How to Fix HBO Max Keeps Buffering, Not Loading or Playing? - Pletaura

How to Fix HBO Max Keeps Buffering, Not Loading or Playing?

Find that HBO Max movies and shows keep buffering or not loading and playing?

After a long week, the weekend has finally rolled around. You get your snacks 🍿 ready and start playing the latest movie on HBO Max. All is well until the buffer kicks in, causing the film not to load correctly.

Some of you may be thinking that it isn’t a big problem and wait it out. However, the HBO Max buffering issue can seriously ruin the whole movie experience!

Can you imagine amid a battle, Kong starts throwing a punch in phases 🦍? What about Tom Cruise reading a life-saving line in Mission Impossible like your principal’s speech during Monday assemblies 🤷🏻‍♀? You wouldn’t want built-up adrenaline to drain out when dealing with buffers. It can cause even your favorite movies to feel mediocre after.

Moreover, having to deal with buffering issues makes the movie experience tiring and less enjoyable. It defeats the purpose of relaxing with your favorite shows in the first place.

Unfortunately, users commonly report that they face buffering issues when streaming HBO Max movies or shows. Hence, many users often get stuck on an endless loading screen when booting up the HBO Max stream, or even the infamous 3 dots:

HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing on PC

 

Perhaps you might even encounter shows not loading or playing on the HBO Max mobile app either:

HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing on mobile app

 

Many factors can affect video playbacks. However, some of the more prominent factors are connection speed, the amount of available memory on your device and app bugs 👾 and glitches. Occasionally, it could also result from a technical issue at the backend, such as HBO Max servers.

Therefore, this guide will show you 16 quick fixes to try on your end when HBO Max has trouble playing videos.

 

Before reading on…

This guide provides pictures and steps taken from the HBO Max website or app on Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone and iPad. However, the steps work effectively and similarly for other streaming devices, including game consoles (PS4, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo 3DS), Smart TVs and set-top boxes (Roku, Firestick, Apple TV).

With that settled, let’s get into the steps!

 


Table of Contents

16 Fixes for when HBO Max Stream Keeps Buffering, Not Loading, or Playing

  1. Check the HBO Max Server Status
  2. Sign Out and Sign Back In to HBO Max
  3. Check the Number of Devices Streaming HBO Max
  4. Reconnect Your VPN
  5. Check for HBO Max App Updates 
  6. Restart the HBO Max App or Refresh Your Web Browser
  7. Reboot Your Streaming Device 
  8. Prepare the Right Cables for HBO Max
  9. Test Your Wi-Fi or Internet Connection
  10. Check for Buffer Issues on Other TV Shows or Movies
  11. Stream HBO Max on a Different Device
  12. Stream HBO Max on a Different Web Browser
  13. Check for Streaming Device Updates 
  14. Clear the HBO Max App Cache and Data Files
  15. Delete Your Web Browser Cache
  16. Report the Buffering Issue to the HBO Max Support Center

 

16 Fixes for when HBO Max Stream Keeps Buffering, Not Loading, or Playing

 

1. Check the HBO Max Server Status

For starters, we recommend checking if other HBO Max users are encountering similar buffering issues with HBO Max. Hence, many users stream may get affected when the servers are overloaded with requests for a particular show or movie.

This is likely to happen if HBO Max premiers a particular show/movie that everyone’s tuning in to watch. Hence, we also recommend checking different shows and movies on the platform for buffering issues. (Step 10)

That being said, we suggest checking DownDetector’s HBO Max page, to see if there are any ongoing problems with the service.

check HBO Max server status on DownDetector if stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

From there, you can check the live map and comments section. Here, you can see if other users are experiencing similar HBO Max buffering issues, in your area, and maybe even for that particular program.

 

 

2. Sign Out and Sign Back In to HBO Max

Moving on, we recommend re-signing into HBO Max. This fundamental trick can often resolve temporary glitches and bugs, causing your movies to buffer on HBO Max.

