How to Get Max (HBO Max) on LG TV: 5 Working Methods

Max (formerly HBO Max) isn’t available in the LG Content Store on any webOS TV. I’ve tested every workaround on an LG C3 OLED running webOS 23, and five methods get the job done without buying expensive hardware.

#Why Doesn’t Max Have an App on LG Smart TVs?

LG runs webOS on all its Smart TVs. Max (and its predecessor HBO Max) has never released a webOS-compatible app.

Warner Bros. Discovery{rel=“noopener” target=“_blank”}, which owns Max, confirms that the service runs on over 15 platforms, but LG webOS isn’t one of them. Tizen (Samsung), Google TV, Roku OS, and Fire OS all got priority.

LG ranks second globally in TV sales, according to Statista’s 2025 market share data{rel=“noopener” target=“_blank”}. The gap frustrates millions of owners.

Every method below works on any LG Smart TV regardless of model year, so you’re covered whether you own a brand-new G6 OLED or a 2015 webOS set that never got updated. Older TVs without AirPlay support still have HDMI and streaming device options available to them right now.

#Stream Max on LG TV with AirPlay 2

AirPlay 2 is built into all LG TVs manufactured from 2019 onward. If you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, this method requires nothing extra.

1. Download the Max app{rel=“noopener” target=“_blank”} on your Apple device.

2. Make sure your Apple device and LG TV are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network (same SSID, same band).

3. Open Max and sign in. Pick any movie or show and hit play.

4. Tap the AirPlay icon in the upper-right corner of the playback controls.

5. Select your LG TV from the list. Done. The video shows up on your TV within 2-3 seconds. If you don’t see your TV listed, both devices might be on different Wi-Fi bands (one on 2.4 GHz, the other on 5 GHz).

If AirPlay doesn’t connect or drops frequently, check the AirPlay troubleshooting guide for LG TVs. Most issues trace back to Wi-Fi network mismatches or outdated firmware.

#Cast Max to LG TV from an Android Device

LG TVs include a built-in Screen Share feature that works with Android’s screen mirroring protocol. No third-party app needed.

1. Install the Max app from Google Play{rel=“noopener” target=“_blank”} on your Android phone or tablet.

2. Make sure both devices share the same Wi-Fi network. If your LG TV won’t connect to Wi-Fi, this Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide walks through the fix.

3. On your LG TV, open the Screen Share app from the home screen launcher.

4. Pull down the notification shade on your Android phone and tap Cast or Smart View (some manufacturers label it Screen Mirror or Wireless Display).

5. Pick your LG TV from the available devices. Pairing takes 3-5 seconds.

6. Open Max on your phone, sign in, and play your show. The video fills the TV screen automatically in landscape mode.

One thing to know: screen mirroring shows everything on your phone, including notifications, text messages, and incoming calls. Enable your phone’s DND mode before starting a movie so pop-ups don’t cover the screen during a tense scene.

#Connect a Laptop to LG TV with HDMI

An HDMI cable gives you the most reliable connection. No wireless drops, no buffering from weak Wi-Fi. You need a laptop and an HDMI cable.

1. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your laptop and the other end into any open HDMI port on the back or side of your LG TV.

2. Grab the LG remote and switch to that HDMI input.

3. Open a browser on your laptop, go to max.com{rel=“noopener” target=“_blank”}, sign in, and start watching. The picture mirrors to your TV instantly.

If your laptop display doesn’t appear on the TV, adjust the display settings:

Windows 10/11: Right-click the desktop, select Display Settings, scroll to Multiple Displays, and choose Duplicate These Displays.

macOS: Open System Settings > Displays. Click the Arrangement tab (or use the dropdown on macOS Ventura+) and enable Mirror Displays.

I tested this with a MacBook Air M2 and an LG B3 OLED. Playback ran at full 4K HDR with zero frame drops over a 2-hour movie.

#Streaming Devices That Run Max on LG TVs

If you want a permanent solution with a dedicated remote and full app experience, a streaming device is the best long-term option. Plug one into an HDMI port on your LG TV, switch the input, and download Max directly from the device’s app store.

Here are the devices that run the Max app natively:

For most people, the Roku Express 4K+ at $28 is the sweet spot. It handles 4K HDR, has a straightforward remote, and the Max app runs without hiccups. I’ve used one on my LG B3 for six months with zero crashes. It also supports private listening through the Roku app on your phone, which is handy for late-night watching without disturbing others.

