Do you keep seeing the “Unsupported Version” error message on your HBO Max and it keeps asking you to update but you can’t seem to get rid of it?
Due to this error, Samsung TVs and Amazon Firesticks are two of the most affected devices. Users who have these devices have reported getting an error message saying “Unsupported Version” when trying to watch HBO Max. The strange thing is that they can’t even update the app to fix the issue.
It’s okay if you’re also experiencing this problem, it’s a common problem that users encounter from time to time.
Fortunately, there are some quick methods that can help you to resolve the issue on your own and I will share them with you in this guide.
If you’re wondering what the HBO Max “Unsupported Version” error here is, let me explain:
HBO Max releases updates for the app on a regular basis, some we install, others we skip until it forces us to update. The “Unsupported Version” error means old app versions cannot work with your device, and you need to update to the newest version of HBO Max.
I’ve encountered this problem with my Samsung TV, as well as in the past with the Fire TV stick. I keep getting the error, and when it clearly shows what the error is telling us, we should update the app to a newer version, but when we try to update nothing happens.
You shouldn’t worry and let’s move on to the main section that will explain why this error comes up and how to deal with it.
Table of Contents
What is HBO Max Unsupported Version Error?
I think it would be wrong to say that it only affects Samsung TV and Firestick users since if you are aware of the possible reasons behind it, you will understand why and how it can happen on any other smart TV and streaming devices like Roku, Chromecast, Google TV, etc.
The “Unsupported Version” error triggers when your Samsung TV, Firestick, or any other device cannot install automatic updates due to internal storage being almost full, and you cannot manually update the app due to a lack of storage space.
Generally, it happens on Samsung TVs and Firesticks since these devices have a large number of internal apps, third-party apps along these official applications that users keep installing and leaving them with a small amount of storage space to update.
That’s why the HBO Max app cannot be updated on your Samsung TV or Firestick and the “Unsupported Version” error pops up and you have to manually free up space as well as reinstall HBO Max to resolve the issue.
So, that being said, tell me what I can do to solve this annoying HBO Max Unsupported Version error as quickly as possible.
Alright, now that we know why this error occurs, let’s move on to troubleshooting methods through which you can get it sorted on your Samsung TV as well as Fire TV.
How To Fix HBO Max Unsupported Version Error?
As the culprit is a lack of storage space on your device, you need to manually free up space to remove the error. If you’re wondering how you need to delete all the apps that you don’t or use rarely.
Since numerous users have reported that they are unable to complete the steps or even when they do the error does not go away, I have outlined the proper steps that you need to follow in order to get rid of the HBO Max unsupported app version.
- Delete Unwanted Applications to Free Up Space
- Remove HBO Max App
- Cold Boot your Device
- Turn On and Install HBO Max Latest Version
Delete Unwanted Applications to Free Up Space
First of all, remove all unwanted applications from your device. If you are experiencing this error on Samsung or Firestick, remove all unwanted applications from them manually by going to the applications section.
In addition, you can get rid of applications that you rarely use, because they get updated often and if you rarely use them, they keep storing the updates, which eventually results in memory issues.
Remove HBO Max App
In my interactions with HBO Max support regarding this issue, they kept telling me that I had to update the app to the latest version, but they were not able to understand that I was unable to update the app.
So, You will need to remove the HBO Max application manually, clean up any remaining space on the device, do a power cycle, and then reinstall the application.
Cold Boot your Device
When you have created enough space on your device and deleted all unwanted applications as well as HBO Max, do not install the app straight away as that will not solve the issue. Instead, perform a power cycle to remove any temporary data on your device.
The idea of cold booting your TV differs from simply turning it off and on again. When you turn it off, it’s in standby mode. A cold boot actually shuts down your TV and reboots it, like you do a restart on the computer.
To do that on Samsung TV, follow these steps:
Cold booting Samsung TV with Remote: You can do this by holding down the Power button on the remote until the TV turns off and back on again. It should only take about 5-10 seconds.
Cold booting Samsung TV without Remote: In the absence of the remote, unplug your TV from the wall outlet or surge protector, let it stand for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
Now, let us see how to a power cycle on Firestick devices:
- Switch off the Firestick with Remote.
- Unplug the HDMI and power cable from Firestick.
- Wait for 3-4 minutes before plugging them back.
- Turn it on after plugging the cables back.
Turn On and Install HBO Max Latest Version
Now, we are going to touch on the last step as I have not mentioned it before, but please do not miss any of the above steps, or else you won’t be able to resolve the problem.
To fully resolve the Unsupported Version error you must carefully follow the steps as in a hurry we often miss things.
So, After you have freed up enough space on your device, removed the HBO Max application manually, and done a complete power cycle or cold boot of your device, the last step is to turn your device on and install HBO Max.
Note: In my experience, it is better to manually uninstall the app and reinstall it rather than update it directly since an update may not install updates fully.
Wrapping It Up
Being greeted with “Unsupported Version Update The App” while watching something on HBO Max certainly ruins our viewing experience. Being one of you, I have faced this issue in the past.
As a summary, HBO Max’s “Unsupported Version” error occurs when the installed version cannot function properly due to being outdated, and one must manually update the application to the latest version.
What you must do to fix it is as follows:
- Free up space by deleting unwanted applications.
- Uninstall the HBO Max app.
- Do a proper power cycle by unplugging the power cable and plugging it back after 2-3 minutes.
- Turn on Device and Install HBO Max application.
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Kazhiko Kuro is the Founder of StreamingStash.com. Over a span of 8+ years, He has tested, researched, and written hundreds of articles and guides on how to fix common issues with TVs, streaming media players, streaming services, and related devices. See our Editorial Guidelines and Content Integrity.
