Can you download HBO Max to watch offline? Yes, but there are limits too. To achieve HBO Max download offline, StreamGaGa is highly recommended.
Quick Answer:
You can download on HBO Max and watch HBO Max offline — but only on phones and tablets, and only if your plan supports downloads. In the US, the Standard and Premium plans allow offline downloads, the Basic with Ads plan does not.
Downloads are available on the HBO Max app for iOS, Android, and Fire tablets, not on Windows or Mac browsers. On laptops or desktops, HBO Max doesn't offer an official download option. If you want HBO Max shows on a laptop as MP4 files, you’ll need an extra HBO Max downloader such as StreamGaGa.
After watching the "Download not available" message when I want to watch HBO Max download offline, I started collecting every rule, limit, and workaround around HBO Max downloads in one place. If you've ever wondered why you can download on HBO Max on your phone but not on your laptop — or why that one season keeps expiring — this guide is meant to be your one-stop answer.
Can You Download on HBO Max to Watch Offline? (Official Answer in 2025)
Note:
- Yes, you can download on HBO Max to watch offline — but only with an ad-free plan.
- Standard typically gives you up to 30 downloads, Premium up to 100, counted across all devices on the account.
- Downloads only work on the mobile/tablet app, never on desktop browsers or TV apps.
- If you don't see the Download icon, first confirm your plan and device type.
Which HBO Max Plans Let You Download Shows and Movies?
Since 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery has fully switched the branding back from Max to HBO Max. In the US, HBO Max currently lists three main plans:
| HBO Max Plan (US) |
Basic with Ads (previously Ad-Lite) |
Standard (Ad-Free) | Premium (Ultimate Ad-Free) |
| Price |
|
|
|
| Video Quality | Full HD 1080p (HD) | Full HD 1080p (HD) | Up to 4K UHD / HDR (as available) |
| Number of Downloads | 0 (no offline downloads) | Up to 30 offline downloads | Up to 100 offline downloads |
| Number of Streams | 2 | 2 | 4 |
In some regions there's also a Mobile plan with a lower price and about 15 offline downloads, but that's not widely available in the US.
So if you're on a Basic with Ads plan and you don't see a Download icon at all, that's expected — the plan simply doesn't include offline viewing.
Which Devices Support HBO Max Downloads?
HBO Max only allows official downloads on mobile devices and tablets via the HBO Max app:
- iPhone and iPad (iOS)
- Android phones and tablets
- Amazon Fire tablets
You cannot officially download HBO Max shows on a Windows PC or Mac using a web browser. Smart TVs, streaming boxes (Roku, Fire TV, etc.), and game consoles can stream, but they don't support offline downloads either.
| Phone or Tablet | OS Version |
| Amazon Fire Tablet |
|
| Android Phone or Tablet |
|
| iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch |
|
How to Download Movies and Shows on HBO Max (Official App)
Once you're on the right plan and device, the actual download process is straightforward.
- Open the HBO Max app and sign in.
- Choose your profile.
- Browse or search for the show or movie you want.
- On the title's page, look for the Download icon (downward arrow).
- Tap Download. If prompted, pick a video quality option (higher quality uses more storage).
- To check progress, go to the Downloads tab in the app.
- Once completed, the title is available in Downloads and can be watched offline, without using data.
On some devices, HBO Max lets you set a default download quality under App Settings → Download Settings, so you don't have to confirm it every time. Once downloaded, you can watch HBO Max offline as much as you like until that title expires.
Official HBO Max Download Limit in 2025
This is easily one of the most confusing areas, because HBO Max limits downloads at several different levels at once.
- Standard plan: around 30 downloads, Premium: around 100 downloads per account.
- Limits are shared across all devices and profiles, not per device.
- Unwatched downloads typically last 30 days, once you press Play, you get 48 hours to finish.
- HBO Max downloads stay on internal storage only — the app doesn't support SD cards or external drives.
