If you’re wondering ‘How do I fix Error HBO Max not available in your region in Canada‘, then you’ve landed at the right place! Let us guide you through the ‘sorry HBO max is not available in your region’ error and fix it while in Canada.
HBO Max is one of the most popular streaming services on the planet. This streaming service is one giant content empire of AT&T’s WarnerMedia — HBO, Warner Bros, New Line Cinema, DC Entertainment, TBS, TNT, CNN, Cartoon Network, The CW, Crunchyroll, and Adult Swim.
Unfortunately, like many other popular streaming platforms, HBO Max is currently not in Canada. Meaning if someone tries to access HBO Max in Canada, they will receive the following HBO Max’s geographical error message on their screen:
“Sorry, HBO Max isn’t available in your region yet.”
Luckily, there is a way around this error message, which involves using a virtual private network (VPN). A reliable VPN in Canada will help you in spoofing your IP address and replacing it with that of a US IP address so that you can access HBO Max without any error messages.
Follow our guide carefully to avoid error HBO Max not available in your region in Canada. Let’s get started!
Quick Steps: How to Fix Error HBO Max not available in your region in Canada
Follow the steps given below to fix the error HBO Max not available in your region in Canada:
- Subscribe to a reliable streaming VPN service that can bypass HBO Max’s geo-blocks in Canada (We recommend ExpressVPN because of its exemplary unblocking capabilities it servers in 23+ cities in the US)
- Download and install the ExpressVPN application on your device.
- Launch the application and log into it using ExpressVPN account details.
- Locate and connect to either Miami, New Jersey, or San Francisco servers.
- Visit the HBO Max website, sign in to your account, and enjoy your favorite shows and movies HBO Max in Canada.
Why You Need a VPN to Fix the “HBO Max not available in your region” Error in Canada
You need a VPN to fix the error HBO Max not available in your region in Canada because HBO Max is an American video-on-demand service; as a result, it’s geo-restricted and only available in the United States and a few Latin, Caribbean, and European countries.
If you try to access HBO Max’s website in Canada, you won’t be able to bypass the geo-restrictions since your IP address is considerably different from that of a US resident. Instead, you’ll receive this geo-restriction error message on your screen:
“Sorry, HBO Max isn’t available in your region yet.”
To avoid the ‘HBO Max app not available in your country’ error in Canada, you need a VPN. Without a VPN, you’ll be stuck with the geo-restriction error.
On the other hand, if you use a US IP address, you can easily access HBO Max regardless of where you’re accessing it from. This is because a VPN can spoof your actual IP address and make it seem like you’re residing within the US, and let you stream HBO Max in Canada without any restrictions.
The Best VPNs for HBO Max in Canada – [Tested – 2023]
After testing 50+ VPN providers, we have shortlisted the three best VPNs that consistently offer unlimited, reliable, and smooth access to HBO Max in Canada.
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for HBO Max in Canada
- MediaStreamer feature
- Servers: 3000+ servers in 94 countries, including 25+ cities of the US
- Speed: 87.18 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection
- Simultaneous connections: 5 devices
- Unlimited bandwidth for Ultra HD streaming
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for HBO Max in Canada. Since its launch in 2009, this VPN provider has exhibited exemplary unblocking capabilities for HBO Max and various other popular streaming services in Canada.
ExpressVPN has a server network of 3000+ servers in 94 countries including, several servers in 25+ cities of the United States.
The United States servers rarely fail and regularly offer unlimited access to HBO Max. We were able to stream Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin without any lagging or buffering, thanks to ExpressVPN’s New York server.
Also, this provider can easily bypass geographical restrictions set up by other streaming services such as ExpressVPN with Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, Spotify, and more.
According to our ExpressVPN speed tests, the servers performed exceptionally well, allowing us to stream content from various streaming sites in HD and 4K. Based on an average, ExpressVPN servers provided a download speed of 87.18 Mbps and an upload speed of 52.13 Mbps.
ExpressVPN also offers a Smart DNS service called “ExpressVPN MediaStreamer.” This feature allows ExpressVPN users to unblock HBO Max and other similar streaming services in Canada on devices that offer limited VPN configurations, such as Smart TV, Kodi, Firestick, Roku, Chromebook, and router. We had an amazing experience using ExpressVPN on PlayStation.
A single ExpressVPN account can be configured on unlimited devices but can only be connected to five devices simultaneously. This means ExpressVPN users can easily enjoy HBO Max programs on Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux simultaneously. These features make it the best HBO Max VPN in Canada for our users.
ExpressVPN keeps no logs, masks your location using different IP addresses, and prevents cyberattacks from taking place using encryption protocols like AES 256-bit encryption. Split tunneling, threat manager, and automatic kill switch are a few of the many finest security features.
