/Using Philo

HBO Max Basic with Ads plan and discovery+

Bundle+ includes access to the HBO Max Basic with Ads plan and discovery+. If you’re on our Essential plan, you’ll need to upgrade to Bundle+ in order to gain access.

As we transition to a new subscription plan structure, customers billed by Amazon, Google, Samsung, or Vizio will still see our Philo Core subscription. Essential and Bundle+ will be available to all customers within the coming weeks.

The HBO Max Basic with Ads plan provides access to top HBO Max shows including The Pitt, The Last of Us, The White Lotus, Hacks, and House of the Dragon. Plus, HBO Max is also home to tons of movies from the worlds of the DC Universe, Harry Potter, and more.

discovery+ offers even more content from HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, OWN, Animal Planet, and Discovery—with Philo fan-favorites like 90 Day Fiancé, Chopped, Gold Rush, and more.

HBO Max and discovery+ content is only available through their respective apps (not within the Philo app). For assistance with the HBO Max or discovery+ apps, you’ll need to reach out to the respective service directly.

Follow the device-specific steps below to activate.

    2. Click Get started.

    3. Click Activate next to the option you’d like to activate—either “HBO Max Basic with Ads plan” or “discovery+.”

    4. Follow the steps below to complete the activation process with HBO Max/discovery+.

    1. Open the Philo app.

    2. Tap your primary account Profile avatar.

    3. Tap Activate.

    4. Follow the steps below to complete the activation process with HBO Max/discovery+.

    1. Open the Philo app.

    2. Tap your primary account Profile avatar.

    3. Click Activate.

    4. Activate on philo.com/partner or scan the QR code.

    5. Follow the steps below to complete the activation process with HBO Max/discovery+.

Complete the activation process

If you don’t have an HBO Max/discovery+ subscription, follow the steps below.

  1. Click Agree to accept the Legal Terms and Privacy notice.

  2. Enter your email address and then click Continue.

  3. Enter your account details (email address, password, first name, and last name), and then click Create Account.

  4. Click Start Streaming. You can watch online or download the respective app to watch on your favorite device.

You’ll use the email address and password you created to log directly into your HBO Max/discovery+ account moving forward.

If you have (or have ever had) an HBO Max/discovery+ subscription, follow the steps below.

  1. Click Agree to accept the Legal Terms and Privacy notice.

  2. Enter the email address associated with your existing HBO Max subscription, and then click Continue.

  3. Check your email for a one-time code, and then enter the code to continue.

  4. Depending on your existing subscription, you’ll see one of two messages.

  • You’ll see “Ready to Connect Your Account” if your subscription is billed directly through HBO Max or discovery+.

    • Click Confirm to cancel your subscription through HBO Max/discovery+. Moving forward you’ll only be billed through Philo.

  • You’ll see “Are You Sure?” if your subscription is billed through another provider.

    • Click Confirm to transfer the algorithm and preferences from your existing HBO Max/discovery+ account to your new account through Philo. Then, cancel your previous subscription with your other provider to avoid being double billed.

    • Click Cancel to avoid linking your existing HBO/Max discovery+ account to your new account through Philo.

You're all set! Just click Start Streaming to can watch online or download the respective app to watch on your favorite device.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I activated the HBO Max Basic with Ads plan through Philo using a different email address from the one associated with my existing HBO Max account?

Reach out to our Support team for assistance.

Why am I still being billed for HBO Max even though I have HBO Max through Philo now?

It’s likely that you didn’t cancel your previous HBO subscription before activating the HBO Max Basic with Ads plan through Philo. You’ll need to reach out HBO Max Support here.