If HBO Max loses streaming rights to that movie or show, you won't be able to renew or re-download it at all. If you specifically want HBO Max on an SD card, some guides recommend downloading on a PC with a third-party HBO Max downloader and then copying the resulting MP4 file to the SD card.
| Feature | Official HBO Max App (Mobile/Tablet) | StreamGaGa HBO Max Downloader (PC/Mac) |
|---|---|---|
| Supported devices | iOS & Android phones/tablets, Fire tablets only | Windows & Mac laptops/desktops |
| Offline downloads | Yes, on eligible plans | Yes, via local MP4 files |
| Download limit (per account) | ~30 (Standard), ~100 (Premium) | No fixed cap besides your storage space |
| Expiry | 30 days unused, 48 hours after starting playback | No auto-expiry |
| File format | Encrypted in-app cache only | MP4 files playable in any standard media player |
| Move to SD card / other devices | No (cannot move official downloads) | Yes (copy MP4 to SD card, USB drive, TV, etc.) |
| Subscription required | HBO Max ad-free subscription | All HBO Max subscription |
Can You Get HBO Max Download Offline on Laptop?
So, can you download shows on HBO Max on your Mac or Windows PC for offline viewing? Fortunately, the answer is YES if you get StreamGaGa HBO Max Downloader installed on your computer.
- Enjoy a crystal-clear viewing experience with 1080p HD resolution;
- Experience fast download with GPU Acceleration and Turbo Speed;
- Easily play and enjoy various formats such as MP4 and MKV;
- Use a single account across 5 PCs for added convenience;
- Download separate subtitle files;
- Efficiently download multiple files with batch download feature;
- Navigate seamlessly with the ad-free and user-friendly interface;
- Try it out with a free trial, allowing you to download up to 3 files in 30 days.
StreamGaGa HBO Max Downloader is software for both Mac users and Windows PC users, to get HBO Max download in compatible MP4 format. You can just follow these steps to get HBO Max download offline on your laptop:
Step-1 Install and launch StreamGaGa
To begin with, visit StreamGaGa HBO Max Downloader or click the following download buttons to get the installation package. Then follow the installation instructions to install StreamGaGa on your Mac/Windows PC and launch it.
Step-2 Browse HBO Max shows you want to download
In the homepage of StreamGaGa, launch it and locate "HBO Max" in the "VIP Services" section. Play the video you want to download, StreamGaGa will begin to analyze the URL for later download.
Step-3 Customize your download settings
After analyzing for seconds, an on-screen prompt shows you to customize download settings, including video, audio, and subtitle settings. Then click on "Add to Queue" to download later or click "Download Now" to initiate download right now.
You can check the download process in "Downloading" section. And when the videos are downloaded, you can find them in "Downloaded" in the local folder you've set before.
Editor's Takeaways
As a safe and clean third-party software, StreamGaGa HBO Max Downloader supports HBO Max download offline with a better experience. If you want to download HBO Max shows on your Mac/Windows PC, and are still now troubled by these limits posed by official download features, you may give StreamGaGa a try!
FAQs
Q1. Why can't I download on HBO Max even with an ad-free plan?
A1. A few things can still block the Download icon:
- You're trying to download on a browser, TV, or console, not the mobile app.
- The title you picked isn't available for download in your region.
- You've reached your 30/100 download limit across devices.
- The HBO Max app is outdated or your device doesn't meet minimum requirements.
Q2. How many downloads can I have on HBO Max at the same time?
A2. On most Standard/Ad-Free plans you can have around 30 downloads, and on Premium/Ultimate plans up to 100, shared across all profiles and devices on your account. If you hit the limit, delete old downloads from your devices and refresh the app.
Q3. Why do my HBO Max downloads expire after 48 hours?
A3. That's part of HBO Max's built-in rules: Downloads usually last 30 days unused. After you start watching, you get 48 hours to finish before that copy expires. Once expired, you must be online to renew and if HBO Max no longer has the rights to the title, you can't renew it at all. However, you can use StreamGaGa to save HBO Max videos forever.
