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If HBO Max (now branded Max in some regions) has no sound, first play a different show or movie. If only one title is silent, contact Max support and give them the title name. If several titles are affected, check where the audio is being sent, the device’s volume and output settings, then—on a TV setup—the audio format and HDMI connection.
First, find out whether it is one title or every title
- Play a different show or movie in Max.
- If sound is missing only from one title, contact Max support and identify the title.
- If multiple titles are silent, follow the checks for your device below.
This distinction helps narrow the problem; it does not by itself prove which part of the setup is at fault.
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Check the device that plays the sound
Phone or tablet
- Turn up the device volume and test sound with headphones.
- Temporarily turn Bluetooth off in case audio is going to a connected accessory.
- Check that Do Not Disturb is off, then restart the phone or tablet.
Computer or browser
- Check the volume control in the Max player as well as the computer’s volume.
- If you use external speakers, check their power, cable connections, and volume.
- Confirm the computer’s selected audio output is the one you intend to use. Update the browser; if needed, test Max on another supported device.
Fix common TV, streaming-device, and console audio issues
Device menus and available options can vary by software version and region. Use the path that matches your device, rather than applying another device’s instructions. Max’s audio troubleshooting page also recommends updating the app, restarting the streaming device, reconnecting HDMI, and testing another HDMI port or cable where applicable.
Fire TV
For a Stereo fallback, open Settings > Display & Sounds > Audio > Dolby Digital Output and choose Dolby Digital Plus OFF. Also update Max, restart Fire TV, and check the HDMI connection and format compatibility.
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Apple TV
If surround sound is not working, open Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Format, turn on Change Format, and choose Dolby Digital 5.1 instead of Use Best Available. If that does not resolve the problem, try Stereo. Update Max, restart Apple TV, and check the HDMI connection as well.
Roku
Check for a Roku update at Settings > System > System Update > Check now. To try Stereo, go to Settings > Audio > Audio Mode > Stereo. Also update Max, restart Roku, and check the HDMI connection.
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Xbox
Open Settings > Display & Sound > HDMI audio, set HDMI audio to 5.1 uncompressed, then set Bitstream Format to Dolby Digital. Update Max, restart the console, and check HDMI connections if audio is still missing.
Other TV devices
If the device offers a Stereo audio setting, try it. Update Max, restart the device, reconnect HDMI, and—if possible—test another cable or port. Confirm that the TV and any receiver or sound system support the selected format.
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Check the audio track and sound system
Speech or language sounds wrong
Some titles offer multiple audio tracks. Open the playback controls for Subtitles, captions, and audio and select the intended available track. The exact labels can vary by player; see Max’s audio-track instructions.
TV, receiver, or soundbar setup
Audio passes through the devices between Max and your speakers. Reseat both ends of the HDMI cable and, if possible, test another port or cable. Check that the TV, receiver, adapters, and other connected equipment support the audio format you selected. These are diagnostic checks, not proof that a cable or device is defective.
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Surround sound and Dolby Atmos
The US Max help page lists stereo, 5.1 surround, and Dolby Atmos, and says playback uses the highest quality available for the device and subscription plan. Its US guidance describes Atmos for select titles and supported devices with the Premium plan; check the title description for Atmos availability. Plan names and eligibility may differ by region and change over time.
For Atmos, the US help page says every part of the connection chain—including the TV, streaming device, receiver, cables, and adapters—must support HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2. If you are troubleshooting missing sound, trying Stereo can help identify whether the selected format or equipment path is involved.
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When to contact support
Contact Max support if sound is missing from only one title after testing another, or if these device and output checks do not resolve a problem across titles. Tell support which device you use, whether the issue affects one or multiple titles, and whether sound travels through Bluetooth, HDMI, a receiver, or external speakers. That setup detail helps describe the problem without assuming a cause.
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