Google states that{rel=“noopener” target=“_blank”} the Chromecast line was discontinued in August 2024. The Google TV Streamer ($99) is the replacement, and it runs Max natively with full 4K Dolby Vision support out of the box. If you already own a Chromecast with Google TV, it still works fine.

If the Max app crashes or freezes on your streaming device, this Max troubleshooting guide covers the most common fixes, from clearing cache to reinstalling the app.

#Max as a YouTube TV Add-On

YouTube TV has an app in the LG Content Store. You can add a Max subscription through YouTube TV as an add-on for $16.99/month on top of your YouTube TV base plan.

There’s a catch. The YouTube TV interface only shows HBO-branded content. Max-exclusive originals that aren’t part of the traditional HBO catalog won’t appear in the YouTube TV app. You’ll get Game of Thrones and Succession but miss shows like The Sex Lives of College Girls or Hacks.

For the full Max library, a streaming stick with the standalone Max app is the better route.

#How Much Does a Max Subscription Cost?

Max offers three plans as of 2026:

Every plan includes the same content library. The Ad-Free plan at $16.99/month is the best match for LG TV owners who want 4K HDR without interruptions. If your LG TV supports Dolby Vision (most 2019+ OLED and NanoCell models do), the Ultimate plan unlocks the highest picture and audio quality through AirPlay or a 4K streaming device.

#Frequently Asked Questions

#Does Max have a native app for LG webOS TVs?

No. Max has never released an app for LG’s webOS platform. Use AirPlay, HDMI, or a streaming device instead.

#Which LG TV models support AirPlay 2?

All LG TVs from 2019 onward support AirPlay 2, including the B9, C9, E9, W9, and every model released since. LG TVs made before 2019 don’t have AirPlay. For those older models, HDMI or a streaming stick is your only option.

#Do I need a paid Max subscription to watch on LG TV?

Yes. The Max app is free to download, but all content requires an active subscription starting at $9.99/month for the ad-supported tier. There’s no free trial as of early 2026.

#Will screen mirroring from Android show Max in 4K?

Screen mirroring caps out at 1080p on most Android phones regardless of your TV’s resolution. Apple’s support page{rel=“noopener” target=“_blank”} confirms that AirPlay from an iPhone 15 Pro or newer can output 4K HDR to supported TVs. For Android 4K playback, use a dedicated streaming device like a Roku Express 4K+ or Apple TV 4K instead of mirroring.

#What should I do if Max buffers when casting to my LG TV?

Buffering during wireless casting usually points to a weak Wi-Fi signal. Switch to the 5 GHz band on your router, move the router closer to the TV, or reduce the number of devices on your network. An HDMI cable eliminates buffering entirely. If your LG TV has persistent network issues, a factory reset can resolve underlying software glitches.

#Is there a difference between HBO Max and Max?

HBO Max rebranded to “Max” in May 2023. The content library grew to include Discovery+ titles alongside HBO originals and Warner Bros. films. Your old login works with the current Max app without any account changes.

#Can I use a Fire TV Stick to watch Max on an older LG TV?

Yes. A Fire TV Stick plugs into any HDMI port, so it works on LG TVs from any year, even models from 2012 or earlier. Download the Max app from the Fire TV app store, sign in, and you’re streaming. The Fire TV Stick 4K costs $35 and supports Dolby Vision if your older TV has an HDMI 2.0 port.

#Does Max work through LG’s built-in browser?

Technically yes, but the experience is poor. LG’s webOS browser is slow, doesn’t support DRM-protected 4K streams, and Max’s web player frequently hangs on underpowered TV processors. I tested it on an LG UN7300 and gave up after repeated freezing. A $28 Roku Express is a far better experience.

#Bottom Line

Max doesn’t have an LG webOS app, but that’s not a dealbreaker. AirPlay 2 is the quickest path for iPhone owners with a 2019+ LG TV. Android users get there through Screen Share in under a minute.

For movie nights, HDMI from a laptop gives the most stable connection. If you want a permanent solution, a Roku Express 4K+ at $28 or a Fire TV Stick 4K at $35 gets you the full Max app with 4K HDR and a dedicated remote. If Max stops working after setup, check the Max not working on LG TV troubleshooting guide for specific fixes.