HBO Max
Our age is 4. Caution because of a large TV-MA library that any unlocked adult profile can reach.
Setup steps checked October 2026.
- Our rating
- Caution
- Plays on
- iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, Mac, Smart TV
Set up HBO Max Kids profiles, Kid-Proof Exit and Profile PINs, and keep HBO's mature library away from younger viewers.
Talk about it
- What are your friends watching that you'd like to try?Many popular HBO shows are TV-MA, so hearing about them early lets you decide together before they look elsewhere.
- If a show you start feels too much, what will you do?Agreeing on a plan ahead of time makes it easier for them to stop watching and tell you.
- Should we watch the first episode together and decide?Shared viewing lets you judge a series and talk about it instead of just saying no.
- Do you know why your profile is set to the ratings it has?Explaining the limits helps them see the setting as care rather than a punishment.
The full guide
HBO Max (called simply "Max" from 2023 until July 2025) is home to HBO's series, Warner Bros. films and family titles from Cartoon Network and Looney Tunes. It has excellent children's content, but HBO's library also includes some of the most mature television ever made, so setup matters.
HBO originals can include graphic violence, explicit sexual content and strong language. On an unlocked adult profile, these are as easy to find as the cartoons.
Understanding HBO Max Profiles
Profile Types
You can create up to 5 profiles on an account (extra member accounts get 1). There are two types:
- Adult profile: Sees titles up to the ratings set on it
- Kids profile (Kids Mode): Only shows the ratings you allow for it
Kids Profile Features
- Ratings are set to PG / TV-PG by default, and you can change them
- New HBO Max accounts come with a default Kids profile that can watch TV-PG and PG titles
- No access to account management, like your password and subscription
- Kids Mode can't be turned off while the profile's birthdate is under 18
- An adult profile can't be changed into a Kids profile
Setting Up a Kids Profile
Open the Profile Menu
In HBO Max, choose your profile and then "+ New Profile." Scroll right if you have more than 3 profiles.
Name the Profile
Pick an avatar (or Skip) and enter a name.
Turn On Kids Mode
Turn on Kids Mode, choose a Ratings group and add your child's birthdate.
Save the Profile
Choose Save. The profile now only shows the ratings you picked.
Give each child their own Kids profile with ratings that fit their age. It also keeps recommendations separate.
Kid-Proof Exit and the Parent Code
Keep Kids in Their Profile
Kid-Proof Exit means a 4-digit Parent Code is needed to leave a Kids profile and switch to another one. Your account has one Parent Code, used for every Kids profile with Kid-Proof Exit on.
Create a Parent Code
On a phone, tablet or computer, go to play.hbomax.com/parent-code, enter a 4-digit code and choose Save.
Turn On Kid-Proof Exit
Go to hbomax.com/editprofiles, choose the Kids profile, turn on Kid-Proof Exit and choose Done.
On a TV, choose your profile, select the Edit icon below the Kids profile, and turn on Kid-Proof Exit there.
Ratings on Adult Profiles
For teens who use an adult profile, you can change the ratings an adult profile can watch at HBOMax.com/editprofiles.
Maturity Rating Reference
| Rating | Appropriate For |
|---|---|
| TV-Y / TV-Y7 | Young children |
| TV-G / G | All ages |
| TV-PG / PG | Ages 7+ |
| TV-14 / PG-13 | Ages 13+ with guidance |
| TV-MA / R | Adults |
Profile PIN Lock
Lock Your Adult Profile
Choose Lock Profile, confirm with your account password if asked, and enter a 4-digit Profile PIN. You can add a Profile PIN to any adult profile so your children can't watch HBO Max on it.
If a child opens the app and picks an unlocked adult profile, they can reach mature series like Game of Thrones and Euphoria with no barrier.
Lock All Adult Profiles
If several adults use HBO Max, lock each adult profile. Kid-Proof Exit keeps children in their own profile; Profile PINs keep them out of yours. Use both.
Content Worth Knowing About
For Younger Children (Ages 4–10)
Children's favorites on HBO Max:
- Cartoon Network series (Adventure Time, Steven Universe, Regular Show)
- Looney Tunes
- Harry Potter films (PG / PG-13)
- Warner Bros. animated classics
For Teens (Ages 13–17)
Popular but mature titles to talk about before allowing:
- Game of Thrones (TV-MA)
- Euphoria (TV-MA)
- House of the Dragon (TV-MA)
- The Last of Us (TV-MA)
These are rated for adults. Keep them behind a PIN for anyone under 18 unless you've decided otherwise together.
Viewing History
Review Watch Activity
HBO Max doesn't offer a viewing-history report in its parental controls. Open your child's profile and look at the Continue Watching row on the home screen to see what's been started.
Parental Controls Check-In
Every so often, check that:
- Child profiles are still Kids profiles with the ratings you chose
- Kid-Proof Exit is still on
- Adult profiles are still locked
Managing Access
Sign Out of Devices
Use this if you think someone is using the account without your permission. Only adult profiles can manage devices, and signing out everywhere can take a few hours to finish.
Screen Time
No Built-in Timer
HBO Max doesn't include viewing time limits. Use:
- iPhone and iPad Screen Time
- Google Family Link on Android
- Smart TV parental controls
Age-Based Recommendations
Ages 4–9
- Kids profile with Kid-Proof Exit on
- All adult profiles locked
- Daily limits set with device controls
Ages 10–12
- Kids profile with ratings that fit them
- Look at new shows before they start
- Daily limits set with device controls
Ages 13–15
- Kids profile with TV-14 / PG-13 ratings, or an adult profile with limited ratings
- Talk before each new series
Ages 16–17
- Ratings agreed with your teen
- Adult profiles still locked
- Keep the door open for questions
Quick Setup Checklist
Additional Resources
HBO Max is now set up with Kids profiles, Kid-Proof Exit and locked adult profiles. Given how mature HBO's library is, these are among the most useful streaming settings you can turn on.