Sony is a reputable and expensive brand, which is why many users are caught by surprise when things go wrong. Some users have experienced issues with the HBO Max app, making it difficult to enjoy the full range of streaming services Sony has to offer. This article is therefore dedicated to ironing out all the issues you may face when using the HBO Max app on your Sony TV.
If HBO Max isn’t working on your Sony TV, it could be due to an outdated app version. Apps need regular updates for optimal performance and compatibility. To fix this, navigate to the app store on your Sony TV, find HBO Max, and check for any available updates. Installing the latest version can often resolve issues related to app functionality and content access.
Another reason for HBO Max not working could be network connectivity issues. If your Sony TV isn’t properly connected to the internet or is experiencing weak signal strength, it can affect streaming services like HBO Max. Try restarting your router or improving your Wi-Fi signal strength. Additionally, check if other devices on the same network are working fine to isolate the issue to your TV.
Lastly, the problem might be related to the Sony TV’s firmware being outdated. Outdated firmware can lead to compatibility issues with apps like HBO Max. To check for firmware updates, go to the ‘Settings’ menu on your Sony TV, select ‘Device Preferences’, and then ‘About’. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Keeping your TV’s firmware up to date ensures better app compatibility and overall performance.
You will find tips for how to resolve each of these issues as you read through the article. Alternatively, your problem might only relate to the sound in the HBO Max app. I have also covered this common issue.
Sony TV HBO Max Not Working
HBO Max may not work for a number of reasons. However, there are basic troubleshooting methods that work in most cases, regardless of the cause. Therefore, if anything goes wrong with the HBO Max app, start with the following fixes.
Update the Firmware
You should keep both the Sony TV and your HBO Max app up to date to prevent firmware bugs affecting them. Within each update, developers will release bug fixes for issues found in the previous firmware. To update your Sony TV, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Press the ‘Home’ button on your remote.
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Apps > Help > Status & Diagnostics > System Software Update’.
Step 3: Select ‘Check For a System Software Update’.
Step 4: Install the update if one is available.
Once you have installed the latest firmware on your Sony TV, you will need to update the HBO Max app. This can be done through the Google Play Store, outlined below.
Step 1: Press the ‘Home’ button on your remote.
Step 2: Open the Google Play Store.
Step 3: Select the profile icon at the top right of the screen.
Step 4: Select ‘Manage Apps & Devices’.
Step 5: Find and select the HBO Max app.
Step 6: Select ‘Update’.
It is also a good idea to turn on automatic updates. This is also done in the Google Play Store in your profile, but through the pathway below.
Settings > Network Preferences > Auto-update Apps
Reinstall HBO Max
Step 1: Press the ‘Home’ button on the remote and open Google Play Store.
Step 2: Select ‘My Apps’.
Step 3: Find and select the HBO Max app.
Step 4: Select ‘Uninstall’.
Step 5: Restart the Sony TV.
Step 6: Return to the Google Play Store.
Step 7: Search for and select the HBO Max app.
Step 8: Select ‘Install’.
Uninstalling the HBO Max app will clear any small errors that have occurred in the system and also clear the cache. The cache is a storage area for temporary files that help load the app faster. Sometimes this cache can become overloaded, causing the app to crash or freeze.
Hard Reset your Sony TV
Step 1: Unplug your TV from the power source.
Step 2: Disconnect all external devices.
Step 3: Press and hold the power button on the TV for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Wait another 10 minutes to ensure the TV is fully discharged.
Step 5: Plug the TV back in and reconnect your devices.
A hard reset will clear any small errors that have occurred in the system. However, it will not erase any data on the TV.
Factory Reset your Sony TV
Step 1: Press the ‘Home’ button on your remote.
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Settings > System > About > Reset > Factory Data Reset.
Step 3: Select ‘Erase Everything’ and confirm with ‘Yes’.
Performing a factory reset will erase all the data you have downloaded and will also reset your settings. This fixes most issues, but should only be done with some consideration.
Sony TV Not Found on HBO Max
The Sony TV is Not Compatible
HBO Max may not be available on your Sony TV. HBO Max requires TVs to be operating Android OS 5 or later. This means that those that were manufactured before 2015 are not compatible with HBO Max.
If your TV is a newer Sony TV, you might just need to update the firmware to run OS 5 or later. This can be done using the steps outlined above.
