HBO is a US-based streaming platform and it offers plenty of amazing programs such as Game of Thrones, Chernobyl, Big Little Lies, Euphoria, etc… While we can enjoy such programs in the US, unfortunately, because of the copyrights issues, we cannot watch HBO abroad. Still, we are not helpless! In this article, I will teach you how to watch HBO abroad with a simple VPN tool.
Understanding HBO’s embargo to the outside of US
First of all, HBO is so serious about copyright issues. According to the terms of use, HBO states:
- 17. USE IN U.S. ONLY: This Service is intended for viewing solely in the U.S. HBO makes no representation that materials or other content in the Service are appropriate or available for use outside the U.S. If you choose to access the Service from other locations you do so on your own initiative and at your own risk. You are responsible for complying with local laws…
In short, HBO does not want us to access their library outside of the US. Yet, what if we have HBO subscription and currently outside of US? This is the point when a VPN service comes handy.
Simply, a VPN service will assign us a brand new virtual IP address. When we do select a server located in the US, our current IP address will be converted into a US one. In other words, this simple VPN trick will help us browse the internet as if we are currently located in the US.
I will teach you how to do this!
How to watch HBO abroad with a VPN service
Now that we have learned how VPN works, it is very time to use this service to access HBO shows abroad.
Step 1 – Purchase a VPN service
It is a must to have a VPN service to change our local IP address to US address. In this quick tutorial, we will be using NordVPN.
NordVPN is a reliable and cost-effective VPN provider with plenty of US IP address. The provider works with HBO and it offers HD video streaming performance with its US servers.
Step 2 – Install and connect to a proper VPN server
Once the purchase is complete, it is time to install the proper app to our device. NordVPN offers plenty of compatible apps to your liking: Windows, Mac OS, Linux; Android, iOS; Android TV; Google Chrome and Firefox.
- Depending on the platform you want to stream HBO, download the app and follow the installation instruction.
- Once the set up is done, log in to the app with your credentials.
- The software/app interface will list available VPN servers. Choose a US server to have US IP address. (If you are in Europe, go for New York; if you are in Asia, Australia or New Zealand, choose California server to have a faster streaming experience)
Step 3 – Accessing HBO programs
When you finished the previous steps, we are ready. Now you can log in to your HBO account and start streaming any shows you want.
In order to make the tutorial more reliable, I used NordVPN Google Chrome extension to offer you a proof of work.
Right before the VPN connection, I got this error:
- “We’re sorry. This video is not available in your region.”
However, after connecting to a proper US server. You will get this…
That is it! Now, you learned the proper way to access your favorite HBO shows outside of US!
All set? No! We are not done yet.
Using a VPN service can get you to have some troubles.
Problems you may face with HBO when using VPN
Just like Netflix or BBC, HBO also fights against VPN services to preserve the rights of its programs. According to a Reddit user, HBO became inaccessible after some time. Meaning that the VPN service Reddit user was using stopped working because of HBO ban.
It turned out to be a common practice for streaming platforms to block VPN servers with the help of GeoIP blocking systems.
Furthermore, your account is in danger. If HBO cathes you using VPN to bypass it blocking system, it may suspend or cancel your account in the future.
Several users from Canada, United Kindom, Germany as well as Australia received a warning email stating:
– Dear HBO NOW User:
It has come to our attention that you may have signed up for and viewed video content on the HBO NOW streaming service from outside of the authorized service area (the United States, including D.C. and certain US territories).
We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the HBO NOW streaming service is only available to residents of the United States, for use within the United States. Any other access is prohibited by our Terms of Use…
How to fix HBO streaming problems
I have mentioned two important problems when using a VPN service to watch HBO abroad. The first problem is your current VPN might be blocked. The second one, HBO may catch you on the VPN. This may also lead to account suspension or termination.
So! How can we fix these problems?
Solution 1 – Alternative VPN providers for HBO
NordVPN is not the only VPN provider capable of bypassing HBO ban abroad. There are several other VPNs to help us stream HBO shows with HD quality.
