A number of reports have surfaced recently of an issue where YouTube TV subscribers find they cannot log in to HBO Max using their YouTube TV credentials. Those facing the issue typically encounter a message saying that their subscription has expired, even though it hasn’t. However, there is a fairly simple fix for the problem.
YouTube TV was quick to confirm its support for HBO Max with the option to integrate the two subscriptions going live on the day HBO Max launched in the U.S. In fact, the live TV streaming service originally confirmed it would provide subscribers with the option to bundle HBO Max and YouTube TV months before HBO Max arrived.
As a result, there is likely to be a number of YouTube TV subscribers who have opted to combine the subscriptions. Besides the benefit of only having to pay the one bill each month, there can be additional reasons to subscribe to HBO Max through YouTube TV, even though it costs exactly the same as subscribing directly. For example, while HBO Max no longer offers a free trial, YouTube TV subscribers can sign up for seven days for free.
HBO Max sign in issue and fix
In terms of the issue, some YouTube TV subscribers are finding that when they attempt to sign in to the HBO Max app on any of their devices, they can’t. Instead, they are presented with a message that states the HBO Max subscription through YouTube TV has expired.
To be clear, these same users are able to watch HBO channels through YouTube TV, it is just they are unable to authenticate their subscription and access the separate HBO Max app.
The fix for the issue is fairly simple as it just requires the user to sign out of the HBO Max app completely and then sign back in again. The fresh sign in will re-establish the authentication and allow the app to be used as normal.
The same signing out and in again will also fix an issue where a subscriber encounters a ‘can’t verify your subscription message’ when signed in but unable to play a show episode or movie.
How to sign out of HBO Max
The instructions for signing out of the app on most HBO Max devices are the same, although there are some minor differences depending on whether accessing through a mobile device, TV or a web browser.
To sign out of HBO Max on phone or tablet:
- Tap the Profile icon (bottom right)
- Tap on the Settings icon (upper left)
- Scroll to the bottom
- Tap on Sign Out
To sign out of HBO Max on TV:
- Click left to access the main menu
- Click on the Profile icon (upper left)
- Scroll all the way right
- Click Sign Out
- Click Sign Out Now
To sign out of HBO Max on a computer:
- Visit the HBO Max website
- Click on the profile icon (upper right)
- Click Sign Out (at the bottom)
While it seems the simple process of signing out and back in again is enough to fix the issue, it remains to be seen what exactly is causing the problem in the first place.
For any users that are still having trouble after signing out and back in again, it might be worth repeating the steps after clearing the app’s cache and data on the device. If the problem still persists, then an uninstall and reinstall of the app before signing back in again should fix the problem.
HBO Max sign in summary
YouTube TV subscribers unable to sign in to HBO Max can quickly and easily fix the problem by signing out of the app completely and then back in again. In some cases, clearing the cache and data might be needed, while in others it might require an uninstall and reinstall of the HBO Max app.
This is a known issue and one that’s been experienced by other YouTube TV subscribers, so this is not a problem that’s specific to an individual account, location, or even device. It may also not be an issue specific to YouTube TV either.
Although it is annoying to have to go through these steps, and especially if it takes a complete reinstall to get things working again, it should at least fix the problem and allow the YouTube TV subscriber to get back to streaming HBO Max movies and shows.
Read more: How to Check & Stop Strangers Using Your HBO Max Subscription
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