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To watch HBO Max on a TV, use the Max app on the TV if it is available. Otherwise, send playback from a phone, tablet, or computer with Chromecast or AirPlay, or connect a compatible device with HDMI. The right option depends on your TV or receiver and the device you’re watching from.
Choose a way to watch
- TV app: Open Max directly on a supported TV or streaming player.
- Chromecast: Cast Max from an Android device, iPhone, iPad, or Chrome browser to a supported Chromecast receiver.
- AirPlay: Stream Max playback from an iPhone or iPad to an AirPlay 2-compatible receiver, or mirror an Apple device’s screen.
- HDMI: Connect a phone, tablet, or computer to the TV with a compatible cable or adapter. Check that both devices support the required wired output; Max’s help page does not list every device-and-adapter combination.
Max lists AirPlay, Chromecast, and HDMI as alternatives when the TV does not have the Max app. A supported streaming player is another option. Max’s supported-device guidance covers installing the app.
Cast Max with Chromecast
Max supports Chromecast (2nd or 3rd generation), Chromecast Ultra, and TVs with Chromecast built in. The first-generation Chromecast is not supported. Chromecast with Google TV can run the Max app directly instead of receiving a cast. See Max’s Chromecast instructions for its listed receiver options and setup.
From an Android phone, iPhone, or iPad
- Connect the phone or tablet and Chromecast receiver to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Max app and tap the Google Cast button.
- Select the Chromecast or compatible TV from the device list.
- Start playback in Max. To stop casting, tap Cast and disconnect.
From a computer
- Connect the computer and Chromecast receiver to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Chrome, sign in at HBOMax.com, and click Cast.
- Choose the receiver and start playback.
While casting, you can change subtitles, captions, and audio tracks on the device you are casting from.
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Stream or mirror with AirPlay
Streaming Max playback with AirPlay and mirroring an Apple device’s screen are separate options. For streaming, Max requires an AirPlay 2-compatible destination. Its AirPlay and screen-mirroring guide covers both paths.
Stream Max playback from iPhone or iPad
- Connect the iPhone or iPad and AirPlay receiver to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Make sure AirPlay is enabled on the receiver.
- Start playback in Max, tap the AirPlay icon, and choose the destination.
Mirror an iPhone, iPad, or Mac
- Connect the Apple device and AirPlay receiver to the same Wi-Fi network, and enable AirPlay on the receiver.
- On iPhone or iPad, open Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring. On Mac, open Control Center from the menu bar and choose Screen Mirroring.
- Select the destination. If prompted, enter the four-digit passcode shown on the receiver.
Fix a missing Cast button or connection problem
Cast is missing on iPhone or iPad
Open Settings, select HBO Max, and enable Bluetooth and Local Network. Close and reopen the app, then check for the Cast button again.
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The receiver appears compatible, but casting does not work
Max suggests trying the Google Home app’s “Cast my screen” flow. For a Chromecast connection problem, check that the TV is on the correct input, restart or reconnect the Chromecast, or try a different HDMI port.
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Check that the destination device is compatible with the method you chose: Chromecast casting needs a supported Chromecast receiver, AirPlay playback needs an AirPlay 2-compatible destination, and wired HDMI depends on the source device’s output and the adapter or cable. If your TV supports the Max app, using that app avoids the need to cast or mirror from another device.
Quick Recap
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