Hence, to log out of HBO Max from all devices, you can perform the steps below using a web browser:

  1. First, go to HBOMax.com.
  2. Then, click on your account name at the top of the screen.
  3. Next, select Manage Devices.
  4. Subsequently, click the Sign out button next to each device, or click the Sign All Devices Out button.

sign out of HBO Max on streaming devices to fix stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

  1. Lastly, confirm the process by clicking Sign Out.

sign out of HBO Max on streaming devices to fix stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

Note: To successfully sign back into HBO Max, make sure you remember your registered email and password. Moreover, if you have chosen to sign out of all devices, the process may take up to 4 hours.

 

 

3. Check the Number of Devices Streaming HBO Max

HBO Max allows users to share an account with family members and friends by creating up to 5 profiles. Hence, they can sign in to HBO Max on different devices and watch various shows at the same time.

However, the number of devices allowed to stream simultaneously is only 3.

Unfortunately, using the simultaneous stream feature to maximum capacity can cause HBO Max movies to keep buffering. Suppose you attempt to stream with more than three devices. HBO Max will show the Can’t Play Title error message stating that “you’re streaming on too many devices”:

HBO Max can't play title because you're streaming on too many devices error

 

In this case, you need to check what devices are currently watching HBO Max using your account.

To do so, select your Profile icon. Then, choose Manage Devices. It will pull up a list of recently-used devices to watch shows or movies on your account.

sign out of HBO Max on streaming devices to fix stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

From here, you can choose to either stop streaming on the recently-used device or log out of all devices connected to HBO Max that you no longer require. (Step 1)

 

 

4. Reconnect Your VPN

To date, HBO Max is only made available for specific territories in the United States. If HBO Max isn’t available in your country yet, you’ll require a VPN to access it. However, VPN connections that are configured or booted up incorrectly can lead to various issues. 

For example, a poor VPN connection can affect your internet connection. It’ll not only make your internet connection unstable but can sometimes reduce its speeds drastically. As a result, your HBO Max stream won’t load or play correctly and keep buffering.

From our experience, when we used specific VPNs, our internet connection was halted altogether.

On that note, go to your VPN app, disconnect your VPN connection, and try turning it back on again.

reconnect VPN Nordvpn to fix HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

After that, try opening HBO Max and see if the platform boots up correctly error-free. Then, watch a movie or show and check if the film still keeps buffering. You might have to repeat this step a couple of times to ensure your VPN connection sets up properly.

Also, we strongly recommend that you avoid using low-quality or “free” VPN services. With these VPNs, you’re more likely to face internet interruptions, causing your stream to buffer every 5 minutes and triggering plenty of error messages.

 

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Use VPN to fix HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 


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5. Check for HBO Max App Updates 

Unfortunately, the above solutions may not have been suitable for your case. Therefore, the culprit causing your HBO Max movies to buffer could be an interfering app bug 👾. HBO Max developers likely know that too. 👨‍💻

Hence, they may release an update with the essential bug fixes to solve our buffering problems. With that said, we should always check if there are available HBO Max app updates before flooding the support centre with reports and complaints.

Generally, the steps to check for HBO Max app updates are similar across most streaming devices: 

  1. First, go to the app store where you initially installed HBO Max.
  2. From there, search and locate the HBO Max app 
  3. Then, visit the HBO Max app page.
  4. Subsequently, check if there are updates available, the Update button will be visible.
  5. Finally, tap the Update button if available.

update HBO Max app to fix stream keeps buffering not loading or playing

 

After completing the update, restart the HBO Max app (Step 6) and watch your favourite shows again.

Do take notice of whether the movies or shows load properly without buffering. If they don’t, you’re good to go! However, if they do, do not fret. We have plenty of other fixes for you to try out.

 

 

6. Restart the HBO Max App or Refresh Your Web Browser

Furthermore, we recommend rebooting the HBO Max app or refreshing the HBO Max session on your browser. This step isn’t only a stand-alone fix but we recommend using it after other fixes to verify if the problem persists.

It’s important to restart the app because the app doesn’t start from scratch after every request. Instead, the HBO Max app calls one or more instances of the app and keeps them around to handle more requests. Therefore, updates done to the app don’t take place until it’s restarted. Similarly, refreshing your browser calls a fresh copy of the HBO Max web page from the HBO Max server.

