Are you trying to watch HBO Max but keep running into the frustrating “Not in Service Area” message? You’re not alone. This common issue irritates viewers outside the designated service areas, but via this guide, there is a way to know how to fix HBO Max not available in your region in Japan?
With the right VPN, like ExpressVPN, you can bypass these geo-restrictions and unlock HBO Max in Japan and its full library. In this blog, you will learn how to use a VPN to eliminate the “HBO Max not in Service Area” error, ensuring uninterrupted access to your favorite shows and movies.
Quick Steps: How to Fix HBO Max Not Available in Your Region in Japan
Since Max is geo-blocked in Japan, to swiftly bypass these HBO Max’s geo-restrictions and fix ‘HBO Max Not in Service Area’ error message, follow these streamlined steps using the best VPN for HBO Max :
- Choose a robust VPN with proven unblocking capabilities (We recommend ExpressVPN).
- Launch the application and log into it using ExpressVPN account details.
- Locate and connect to the US – New York server.
- Visit the HBO Max website.
- Log into your HBO Max account and stream your favorite content without interruptions.
Exclusive Deal: Grab the ExpressVPN deal- - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free.
Note: Don’t worry about how to pay for Max in Japan. Discover convenient tips and methods for hassle-free payments, even without a US credit or debit card.
Why You Need a VPN to Fix “HBO Max not available in your region” Message
You need a VPN to learn how to fix HBO Max not available in your region in Japan because HBO Max is an American video-on-demand service; as an result, it’s geo-restricted and only available in the United States.
Using a free VPN, in this case, might seem tempting, but it comes with significant risks, such as data breaches and unreliable access. A premium VPN not only secures your data but ensures consistent access to HBO Max without the dreaded “Not in Service Area” message.
If you try to access HBO Max’s website apart from these countries, you won’t be able to bypass the geo-restrictions since your IP address differs considerably 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 region’ error, you need a VPN like ExpressVPN. It will mask and change your IP address into a US IP address.
You can get HBO Max on iPhone in Japan and many other devices using the premium VPN service.
The Best VPNs for HBO Max not Available in your Region [Tested – 2024]
We’ve rigorously tested numerous VPNs to bring you the top performers for HBO Max or HBO in Japan that consistently offer unlimited, reliable, and smooth access to HBO Max in Japan.
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for How to fix HBO Max not available in your region in Japan
- MediaStreamer feature
- Servers: 3000+ servers in 105 countries, including 25+ cities of the US
- Speed: 87.18 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection
- Simultaneous connections: 8 devices
- Unlimited bandwidth for Ultra HD streaming
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for HBO Max in Japan as it has multiple servers in 105 countries, including, several servers in 25+ cities of the United States.
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 Japan and similar streaming services on devices with limited VPN configurations, such as Smart TV, Kodi, Firestick, Roku, Chromebook, and router. You can get HBO Max on Xbox in Japan using this feature.
A single ExpressVPN account can be configured on unlimited devices but can only be connected to 8 devices simultaneously. ExpressVPN users can simultaneously enjoy Japanese movies on HBO Max and HBO Max Japanese shows on Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux.
Security is another cornerstone of ExpressVPN’s service. With best-in-class encryption and 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 finest security features.
All of that is available for just JPY 1008.43/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free, and it comes with a no-question-asked 30-day money-back guarantee on all its plans, along with live chat support.
- Optimized servers
- Unblocks HBO Max within seconds
- Blazing-fast speeds supporting HD streaming
- Doesn’t log user data
- 24/7 live chat support
- Offers connectivity of up to 8 devices only
- Slightly expensive deals
2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN for How to fix HBO Max not available in your region in Japan
- 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 recommended for its exceptional balance of affordability and performance. It provides a robust network of US servers at a price of JPY 376.46/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee, including locations like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, which are tailored for streaming.
Surfshark global server network includes 3200+ servers in 100 countries and has 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.
During our Surfshark speed test in Japan, 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 without any interruptions.
Surfshark’s ability to support unlimited simultaneous connections has always been the day’s talk. Surfshark’s compatible with most OS like macOS, Windows, Android, and others. A single Surfshark subscription can be connected to all of your devices so you can install Surfshark on Firestick, Kodi, PlayStation, Xbox, Chromebook, Roku, Smart TV, etc.
Surfshark’s commitment to security is evident in its use of AES-256 encryption, Clean Web, AES 256-bit encryption, IKEv2/IPSec protocol, No Borders Mode, Kill Switch, Whitelister feature, and many other notable features that ensure your device’s security and privacy. You can swiftly watch HBO Max App on Windows in Japan to enjoy HBO Max Originals on your desktop PC and laptops.
Eventually, you can get Surfshark at the cost of only JPY 376.46/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee; it also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and live chat support.
- Budget-friendly plans
- Consistently unblock HBO Max and other US streaming sites
- 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 How to fix HBO Max not available in your region in Japan
- Double VPN
- Servers: 6000+ servers in 61 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 is a top contender for accessing HBO Max, thanks to its expansive network of over 1,970 servers across the United States. This vast selection allows users to connect to less congested servers, like those in Atlanta, Chicago, or Los Angeles, enhancing streaming quality and reliability.
NordVPN offers 6000+ servers in 61 countries with 1970+ servers in the United States alone.
During our testing NordVPN speed in Japan, 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, Firestick, and others. You can also watch HBO Max on Roku in Japan and enjoy your favorite Movies and TV series.
Security is a hallmark of NordVPN, with features like military-grade encryption, Double VPN, and CyberSec technology, which work together to protect your online activity. It offers IP & DNS leak protection, split tunneling, AES 256-bit encryption, Double VPN, obfuscated servers, and many other features.
