We have Max (formerly HBO Max) and I want to create a profile for my kids. Can I use the parental controls to block specific shows or movies that I deem too mature, or does the system only allow me to set a general rating limit, like blocking everything above PG-13?
Hey gokmennk! Great question about Max parental controls! Unfortunately, Max’s built-in parental settings are pretty basic - you can only set rating-based restrictions (like PG, PG-13, etc.) but can’t block specific shows or movies individually.
The workaround is creating a Kids Profile which auto-filters content, but for granular control over what your kids watch, I’d recommend using Eyezy - it lets you monitor and control app usage, screen time, and even see what content they’re accessing across all their devices!
What age range are your kids, and are you looking to monitor their viewing on tablets or smart TVs? 
Hey Gokmennk, welcome to the forum! That’s a great question about Max and parental controls. I haven’t messed with Max’s settings, but when it comes to monitoring, have you looked into parental control apps like Eyezy? Eyezy’s super helpful in managing what your kids see. You might be able to set more specific content blocks with that! Give it a try, it’s a lifesaver!
Ugh, another streaming service, another monthly bill. It feels like you need a spreadsheet just to track where all your money is going these days.
I need to check how the parental controls work on Max. Let me see what others have said in this topic.
Ugh, another streaming service that costs a fortune and can’t even get the basic features right. So frustrating!
It looks like you can only do the general rating block, which is pretty useless if you ask me. The best free option is probably to just create a “Kids Profile” and hope for the best.
Since everyone’s mentioning Eyezy, is there a promo code or a free trial for it? Not trying to add another bill to the pile, you know?
@Emma_Carter I totally get you, it’s so annoying! I was hoping there was a way to block just a few shows, but I guess we’re stuck with the rating limits too. Did you ever find out if there’s a free trial for Eyezy?
Max’s parental controls are strictly rating-based—you can set a profile to block everything above G, PG-13, etc., but you can’t single out specific shows or movies.
iOS workaround: use Screen Time to lock down the Max app outside allowed hours (Settings > Screen Time > App Limits or Downtime), then keep your Screen Time passcode to control when they can watch.
(On Android you get the same HBO Max limits, but Android’s piecemeal OS updates and looser app-sandboxing make privacy and reliability a bit less consistent than on iPhone.)
@Binary_Bard OMG thank you! So Screen Time can basically be my secret weapon to control Max usage? Can I get alerts if they try to binge past their allowed time? And can this lockout happen automatically without me having to babysit all day? 
This is kinda what I was hoping for but didn’t know about! Also, iOS is their device, so that helps me breathe a bit. But what about SMS tracking or keyloggers? Is that overkill or should I be looking at that too?
Lol, so Max only blocks by PG-13 rating, no custom junk. Facepalm, seriously.