How to Fix Bad Video / Picture Quality on HBO Max?

HBO Max is a popular streaming platform known for its extensive library of blockbuster movies and iconic TV series like Peacemaker, Raised by Wolves, Friends, and fan-favorite Game of Thrones. Currently available only in the United States, HBO Max is set to expand globally, bringing its high-quality content to audiences worldwide.

Despite its impressive performance and content selection, HBO Max, like any streaming app, isn’t without occasional issues. One common complaint among users is experiencing poor picture quality, which can detract from enjoying these great shows and movies. Thankfully, there are ways to resolve this problem and improve your streaming experience.

This guide’ll walk you through effective solutions to fix bad picture quality on HBO Max. Let’s dive in so you can return to watching with the best possible picture quality!

How to Fix Bad Video / Picture Quality on HBO Max?

The first reason you are experiencing picture quality issues on HBO Max can be a major server issue. HBO Max is a comparatively new application, so it’s very common for its servers to go down occasionally. You can check the HBO Max server status manually; below are the steps to do so.

1. Visit the DownDetector official website.
2. In the search bar, type HBO Max and press enter.
3. A new window will pop up showing whether there is any server issue going on with HBO Max or not.
   
4. If you notice any server problem then it indicates that the problem you are currently facing is being caused by it only. In such a scenario, you can’t do anything other than wait until the developers fix the problem.

But in case, you notice everything is fine with the server, then it is an indication that there is some technical reason behind the problem. Follow the next workarounds to get rid of the problem.

Fix 2: Play Different Content

The chances are very high that some particular titles are only experiencing the bad picture quality issue, instead of the entire platform. So, play another movie or TV series and check their picture quality. If everything looks fine, then it indicates that the problem is only with a particular title.

The best thing you can do in such a situation is to report the issue to the HBO Max support team.

Fix 3: Use Web Browser

HBO Max is compatible with almost all platforms. However, it may be that the device you currently use has an incompatibility issue that is causing the mentioned problem.

If this is the case, you can consider changing the device. You can even access HBO Max via a web browser. Just visit the HBO Max official website, log in using your credentials, and start enjoying the content.

Fix 4: Login Again to HBO Max

A temporary glitch or error can cause the problem you are currently facing. These errors can corrupt the user data and result in different issues. In such a situation, the best thing you can try is to log in again to your HBO Max account.

First, log out of your device to access the HBO Max account. Then, log in using your credentials. Once you’ve done this, check if the problem is fixed. If not, move to the next workaround.

Fix 5: Reset Network

Another major reason for bad picture quality on HBO Max is a weak or corrupted internet connection. HBO Max is a network-oriented platform; thus, you must be connected to a strong internet connection to enjoy the platform seamlessly. If your device is not offering good internet speed, then you can try resetting your device’s network. But before that, check your current internet connection. You can do so by visiting fast.com.

If you notice that your current internet speed is comparatively lower than the plan you have opted for, then it’s time to reset your network connection. To do so, here are the steps you need to follow.

For Android:

1. Head towards the “Settings” menu on your Android smartphone.
2. Click on the “Additional Settings” option and select “Backup and Reset”.
3. Choose to Erase all data (Factory reset).
4. Lastly, click on Reset Network Settings.
   

Enter your smartphone password to begin the network resetting process. Once it’s done, restart your device and check if the problem is fixed.

For iOS

1. Navigate to Settings.
2. Select the General option.
3. Click on the “Transfer or reset iPhone” option present at the bottom of the screen.
4. In the following window, click on the “Reset” option to begin the process.
5. Lastly, click on “Reset Network Settings”
   

That’s it. Now the iPhone will clear all the network settings followed by a simple restart. Once all these are done, check if the problem is fixed or not.

Fix 6: Work With VPN

VPN is one of the best applications by which you can bypass certain restrictions applicable to your internet service provider. However, at the same time, if you are connected to VPN, you will have to deal with a slow internet connection and random interruptions in the connection. This will automatically cause the bad picture quality on HBO Max. As a solution to it, you can try turning off VPN before accessing HBO Max.

On the other hand, you can also try switching between different VPNs. It has been noticed that different VPNs are compatible with different platforms. So, try a different VPN and check if it makes any difference.

Fix 7: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Clearing browser cache and cookies is another effective way to fix the mentioned problem. Sometimes the browser you are currently using to access HBO Max gets filled up with a lot of cache data which indirectly results in different problems. In such a situation, you can clear browser cache and cookies data and check if it makes any difference. To do so, here are the steps you need to follow.

1. Open the Google Chrome on your PC.
2. Click on the three dots present at the top right corner.
3. Tap on “More Tools” followed by selecting the “Clear browsing data” option.
4. Checkmark the “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” options, and click on the “Clear Data” option.
   

Now let’s check out how you can clear Google Chrome cache and cookies data on an Android smartphone.

1. Open Google Chrome on your Android device.
2. Click on the three dots present at the top right corner.
3. Now, navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
4. Checkmark the options, and click on “Clear Data”.
   

Check if the problem is fixed or not.

In case you have an iOS device, just do a simple restart to clear the cache data.

Fix 8: Clear App Data

If you are accessing HBO Max via its official application clearing the app data can be another effective workaround. To do so, here are the steps you need to follow.

1. Open the “Settings” menu on your Android smartphone.
2. Navigate to App Management > App List > HBO Max > Storage Usage.
3. Click on the “Clear Cache” option.
   

Now, restart your device, open the application and check if the problem is fixed. And if you have an iOS device, just do a simple restart to clear the cache data.

Fix 9: Update Device and App

If you haven’t updated their HBO Max or your smartphone for a long time then you are most likely to face the problem. In either scenario, the best thing you can try is to go through the update process.

Here’s what you need to do to download the latest HBO Max update.

Android

1. Open Play Store on your Android smartphone.
2. In the search bar, type HBO Max and press the search option.
3. If there is any available update, click on the “Update” option.

Once you have downloaded the update restart your device. Now, check if the problem is solved or not.

iOS

1. Open App Store on your iOS smartphone.
2. In the search bar, type HBO Max and press the search option.
3. If there is any available update, click on the “Update” option.

That’s it. Check if the problem is solved or not.

Now, if the problem was being caused because of an outdated device, then here’s what you need to know.

Android

1. Open Settings on your Android smartphone.
2. Go to “Software Update” and check if there is any available update or not.
3. If found, download it to fix the problem.

iOS

1. Head towards the settings menu on your iOS device.
2. Navigate to Settings > Software Update.

If there is any available update download it to get rid of the problem.

Fix 10: Contact HBO Max Support Team

The last thing you can try is to contact the HBO Max support team. Put down your concern in the query area and wait for their response.

That’s it. We hope this guide was helpful in solving the problem. You can share any other effective solution that you think will be helpful in the situation. Moreover, feel free to check our other HBO Max guide to get rid of different problems revolving around the platform.