You can also opt for ExpressVPN’s Canada free trial to get a hands-on experience. All of that is available for just CA$ 8.98/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) (Get 49% Off + 3 Months FREE on its 12-Month Plan), and it comes with a no-question asked 30-day money-back guarantee on all its plans, along with live chat support.
For more information, check out our latest ExpressVPN review Canada.
- Optimized servers
- Unblocks HBO Max in Canada within seconds
- Blazing-fast speeds supporting HD streaming
- Doesn’t log user data
- 24/7 live chat support
- Offers connectivity of up to 5 devices only
- Slightly expensive deals
2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN for HBO Max
- Whitelister feature
- Servers: 3200+ servers in 100 countries including 600+ servers in 23+ cities of the US
- Speed: 81.32 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited devices
- Unlimited bandwidth for Ultra HD streaming
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN for HBO Max. The provider is known for offering various low-cost VPN subscriptions, making it a very affordable VPN for HBO Max in Canada at a price of CA$3.1/mo (US$ 2.30/mo) (Get 84% + 2 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan).
Surfshark global server network includes 3200+ servers in 100 countries and have 600+ servers in 23+ cities of the United States. Using Surfshark’s Miami server, we unblocked HBO Max to watch Gotham and faced no issues like buffering or any other whatsoever.
While testing Surfshark for HBO Max in Canada, we could unblock it with every United States server location Surfshark offers. We could also stream Surfshark with Disney Plus, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, NBC, UKTV, YouTube TV, Hulu, and more, apart from HBO Max.
During our Surfshark speed test, we received a download speed of 81.32 and an upload speed of 76.12 Mbps. Thanks to Surfshark servers, we had a blast streaming HBO Max in Canada without any interruptions.
Surfshark’s ability to support unlimited simultaneous connections has always been the talk of the day. Surfshark’s compatible with most OS like macOS, Windows, Android, and others. A single Surfshark subscription can be connected to all of your devices, including Surfshark on Firestick, Linux, Kodi, PlayStation, Xbox, Chromebook, Roku, Smart TV, etc.
Surfshark offers security features like Clean Web, AES 256-bit encryption, IKEv2/IPSec protocol, No Borders Mode, Kill Switch, Whitelister feature, and many other notable features which ensure your device’s security and privacy.
To get an idea about this VPN provider’s services, you can opt for Surfshark’s free trial on mobile and decide for yourself if the VPN can be trusted. Eventually, you can get Surfshark at the cost of only CA$3.1/mo (US$ 2.30/mo) (Get 84% + 2 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan); it also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and live chat support.
You can read our Surfshark review and explore more about the VPN provider.
- Budget-friendly plans
- Consistently unblock HBO Max and other US streaming sites in Canada
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Most servers offered in the US
- Provides top-notch security
- For iOS, split tunneling is not supported
- There are a few features for macOS
- Occasional slow speeds
3. NordVPN – Largest Server Network VPN for HBO Max
- Double VPN
- Servers: 5500+ servers in 60 countries, 1,970+ servers in the US
- Speed: 83.82 Mbps speed on a 100 Mbps internet connection
- Simultaneous connections: 6 devices
- Unlimited bandwidth for Ultra HD streaming
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
NordVPN has the largest server network VPN for HBO Max, as it offers 5500+ servers in 60 countries with 1970+ servers in the United States alone.
These servers are more than sufficient for reliable and consistent access to HBO Max and other streaming platforms in Canada such as ESPN+, YuppTV, CNBC, ABC Go, NHK, and more.
We used NordVPN’s US servers to unblock HBO Max and stream House of the Dragon without any buffering interrupting our binge-watch:

Using NordVPN servers, we could easily bypass geo-restrictions as if they didn’t exist in the first place.
During our testing NordVPN speed, it delivered a lightning-fast speed of 83.82 Mbps speed and an upload speed of 44.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection for the most smooth and crystal clear HBO Max experience.
A single NordVPN subscription can support six simultaneous connections. Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN also offers a Smart DNS feature. In addition, users can access HBO Max TV shows and films on PlayStation, Kodi, Roku, Firestick, and others. We could easily install NordVPN on Kodi and stream HBO Max in Canada successfully.
NordVPN is also one of the most secure VPNs you can use for streaming in Canada. It offers IP & DNS leak protection, split tunneling, AES 256-bit encryption, Double VPN, obfuscated servers, and many other features.
If you’re unsure whether you want to buy a subscription, you may give NordVPN’s Canada free trial a try so you can get an idea about how the VPN works. NordVPN subscription plans start from CA$5.37/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan) backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee and live chat support.
You can read the NordVPN review Canada and explore more about the provider.
