Roku devices still don’t have the HBO Max app, but there are a few other ways to access the content through your TV. Over six months have passed since the launch of the WarnerMedia streamer. While they continue to partner with companies to increase supported devices, Roku isn’t one of them. Both sides have been working on a deal, but financial negotiations remain the primary holdup. Roku users are keeping their fingers crossed for access with the streamer’s debut of Wonder Woman 1984 on Christmas Day in addition to HBO Max’s streaming rights of Warner Bros. 2021 theatrical slate. Although the official HBO Max app might take time, Roku users have several workarounds.
HBO Max went active in late May 2020, joining the fresh wave of streaming services like Disney+, Apple TV+, and the now-defunct Quibi. The WarnerMedia-driven streamer looked to hit the ground running with a vast library housing content from the likes of DC Entertainment, The CW, Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, and some of the world’s premier movie studios. In addition, HBO Max features HBO’s premium content as well as a slew of original programming. The streamer has also caught the attention of potential subscribers with plans to debut the Justice League Snyder Cut and the long-awaited Friends reunion special.
As of December 2020, HBO Max is nearing 13 million subscribers and counting. Despite the fact that the service no longer offers a free trial, it continues to make the argument for the $15 per month price tag. At the time of writing, HBO Max has an app accessible through popular devices like Amazon Fire products, Xbox One, PS4, Chromecasts, Chromebooks, various Smart TVs, and Apple products. The latter of which is the key to one of the Roku workarounds as pointed out by Variety. Roku’s recent OS 9.4 update now supports Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit, allowing users to cast HBO Max content to Roku devices. Essentially, users can access the HBO Max app on iPhones, iPads, or Macs and cast it to Roku with the use of AirPlay 2. It’s important to note that the OS 9.4 update only applies to select 4K-enabled Roku devices across its line of devices, soundbars, and TVs. That said, there are a few other options for Roku users looking to access HBO Max.
Other Ways To Access HBO Max On Roku Devices
As the case with Apple’s ability to cast HBO Max content to Roku devices, the same can be done with Android phones. Seeing as Android has a partnership with WarnerMedia, the company’s products will have the HBO Max app available to download. Most Android phones have a screen mirroring feature, although it’s called something different depending on the model of the Android device. Unlike AirPlay, however, anything that shows up on your phone’s screen will be cast onto the TV screen, but that can be contained with the “Do Not Disturb” option.
Windows users also have a workaround by using the screen mirroring option directly to Roku devices. As long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi, the option should be available to access HBO Max’s content. While these options might not be as reliable as a real HBO Max app directly through Roku, it might have to do for the time being. Unless WarnerMedia and Roku come to an agreement soon, creative workarounds are the best bet.
