Roku Just Made It Easier To Watch HBO Max, Here’s How

Roku just offered its users a solution for accessing HBO Max, even though the platform is still missing a dedicated channel. The app is currently available on a number of other platforms and devices, including Apple TV and PlayStation consoles, or by watching directly in a browser. However, for Roku devices, a workaround is needed.

With a variety of devices available, including streaming players and soundbars, Roku offers its customers multiple ways to access and enjoy their favorite content. Devices include the Roku Streaming Stick+ that plugs directly into the TV, and the Roku Smart Soundbar which is a smart speaker with built-in Roku. Launched in May of 2020, HBO Max is a streaming service from WarnerMedia that offers access to popular TV shows like Friends and Doctor Who, along with blockbuster movies, including Wonder Woman. HBO Max also has original TV shows and movies, including Lovecraft Country and Roald Dahl’s The Witches. Roku users aren’t the only ones who can’t download HBO Max, as the app is also unavailable on Amazon Fire TV devices, like the Fire Stick.

This week Roku announced that AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support are now available on Roku devices. AirPlay 2 allows users to stream content from an Apple device to the Roku player while HomeKit offers the opportunity to control a Roku device with various Apple devices, by either accessing the Home app or by using Siri. AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support are available now on many 4K Roku models, including the Roku Ultra and Roku Premiere. Additionally, both features will be available on select Roku TVs in due course. This means Roku users looking to stream HBO Max on their devices now have a new solution.

Use AirPlay 2 To Watch HBO Max On Roku

To start, users first need to make sure that AirPlay is enabled. On an iPhone, this can be done by heading to the Control Center. Then, holding down the Music control icon and tapping the AirPlay logo, before selecting the appropriate Roku device — for example, Bedroom TV Roku. To use AirPlay to access HBO Max on an iPhone, the user should open the HBO Max app, select the TV show or movie they want to watch, tap the AirPlay button, and select the right Roku. The video will begin to play, and users can also use their phone as a remote control to pause, play, go forward or rewind.

In addition to the iPhone, AirPlay 2 is also available on iPad and iPod touch devices, as long as they are running in iOS 12.3 or later. Additionally, users can also utilize AirPlay 2 on a Mac, starting with models running on macOS Mojave 10.14.5. While Roku users continue to wait for the HBO Max app to make its way to the platform, at least there’s AirPlay 2 support until then.

Source: Roku

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