Hence, we recommend trying this quick restart to recalibrate the HBO Max app and video stream to fix the buffering issue:

 

Reload the HBO Max Web Page

If you’re streaming HBO Max via your web browser on PC, a simple reload of the page might do the trick. No matter which browser you use (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), the steps to refresh the HBO Max page are similar:

  • Click the reload button reload the HBO Max webpage to fix stream keeps buffering not loading or playing on the web browser
  • Press the Ctrl + R key (For Windows) or the Command + R key (For macOS).

reload the HBO Max webpage to fix stream keeps buffering not loading or playing

 

You can take this a step further and restart your web browser. All you need to do is simply close your web browser, reopen it and visit HBO Max.

 

Hard Refresh the HBO Max Web Page

This step aims to not only reload the page but also remove some minor cache associated with it. Therefore, it’s a straightforward way to clear the HBO Max page cache and force load the most recent version.

On Windows: For most web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), press Ctrl F5 together at the Instagram page to perform a hard refresh.

hard refresh the HBO Max web page on Windows to fix stream keeps buffering not loading or playing

 

On macOS: For Safari and other web browsers on macOS, press the Command Option key simultaneously.

hard refresh the HBO Max web page on macOS to fix stream keeps buffering not loading or playing

 

Restart the HBO Max App

For the HBO Max app installed on your phone, tablet, set-top box or Smart TV, rebooting the app can bring about similar effects. Hence, to carry out this method, follow the steps below.

  1. First, exit the HBO Max app and close it by removing it from your Recent Apps or App Switcher. If you’re using Android devices or other set-top boxes, you can Force Stop the HBO Max app through your Settings app.
  2. Then, relaunch the HBO Max app from your homepage or app list.

restart HBO Max mobile app to fix stream keeps buffering not loading or playing

 

 

7. Reboot Your Streaming Device

Moving on, we suggest taking a step further and restarting your streaming device.  As you use the HBO Max app and other programs and processes, they take up part of your RAM (Random Access Memory).

Technically speaking, every update, installation and deletion of an app adds or removes codes in your device’s OS. However, these codes are occasionally incompatible as they’re added or removed improperly. Moreover, programs that don’t close completely also continue to eat away at your memory.

All in all, these issues can also slow down the performance of your device causing the buffering issue on HBO Max.

Hence, restarting your streaming device can help to flush the RAM and clear up any temporary files and processes. Overall, by removing all the minor device cache, your streaming device can perform and run apps, like HBO Max, at peak speed. 

Therefore, the section below will explain the steps to restart your streaming device depending on its model:

 

For Android devices: Press and hold the power button until the restart or power off option appears. Tap the Restart option, and you’re all set!

restart android streaming device to fix HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

For iOS devices: press and hold either the volume button and the side button until the power off slider appears. Then, drag the slider and wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. 📴

To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button (on the right side of your iPhone) until you see the Apple logo.

restart iphone to Fix HBO Max Keeps Buffering, Not Loading or Playing

 

Power-Cycle Your Streaming Device (For Set-Top Boxes, Smart TVs, Game Consoles)

These devices are typically connected to an electrical outlet 🔌. In this case, power-cycling provides a more effective and thorough reset compared to a basic restart.

The reason is that power-cycling resets the power source in your streaming device. By doing so, it clears up your device’s RAM, so it can properly launch new apps, like HBO Max.

On that note, to power-cycle your streaming device:

  1. For starters, turn off the device you’re streaming HBO Max from and switch off your TV.
  2. Next, unplug all the cables, mainly the power cord and HDMI cable.
  3. Then, wait for about 1-2 minutes before plugging the wires back correctly and turning on your device and TV.

power cycle or restart streaming device to fix HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

 

8. Prepare the Right Cables for HBO Max

Like other streaming services, HBO Max supports streaming on Smart TVs. Therefore, you may be using any one of these Smart TVs or set-top boxes, such as an Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV or Android TV.

In this case, you should choose the right cables and hardware needed to stream high-definition content. The wires you choose can affect the quality of the content and content buffering.