- Offer largest server network in the US
- Reliably unblock HBO Max and other streaming sites in Canada
- Six simultaneous connections
- Strong security and privacy
- Windows app takes multiple clicks to disconnect
Not All VPNs Work with HBO Max in Canada
Like other popular streaming services, HBO Max has also implemented anti-VPN blockers technology. It can essentially detect VPN traffic and immediately block the user from accessing its services. The VPN block technology has knocked out many VPN providers that offer unlimited access to HBO Max content.
Today, only a handful of VPNs can bypass HBO Max’s anti-VPN detection, firewalls, and geo-blocks techniques. Therefore, when you are choosing a VPN for watching HBO Max in Canada, you should consider the following important aspects:
- Ability to bypass HBO’s VPN blocks: Make sure the VPN provider possesses the ability to unblock HBO Max in Canada. We will list a few tried and tested VPNs that still work with HBO Max to this day.
- Multiple US servers: Make sure the VPN you choose offers plenty of servers in the United States. So, you can easily choose and switch between various US servers to get the best HBO Max streaming experience while in Canada.
- VPN connection speeds: Ensure that your selected VPN provider offers super-fast VPN connection speed for bufferless, smooth, and 4K Ultra-HD HBO Max streaming.
- Simultaneous connections: The VPN provider should support five or more simultaneous connections so that you can enjoy HBO Max access on various popular devices simultaneously.
VPNs that don’t work with “HBO Max Not in Service Area” Error in Canada
Many VPNs fail to bypass the error HBO Max not available in your region in Canada’ or ‘HBO Max not in service’ errors. Although such VPNs may offer you low prices to lure you in, however, their tactics must not deceive you. Because one way or another, these VPNs can harm your device in terms of either security and being unable to serve the main purpose of unblocking HBO Max in Canada.
Based on the tests we conducted, we found the following VPNs highly untrustworthy for streaming HBO Max in Canada:
1. Hola VPN
Using Hola VPN is a bad idea as the VPN provider indulges itself in bandwidth theft. As a result, it potentially risks its users as they stream HBO Max or similar streaming sites. Sure, Hola VPN is cheap, but it also keeps logs of your data activity and confidential information like credit card numbers, etc.
Most of all, Hola VPN fails in bypassing HBO Max geo-restrictions, making it pointless to use as that’s the main purpose of using a VPN. Furthermore, you may also put a target on your back for hackers by using Hola VPN. That’s why you’re better off without it. If you’d like to know more, refer to our Hola VPN review.
2. Hoxx VPN
Hoxx VPN lacks the security measures a user needs while streaming in Canada. It provides an outdated encryption algorithm that may be decrypted easily, making your data vulnerable and available for use to actors who may be on the lookout for their next victim. Furthermore, Hoxx VPN keeps detailed accounts of user activities, making it highly unreliable.
HoxxVPN doesn’t work well with unblocking geo-restricted sites either, so you’ll keep wondering, ‘why does it say HBO Max is not available in my region.’ That’s why we don’t recommend using HoxxVPN.
To know more about this VPN, you can check out our Hoxx VPN review.
3. HideMyAss
Although HideMyAss has a sizeable user base, we would not recommend using it for streaming HBO Max in Canada. Based on our testing, HideMyAss was not able to unblock HBO Max. Not only that but there’s also a risk of your data and IP address leaking while using HMA, especially given its record in the past. Learn more about this VPN by visiting our HideMyAss detailed review.
FAQs
How do I change my region on HBO Max while in Canada?
To change your HBO Max region, all you need to do is follow these steps:
- Sign up for a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the app on your device.
- Launch the app and connect to a server location in the US.
- Go to the HBO Max website and log in.
- Enjoy streaming HBO Max in Canada!
Why is HBO not available in Canada?
Due to licensing rights, HBO Max is not available everywhere and is only available in the US and a few other locations. Even if you are a US citizen, you will not be able to access HBO Max if you are in Canada. HBO uses IP tracking technology to detect your IP address and deny access if you are not in the region where it is available.
Why am I getting the “VPN Detected” message on HBO while in Canada?
You’re getting a “VPN Detected” error message on HBO in Canada because some VPNs cannot bypass HBO’s detection technology. Many streaming sites, including HBO, can detect whether or not you’re using a VPN to access its content. As a result, upon discovering your IP address provided by a VPN, the streaming site may block your access.
Wrapping Up!
You can watch HBO Max in Canada with a top-tier VPN that possesses excellent unblocking ability.
A trustworthy VPN like ExpressVPN will not only help you bypass HBO’s geo-restrictions and VPN blocks but will also make sure your IP and DNS remain hidden while streaming. This way, you will never have to deal with the error that HBO Max not available in your region in Canada, and access it with ease.
If you’re interested in ExpressVPN, you better hurry up. You can avail of ExpressVPN’s limited time “12 months + 3 months free” subscription that comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So what are you waiting for? Get a VPN today and start streaming your favorite shows on HBO Max in Canada.