HBO, HBO Max, and Discovery+ recorded 97 million subscribers in the first quarter of 2023. We can only assume that many of those viewers have tried watching something before going to bed.
Yet, in the world of streaming, convenience is key. Which poses the question: Does HBO Max have a sleep timer?
Well, this function isn’t currently part of the app’s arsenal. That doesn’t mean you have to give the streaming service up, though.
In this article, we’ll go over a handful of alternative solutions that can help you control your nighttime viewing on HBO Max.
If you can’t sleep without watching TV, ditching your favorite HBO Max shows might not be a valid option.
Instead, you can check out some tips that can enhance the missing app functions.
One handy way to manage your viewing before bedtime is to toggle the autoplay features off.
This feature gives you a few options when an episode finishes. You can click on the prompt to start the next episode, wait for a 15-second countdown before automatically playing the episode, or play the end credits by dismissing the prompt.
If you’re thinking about catching some Zs, these choices might not be the best way to go.
The good news is that while the feature is enabled by default on HBO Max, you’re not stuck with it forever.
If you’re using a TV device, head to the Max app’s settings gear icon, and navigate to “Playback.” There you’ll find options to disable autoplay previews and episodes.
On the other hand, if you’re using the mobile app version or accessing HBO Max on your computer, simply click on your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen. Then, choose “Settings” and select “Playback.”
Turning off autoplay might just be the trick you need to keep your binge-watching habits in check.
Overall, it works best if you think you’ll fall asleep before the current episode is over. If you don’t, at least it can help you avoid getting caught up in the “just one more episode” line of thought.
However, you’ll likely need to turn off the feature individually on each device you use.
Your trusty smartphone can come to the rescue with its built-in timer.
If you’re using an iPhone, you can use the clock app to regulate your streaming time. Head to the timer page, set your desired duration, and scroll down to “When Timer Ends.” From there, select “Stop Playing.”
When the timer reaches zero, the playback on HBO Max will pause automatically.
Android users, on the other hand, can make use of the Digital Wellbeing controls.
To set a sleep timer, open the device settings, navigate to Digital Wellbeing, and click on the chart. Then, you’ll want to locate the HBO Max mobile app and click on the “Set timer” option.
Decide how much time you need before drifting off and tap “OK.” All done—the streaming app will close once the designated period is up.
Yet, it’s worth noting that Digital Wellbeing timers reset at midnight. So, keep that in mind if you head to bed before 12.
Some apps can automatically close all open browser tabs (including HBO Max) when a timer reaches its end.
Similarly, if the built-in timer on your mobile device doesn’t work, you can explore third-party apps available on Google Play.
Many smart TVs have built-in sleep timer settings that you use. The process varies depending on your device model, though.
The catch here is that this method might not work seamlessly with all streaming apps.
For instance, on some Samsung TV models, having a streaming app open cancels timer features. So, the setting itself could be grayed out from the screen. In this case, switching the source might be necessary.
While the app compatibility can be a hit or miss, you can still give it a shot and check how your TV’s timer feature interacts with HBO Max.
To access the timer, navigate to your TV’s setting screen by looking for a gear icon on the remote. Typically, you’ll find the time-related options within the General and System Manager sections.
While some of the alternatives we’ve covered are fairly simple, you might be wondering if you really need to bother setting an external timer.
It’s definitely a matter of preference, and some people won’t mind leaving the streaming service running all night.
However, there are a few reasons that can make sleep timers a smart choice for other viewers.
Here are a few benefits to consider:
We’ve all been there—you doze off during an episode, only to wake up missing huge chunks of the plot. Finding where you left off can be a hassle, especially for intricate Max Originals that demand your full attention.
Sure, you could just do rewatches, but this would limit your options. By using timers, you can keep your viewing experience seamless and without any plot gaps or confusion.
Bedtime streaming on mobile devices can drain battery life and gobble up internet data.
Cutting the screen playback after an hour or so can leave some juice on the device for you to use when you wake up!
As much as you love HBO Max, your sleep is essential too.
The sounds from the TV can inadvertently disrupt your sleep time, especially if sudden loud noises startle you awake.
Don’t let the absence of an official sleep timer from HBO Max get in between you and a good night’s rest. Whether you turn off autoplay or set a phone timer, you can easily keep things under control.
If you have your settings ready but are tired of watching endlessly shows, check out some of my favorite movies to watch at bedtime, from Lord of the Rings to Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. You might find some on Max that are worth a watch!