New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….
Original story (published on July 08, 2021) follows:
Fast and accessible home internet along with the drop in prices for content streaming platforms that is fueled by competition has made it conducive for many users to get into the whole content streaming craze.
Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video are just some of the popular services we have today — services that host some of the best content, original or otherwise.
These services are often available across various platforms, and HBO Max is available on almost any smart device out there, provided you’re in a supported region of course.
Now, it is coming to light that a section of users of HBO Max are having trouble with the streaming app on their Samsung Smart TVs.
According to affected users, following the recent update to the HBO Max app for Samsung Smart TV, the app straight up doesn’t load, or the TVs won’t update the app at all.
From the user complaints, it is apparent that the said recent update to the HBO Max app for the Samsung Smart TV is to blame for this issue.
These affected users are made even more frustrated by the fact that this new update seems to be compulsory as there isn’t a way to skip this version.
At the time of writing, neither Samsung nor HBO Max has come out to officially acknowledge this issue. However, HBO Max’s official Twitter handle has been responding to affected users, asking them to provide more info on the matter.
We shall continue to keep an eye on this development and update as and when we get more info so stay tuned to PiunikaWeb.
Update 1 (July 10)
HBO Max support is suggesting the affected users to either update the app or try reinstallation.
Update 2 (July 12)
While responding to one of the affected users, HBO Max support (Portugal) has shared the latest update is compatible with the 2017 or later Samsung TVs.
Additionally, they’ve shared a few steps (translated) that you can try is you’re going through the problem in question:
Update 3 (July 13)
As has been mentioned by many users, the issue is related to low space on Samsung TV as the size of the app’s latest update is bigger than usual. So deleting some of the existing apps to empty up space, reinstalling the app did the trick for some. So you may also give it a shot.
Update 4 (July 17)
As per one of the reports, a cold restart may help to resolve the issue. In order to do that, press the power button on the remote and hold it for 10 seconds. Following that, your TV will reboot automatically.
This shall allow you to install the app.
Update 5 (July 19)
HBO Max support responded to a user’s complaint regarding the problem by suggesting them to do the following:
Update 6 (July 21)
Samsung has a few official troubleshooting steps, some of which we’ve already talked about here, in order to fix issues with apps not working.
Update the TV’s software.
Delete the app from the TV and download it again.
Reset Smart Hub on your TV. (Source)
Update 7 (August 04)
HBO Max has a bunch of official troubleshooting steps for various issues with Samsung TVs that you can check out by heading here.
Update 8 (August 07)
HBO Max help is asking users to send them a DM on Twitter in order to help them get the app updated on their Samsung TV sets. Hence, you may want to try reaching out as well in case you’re facing the problem.
Update 9 (August 09)
IST: 12:23 pm: An affected user on the community forum has brought forward a few suggestions that should see affected Samsung TV owners be able to update their HBO Max app on their TVs.
We can’t speak to the effectiveness of this workaround but we shall be sure to report back as soon as we get feedback from affected users so stay tuned.
Update 10 (August 10)
IST: 12:43 pm: Now, HBO Max has come out to offer an official workaround to this issue, a workaround that involves resetting the Smart Hub
Update 11 (November 22)
IST: 12:43 pm: Many months later and still, the HBO Max on Samsung Smart TVs seems to be as glitchy as ever. Now, HBO Max has come out to issue a possible workaround.
Thanks for the reply, Nina! A quick fix we recommend on your Samsung TV, is uninstalling and reinstalling the HBO Max app, and restarting your TV. Please send us a DM if you run into this error again. ^SK Source
NOTE: We have these and many more Samsung stories in our dedicated Samsung section.
PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.
