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No sound on HBO Max—now called Max in many regions—can come from a single title, your device’s audio output, an audio-track selection, or a TV/HDMI format mismatch. Start by playing another show or movie: if only one title is silent, contact Max support and identify it. If several titles have no sound, use the checks below for your device and audio setup.
First, find out whether one title or everything is affected
- Play a different show or movie in Max.
- If the other title has sound, contact Max support and name the show or movie with the problem. The service’s help page recommends this when the issue is limited to one title.
- If multiple titles are silent, check your device’s volume and audio output, then follow the relevant device steps below.
This first check narrows the problem; it does not by itself identify a defective device or component.
Check the audio track and where sound is being sent
Confirm the selected audio track
If dialogue is missing, the language is unexpected, or the mix sounds wrong rather than completely silent, open the playback controls and look for Subtitles, captions, and audio. Choose the intended audio track from the options available for that title. Not every title offers the same tracks. See Max’s instructions for changing subtitles, captions, and audio tracks.
Check output routing
- On a phone or tablet, raise the device volume, turn Bluetooth off temporarily to check whether sound is going to an accessory, and make sure Do Not Disturb is off. Plugging in headphones can help establish whether the device produces audio.
- On a computer, check the Max player’s own volume control, the connected speaker’s volume and cables, and the computer’s selected audio output.
- If your TV uses a receiver, soundbar, Bluetooth speaker, or other external audio device, confirm that it is on and selected as the active output.
Fixes for phones, tablets, and computers
Phone or tablet
- Raise the device volume while a Max title is playing.
- Turn Bluetooth off temporarily and check Do Not Disturb.
- Test with headphones if available to see whether the device produces sound through another output.
- Restart the phone or tablet. If the issue continues across titles, update Max and the device software if updates are available.
Computer or browser
- Raise the volume inside the Max player and check the computer’s system volume.
- Confirm the intended speakers or headphones are selected as the system audio output; check their power, volume, and connections.
- Update the browser and restart it. If needed, test Max on another supported device to help isolate whether the issue is specific to the computer or browser.
Fixes for a TV, streaming device, or console
On a TV setup, audio may pass through several components. Update the Max app, restart the streaming device or console, and reseat the HDMI cable at both ends. If the problem remains, try another HDMI port or a different cable if one is available. These are diagnostic checks, not proof that a cable or device is faulty.
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Fire TV
- For a stereo fallback, open Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio > Dolby Digital Output and choose Dolby Digital Plus OFF.
- Update Max and restart Fire TV.
- Reconnect HDMI at both ends; test another port or cable if needed, and check that the connected equipment supports the selected audio format.
Apple TV
- For surround-sound trouble, open Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Format.
- Turn on Change Format and select Dolby Digital 5.1 instead of Use Best Available. If that does not help, try Stereo.
- Update Max, restart Apple TV, and check the HDMI connections, cable, and port.
Roku
- Check for a system update at Settings > System > System Update > Check now.
- For a stereo fallback, open Settings > Audio > Audio Mode > Stereo.
- Update Max, restart Roku, and check the HDMI connections, cable, and port.
Xbox
- Open Settings > Display & Sound > HDMI audio and set HDMI audio to 5.1 uncompressed.
- Set Bitstream Format to Dolby Digital.
- Update Max, restart the console, and check the HDMI connections, cable, and port.
Other TV devices
If the device offers an audio-mode setting, try Stereo. Also update Max, restart the device, reseat HDMI, and check another cable or port if available. Menu labels and available options vary with device software and region, so use the instructions for your specific model rather than assuming another device’s path applies.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When surround sound or Dolby Atmos is the problem
Max’s US help page describes stereo, 5.1 surround, and Dolby Atmos audio and says the app selects the highest quality available for the device and plan. A format mismatch in the TV, receiver, streaming device, adapter, or HDMI connection can prevent the intended audio from working. Trying Stereo is a useful compatibility check when surround sound is silent; on Apple TV, the listed intermediate option is Dolby Digital 5.1.
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The US help page lists Atmos for select titles on supported devices with its Premium plan, and directs viewers to check a title’s description for Atmos availability. It also says every part of the Atmos connection chain—including the TV, streaming device, receiver, cables, and adapters—must support HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2. These plan and availability details are specific to the US help page and may vary by region or change; check the current local Max help page and the title description.
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