Other streaming services such as Disney have expressly stated the recommended cables required for streaming. However, HBO Max has only suggested using a ‘wired connection’ using an Ethernet cable for best performance. They don’t recommend relying on your wireless connection to stream content over and onto your devices.

Therefore, we suggest going with the same recommendations given by Disney, which should be effective and applicable for HBO Max:

According to Disney’s suggestions, it’s best to use high-speed HDMI cables and displays with HDCP 2.2 for streaming content. This part is essential if you’re aiming to stream in HDR or 4K Ultra HD. Additionally, you’ll also need to prepare an HDCP 2.2 compliant cable.

use correct HDMI cables to fix HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 


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Budget: AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable, 6 Feet, 2-Pack

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9. Test Your Wi-Fi or Internet Connection

Furthermore, a weak or unstable Wi-Fi connection may be the reason your HBO Max shows keep buffering. HBO Max requires a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps to provide a consistent picture stream. 

Therefore, regardless of the streaming device you use, it has to meet the minimum download speed stated to reduce the amount of buffering experienced. Moreover, we estimate that once HBO Max releases the 4K UHD streaming feature, the minimum download speed may go up to 25.0 Mbps, similar to Disney+.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that 5 Mbps is the minimum speed for one stream. If you’re streaming on three devices, the minimum recommendation can increase to 24 Mbps. You can calculate the required estimated bandwidth by multiplying 8 Mbps with the number of streaming devices.

Plus, supposedly your household has also subscribed to other streaming services. These streaming services may require an Internet speed anywhere between 5 Mbps to 15 Mbps for HD quality streams.

Hence, you need to ensure that your Internet plan can support the amount of usage. Else, you may end up experiencing buffering and quality issues. In this case, you may have subscribed to an Internet plan of up to 5 Mbps. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean 5 Mbps of Internet speed is delivered consistently. On the contrary, it’s an average of 5 Mbps and above.

Suppose your internet connection doesn’t meet the recommended 5.0 Mbps. HBO Max will adjust the quality of the stream to a lower bitrate such as 720p, 480p, or 144p. It helps to ensure a minimum amount of buffer when streaming.

 

Test Your Internet Connection’s Speed and Latency

Therefore, we recommend performing a quick and easy Internet speed test to ensure your connection is up and you’re not undergoing low speeds or latency.

Hence, to test your internet speeds almost instantly, we recommend visiting Fast.com. (created by a fellow streaming service, Netflix!)

test internet connection speed at fast.com if HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

From there, suppose you notice a drop in your Internet speed. In that case, the following are a few ways to improve the connection:

 

Switch between Mobile Data and Wi-Fi

If you’re streaming HBO Max using Wi-Fi, we recommend you first switch to mobile data or vice versa. This step helps to identify if the source of the Internet is the cause.

switch between mobile data and Wi-Fi on iPhone and Android to fix HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

Forget Your Wi-Fi Network

However, while data is a more reliable source of Internet than Wi-Fi, using data to watch HBO Max shows can lead to high data consumption. Moreover, not everyone has access to data.

In this situation, we advise you to forget your Wi-Fi network:

To do this, the steps are generally through the Settings > Wi-Fi> click on the Wi-Fi you’re connected to > Forget this Network. Then, try to connect to it again.

Forget Your Wi-Fi Network to improve internet connection and fix HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

This step is a simple restart process to help you get connected to the Internet again.

 

Power-Cycle the Network Device or Internet Router

Another method to improve your Internet speed is to reconfigure your Wi-Fi by restarting the router. Plus, this step is considered to be a nifty and infamous hack that can boost your internet speeds 🚀. This is mainly because you’re deleting cache stored in your Internet router that might be affecting the connection.

That being said, to power cycle your Internet router:

  1. First, turn off and unplug the power from your Internet modem or router.
  2. Then, wait approximately 30 seconds.
  3. Subsequently, reconnect the power source to the router or modem and wait for it to connect to the Internet.
  4. Lastly, connect your streaming device to the Wi-Fi and try streaming HBO Max again.

restart or power-cycle your Wi-Fi router to improve internet connection to fix HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

Use a Wired Internet Connection with an Ethernet Cord

Suppose you’re streaming on a Smart TV or a computer. We recommend you hook your device directly to the Internet using an Ethernet cable.

use a wired internet connection with an ethernet cable to fix HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

An Ethernet cord is faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi because it can transmit data over a wired connection without any interruptions or disconnections. In contrast, Wi-Fi transmits data via wireless signals and is more susceptible to interference.