CyberGhost is a Romania-based VPN provider offering dedicated HBO streaming servers to its users. This exceptional feature will help you get the best HBO streaming experience.
According to our review, Cyberghost is capable of handling HD streaming burden with its US servers.
Apart from other providers, Cyberghost pays a great deal of attention to the user-friendliness, that is why you will find US servers dedicated only to HBO. This is a great time saver!
Starting from 2.75$, you can unblock your favorite HBO shows and enjoy an amazing streaming experience on seven different devices.
ExpressVPN is British Virgin Islan based VPN provider. If you are a privacy geek, it can be your top choice.
According to our review, ExpressVPN offered poor streaming experience with Netflix and BBC iPlayer. However, as for the HBO, you can watch the shows with HD quality.
Contrary to other providers, ExpressVPN is a bit pricy. Starting from 6.67$/Month, ExpressVPN helps you watch HBO outside of US on your 5 different devices.
Furthermore, the no-log policy makes ExpressVPN one of the most favorable and privacy-oriented VPN provider in the market. Besides streaming, you can also use the service to enhance your online privacy level.
A newcomer to our list, SurfShark is also British Virgin Island-based provider in the market. Even if Surfshark is a new player, it offers relatively faster VPN servers than other providers I have reviewed.
An average 30 Mbps download speed will help us stream HBO with the finest quality available.
Last but not least, SurfShark is the best price/performance VPN provider in the market. Starting from only 1.9$/month, you can enjoy streaming experience simultaneously on unlimited devices! Just a friendly note, you cannot share your account with your friends!
Now that we learned alternative VPN services, it is very time to take further action against HBO’s warning mails.
Solution 2 – Dedicated IP and streaming platform
I am not %100 sure. Yet, according to the warning problems I linked above, the diagnoses is HBO catches us with two simple ways:
- Continuous IP switching because of using VPN services: HBO may regard this as a VPN practice
- Watching shows on mobile apps: If you are located in Australia and registered to your iOS/Android device with the given country, HBO may regard device location as the real one. Changing the IP address after this recognition may trigger the warning emails.
So, how can we fix these problems?
Get a dedicated IP address
It is a very common practice if you do not wanna share your IP address. The solution can help us to access HBO with the same IP address and this may reduce the chance of getting caught as we are not switching the IP over and over.
How to get a dedicated IP address?
There are not many VPN providers offering this option. That is why we will keep on using NordVPN.
- Register a NordVPN account
- Login to your account
- “Dashboard” will offer three sub-menu: VPN plans, Browser extensions, and Dedicated IP address.
- Click on the “Get dedicated IP” button. The customer support will get in touch with you within 48 hours and it will lead you through the required steps.
Looking for other VPN providers offering dedicated IP address? Try PureVPN or IVacy.
Note: Make sure that your dedicated IP address is US. Otherwise, you will not bypass the HBO ban.
Change streaming platform
If your device is registered to a specific country, HBO may figure out your real location with the help of app permission. In that manner, rather than using mobile apps, prefer to stream HBO shows from browsers. With the lack of footprint, browser and VPN combination will help us shroud our real location as no permission is given out to HBO.
Summing up
Because of right issues, HBO limits its shows only to US territories. In short, anyone abroad cannot stream HBO. Bearing this problem in mind, I showed how we can make use of VPN services like NordVPN to bypass HBO ban.
As a simple solution, VPN services can help us change our IP address to any location we want. That way, we can have a US address and start streaming HBO shows. However, using a VPN may also bring about new problems along with.
HBO is intolerant to VPN usage. If it catches you using a VPN service, HBO may suspend or terminate your account. In order to avoid this issue, I strongly suggest you use a dedicated IP. Furthermore, as mobile apps give away your registered location, make sure to stream shows on a browser.
I’m a part-time traveler on a mission: to explore the world and uncover the intricate demands of VPN usage. Fueled by curiosity, I meticulously navigate the realms of privacy, streaming, and unblocking needs in every destination I visit. With a keen eye, I analyze the local and global VPN demands of each country, translating my findings into informative articles about VPN-related topics.