You could still play the app through another device, such as a phone or tablet. To mirror the stream on the TV, you will need to use another device that is connected to the TV, such as Chromecast or an Apple TV. Alternatively, you could use the HBO Max app on a streaming device connected to your TV, such as a Roku or Firestick, but this would defeat the purpose of having a smart TV.
HBO Max is Not Available in Your Region
However, you should also keep in mind that HBO Max is not available outside the US and some countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. If you are in a different country, you will not be able to access the app on Google Play. One way you could work around this is downloading and subscribing to a VPN service.
HBO Max Frozen on Sony TV
If HBO Max has frozen, it may be due to complications with your internet connection. If this is the case, refer to the information below to test and troubleshoot your connection.
However, this issue may also be due to outdated firmware or small errors in the TV or app. Therefore, you should make sure your TV and HBO Max app are up to date and that you have tried restarting them before troubleshooting the internet.
Test your Connection
You should start by checking your internet connection and speed. If your other apps and other devices on the same network are not working, you know that your network is down. In that case, you should try some of the methods below.
However, you may also have slower download speeds. If your download speed is less than that required for HBO Max, your stream will freeze constantly because the download speed is slower than the playback speed.
You need a minimum download speed of 5MB/s in order to stream the HD content on HBO Max. If you plan on watching content in 4K HDR, you will need at least 25MB/s, but HBO recommends 50MB/s.
You can test the speed of your internet by going to a speed testing website, such as Speedtest.net on your computer or by downloading their app on your Sony TV. The troubleshooting methods below can also help with your internet speed.
Restart your Modem
Step 1: Unplug your modem and router (if your have one) from their power source.
Step 2: Wait at least 1 minute.
Step 3: Plug the modem back in and wait for it to fully reboot.
Step 4: Once the modem has rebooted, plug the router back in.
Step 5: Wait for the router to fully reboot before testing your internet.
Restarting the modem and/or router is the easiest troubleshooting method for poor internet connection. If your internet still doesn’t work after restarting the modem, you may need to call the service provider or check if the network is down in your area. Otherwise, some of the tips below could also help improve your connection.
Minimise Interference
Minimising interference can be as simple as moving your modem close to your TV. It is best to keep the modem/router in the same room as the TV. However, as a general rule, they should be at least one foot but no more than 30 feet apart.
If you are struggling with getting the modem close to the TV, such as in a bigger home, you could use a WiFi booster to boost the signal. Ideally this should be positioned equally between the TV and modem.
There are also a number of objects within the home that can cause interference. Other transmitting devices, such as those listed below, can disrupt the signal if they are nearby.
· Microwaves
· Baby monitors or other radios
· Other wireless networks
· Bluetooth devices, such as headphones
There are also physical objects in your home that could be blocking or weakening your WiFi signal. These objects should not be in the direct path of the TV and modem.
· Thick timer or concrete walls
· Aquariums or hydronic heating system (large bodies of water)
· Metal
Use an Ethernet Cable
Ethernet connections are the fastest and most reliable internet connections available. If you are able to connect your TV directly to the modem or router, you could try using this method to prevent episodes of freezing in the HBO Max app.
Sony TV HBO Max Not Loading/Opening
When the HBO Max app does not load or open, it is most likely due to your internet connection. Troubleshooting methods for poor internet can be found above. However, you should also check the HBO servers.
Check the HBO Servers
Sometimes, if there are too many users at any given time, the HBO servers will crash. This means any content on the app will not load. This can also be cause by scheduled maintenance, but these works are usually done during off-peak hours.
You can check the status pf the HBO servers by checking online through websites such as Down Detector. Alternatively, you could try calling the HBO Max support line.
Sony TV HBO Max Sound/Audio Not Working
You may think it is obvious, but make sure your TV is not muted and the volume is turned up loud enough to hear. You should also check you cable connections if you have an external speaker connected to the TV. Otherwise, you should look through the TV settings detailed below.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on August 6, 2021.
Check your Audio Settings
Sony TVs have a number of audio settings that may affect the audio when watching HBO Max. You can find these preferences in ‘Settings’, under ‘Sound’ or ‘Audio’, depending on your Sony model.
· Sound Output should be set to ‘TV Speakers (unless you are using a speaker system)
· ‘Audio Out’ should be fixed
· ‘MTS’ settings should be ‘Main’ or ‘Stereo’
· ‘Simulated Effect’ should be off
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on August 6, 2021.
· Make sure the speakers are not set to the centre speaker
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on August 6, 2021.