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Introduction: Hulu App Allows Offline but not MP4

In my own experience, it is only possible to download shows and movies on HBO Max within the mobile/tablet app: I find the title on my iPhone or Android device and click download. There's no official offline download option on my computer (Windows/Mac browser or desktop), and it doesn't even support exporting the source file to MP4. This point is repeatedly emphasized in the official help page and authoritative tutorials, and I double-checked the sources before writing this article.

hbo max to mp4

Why HBO Max Downloads are not MP4?

Watching HBO Max offline is designed to be encrypted and stored within the app, with a license-controlled expiration date (30 days/48 hours) and renewal, as well as device and quota restrictions.

HBO Max's download feature is protected by DRM. Think of this as a license that specifies policies like "playability" and "play duration." The license allows playback even when the device is offline, and the license automatically expires upon expiration. Downloading HBO Max videos as freely available MP4 files doesn't include these expiration dates and policies, so the official license is not available.

This entire mechanism requires content to remain in a controlled environment, which is why official MP4 exports are not available. There's also no official offline download feature for desktop, further confirming the "offline viewing is limited to the controlled mobile app" policy.

Reality: My Demands to Save HBO Max Videos to MP4?

My real demand is very simple: I want to organize clips for learning/reviews, which requires repeatedly reviewing the materials on the computer, making frame-by-frame annotations, and comparing the presentation effects of different subtitles and audio tracks - all of these tasks require a more flexible file format that can be edited and retrieved across software.

But the reality is: HBO Max downloads have many limitations. I can't treat the materials as ordinary media files to do timeline comparison or subtitle correction. This is why I subconsciously think, "If I can get an editable and transferable MP4, things will be much easier."

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Of course, I also know that the official does not provide MP4 export, just to make the "encryption + expiration + account quota + in-app playback" authorization rules controllable.
I still put the "official method" first. Unless I really need to download HBO Max shows on Mac for edition, I will find a way to save HBO Max as an MP4 format file.

1. Tool Used: StreamFab HBO Max Downloader

I didn't want to buy blindly. I confirmed that StreamFab offers "3 free downloads for HBO Max", so I tried it out in the early stages of my decision making.

hbo max to mp4
StreamFab HBO Max Downloader

Successfully download HBO Max videos in MP4 and MKV format, with support for resolutions up to 4K. I save an entire 2h movie within 20 minutes.

  Try for FREE!
  Try for FREE!
I use StreamFab as a temporary solution for personal learning/evaluation - I first use the trial credit to verify whether the video quality and subtitle meets the workflow, and then decide whether to continue. The "Official App Offline Download" is still my default path for daily movie watching.
 
Key Features 
  • Download any shows and movies from Max in compatible MP4/MKV format easily 
  • Remove ads even if you are ad-support plan member for a seamless offline watching
  • Download Max videos in uo to 1080P/4K native lossless resolution and AC3 5.1 audio track
  • Exclusive schedule mode to download newly released Max episodes at a set time
  • Download audio and subtitles of multiple language based on your needs

2. Operation Steps

The update log published by StreamFab HBO Max Downloader shows that it is still releasing versions in August 2025 (for example, 6.2.4.7, 6.2.4.8), and will mark the specific fixes/additions. This makes me feel more at ease. "Maintaining weekly/monthly updates" is an important criterion for me to judge the stability of the tool.

Once again, I will not use it for public dissemination, redistribution, etc. If you choose to save HBO Max videos in MP4 format, be sure to carefully evaluate whether your use conflicts with the terms of service and follow StreamFab Max Downloader guide.

Step 1

Install StreamFab and choose Max service

Install StreamFab on your device, choose 'Max' service from the VIP section. (*for new users, 3 free chances to download Max videos are available, without any limits on quality, video length, format, etc.)

 Free Trial  Free Trial

download hbo max to mp4 with streamfab step 1

Step 2

Find the video you want and customize the output options

Log into your Max account, and find the video you want to save in MP4 via StreamFab's in built browser. A pop-up window will appear to ask you to customize the output options.

download hbo max to mp4 with streamfab step 2

Step 3

Click the download button

You can choose the video quality, audio, episodes, subtitle, etc. After customization, click 'Download' or add to the 'Queue'.

download hbo max to mp4 with streamfab step 3

If you encounter a failure, first check whether there is a new version or platform update (you can refer to the log of 6.2.4.x). In addition, screen recording tools are another option (such as RecordFab), which are also a good choice for saving short videos of a few minutes.

Related topics:

FAQs

1. Why I cannot see the download button in HBO Max app?

Because your plan does not include downloads (common in basic plans with ads), please go to the plan page to check your current tier.

2. Will it be banned if I save HBO Max to MP4?

First, you cannot share your MP4 files with others and can only view them yourself. Second, the tool you choose should be safe and stable. In this case, it can basically maintain a high level of security.

Conclusion

I'm sharing this tip because my learning/assessment workflow requires MP4 format files, and I've already considered the official rules (mobile offline only, 30 days/48 hours, no PC offline) and legal/terms risks. If you're also evaluating, I recommend using the trial quota to verify your subtitle/audio track/clarity requirements, and then decide based on the update frequency and reputation.