Hence, the Ethernet cord provides a more stable and secure internet connection to prevent buffering when streaming movies.

 

Reduce Activity on Your Network

Perhaps your network is shared by several people. As the number of people/devices using the same network simultaneously increases, the Internet speed will decrease for each individual. This is because the amount of bandwidth allocated for each decreases. 

Therefore, while you’re troubleshooting your HBO Max buffering issue, try disconnecting other devices connected to your network.

Alternatively, you can ask others to pause their network activities temporarily as well. This will give as much bandwidth as possible for streaming HBO Max for more accurate results.

reduce activity on your network to fix HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

 

10. Check for Buffer Issues on Other TV Shows or Movies

Moreover, we also recommend test streaming a different movie or show when HBO Max keeps buffering. Buffer occurs when the downloading of audio and visual data for the video is slower than the playback speed.

While one of the primary reasons is a slow or unstable Internet connection, it’s also essential to check if it occurs for a particular show only.

Overall, we suggest testing if buffers occur on other HBO Max shows or movies. To be extra sure, you can repeat this with a few other shows as well.

check different HBO Max TV shows or movies if stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

Additionally, you can check the HBO Max server status on DownDetector (Step 1) to see if other users are reporting similar buffering problems.

If the problem only occurs for a particular movie, we advise you to report the issue to HBO Max Support (Step 16).

 

 

11. Stream HBO Max on a Different Device

In addition to viewing another show, you should try to stream on a different device as well. This is in case there’s a standard software issue with the particular streaming device reported by many users. 

For example, many users have reported experiencing HBO Max movies kept buffering when streaming on Xbox. Alternatively, some have also mentioned that the problem persists on their RokuTV. However, the situation isn’t as bad as the situation with Xbox.

Hence, we suggest that you try switching to a different streaming device you have lying around your home to watch HBO Max shows. This could be any device, be it your PC 💻 or even your phone 📱.

check HBO Max on a different device or through mobile app if stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

Afterwards, suppose you notice your movies are loading properly again. In that case, you can opt to use that device for HBO Max temporarily. You can even mirror your PC screen to your TV 📺 using a good-quality HDMI cable.

check or use a different device to stream HBO Max if stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

Furthermore, ensure that your streaming device is running its latest OS version (Step 13). This allows your device to be more compatible and optimised for apps, especially newer ones like HBO Max.

You can also reach out to the device manufacturer’s support team for help. For example, if your HBO Max stream keeps buffering on your Xbox, try contacting Xbox Support.

 

 

12. Stream HBO Max on a Different Web Browser 

Additionally, you may still find buffering issues when streaming on your PC due to issues with your web browser. Browsers run on engines that process the code written for websites. However, different browsers use different engines.

They interpret and render a webpage distinctively causing the same website to appear and function differently across browsers. Hence, we recommend testing with a different web browser such as Chrome, Edge or Firefox.

use a different web browser to fix HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

According to user reports, sometimes, these HBO Max errors only appear on specific web browsers. For now, if you’re watching from your PC, there’s no standalone app you could install to watch HBO Max. Also, since HBO Max is a newcomer in the content-streaming space, it understandably might not be optimized for every web browser.

So, you’re going to need to choose the right web browser to stream HBO Max to avoid these infuriating buffers.

From what we’ve gathered, users report issues using HBO max on Edge❌ and a few on Firefox❌.

Hence, we suggest using Google Chrome✅ while waiting for HBO to optimize the service for Microsoft Edge. For other users, this might be vice versa, so see which web browser works best for you.

On paper, HBO Max should be functional on whichever web browser you’re using!

 

 

13. Check for Streaming Device Updates 

Another cause leading to HBO Max buffering issues is an incompatible OS version. This is because HBO Max is a relatively new app and is more optimized for devices with the latest software versions.

