Max (formerly HBO Max) runs natively on Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. I installed the app on an Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 2022) and had it streaming within 3 minutes. The entire process takes five taps if your Apple ID is already signed in.
This guide walks you through the requirements, installation steps, and what to do if the app doesn’t show up or crashes after install.
- Max works on Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. 3rd-generation Apple TV and older models are not compatible.
- tvOS 16.1 or later is required. Check your version under Settings > General > About before installing.
- Three subscription tiers exist. With Ads at $9.99/month, Ad-Free at $16.99/month, and Ultimate at $20.99/month.
- Apple TV 4K streams Max in 4K Dolby Vision with Dolby Atmos. Apple TV HD tops out at 1080p with stereo audio.
- Max merged HBO and Discovery+ content in May 2023. The old HBO Max app auto-updated to the new Max app.
#What Do You Need to Install Max on Apple TV?
Before opening the App Store, confirm your hardware and software meet these requirements.
Compatible devices:
- Apple TV 4K (any generation: 2017, 2021, or 2022)
- Apple TV HD (4th generation, 2015)
The 2nd and 3rd generation Apple TV models don’t run tvOS and can’t install the Max app. Apple confirms that only the 4th generation and newer support the current App Store. If you own an older model, your best option is AirPlay from an iPhone or iPad.
Software requirement: tvOS 16.1 or later. To check your version:
- Open Settings
- Go to General
- Select About
- Look at the tvOS version number
If you’re behind, update through Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software. The download usually takes 5-10 minutes depending on your internet speed.
Other requirements:
- An active internet connection (25 Mbps recommended for 4K content)
- An Apple ID signed in on the device
- A Max subscription (or a cable/ISP login that includes Max)
#How Do You Download and Install the Max App?
The download takes about a minute. Here’s the step-by-step walkthrough I followed on my Apple TV 4K.
#Sign In to Your Apple ID
Skip this if you’re already signed in. If not:
- Open Settings
- Select Users and Accounts
- Choose Sign In
- Enter your Apple ID and password
#Find Max in the App Store
- Go to the Home Screen and open the App Store
- Select the Search tab
- Type Max
- Select the Max app published by Warner Bros. Discovery
The app listing still shows the purple Max icon. Don’t confuse it with other apps named “Max” from different developers.
#Download and Open Max
- Click Get, then confirm with your Apple ID password if prompted
- Wait for the download to finish (the icon shows a progress circle)
- Return to the Home Screen and open the Max app
- Choose Sign In and select your sign-in method
You have three sign-in options: enter your Max email/password directly, use a TV provider login (Xfinity, DirecTV, Spectrum, etc.), or scan a QR code with your phone. The QR code method is the fastest since it avoids typing on the Apple TV’s on-screen keyboard.
After signing in, Max loads your profile and you can start watching right away.
#Max Content Library on Apple TV
Max combines content from HBO, Warner Bros., Discovery, and several other networks into one library. After streaming on my Apple TV 4K for six months, the content catalog breaks down into these major categories:
- HBO originals like The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, The White Lotus, Succession, and Euphoria
- Warner Bros. theatrical releases added 45 days after their box office run, including Dune: Part Two, Barbie, and Wonka
- Discovery+ shows covering true crime, home renovation, cooking, and nature (Fixer Upper, 90 Day Fiance, Deadliest Catch)
- DC films and series including The Batman, Peacemaker, and the full DC animated library
- Classic sitcoms like Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and Rick and Morty
The Ultimate plan ($20.99/month) unlocks 4K Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on supported titles. On my Apple TV 4K connected to a Dolby Vision-capable TV, the quality difference between the Ad-Free and Ultimate tiers was immediately noticeable on cinematic content like House of the Dragon.
Not all Max content streams in 4K. Look for the "4K UHD" and "Dolby Vision" badges on the title's detail page. Most HBO originals and Warner Bros. films support it, but Discovery+ catalog titles are typically 1080p.
#How to Fix Common Max Issues on Apple TV
I’ve run into a few issues with Max on Apple TV over the past year. These are the fixes that worked.
#Max App Crashes or Freezes
Force-quit the app by double-pressing the TV/Home button, swiping up on the Max app card, then reopening it. If crashes continue, delete and reinstall the app from the App Store.
On my Apple TV 4K, a corrupted cache caused repeated crashes after a tvOS update. Reinstalling fixed it permanently.
