There are several ways to stream HBO Max on your Vizio TV. You can install the app directly, cast video from your smartphone, or use a streaming device. Keep reading, and I’ll show you how it’s done.
So, how do you stream HBO Max on your Vizio TV? It depends on the TV.
With a newer television, you just install the app.
With an older one, you may need to find a workaround.
Here are four methods, starting with the simplest.
1. Directly Download the App Onto Your TV
The first thing to do is check whether or not you can download the HBO Max app.
Press the Home button on your Vizio remote, and select “Connected TV Store.”
Click on “All Apps,” and scroll through until you find HBO Max.
Select it, press “OK,” and choose the option to install.
If the HBO Max app isn’t listed, it’s not available on your TV.
You’ll need to try a different method.
Once you’ve installed the app, you’ll need to open it.
Open your menu again, and navigate to the HBO Max app using the arrow keys.
The first time, you’ll have to enter your email address and password.
After that, you can launch the app at will and watch whatever you like.
2. Use the Vizio SmartCast App
If you can’t install the app on your TV, don’t worry.
There are other ways to watch HBO Max.
Vizio designed their own workaround called Vizio SmartCast.
For this to work, you’ll first need to install the SmartCast App on your TV and smartphone.
Next, follow the instructions in the app to pair your phone with your TV.
After that, you’ll be able to cast any of your other apps to your Vizio TV.
Just open SmartCast on your phone and tap on the app you want to cast.
As you might imagine, this is useful for far more than watching HBO Max.
3. Cast Directly to Your TV
If you’d rather not install a separate app, you don’t have to.
Most modern smartphones can stream video to any smart TV.
Provided your phone has this feature, here’s how it’s done:
- Connect your Vizio TV and smartphone to the same WiFi network.
- Open the HBO Max app on your phone and start playing your video.
- Top the casting button in the top right of the screen.
- Select your Vizio TV.
4. Use a Streaming Device
If you’d rather not rely on your smartphone, you don’t have to.
You can use a streaming stick like a Roku or Amazon Firestick to supply a signal directly to your TV.
To do this, you’ll first have to install the HBO Max app on your streaming device.
Here’s how it’s done:
On a Roku Stick
First, go to your Home screen.
Select “Settings,” then “System,” then “About,” and look for your operating system version.
If you’re running Roku OS 9.3 or higher, HBO Max will be available.
- Press the Home button on your remote control.
- Select “Streaming Channels,” then “Search Channels.”
- Type in “HBO Max.” It should pop up by the time you’ve entered “HBO.”
- Using your arrow keys, highlight HBO Max.
- Press the “OK” button and select “Add Channel.”
The app will install in a couple of minutes, and you’ll be ready to start watching.
On an Amazon Firestick
- Select “Find” on the home page, then choose “Search.”
- Type “HBO Max” and select the app when it appears. It should be the first thing that shows up under “Apps & Games.”
- Select “Get,” and wait for the app to download.
Why can’t I get HBO Max on my Vizio Smart TV?
If you can’t find HBO Max in your TV’s app store, you probably want to know why.
Why is it available on some Vizio TVs and not on others?
When HBO Max officially launched, they brokered exclusivity deals with several device manufacturers.
Samsung was the only TV manufacturer to strike such a deal.
Some brands of smart TVs run Android OS, so users can still install HBO Max.
But Vizio TVs have a proprietary operating system, so there was no way to access the app.
In September 2021, HBO Max announced that their app would be available on new Vizio TVs.
That’s why you can install the app if you just bought your TV.
For everyone else, you’ll have to rely on the workarounds I outlined.
In Summary
As you can see, it’s easy to watch your favorite HBO Max shows on your Vizio television.
If you’re lucky, you can watch them directly from the app.
Even if you can’t, you’ve got other options.
You can use the Vizio SmartCast app, or cast from your smartphone.
You can also stream from a Roku stick or similar device.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the App Store on my Vizio TV?
Touch the Vizio icon button on your remote control.
On the home screen, choose “Connected TV Store,” then “All Apps.”
Select HBO Max, and hit “OK,” followed by “Install App.”
How do I download HBO Max on my older Vizio TV?
You can’t.
Because of HBO’s earlier exclusivity deal, HBO Max is not available on Vizio TVs manufactured before September 2021.
You’ll have to use a different method.