Hence, suppose your streaming device uses an outdated OS version that wasn’t updated in more than a year. Then, you’re prone to experience these errors.

You can find the minimum requirements for your device to handle HBO Max by viewing their guide here.

After that, check your device’s OS or software version within the Settings app ⚙️.

check your streaming devices OS version if HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

At the same time, check for pending Software Updates within your device’s Settings app. If there are any, proceed to install them.

Update software version on Android to fix HBO Max stream keeps buffering not loading or playing

 

The following are links to official guides you can refer, to check for pending OS updates on your set-top box: 

 

 

14. Clear the HBO Max App Cache and Data Files

Additionally, we suggest clearing the HBO Max app cache and data files. A cache is a special storage in the CPU. It  keeps temporary files and duplicated copies of data, in this case, data from the HBO Max app. Therefore, cache memory can reduce access time needed to obtain HBO Max app data.

However, over time, the cache can occupy a sizable portion of memory space on your device. Plus, blunders such as corrupted files can occur when downloading data. As a result, it can slow down your device and lead to HBO Max not loading up or playing correctly.

Therefore, if you’re using the HBO Max app on your mobile devices, tablets or set-top boxes, it’s best to clear this cache occasionally.

For this, you can follow the 2 ways below to remove the HBO Max app cache and data:

 

Delete the HBO Max App Cache and Data Through Settings

For Android devices, Android TVs, and some set-top boxes like Amazon Firestick, you can clear all the HBO Max app data through the Settings app.

To navigate to these settings:

  1. Firstly, open the Settings app
  2. Then, tap on Apps & notifications
  3. Next, select HBO Max from the list of apps. 

clear hbo max app cache and data on Android streaming devices to fix stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

  1. After that, tap Storage & cache.
  2. Lastly, start by tapping Clear Cache, and then you can choose Clear Storage.

clear hbo max app cache on Android streaming devices to fix stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

Reinstall the HBO Max App

Furthermore, to clear the HBO Max app cache, we recommend directly reinstalling the app. The process of reinstalling involves uninstalling the app and then installing it again.

First, uninstalling the HBO Max app gets rid of all related data files on the device. These data files include hidden cache and corrupted files from the previous version. Subsequently, installing the HBO Max app again downloads a fresh copy onto your device.

Hence, this step is capable of removing all possible files hindering the HBO Max video stream from loading or playing properly. Therefore, it makes this step more effective than the previous.

 

Note: You will not lose any account-related data by reinstalling the HBO Max app on your device. This is because these data are stored in HBO Max servers and are retrievable with the correct login credentials. 

 

Generally, the steps to reinstall the HBO Max app are similar across most streaming devices and are as follows:

  1. First, uninstall the HBO Max app. You can do this by long-pressing for the selection menu or through Settings.
  2. Then, select Uninstall or Remove app.

reinstall HBO Max app to fix stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

  1. Next, you can opt to restart your device or straight go to your App Store to install the HBO Max app. 

 

 

15. Delete Your Web Browser Cache

Moving on, cache memory isn’t only limited to installed apps. On the contrary, the cache is also produced when streaming HBO Max movies via a web browser.

This process occurs mainly when you visit the HBO Max website for the first time.

What occurs in the backend is, your browser will request website assets and programs from the HBO Max server. Then, it’ll store the static assets on your device’s hard drive as cache which lives on your device for a period of time.

Therefore, this makes it quicker to retrieve website files from your hard drive compared to the remote server. As a result, it’s intended to increase the browsing speed when visiting HBO Max.

However, your browser won’t request a new copy of the asset with the downloaded cache, possibly leaving out important updates. Consequently, users won’t have the latest files. This situation can lead to buffering issues due to mismatched formatting and broken programs.

Even though it’s the server’s responsibility to keep track of updated assets that need to be replaced on users’ devices. We advise you to take charge and clear your web browser cache by following the steps below.

