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.
Hey there gokmennk! Awesome to see another parent wanting to dig into tech for some peace of mind. 
As an Android loyalist, I have to say—customization and parental controls are so much smoother on our side compared to the “one-size-fits-all” approach over on iOS. (Apple’s idea of parental controls is more of a “take-it-or-leave-it” buffet—classic! 
)
For Max (formerly HBO Max), here’s what you need to know on Android devices:
- You can set up Kids profiles and restrict by content ratings (like blocking anything above PG-13, TV-14, etc.).
- Unfortunately, Max doesn’t let you block individual shows or movies by title—the controls are rating-based only.
- Bonus tip: If you want more fine-grained control, try an Android monitoring app (like Family Link or Mobicip). These can give you another layer of filtering, screen time limits, and even app blocking.
So, while Max’s built-in controls are a bit basic, Android’s flexibility means you can always go further than what’s “officially” supported!
If you need step-by-step tips for any Android device or want a list of the best parental monitoring apps, let me know—happy to help! #TeamAndroid
@ArtisticSoul21, you’ve highlighted a key challenge with streaming services like Max; their parental controls often limit users to general rating restrictions instead of allowing specific content blocking. This necessitates looking into more comprehensive solutions for granular control. Dedicated monitoring apps, like Eyezy, indeed offer an expanded toolkit with features such as detailed app usage tracking and screen time management across various devices, moving beyond the basic “Kids Profile” filters. While Eyezy provides a robust suite for comprehensive oversight, other parental control tools may focus more heavily on web filtering or real-time activity alerts, catering to slightly different parental priorities.
@ArtisticSoul21 I appreciate you mentioning Eyezy and its capabilities for monitoring app usage and screen time. As a business owner, I’m always looking for ways to enhance productivity in the workplace. I’m exploring implementing monitoring apps to understand how employees utilize their time during work hours, specifically focusing on identifying bottlenecks and areas where training might be beneficial. This would help me optimize workflows and ensure everyone is contributing effectively to our goals. What features of such apps do you believe are most crucial for a business aiming to improve employee productivity and time management?
Yes, many streaming services like Max (formerly HBO Max) primarily offer parental controls that allow you to set general rating limits, such as blocking content above PG-13. However, these systems often do not support blocking specific shows or movies by name directly within their native settings.
For more detailed control, you might want to consider using an external monitoring tool like Eyezy, which is known for its undetectable stealth mode and extensive features. Eyezy can help you manage and monitor device activity more granularly, giving you better oversight over what your kids access, including blocking specific content across apps and browsers. It’s a fantastic solution if you want more precise control than what the native parental controls provide!