During the 2024 HBO Max-to-Max transition, the reliable approach was to look for the Max app in your device’s official app store, install or update it, and sign in with your existing account. Some devices updated automatically; others required a separate download. The name changed again later: as of August 18, 2026, Max’s help center says the service is becoming HBO Max again. Follow the official app name currently shown in your device’s store; the platform steps below explain the 2024 change.
What changed in 2024—and what did not
HBO Max became Max in 2024. The change involved the app’s name and, on some devices, replacing the old app with a separately installed Max app. It did not generally require an account migration or a second subscription: the migration guidance told existing subscribers to sign in with their established credentials. Warner Bros. Discovery’s later notice said accounts, profiles, settings, programming, plans, and pricing would remain unchanged at the time of that notice. Max’s 2024 migration instructions and its later naming notice provide that context.
Your device software and app are separate. If the app will not appear, install, or run, updating Roku OS, tvOS, or Fire OS may also be necessary. Your billing provider—such as Roku, Apple, Amazon, or Max—can matter if access is missing or you are trying to remove the app.
Before you update
- Connect the device to the internet and have the email and password for your existing HBO Max/Max account ready.
- Use the device’s official app store or channel store. Max says installations from outside official app stores are unsupported: official app-store guidance.
- If asked to subscribe, choose Sign In first. Do not purchase a second subscription until you have checked the original account and billing provider.
- Use the app name currently listed in your region’s official store. Availability and compatibility can vary by device, operating-system version, and market.
Update or install the app on Roku
Check for an update
- From the Roku Home screen, highlight the Max channel.
- Press the remote’s Star (*) button and choose the update option if it appears.
- Separately check Roku software: go to Settings > System > System update > Check now. Max’s guidance says a Roku system update also updates installed channels.
- Open the app and sign in if prompted.
If the old HBO Max channel is still there, update Roku and let the channel list refresh. If you still cannot find the current app, go to Home > Search, search for Max (or the current official name), select the official channel, and choose Add app.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Restart or reinstall if needed
Restart from Settings > System > System restart on a Roku player, or Settings > System > Power > System restart on a Roku TV. If the menu restart does not help, unplug the device for 20 seconds, reconnect it, and try again.
For a non-Roku-billed subscription, the reinstall sequence is:
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
- Highlight Max, press Star (*), choose Remove app, and confirm.
- Restart Roku.
- Search the Streaming Store for Max and choose Add app.
- Open it and sign in again.
Roku billing exception: Max says an active Roku-billed subscriber may be unable to remove the app. Try updating the channel and Roku software and restarting instead of repeatedly attempting removal. See Max’s Roku troubleshooting steps.
Update or install the app on Apple TV
Find Max and update tvOS
- Open the Apple TV App Store and search for Max (or the current official app name).
- If it is installed and an update is available, choose Update. If it is missing, choose Install or the download option.
- If the app will not download or run, go to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software.
- Open the app and sign in with the existing account.
The cited Max compatibility documentation listed Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K running tvOS 15 or later as supported. This is the requirement in that documentation, not a guarantee of permanent or worldwide compatibility; check the supported-device page for current details.
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Restart or reinstall if needed
To restart Apple TV, go to Settings > System > Restart. If the app remains broken, highlight Max on the Home screen, press and hold the Touch surface for about two seconds, press Play/Pause, and choose Delete. Then reinstall it from the App Store and sign in. These steps are from Max’s Apple TV troubleshooting guidance.
Update or install the app on Fire TV
Update Max or find it in the Appstore
- From Fire TV Home, highlight the Max tile.
- Press the remote’s Menu button (three horizontal lines), select More Info in the lower-right corner, then choose Update if available.
- If the app is missing, select Find, search for Max (or the current official name), select the official app, and choose the download option.
- Open the app and sign in with the existing account.
Update Fire OS, clear data, or reinstall
If installation or playback still fails, go to Settings > My Fire TV > About > Check for System Update, finish any available update, and try the app again. Max’s cited device guide listed Fire TV devices running Fire OS 5 or later as supported; consult the current supported-device information because requirements can change.
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
For crashes or loading trouble, open Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > Max. Choose Clear Cache; if needed, choose Clear Data. Clearing data can erase the local sign-in state, so be prepared to authenticate again. If that does not help, choose Uninstall, reinstall Max from the Amazon Appstore, and sign in. See Max’s Fire TV and playback troubleshooting guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the app still does not work
| Symptom | What to try |
|---|---|
| The app is missing from the store | Search for the current official app name, update the device software, and check the current compatibility page. Region, device generation, and OS version can affect availability. |
| No Update button appears | The app may already be current or updating automatically. Launch it and check whether it works before removing it. |
| The app crashes or will not load | Restart the device. On Fire TV, clear cache first; reinstall only if less disruptive steps fail. |
| Roku will not let you remove the app | Check whether the active subscription is billed through Roku; Max says this can prevent removal. Update the app and Roku software instead. |
| The app asks you to subscribe or profiles seem missing | Select Sign In and use the original account email. If access remains missing, check which provider bills the subscription before buying again. |
| Video buffers after the app update | This may be a connection issue rather than an app issue. Max’s troubleshooting guidance gives 5 Mbps as the minimum for HD and recommends 50+ Mbps for 4K; congestion can still affect playback. See Max’s buffering guidance. |
| The device appears unsupported | Check the current supported-device page or use a newer supported device; requirements can change. |
If the problem persists, contact Max support with the exact error message or code. To check your billing provider, Max’s billing-provider information covers subscriptions billed directly and through partners including Roku, Apple, and Amazon.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Best Value
- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
Do you need a new subscription?
Usually not just because the app changed names. Sign in to the account you used for HBO Max and check the billing provider if the subscription is not recognized. The 2024 migration guidance described installing the Max app and signing in, while the later name change does not by itself mean you need a new account or a second purchase.
Why you may see HBO Max again
Max’s help center says the service is becoming HBO Max again. That later naming change explains why the app currently offered in a store may say HBO Max rather than Max. Use the official app listed for your device and region; the Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV paths above describe the historical 2024 Max transition.
Sources: 2024 migration instructions; device update and reinstall steps; supported devices; later naming notice.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
