How to Connect Max to Your TV With Google Chromecast

Make sure all the devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and then look for the cast icon

By
Brad Stephenson
Brad Stephenson - Lifewire Writer
Brad Stephenson
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Brad Stephenson is a tech and geek culture writer with 12+ years' experience. He writes about Windows 10, Xbox One, and cryptocurrency.
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Updated on August 11, 2023
Reviewed by
Kayla Dube
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Reviewed by Kayla Dube
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Kayla Dube has 4+ years' experience in videography and filmmaking. She frequently works in production with indie film companies.
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What to Know

  • To cast Max to a TV, tap the media player, select the Cast icon, and choose a connected device.
  • Max can be cast from mobile using Chromecast on Android and AirPlay on iPhone.
  • You must connect all involved devices to the same Wi-Fi network.

This guide walks you through the process of casting Max (formerly HBO Max) with Chromecast and offers some alternative broadcast strategies using AirPlay, smart TV apps, and old-school HDMI cables. 

How Do You Cast Max to TV With Google Chromecast?

You can cast Max series and films to any TV that supports the Chromecast wireless broadcast technology. It’s also possible to cast to a connected streaming stick or a Chromecast dongle as well.

  1. Check to make sure your computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV or connected device.

  2. On your computer, open the Max website in a browser, log in if you’re not already, and begin playing a TV episode or a movie as usual.

  3. Tap the video player or move the mouse cursor over it to trigger the player controls.

  4. Select the Cast icon in the upper-right corner. If you don’t see the icon, you may need to switch to another web browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

    The Cast icon looks like a square with radio waves in the upper-right corner.

    Cast icon on HBO Max website with media player showing.

  5. A list of devices that supports Chromecast will appear. Select the name of the device you want to cast to. Your video should cast to your TV or smart device almost immediately.

    Bedroom Display highlighted in HBO Max casting menu

  6. To stop casting to your TV with Chromecast, select the new Cast icon from your web browser's top menu.

  7. Select the name of your TV or other device with Stop casting underneath it to stop the Chromecast cast.

    Casting icon and Stop casting highlighted on HBO Max in Google Chrome

Can You Watch Max on TV From Your Phone?

It is possible to cast Max from an iPhone or Android smartphone to a TV as long as it supports wireless casting technology such as Chromecast or AirPlay.

  1. Make sure your smartphone and smart TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

    You may also be able to cast to a streaming device connected to your TV, such as an Apple TV or an Xbox console, so make sure these are on the same network as well.

  2. Open the Max app on your iPhone or Android smartphone and start playing a movie or TV episode.

  3. Tap the screen to get the media controls to appear, and then tap the Cast or AirPlay icon in the top-right corner.

    The Android app will give you the Chromecast icon, while the iPhone Max app will offer the AirPlay option.

    Casting icon in iPhone HBO Max app.

  4. A list of compatible devices will appear. Select the one you want to cast to.

    The Mummy movie playing in iPhone HBO Max app.

  5. After several seconds of data syncing, the video should start playing on your TV.

    The Mummy movie playing in iPhone HBO Max app with AirPlay active.

Why Can’t I Cast to My TV From the Max Mobile App or Website?

Compatibility can be an issue when casting Max content to a smart TV or device. For example, while the Android app supports Chromecast, the iOS app doesn’t. Also, not all smart TVs support Apple’s AirPlay technology.

Fortunately, there’s a way around these limitations in the form of apps that you can install onto your smart TV or connected device, enabling the AirPlay functionality. Airscreen is a popular app for Android TVs used by many to cast content from iPhones.

Another option is to mirror your smartphone's screen on your TV using an HDMI cable and an adapter. You can also connect your laptop to your TV via HDMI as well.

If you still can't get it working, the easiest solution could be to install the Max app directly onto your TV, streaming stick, or video game console and skip the casting option altogether.

FAQ
  • How do I connect Max to a Roku TV?

    To get Max, you have to add the channel to your Roku device. The easiest way is to press Home on the remote and navigate to Streaming Channels > Search. Next, search for Max, select it in the search results, and click on Add channel > OK.

  • How do you connect Max to the Apple TV app?

    To get Max on Apple TV, open the App Store, search for and select Max, and select the Download button. Next, go to Open > Sign in or Subscribe Now. Finally, follow the on-screen prompts to sign in to your account or sign up for an account.

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