However, the steps will slightly differ depending on your PC’s OS:

 

On Google Chrome (Windows)

The following steps are catered for Google Chrome. However, if you’re using a different web browser on Windows (Firefox, Edge), the steps are still similar:

  1. First, access your browsing history by pressing Ctrl + H keys together. Or click the menu button at the top-right and choose History at the drop-down.
  2. On the following page, click the Clear Browsing Data button. For Google Chrome, that’ll be on the left. 

delete web browser data, cache and cookies on Windows to fix HBO Max stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

  1. Next, under Basic, check all options. Plus, you should select a time range of All time. Then, click Clear Data

delete web browser data, cache and cookies on Windows to fix stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

On Safari (macOS)

  1. First, with Safari launched, from the Menu Bar, click Safari and select “Preferences….” 

delete web browser data, cache and cookies on macOS to fix stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

  1. At the following window, choose Advanced from the top bar, and tick the box next to “Show Develop menu in bar”.

delete web browser data, cache and cookies on macOS to fix stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

  1. Subsequently, from the Menu Bar, click Develop, and select Empty Caches

delete web browser data, cache and cookies on macOS to fix stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

  1. After that, you can clear your search history and even more Site Data and Cookies. To do this, from the Menu Bar, click Safari, and choose “Clear History…”.
  2. Lastly, click Clear History at the following window.

delete web browser data, cache and cookies on macOS to fix stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

On Microsoft Edge

Additionally, you can find specific steps to clear web browser data on Edge, in this guide by Microsoft Support.

 

 

16. Report the Buffering Issue to the HBO Max Support Center

Lastly, if none of the solutions have worked for you, bring it up with HBO Max support. Suppose many users are encountering similar issues with the HBO Max stream not loading or playing. You can contribute to the fix too.

As more users report the problem, the faster the Support Center will take notice and release a proper fix from the backend 👨‍💻.

Plus, by doing this, you can get more suitable fixes for your HBO Max buffering problem, fit for your streaming device as well.

To contact the HBO Max support team: 

  1. Firstly, visit their Contact Us page by clicking here.
  2. After that, in the Topic select box, choose Troubleshoot & Fix
  3. Then, you can select one of the four methods to contact – Chat, Text, Phone, or Email.

report error to HBO Max Support to fix stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

Besides that, you can also post your questions in the HBO Max subreddit. This subreddit has active Redditors and support team members who can provide you with appropriate fixes as well.

report error in HBO Max subreddit to fix stream keeps buffering, not loading or playing

 

If you’re more comfortable with Twitter, you can also reach out to HBO Max on their Twitter page.

However, we suggest starting with the HBO Max contact page as you’re more likely to get a faster response.

 

 

Conclusion

Amidst the Covid pandemic, we’re restricted from going to cinemas due to standard operating procedures. Therefore, various streaming services such as HBO Max have become the newest alternative.

It allows us to watch the latest movies with our families in the safety and comfort of our own homes. Hence, you shouldn’t allow frustrating buffering issues to stand in between you and your favourite movies.

On that note, we definitely won’t leave you to solve it alone. This guide shows you the 16 best fixes to try when your HBO Max keeps buffering and isn’t loading or playing correctly.

However, after every fix, do make sure to test the HBO Max movies and shows and inspect if the problem persists.

Nonetheless, if none of the fixes worked for you, it may be a problem on HBO Max’s end. So, give it a few hours before trying again.

Lastly, let us know in the comments:

  • Are your HBO Max movies buffering endlessly too?
  • How does your HBO Max error look like? Share your experience. 🤗
  • Did any of the fixes above work for you?
  • Are there other useful fixes that you think we should add to the list?
  • What other HBO Max errors are you encountering?

 

Share this post with your friends to save them from their troubles with this HBO Max buffering issue! They’ll appreciate it. 😊

Written by Sabrina Chow

Sabrina Chow is a Software Development Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering from Lancaster University, UK and Sunway University, Malaysia. With her extensive knowledge in software development practices, Sabrina is a skilled tech writer, delivering insightful and thorough content with a deep understanding of technology. As an avid and enthusiastic user of new technology and online platforms/services, Sabrina brings a unique perspective to her writing, ensuring that readers receive the most up-to-date information. With Sabrina's expertise and passion, she is an asset to the Pletaura team.

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