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Nexus 7

How to Install the HBO GO App on Your Nexus 7 Tablet (No Root Required)

Sep 24, 2013 06:02 PM
Feb 11, 2021 11:21 PM
HBO Go interface close-up

HBO GO is quickly gaining ground on Netflix as a must streaming service for our wireless devices. Especially since it's the only way you can watch TV shows like Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones, and Veep, since Netflix and Google Play do not offer them, and there is no Android app for Android Instant Video playback.

The problem is, unless you have a Kindle Fire, your Nexus 7 (or any other tablet) is locked out from even downloading the app.

Today, I'm going to show you how to trick the app into thinking your Nexus 7 is a Kindle Fire, and in no time you'll be watching your favorite episode of The Sopranos or Six Feet Under.

Update: HBO GO Is Now HBO Max

You no longer have to use this workaround to install HBO GO. Instead, just grab the HBO Max app from the Google Play Store.

Requirement

Your device is not required to have root access for this installation, so don't worry about doing anything too difficult. However, you will need to have cable and a subscription to HBO in order to use the HBO GO app.

Enable "Unknown Sources" in Settings

Since we're getting the HBO GO app from somewhere besides Google Play, we'll need to allow third-party installations on your Nexus 7 tablet. Head to Settings -> Security and enable Unknown Sources.

Settings screen of a mobile device displaying security options and app installation preferences.

Log in to Amazon

Before proceeding with Step 3 and 4, please make sure you are logged in to your Amazon.com account in Chrome or another web browser on your Nexus 7 tablet.

Install the Amazon App Store

Before we can download the HBO GO app, we need to get the Amazon Appstore installed on our Nexus 7 tablet. Head over to this link and tap on the yellow "Download the Amazon Appstore" button to download the APK file.

Warning message regarding file safety while downloading an app from the Amazon Appstore.

After it finishes downloading, tap on the APK file in your Notification tray to start the installation, then follow the on-screen prompts to install.

App installation permission screen displaying access requests for phone status, USB usage, accounts, and device settings.

Once you've got the Amazon Appstore installed, go ahead and sign in directly on the app.

Sign-in interface for Amazon App with fields for email and password.

NOTE: If you try to download the HBO GO app first and you don't have the Appstore installed, it will force you to do so first.

Get the HBO GO Kindle App on Amazon

Now, go back to Amazon in Chrome and "buy" the HBO GO Kindle app (don't worry, it's free). Simply head to this link and select "Get Now with 1-Click" on the right of the page, and follow the on-screen instructions to add the app to your account.

HBO GO app for Android devices with pricing information.

This will not install HBO GO on your device. It will only load it to the "Cloud" tab in the "My Apps" section of the Menu in the Amazon Appstore app. If you try to download it from there, it will tell you that it's not compatible.

HBO GO app compatibility error message on Amazon Appstore.

Install the Modded HBO GO App

Now, uninstall any version of HBO GO you may have on your device (you shouldn't have any yet), and install the pulled APK from the Kindle version right here. After the APK downloads, tap on it in the Notification tray and proceed to install.

HBO GO application permissions screen on a tablet.

NOTE: HBO GO will not work unless you have the Amazon Appstore app installed and you're signed in, which is why we can't just download the modded HBO GO app and that's it.

Amazon Appstore installation prompt indicating it was uninstalled.

Sign in to Your HBO GO Account

Now, simply fire up the HBO GO app, log in with your service provider, and BAM—you're done.

HBO GO subscription service provider options screen.

Enjoy your dragons and Kenny Powers!

A grid view of various scenes from HBO shows, featuring multiple characters in different settings.

Did this work for you? Let us know in the comments below.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

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