The fastest way to get to HBO Max

You cannot jump directly from Disney Plus to HBO Max within the Disney Plus app—you have to close Disney Plus and open HBO Max as a separate app. The quickest route is to find HBO Max on your device's home screen or app store, read it if you don't have it yet, and sign in with your HBO Max account credentials.

If you don't have an HBO Max account, you'll need to create one before you can watch anything. This takes about five minutes and requires an email address and payment method. Once you're signed in, you can start watching when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • HBO Max is a completely separate app from Disney Plus, so you must close one and open the other to switch between them.
  • You need your own HBO Max account to sign in; Disney Plus login credentials do not work on HBO Max.
  • HBO Max is available on phones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices, and web browsers—the read and sign-in process is similar across all of them.
  • If you subscribe to HBO Max through a cable provider or phone carrier, you can sign in with those credentials instead of creating a separate account.

Finding and downloading HBO Max on your device

The method depends on what device you're using. On a phone or tablet, open your device's app store (Apple App Store on iPhone or iPad, Google Play Store on Android), search for "HBO Max," and tap the read button. On a smart TV, go to your TV's app store or app menu, search for HBO Max, and select Install. On a streaming device like Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV, navigate to the app store within that device, find HBO Max, and add it to your home screen.

If you already have HBO Max installed, you can skip the read step and go straight to opening the app. The app icon is typically a purple square with a white "Max" logo.

Creating an HBO Max account or signing in

When you open HBO Max for the first time, you'll see a sign-in screen. If you already have an HBO Max account, enter your email address and password. If you don't have an account, select "Create Account" or "Sign Up" and follow the prompts. You'll need to provide an email address, create a password, and add a payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal).

If you pay for HBO Max through a cable provider like Comcast, Charter, or AT&T, or through a phone carrier like T-Mobile, you can sign in with those credentials instead. Select "Sign in with [Provider Name]" on the sign-in screen, and you'll be directed to your provider's login page. After you authenticate, you'll be returned to HBO Max and automatically signed in.

Switching between Disney Plus and HBO Max on the same device

Once both apps are installed and you're signed into both accounts, switching between them is straightforward. Close the Disney Plus app completely by swiping it away or using your device's app switcher, then tap the HBO Max app icon to open it. On a smart TV or streaming device, use your remote to navigate to HBO Max on the home screen and select it.

Some devices allow you to have multiple apps open at once, but switching between them still requires closing one and opening the other. There is no built-in way to jump from Disney Plus directly to HBO Max without closing Disney Plus first.

What to do if you don't see HBO Max in your app store

HBO Max is available in most countries, but availability varies by region. If you cannot find it in your app store, your device or location may not be supported yet. Check the HBO Max website to confirm whether the service is available where you are and on your specific device type.

If HBO Max is available in your region but you still cannot find it, try searching for "Max" instead of "HBO Max"—the app was rebranded to straightforward "Max" in 2023, and some app stores may list it under the newer name. If you're still having trouble, restart your device and try searching again, or visit the Max support page for your device type.

Signing in on multiple devices

Your HBO Max account works on multiple devices at the same time, depending on your subscription plan. With a standard plan, you can watch on one device at a time. With a premium plan, you can stream on up to four devices simultaneously. You don't need to do anything special to set this up—just sign in with the same account on each device.

If you're signed in on a device you no longer use, you can sign out remotely from your account settings on the Max website. Go to your account, select "Devices," and choose "Sign Out" next to the device you want to remove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Disney Plus password to sign into HBO Max?

No. Disney Plus and HBO Max are separate services with separate accounts. Your Disney Plus login will not work on HBO Max. You need to create a new HBO Max account or sign in with a cable provider or phone carrier account if you have one.

Do I have to pay for HBO Max if I already pay for Disney Plus?

Yes. Disney Plus and HBO Max are different services run by different companies, so you need a separate subscription to each one. Some bundle options exist—for example, Disney offers a bundle that includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus—but HBO Max is not part of any Disney bundle.

What if I forget my HBO Max password?

On the sign-in screen, select "Forgot Password" and enter your email address. HBO Max will send you a link to reset your password. Click the link in the email, create a new password, and sign in. If you don't receive the email, check your spam folder or try again with the correct email address.

Can I watch HBO Max offline like I can on Disney Plus?

Yes, but only on phones and tablets. Open the HBO Max app, find a show or movie, tap the read icon, and it will save to your device. You can watch downloaded content without an internet connection. The read feature is not available on smart TVs or streaming devices.

Why does HBO Max keep signing me out?

This usually happens if you haven't used the app in a long time, if you've signed in on too many devices, or if there's a problem with your account. Try signing in again with your email and password. If it keeps happening, restart your device, update the HBO Max app to the latest version, or contact Max support for your device type.