HBO Max is an excellent streaming service that continues to grow in popularity. Now that it's available on several platforms, including Roku, users are likely looking to enjoy some shows. There are multiple ways to view HBO Max on Roku devices and below we'll go over them all.

The easiest way is to install the dedicated HBO Max app, as long as HBO offers one for your device. We'll start with that, then discuss other methods like casting HBO Max to a TV or Roku, screen share mirroring, and more.

How to Get the HBO Max App for Roku

HBO Max app for Roku devices

Your first step is to get the HBO Max channel added to your Roku TV or streaming device. On the main Roku home screen locate HBO Max in the New and Notable section or under the Movies & TV category. Once you find HBO Max click on Add channel and it'll download and install the app for you.

Another option is to open the Roku app store and search for HBO Max and add it the same way. From there, log in and enjoy. Additionally, Roku will sell subscriptions to HBO Max using Roku Pay, but you can no longer subscribe to the channel through Roku. Instead, you must use Roku's payment service to buy it from HBO.

Download: HBO Max for Roku (subscription service)

How to Cast HBO Max to Roku

Before we explain how to mirror HBO Max to Roku using your phone, Apple device, or even a PC, we want to explain how you'll achieve this. You can mirror whatever is on your screen to any Roku device or TV, which is an older method that still works. Or, you can cast content from your phone to Roku.

We recommend trying to cast HBO Max to Roku first if you don't have the app, and casting is better than screen mirror mode. If you have to mirror your device you may see on-screen buttons or start menus, as it literally mirrors your entire phone or computer screen to your Roku, which isn't ideal. Here are all your options.

How to Cast HBO Max on Roku With Android or iPhone

Google cast button in HBO Max app
  1. Make sure your Roku device and your iPhone or Android are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open HBO Max on your iPhone/Android and start watching something.
  3. At the top right of the video player, tap the Google Cast button.
  4. Choose the Roku TV or Roku streaming device you'd like to cast to.
Screen when casting to Roku

If you want, you can still use your phone while HBO Max is casting your favorite shows or movies.

If you don't have the cast button on iOS, go to your phone Settings, scroll down, and tap on HBO Max, then make sure Bluetooth and Location Network are both turned on. Then, repeat the steps and it should work.

How to Stream HBO Max With AirPlay to Roku

AirPlay button from media controls in Control Center

The next best way to get HBO Max to work is with Apple AirPlay on Roku. Keep in mind that you must have a 4K Roku device for this to work, as older models aren't compatible with AirPlay.

  1. Double-check your Roku and Apple device to ensure you're on the latest software available (Settings > System > System Update > Check for Updates).
  2. Ensure AirPlay is enabled on your Apple device (swipe open the Control Center and tap on the AirPlay Icon).
  3. Make sure your Roku device and your iOS/AirPlay are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  4. Open HBO Max and start watching something.
  5. Tap the screen, then at the top right tap the AirPlay button.
  6. Choose the Roku TV or Roku streaming device you'd like to AirPlay to.

If you have an older device, you can still mirror from your iPhone and the overall process is somewhat similar.

  1. Make sure your Roku device and your Apple device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open HBO Max on your device.
  3. Open the iOS Control Center and tap Screen Mirroring.
  4. Choose the Roku TV or streaming device you'd like to mirror to.

The same steps apply on the Mac too, only the AirPlay icon will be up in the top right near your system icons and Wi-Fi indicator.

How to Mirror HBO Max to Roku With Android

Samsung SmartView to Roku

Google Cast and screen mirroring are two different things. If you can't cast HBO Max to the device you want to cast to, try using your Android phone to mirror what's on your screen to the Roku. This works on nearly all Roku devices and almost every Android except for the Google Pixel lineup.

The only problem with this method is every manufacturer names "screen mirroring" something different. Samsung calls it Smart View, LG calls it SmartShare, and others have similar names. Luckily, the steps are nearly the same as we've shared above.

Look for: Smart View, SmartShare, AllShare Cast, Display mirroring, Quick Connect, Wireless display, HTC connect, screen-casting, or just "cast" on your Android handset.

  1. Make sure your Roku device and your Android are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open HBO Max.
  3. Go to Smart View, SmartShare, AllShare Cast, or whichever your phone offers, and turn it on.
  4. Find Roku TV (or Roku Stick) from the dropdown list and select it.
  5. Now, you'll see a prompt on the Roku you have to allow, and it'll start mirroring the screen of your Android device.
  6. Play a movie or show on HBO Max and enjoy watching it.

Keep in mind that this will mirror your entire Android display to the Roku device. This means that any on-screen buttons, notifications, texts, email alerts, and more will be visible to everyone watching. So, we recommend turning on Do Not Disturb so your HBO Max session isn't interrupted by alerts.

How to Watch HBO Max on Roku From a PC

Finally, you can watch HBO Max on most Roku devices by signing in to the service on your Windows PC and sharing it. Again, this will share the screen, which isn't ideal, but it's better than nothing and most PCs aren't getting as many notifications as a phone.

  1. Make sure your Roku device and your Windows PC are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open HBO Max on your device or in a web browser.
  3. Launch the Windows Action Center via the Windows notification taskbar section (or press Windows key + A).
  4. Tap Connect, then select the Roku RV or streaming device you'd like to mirror to.

The Dedicated HBO Max Roku App Is Your Best Bet

Remember that you don't need to use Roku to watch HBO Max if you have another compatible streaming device. For example, the Amazon Fire Stick supports HBO Max.

For a while, HBO Max didn't have an app for Roku, but now that they do it's typically your best option to enjoy all their content. Then, all the methods detailed above will still work, and are a great alternative if you're having problems with the HBO Max app on Roku.