To update the app, highlight the Max or HBO Max channel on your Roku TV Home screen, press the Star (*) button, and select Check for updates. Then check for a Roku software update at Settings > System > Software update > Check now. The name change has happened in both directions: HBO Max became Max on May 23, 2023, and Max began reverting to HBO Max in summer 2025. In the U.S., HBO Max is the current branding direction; an older icon may simply need an update.
Which name change are you seeing?
HBO Max launched as Max on May 23, 2023. Warner Bros. Discovery announced on May 14, 2025, that Max would become HBO Max again, with the transition planned for summer 2025. Its U.S. pressroom identifies HBO Max as the active service in 2026. Warner Bros. Discovery’s 2023 launch announcement · 2025 rebrand announcement · Current U.S. pressroom
So an HBO Max icon is not necessarily out of date. If your Roku still shows Max, update the installed channel rather than looking for a second app or creating another account. The name and rollout timing can vary by device, account, region, and Roku software version.
Update the Max or HBO Max channel
- Press Home on the Roku remote.
- On the Home screen, highlight the Max or HBO Max channel. Do not open it.
- Press the Star (*) button.
- Select Check for updates and let Roku install an available update.
You may not see a separate button labeled “Update.” The manual check is in the channel’s options menu. Max’s Roku update instructions
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#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.
Update the Roku TV software too
- Press Home.
- Open Settings > System > Software update.
- Select Check now.
Some Roku software versions or regions may label this menu System update rather than Software update. Roku’s system check also checks for updates to installed channels, so run it even if you already checked the app directly. Max’s Roku update instructions
Restart the TV if the change does not appear
On a Roku TV, use Home > Settings > System > Power > System restart. This is a restart, not simply turning the television off; a normal power-off may leave the TV in standby. If the menu restart is unavailable or does not help, unplug the TV for about 20 seconds, reconnect it, and try the channel update again. The menu differs on a Roku streaming player: use Settings > System > System restart. Max’s restart guidance
Rank #2
- 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.
What happened during the HBO Max-to-Max transition?
The 2023 change is not the current direction of the name change. At launch, many existing HBO Max subscribers received an automatic app update; others were prompted to download the Max app. Warner Bros. Discovery said profiles, settings, watch history, Continue Watching, and My List were intended to migrate. Warner Bros. Discovery’s 2023 announcement
For the later Max-to-HBO Max rebrand, the company’s support guidance said subscribers did not need to take action: the existing app would become HBO Max, with the app experience, programming, plans, pricing, profiles, and settings unchanged at the time of the announcement. Max’s rebrand guidance An app update may still arrive at a different time on your Roku.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- 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
Reinstall only if updating and restarting do not work
If your subscription was not purchased through Roku, removing and adding the channel again can be a next troubleshooting step:
- Highlight the Max or HBO Max channel on the Roku Home screen and press Star (*).
- Select Remove app and confirm.
- Restart the Roku TV.
- Search the Streaming Store for HBO Max and select Add app.
- Open the app and sign in with the same account or partner credentials.
If you have an active subscription billed through Roku, Max says you may not be able to remove the channel. Do not keep repeating the uninstall attempt; update and restart instead, or contact Max or Roku support. Reinstalling is not the same as creating an account, but you will need to sign in again, and local device preferences may not be retained. Max’s Roku troubleshooting instructions
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
Troubleshoot a missing channel, sign-in issue, or playback failure
The channel is missing
- Search the Roku Streaming Store for HBO Max, not only Max.
- Check for Roku software updates first.
- Confirm you are using the Roku account and Home screen where the channel was installed; it could be hidden from the Home screen.
- Compatibility depends on the Roku model and software, and availability varies by country or territory. Check Max’s device-availability guidance if the channel does not appear. Max device availability guidance
The app opens but will not sign in
Use the email address for the same streaming account, or the correct TV-provider or other partner credentials if your subscription comes through a provider. Updating the channel does not change who bills you. If you subscribed through Roku, the subscription remains managed through Roku.
Video buffers or playback fails
- Check the connection at Home > Settings > Network > Check connection, then update both the channel and Roku software and restart the TV.
- Try another title. If only one program fails, the issue may be limited to that title; if playback fails across the service, test Max on another supported device to help distinguish a Roku-specific issue from an account or network problem.
- Max lists 5 Mbps as minimum guidance for HD streaming and recommends 50+ Mbps for 4K in relevant troubleshooting guidance. These are not guarantees: Wi-Fi congestion and device capability can affect playback. HD speed guidance · Buffering and 4K guidance
- Write down any error code before contacting support. Updating the app may not fix audio or 4K problems caused by HDMI, HDCP, a receiver, or audio-format compatibility. Max device and playback guidance
If the channel remains unavailable or an error persists, have your Roku TV model, Roku software version, subscription billing provider, and any displayed error code ready when contacting support. Do not use unofficial app downloads or sideloading to work around an unavailable channel.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
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.
