HBO network is one of the popular movies and TV shows networks in the world. Their streaming app HBO GO is only available only in the USA. The recently introduced HBO Max is also available only in the USA. The other HBO service, HBO NOW is a subscription-based streaming app. If you have an Apple TV and a resident of the USA, you can easily watch all the HBO movies and TV shows.
What is HBO GO?
HBO GO is a TV anywhere app that don’t any additional subscription. If you TV providers like Spectrum and Cox have HBO channel, you can use your TV provider credentials to access the HBO channel on any supported smart devcies. In simple words, you can use the HBO GO app for free, if your TV provider has access to the HBO channel. Not only Apple TV, you can use the HBO GO app for free on other supported devcies like iPad, iPhone, Android smartphones, Fire TV, and many more.
HBO GO on Apple TV
In all the Apple TV models, the HBO GO app is a pre-installed app. But with the geo-restriction. Since the HBO GO app is only in the USA, you can’t install and use the app outside the USA.
Step 1: Turn on your Apple TV and wait until the Home screen appears.
Step 2: On the Home screen, you will find the HBO GO app. Select the app.
Note: If the app is not pre-installed, then open App Store on your Apple TV and search HBO GO and install it on your device. After installing, follow the steps below to activate the app.
Step 3: It will ask for your TV providers details. Enter the necessary information.
Step 4: Now, you will get an 6-digit activation code.
Step 5: Take you smartphone or PC and go to hbogo.com/activate on your browser. An activation screen will open.
Step 6: Enter the activation code on the website and click Next.
Step 7: The HBO GO app on Apple TV will get activated. Now, you can watch all the HBO movies and TV shows for free without any additional subscription.
Related: How to Install HBO GO on Firestick / Fire TV
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is HBO Go not working on Apple TV?
Make sure that your are using the latest version of tvOS on your Apple TV. (Settings –> System –> Software Updates –> Update Software). Go to the App Store and update the HBO GO app.
2. What is the difference between HBO GO and HBO NOW?
HBO GO is a TV provided app whereas HBO NOW is a standalone streaming application like Netflix. By using your TV provider account, you can use the HBO GO app.
3. Is HBO GO free right now?
It is free with your TV provider. If your TV provider has access to HBO channel, you can access the HBO GO app for free.
Decider
Apple TV and other streaming devices have the advantage that most of the popular streaming applications are pre-installed with it. All you need to do is to update the app regularly. But, if you buy Apple TV from outside the US, there will be no HBO GO app pre-installed with it. You need to manually install the app from the App Store.