Are you enjoying your HBO Max subscription? Your kids might be too — and you might not even know about it. That’s OK if you trust them to watch everything in the HBO Max library. But if you don’t, it’s time to set up HBO Max parental controls. Let’s show you how.
Table Of Contents
A Little HBO Max History
The age of streaming is here and one of the biggest cable networks of all time is all in. Before Netflix came onto the scene, HBO was the go-to source for content that just wasn’t suitable for network TV. We’re talking about shows with swearing, nudity, violence, and other things that regular TV just didn’t allow for.
When Netflix changed the TV landscape and started raking in hundreds of millions of dollars, new streaming services popped up to take a piece of the action. That included Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Disney+.
Not wanting to miss out on a slice of the streaming pie, HBO created HBO Max, a streaming service with a library of old HBO programming, plus new original series.
And today, it’s easy for anyone with a paid subscription to access HBO Max on their TV, computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Why You Might Want to Block HBO Max
HBO Max has a lot of fantastic content. But just because it’s great for adults, it doesn’t mean your kids should have the freedom to watch anything on the platform. Here’s why.
Content with nudity and sex
If you don’t want your kids watching TV shows and movies that contain nudity or scenes of sexuality, you might want to invest in HBO Max parental controls. The truth is, HBO is famous for adult content. And the amount of inappropriate content on the streaming service is staggering.
Take, for example, Euphoria. The teen drama is often referred to as soft pornography because of the amount of sex and nudity that you’re guaranteed to see in every episode.
Content with adult themes
Just because a show doesn’t contain nudity, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t contain adult themes. “Sex and the City” or its follow-up series “And Just Like That” are two prime examples of shows that are inappropriate for kids, even without scenes of nudity.
Violent content
HBO Max is home to some of the most violent TV series in history. The platform has always been a great source of epic series where blood, guts, and gore are commonplace. Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, and Boardwalk Empire are just a handful of series that cause parents to block shows on HBO Max.
How to Block Shows on HBO Max
#1 Best Option: Get mSpy
Do they have a smartphone? Then it’s time to install a parental controls HBO Max app. mSpy is a great one. And you won’t believe what you can do with it.
After you install mSpy on their device, you’ll have remote access to the content on their phone. Included in mSpy is a service that lets you block apps remotely, so if they’re using HBO Max, you can put a stop to it. This means you don’t have to worry about your kids discovering your Max parent code. If they do, just block the app.
mSpy also includes a tool that lets you find out if they’re talking about specific shows with their friends. With keyword alerts, you’ll know if they mention something specific in chat or search.
For example, let’s say you don’t want them watching Euphoria. You can set “Euphoria” as a keyword. If mSpy detects that word in one of their chats or in an online search, you’ll be notified.
#2 Runner Up: Set up Parental Controls in the HBO Max App
Does HBO Max have parental controls built in? You bet. Whether you use HBO Max in your browser, on your TV, or on your phone, you can create a Max parent code and stop them from accessing content you don’t want them to see. Here’s how:
- Log in to your HBO Max app.
- Choose your profile icon.
- Click Switch Profile.
- Click +Add Kid.
- Create a PIN.
- Fill in a few pieces of info, like your kid’s name and birthdate.
- Click Next.
- Choose your allowable content ratings.
- Save your selections.
That’s it. Your kids will only be able to access the content you’ve permitted.
But it’s important to keep in mind that tech-savvy kids might be able to bypass the HBO Max age restrictions you’ve set. If they can guess your PIN, or if they manage to access the TV where you’re currently signed in, they’ll be able to watch all the shows you don’t want them to see.
#3 Solution: McAfee Safe Family
If you’re looking for simple HBO Max parental controls, it’s worth checking out McAfee Safe Family. While McAfee is famous for anti-virus PC protection, they’ve ventured into the parental control app world with Safe Family.
While you can’t set up a Max parent code in the app, you can check out their app activity. So, if they’re watching HBO Max on their phone, you’ll know about it. You can also set time limits, so if you only want them to watch a few minutes of HBO Max, it’s possible.
Unfortunately, unlike mSpy, they’ll know you’re using McAfee Safe Family. The app doesn’t work in hidden mode.
Best Pick for HBO Max Parental Controls…
If you’re serious about stopping your kids from watching HBO Max, it’s time to consider mSpy. Not only will you be able to block the HBO Max app and find out if they’re talking about specific shows, but you’ll also be able to do all this:
- See pics and videos saved to their phone. It’s a great way to see if they’ve been sharing HBO Max content, like screenshots of inappropriate scenes from adult-themed shows.
- Read their private social media chats. mSpy gives you access to their chats on Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype, and even Tinder (if they’re using it…and they probably shouldn’t be). You’ll know what they’re talking about and who they’re talking to.
- See their location. Are they headed to a friend’s house to watch HBO Max (or something else)? Find out by seeing their current location and their previous ones.
There’s so much you can do with mSpy. Check out the free demo and see how mSpy is the perfect app to block shows on HBO Max and so much more.
