering.
All Roku apps will accumulate cache files and cookies over time.
Your Roku’s memory will be swamped by these transient files and this could cause Max to experience buffering issues.
As a result, you should erase the Max app’s cache by uninstalling and reinstalling the app:
- Navigate to the Roku streaming device’s Home Screen and press the * button on the remote
- Select Remove Channel from the dropdown menu
- To confirm, press the OK button on your device to uninstall the app
- Turn your Roku off and on again
- Reinstall Max app
The cache files for the Max app will now be removed, and hopefully, you can start using Max once more.
Check Internet Speed (Is it Fast Enough?)
The first thing you should do if you’re having trouble connecting to the internet is to check your internet speed.
To test the speed of your internet connection, your WiFi router or modem needs to be connected to another device, such as a laptop or smartphone.
Roku’s Max streaming app requires a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps to watch 4K/Ultra HD content.
To help you out, we’ve even included an internet connection speed-testing app right here in this article 👇
As soon as you click the red Start button, the speed test will start.
The steps listed below can be used if your connection is weak to check if the issue is with your networking hardware:
- Your modem and router will need to be restarted by unplugging the power cords from their sockets
- Plug your modem and router back into the power source after a minute of waiting
- Wait for the blinking lights to come back on before continuing
Alternatively, you may want to move the router closer to your Roku device in order to get a stronger WiFi internet connection.
Note: Other apps like Hulu and Disney Plus won’t work on Roku if the internet connection is yielding low download speeds.
Check Roku Internet Connection Quality
Check your Roku internet connection quality by following these steps:
- Navigate to the Roku streaming device’s Home Screen
- Press Settings
- Select Network
- Select About
You should now be able to view details about your current connection. The Signal Strength indicator is of particular interest to us.
We are looking for a Good or an Excellent score here. That’s the bare minimum; anything less is guaranteed to cause issues.
Lower Streaming Quality to 720p
Another option is to reduce the streaming quality if the videos are not loading properly or if they are taking an unreasonable amount of time to buffer.
It could be completely possible that your internet connection isn’t powerful enough to manage the bandwidth demands of Max’s high-resolution videos.
If you’d like to lower the quality of the stream, please follow these steps:
- Launch the Roku Home Page
- Navigate to Settings
- Choose Display Type
- Adjust resolution to 720p
Additionally, you should perhaps think about toggling the Auto Detect setting which will allow the device to alter the resolution without requiring any input from you. A significant improvement in Max video buffering can be achieved just by reducing the settings.
Update Your Roku’s Software (OS)
Your Roku could have a number of issues if its software isn’t up to date. If you’re having trouble streaming Max, checking for new Roku OS updates may be the answer.
It’s as simple as checking to see if your Roku device has an OS update available. While these changes are typically made automatically, they are sometimes missed.
First, press the Home button on the remote. After that, select System from the drop-down menu.
Click on Systeme Update if it appears.
Now, your Roku will automatically start looking for updates.
If there are any software updates available for installation they will be done automatically by your Roku device.
Make sure to keep your Roku up-to-date with the latest software by performing regular updates.
Check for Max App Updates
When you check if there are any Roku OS updates using the steps above, it will also show you if there are any app updates available as well.
If there is a Max software update available, I’d strongly consider updating to the latest version.
Problems with loading, video playback, and audio quality are possible if your Roku’s operating system isn’t compatible with older versions of the Max software.
How to Factory Reset a Roku Device
If the issues with the Max app on your Roku persist after attempting the previous two steps, a factory reset is your best bet.
If your Roku has an issue with Max not working, it could be because of a software error. A factory reset of the device can resolve this issue.
If you have a functional remote, you should try this first:
- To access the menu, choose Settings
- Click the System option that should be present in the menu.
- Find Advanced System Settings
- Click Factory Reset
After entering the four-digit code that is displayed on the screen, you will be prompted to press the OK button on your remote control.
Once complete, your Roku will revert to its factory default settings.
Factory Reset Modem/Router
If all other suggestions in this article fail, you may want to perform a factory reset on your modem and/or router.
You should be able to turn them on and off either with a paperclip or a ballpoint pen by pressing a small button located on the plastic shell.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to restart your Roku’s wireless setup and reconnect all of your devices to the new network.
Is there still a problem? It might be time to get in touch with Roku’s support staff…
Roku Warranty Information
The good news is if you believe that your Roku is not operating properly due to faulty workmanship or material defects you may be able to exchange your device for a new one so long as it was purchased less than a year ago.
You may also get a full refund on any device purchased directly from the official Roku site if it is within the 30-day money-back guarantee period.
Roku’s customer support has been kind enough to provide an article with instructions for returns and warranty replacements.
If you purchased an extended warranty from a retailer like Walmart or Best Buy, verify what the terms and length of that third-party warranty entail as you may be able to get a refund or replacement device even if you are outside of the official Roku policy’s window.
Other Options (Nothing Has Fixed the Problem)
In the event that you are unable to resolve the issue of Max not working on your Roku and your device is no longer covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, you have three options:
Purchase a Replacement Roku
If your Roku is out of the warranty or return window, it may make more sense just to purchase a new Roku altogether.
Streaming devices have never been more inexpensive, so you may be able to get a Roku that’s newer and has upgraded features for the same price (or less) than what you originally paid.
Switch to a Different Streaming Device
While Roku is undoubtedly a top streaming device, it is not the only option available to you at its price point.
Our favorite alternative to Roku is the Chromecast w/Google TV.
Is it Time to Upgrade your Smart TV?
Perhaps it’s time to replace that old TV of yours with something more modern.
Many of the newest smart TVs have the same apps (like Max) preloaded as your Roku does.
Some brands like TCL even use the Roku operating system as the hub for their streaming apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about troubleshooting Max not working on Roku 👇
How do I reset Max on my Roku?
To access Max, press the Star/Asterisk button on your remote while the channel is selected on your home screen. After that, choose the Remove Channel menu item and then adhere with the on-screen instructions to finish the process. After restarting, go to the Roku’s Channel Store and look for Max.
Why does Max keep crashing on Roku?
There may be a problem with your internet connection if the Max app on your Roku keeps crashing. This calls for a restart of the Roku device and a fresh installation of the app. When you’ve finished doing so, you can give the video another go.
In Conclusion…
As mentioned previously, there are a number of ways to fix your Max not working on Roku problem:
- Perform a soft reset
- Check to see if the servers are down
- Restart all network equipment
- Test ISP speed
- Check Roku internet connection
- Lower streaming quality to 720p
- Update Roku software
- Update the Max app if necessary
- Factory reset Roku
- Factory reset modem and/or router
- Contact Roku customer support
I sincerely hope this was able to help you resolve the Max on Roku problem. We’d appreciate it very much if you could let us know in the comments section if you were able to find a different approach that worked to resolve the issue 👇