NordVPN provides premium features at competitive prices. Its plans start from JPY 603.24/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee and live chat support.
- Offer largest server network in the US
- Reliably unblock HBO Max and other streaming sites
- Six simultaneous connections
- Strong security and privacy
- Windows app takes multiple clicks to disconnect
Not All VPNs Work with HBO Max
HBO Max has also implemented anti-VPN blocker technology like other popular streaming services. 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 offering unlimited HBO Max content access.
It’s crucial to understand that not all VPNs can navigate HBO Max’s anti-VPN technology. When selecting a VPN, ensure it has a track record of bypassing VPN blocks, offers a wide selection of US servers, and provides high-speed connections for a smooth streaming experience.
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, you should consider the following important aspects:
- Ability to bypass HBO’s VPN blocks: Ensure the VPN provider can unblock HBO Max abroad. We will list a few tried and tested VPNs that still work with HBO Max.
- 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.
- 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.
If you want to learn how to cancel HBO Max in Japan, it is a simple process but I advise you to continue with the subscription and try the above mentioned troubleshooting tips.
VPNs that don’t work with “HBO Max Not Available in your region” Error
Many VPNs fail to bypass ‘HBO Max not available in your region’ 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.
Based on the tests we conducted, we found the following VPNs highly untrustworthy for streaming HBO Max:
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.
2. Hoxx VPN
Hoxx VPN lacks the security measures a user needs while streaming. 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.
3. HideMyAss
Although HideMyAss has a sizeable user base, we would not recommend using it for streaming HBO Max. 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.
You can also use HBO Max on Chromecast in Japan and cast your favorite TV series and movies to the devices you like at the comforts of your home.
Has HBO Max and Discovery Plus Merged?
Yes, HBO Max has taken a shift and merged with Discovery Plus. This streaming landscape has evolved to form ‘Max’. It promises a richer library and an enhanced viewing experience, making it more important than ever to have a VPN that can adapt to these changes and provide reliable access.
You can also learn about how much is Max in Japan, and get more details on the different plans it has to offer.
What is Popular on HBO Max in 2024?
Here’s a table consisting of the best shows on HBO Max in Japan pick out the ones that suits your preference.
We also have a complete guide on the best movies on HBO Max in Japan in 2024, we have shortlisted some of our top ones in the table below:
You can also watch Sports on Max in Japan and catch all the live events.
Popular Guides By VPNRanks on Max:
- Watch College Basketball 2024 in Japan on Max: Courts ablaze: College Basketball 2024, where dreams slam dunk reality.
- Watch Trofeo Binda 2024 in Japan on Max: Championing cycling’s spirit: Trofeo Binda 2024, where legends emerge.
- Watch Devils vs Golden Knights Game in Japan on Max: Blades clash, hearts race: Devils vs Golden Knights, hockey’s pinnacle.
- Watch Cholet Pays de la Loire 2024 in Japan on Max: Prestigious French basketball tournament in its prime.
- Watch Quiet on Set The Dark Side of Kids TV in Japan on Max: Behind the scenes, lies unravel: Quiet on Set exposes truth.
FAQs – How to fix HBO Max Not Available in your Region in Japan
How do I change my region on HBO Max in Japan?
To change your HBO Max region in Japan, 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!
Why is HBO saying it’s not available in my region?
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 somewhere. 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?
You’re getting a “VPN Detected” error message on HBO 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.
Is HBO Max region locked in Japan?
Yes, HBO Max is only available to people in specific countries, like the US, Netherlands, and Portugal. That’s why you will see the HBO Max region error message “Not in service area” when accessing HBO Max in Japan. The way around this is by changing your IP address to one of those countries.
Why is it Max and not HBO Max?
Max is the chosen name instead of HBO Max to represent a fusion of exceptional content from HBO and the vast entertainment offerings from Discovery Plus, providing viewers with an enriched streaming experience.
Is HBO Max region specific?
HBO Max is accessible in the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, and selected European countries.
Why can’t I use HBO Max abroad?
While abroad, HBO Max restricts streaming for subscribers in Japan. If you’re a Max subscriber and travel internationally, streaming won’t be available. This limitation applies to both HBO Max and HBO streaming services. However, with the help of a trustworthy VPN, you can still enjoy shows and movies while signed in.
How to Fix HBO Max Not in Service Area Message?
To fix “HBO Max Not in Service Area” errors, follow these steps:
- Select a reliable VPN with consistent unblocking capabilities, such as ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a U.S. server to access HBO Max.
- Open HBO Max website and log in to start streaming content.
Can I use a free VPN to access HBO Max?
Using a free VPN to access HBO Max is not recommended due to limited servers and the inability to bypass anti-VPN measures effectively. For a better experience, choose a premium VPN like ExpressVPN.
Does HBO Max work in Japan?
Yes, despite HBO Max being geo-restricted in Japan. But, you can access HBO Max in Japan using a VPN service like ExpressVPN.
Is Max available in Japan?
No, HBO Max is not officially available in Japan, you can still access HBO Max in Japan once you’re connected to a US server with an ExpressVPN.
Wrapping Up!
To successfully access HBO Max in Japan, it is crucial to use a reliable and efficient VPN service like ExpressVPN. This is the ultimate solution to the common problem of how to fix HBO Max not available in your region in Japan.
A trustworthy VPN like ExpressVPN will help you bypass HBO’s geo-restrictions and VPN blocks and ensure your IP and DNS remain hidden while streaming. This way, you will never have to see messages like “HBO Max not available in your region” or “Not in Service Area.”