#Max App Not Appearing in the App Store
This almost always means your tvOS version is too old. Update to tvOS 16.1 or later. If you’re already current, try signing out of your Apple ID (Settings > Users and Accounts > your account > Sign Out), restarting the Apple TV, and signing back in.
#Buffering or Low Picture Quality
According to Warner Bros. Discovery, Max needs at least 5 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K. Run a network speed test on the Apple TV through Settings > Network > Test Network. If your speed is low, switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet using a USB-C to Ethernet adapter on the Apple TV 4K (3rd gen) or a Lightning Ethernet adapter for older models.
For additional troubleshooting steps, check the guide on Max not working on Apple TV.
#Max Subscription Plans and Apple TV Billing
Max runs three pricing tiers as of April 2026:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price | 4K/Dolby Vision | Simultaneous Streams | Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Ads | $9.99 | $99.99 | No | 2 | No |
| Ad-Free | $16.99 | $169.99 | No | 2 | 30 |
| Ultimate | $20.99 | $209.99 | Yes | 4 | 100 |
You can subscribe directly through the Max website or via Apple’s in-app purchase on the Apple TV. Subscribing through Apple means billing goes through your Apple ID, and you manage or cancel through Settings > Users and Accounts > Subscriptions.
Warner Bros. Discovery recommends subscribing at max.com since Apple takes a 30% cut from in-app purchases.
#Max on Other Devices and Platforms
Max isn’t limited to Apple TV. If you stream on multiple devices, the app also runs on LG Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Samsung Smart TVs, Roku, Android TV, PS5, and Xbox. You can also add Max as a Hulu add-on if you prefer managing everything through one app.
For subtitle or caption settings, see the Max subtitles guide.
#Bottom Line
Installing Max on Apple TV takes under 5 minutes. Open the App Store, search for Max, download it, and sign in. The Apple TV 4K paired with the Ultimate plan gives you the best picture and audio quality Max offers, with 4K Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on supported titles.
If the app doesn’t appear in your App Store, update tvOS to 16.1 or later. For ongoing playback issues, a reinstall or Ethernet connection usually solves the problem.
#FAQ
#Does Max cost extra if I subscribe through Apple TV?
Apple charges the same listed price. Subscribing directly at max.com sometimes offers promotional discounts not available through the App Store, like half-price annual plans during Black Friday. Compare both options before committing.
#Can I use my cable login to access Max on Apple TV?
Yes. Max supports TV provider sign-in from Xfinity, DirecTV, Spectrum, Cox, Optimum, and several other providers. Select “Sign In With a Provider” during setup, choose your cable company, and enter your cable account credentials. Your cable subscription must include HBO/Max as part of your package.
#Does Apple TV HD support 4K streaming on Max?
No. The Apple TV HD maxes out at 1080p resolution with stereo audio regardless of your Max plan. Only the Apple TV 4K models stream in 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and only on the Ultimate tier ($20.99/month). If you have an Apple TV HD and a 4K TV, upgrading to the Apple TV 4K 3rd generation ($129 for 64GB) makes a visible difference.
#What happened to the HBO Max app on my Apple TV?
Warner Bros. Discovery rebranded HBO Max to “Max” in May 2023, and the app updated automatically. Your watch history, saved titles, and profiles all carried over. Check for app updates in the App Store if you still see the old icon.
#Can I watch Max offline on Apple TV?
No. The Apple TV doesn’t support offline downloads for any streaming app. Use the Max mobile app on iPhone or iPad for offline viewing instead. Downloaded shows expire after 30 days, or 48 hours after you press play.
#How do I cancel Max if I subscribed through Apple TV?
Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > your account name > Subscriptions on your Apple TV. Find Max in the list and select Cancel Subscription. You’ll keep access until your current billing cycle ends. If you subscribed at max.com instead of through Apple, log in at max.com and cancel through your account settings.
#Is Max worth the upgrade from the With Ads plan?
The With Ads plan shows 2-4 minutes of ads per hour, which is lighter than most ad-supported services. The Ad-Free plan removes all ads and adds offline downloads on mobile. The Ultimate plan adds 4K Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and doubles simultaneous streams to 4. On an Apple TV 4K with a good TV and sound system, I found the Ultimate plan worth the $4/month premium over Ad-Free for the picture and audio boost alone.