Here’s How To Bypass the HBO Max Password-Sharing Ban [Tested 2025]

HBO Max is cracking down on password sharing, joining the growing list of streaming services enforcing stricter access on their respective platforms. The HBO Max password-sharing ban began in April 2025 and will be rolled out in phases over the next few months, aiming to limit the number of locations and devices that can access a single account. 

HBO Max’s ban works by logging your home IP address. It blocks anyone streaming from an IP address other than the household one. But software like VPNs can help you change your IP address and bypass the password bans.

If this sounds complicated, we promise it isn’t. Below, we outline the different ways to use a VPN to circumvent HBO Max's password-sharing ban with step-by-step instructions.

How to use a dedicated IP to bypass HBO Max’s password-sharing ban

A virtual private network (VPN) can change your IP address and allow you to establish a “household” IP that you can use for traveling or to bypass password bans. Many quality VPNs offer the ability to purchase a dedicated IP address. 

If you establish a dedicated IP address as your “household,” you can use it in various ways, either while traveling or when sharing your HBO Max account. 

Since HBO Max tracks only IP addresses and not GPS locations, using a dedicated IP address is an effective way to bypass the ban.

How to use a dedicated IP address

We'll walk you through how to purchase and use a dedicated IP with NordVPN. These instructions should be similar for any VPN that offers dedicated IP addresses. 

1. Purchase your new VPN with a dedicated IP add-on if you don’t currently have a VPN subscription.
2. Download the VPN software on the device where you’ll be watching HBO Max.
3. Choose your dedicated IP address as your server. NordVPN listed our dedicated IP at the top of the Home tab. 
   

   

4. Make sure the VPN is on and connected.
5. Open your HBO Max app on that same device.
6. Always use the dedicated IP when streaming HBO Max so it becomes the home IP that HBO Max registers.
7. Share the VPN login with family members so they can connect to the dedicated IP address and stream HBO Max too. 

How does the HBO Max password-sharing ban work?

Like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, HBO Max has jumped on the password-sharing ban bandwagon by allowing access only to members in the same household. But how can they tell?

The streaming service creates a “household” ID by looking at your IP address and the IP addresses of the devices you use, including modems and routers. Once it establishes a pattern of familiar IP addresses, it recognizes them as devices within your household.

If you’re one of the many households that split access to streaming services, this will likely impact your membership. Parents often share with college-age students or young adult children who live on their own. 

Many adults will also grant access to their elderly parents who may not be able to afford streaming on their own. HBO Max aims to prevent this type of sharing to increase revenue.

How to access your HBO Max account using a VPN

VPNs change your IP address, which can help you unblock geo-restricted streaming content, hide your real identity online, or simply change your location. To use a VPN to access your HBO Max account, take the following steps:

1. Purchase and download your new VPN (if you don’t currently have a VPN subscription).
2. Open your VPN software on the device where you’ll be watching HBO Max.
3. Choose a location for your server where you want to watch HBO Max.
4. Make sure it’s on and connected.
5. Open your HBO Max app on that same device.
6. Find what you want to watch and enjoy.

The best VPNs for streaming HBO Max

We think the best VPNs for streaming HBO Max are NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost. All offer a dedicated IP, include extensive support for streaming and offer optimized servers optimized for it, and feature large server networks, allowing you to choose from a variety of locations.

How many people can use your HBO Max password?

The number of simultaneous devices on which HBO Max can be streamed depends on your chosen plan. While you can have up to five individual profiles, those may be restricted to two to four devices.

Let's say you, your spouse, and your three kids have your own profiles, and you all live in the same household. You and your spouse may be in your room watching something on HBO Max before bed. 

If you have a two-device plan, it means only one of your children will be able to stream on their device in their room, while the other two will not have access.

HBO Max plans and password sharing

Most HBO Max plans allow for two devices to be used at a time, and some plans also include the ability to download content. We find this helpful for long flights or train rides where streaming quality Wi-Fi isn’t available.

If you want to include an additional person, like a college student or a parent who doesn’t live with you, Max offers an extra member add-on to your subscription.

HBO Max plan	Subscription price	Max number of devices
HBO Max bundle with Disney+ and Hulu (with ads)	$16.99/mo	2 devices
HBO Max bundle with Disney+ and Hulu (no ads)	$29.99/mo	2 devices + 30 on-the-go downloads
HBO Max Basic with Ads	$9.99/mo	2 devices
HBO Max Standard (includes live sports and CNN Max)	$16.99/mo	2 devices + 30 on-the-go downloads
HBO Max Premium (includes live sports and CNN Max)	$20.99/mo	4 devices (limited 2 for sports) + 100 on-the-go downloads
Extra Member Add-On	$7.99/mo	1 device

FAQs

Bottom line

Password bans don’t seem to consider how we access content in our mobile world. Even if you don’t travel often, saving money in this economy by sharing streaming services has become a way for people to enjoy content that may otherwise be financially out of reach. 

Luckily, there are ways you can bypass password bans with technology that’s accessible to even the most novice users, like a dedicated IP. 

Using one of the best VPNs available will allow you to bypass geo-restricted content and even password bans. They allow you to share your account outside your location or access it yourself when you’re on the go. Regardless of your reason for wanting to bypass the password bans, you have the tools to do so.