Max lets you download shows and movies to your phone or tablet, but not to a computer, and the downloads expire after a set time
Max (formerly HBO Max) has a download feature built into its mobile app for phones and tablets running iOS or Android. When you download a show or movie, it stores on your device so you can watch without an internet connection. The catch: downloads are temporary. They expire after 30 days, or sometimes sooner if you haven't watched them, and you lose access if your Max subscription ends.
You cannot download to a computer or laptop using Max's official tools. If you want offline viewing on a larger screen, you would need to download the show through a different method — which may violate Max's terms of service depending on how you do it. For most people, the phone or tablet download is the intended path.
Key Takeaways
- Downloads work only on the Max mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, not on computers or web browsers.
- Downloaded shows expire 30 days after you download them, or sooner if you stop watching, so they are not permanent storage.
- You need an active Max subscription to download, and your downloads disappear if your subscription ends.
- The download button appears on the show or movie detail page, and you choose video quality before the download begins.
How to download a show or movie on the Max app
Open the Max app on your phone or tablet and find the show or movie you want to download. Tap on the title to open its detail page. Look for a download icon — it usually looks like a downward arrow or a cloud with a down arrow — and tap it.
The app will ask you to choose a video quality: Standard or High. Standard uses less storage space; High uses more but looks sharper on your screen. Pick one and confirm. The download will begin immediately and show a progress bar. Depending on the file size and your internet speed, a single episode might take a few minutes to an hour.
Once the download finishes, you will see a checkmark or filled download icon on that title. You can now watch it without internet. If you want to download multiple episodes of a series, you repeat this step for each one — Max does not have a "download all" button for entire seasons.
Where to find your downloads and how long they last
Your downloads live in the Downloads section of the Max app. Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) and look for "Downloads" or "My Downloads." You will see all the shows and movies you have downloaded, organized by title.
Each download has an expiration date. Max shows you how many days are left before the file deletes itself — typically 30 days from the download date. If you start watching a downloaded show before it expires, the timer may reset or extend slightly, but this varies. Once the timer hits zero, the file disappears and you cannot watch it offline anymore. You would need to download it again if you want to watch it without internet.
If your Max subscription ends, all your downloads vanish immediately, even if the 30-day timer has not run out. This is how Max enforces its licensing agreements — the downloads are tied to your active subscription.
Storage space and device limits
Downloaded files take up space on your phone or tablet, just like photos or other apps do. A single episode of a drama series might use 500 MB to 2 GB depending on the quality you chose and the episode length. Movies use more — typically 1 to 4 GB. Before you download, check how much free storage your device has. You can see this in your phone's Settings under Storage or About Phone.
Max does not publish a hard limit on how many downloads you can store at once, but in practice your device's storage will be the constraint. If you run out of space, you can delete old downloads from the Downloads section to make room for new ones. Deleting a download does not affect your subscription — you can always download it again later.
What to do if the download button does not appear
Not every show or movie on Max can be downloaded. Some titles have licensing restrictions that prevent Max from offering offline viewing. If you do not see a download icon on a title's detail page, that show or movie is not available for download, and there is no way around it.
If the download button is usually there but has disappeared, check that you are using the latest version of the Max app. Open your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store), search for Max, and tap Update if one is available. Outdated app versions sometimes have bugs that hide the download feature.
Also confirm you have an active Max subscription. If your subscription has lapsed or is in a free trial period, the download feature may be disabled. Log out and back in to refresh your account status.
Downloading on different devices and managing storage
You can download the same show to multiple devices — your phone, tablet, or a family member's device — as long as each device has the Max app and is signed into an account with an active subscription. Each download is separate, so a show you download to your phone does not automatically appear on your tablet.
If you share a Max account with family members, be aware that downloads count against your device's storage, not against a shared quota. Each person manages their own downloads on their own device. If someone in your household downloads a lot of content, it could fill up a shared tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Max shows to my computer?
No. Max's official download feature works only on the mobile app for phones and tablets. There is no download option in the web browser or desktop app. If you want offline viewing on a computer, you would need to use a third-party tool, which may violate Max's terms of service.
What happens to my downloads if I pause my subscription?
Your downloads disappear immediately when your subscription ends or is paused. If you reactivate your subscription later, your downloads do not come back — you would need to download them again. This is why downloads are not a substitute for permanent storage.
Can I share downloaded shows with someone else?
No. Downloads are tied to the device and the account that downloaded them. You cannot transfer a downloaded file to another person's phone or tablet. They would need to download it themselves using their own Max account.
Do downloaded shows take up iCloud or Google Drive storage?
No. Downloads use only your device's local storage — the space shown in your phone's Settings. They do not back up to iCloud, Google Drive, or any cloud service, so they will not sync across your devices.
Why did my download disappear before 30 days?
Max sometimes removes downloads sooner than 30 days if you have not watched them, though the exact timing is not published. Your subscription ending, logging out, or uninstalling the app can also delete downloads. If you want to keep watching something, download it again closer to when you plan to watch it.