By Sarah Keane
Launched in May of 2020, HBO Max is slowly becoming a preferred streaming service to many viewers. It offers content from numerous production houses in the USA, including Warner Bros, Cartoon Network, and CNN, not forgetting its very own HBO originals like Game of Thrones and many others.
While you may love HBO shows, living outside the USA puts you at a disadvantage since the service is only currently available only in the U.S. Can you stream HBO while in India?
Before you give up, there is still a way to catch Friends: The Reunion or The Big Bang Theory on HBO. Here is everything you need to know to enjoy your favorite HBO shows without leaving India.
How to watch HBO Max in India
Get a VPN service
A Virtual Private Network or VPN is the best way to access HBO Max in India. With a VPN for HBO Max, you can access the content on this U.S.-based platform without worrying about geo-restriction. You will need to download the VPN, create an account and sign in to use the service.
The VPN will allow you access to hundreds of US-based servers. Choose your favorite location to start streaming your favorite HBO Max shows.
Getting an HBO Account
If you do not have an HBO Max account, you can only get an account by redeeming an HBO NOW gift card. You can also follow this process to pay for your subscription if you already have an HBO account. Once you have bought your gift card, you can create one following these steps:
● With your VPN, access a server in Latham, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, or Denver.
● Go to https://subscribe.hbonow.com/gift and enter the 10 to 12 gift card code.
● Select your territory. This needs to match the server location you picked. For example, the ZIP code for Atlanta is 30343. Enter the code and click on continue.
● Choose the sign-in and redeem if you already have an account and log into your account.
● If you are new to HBO Max, you need to create an account by entering your email and choosing a password.
● Review the terms of service and privacy policy and click on redeem.
You can sign in to your account to start streaming.
HBO Max streaming tips
Now that you have an active HBO Max subscription, there are a few tips you can use to make the most of your streaming service.
Enjoy offline streaming
HBO Max allows you to download your favorite shows to enjoy offline. You can enjoy your saved shows from any device with a VPN client with the offline viewing feature. You can activate this feature from the download menu in settings.
Once the content is downloaded, you have up to 48hrs to start watching it. Unwatched downloaded content expires after 30 days.
Activate parental control
HBO Max comes with parental control features that allow you to control what your kids are watching at all times. For example, create a ‘kids’ profile to separate adult viewing from kids viewing.
To create a kid’s profile, go to the switch profile option on your profile icon and the ‘add kid’ option. You can secure the adult’s profile with a 4-digit pin to ensure your kids do not access it.
Discover what is new
You can find out what shows are new on HBO Max and shows to expect in the coming month by opening the menu icon on the top left corner of the screen.
Click on ‘just added’ to see what has been recently added. The ‘last chance’ option allows you to see what shows will be leaving the platform soon, while the ‘coming soon’ tab gives you a preview of the shows to expect on the platform soon.
With these tips, you are sure to make the most of your HBO Max subscription from anywhere in India.
