With a bundle of live streaming and sports channels, DIRECTV STREAM is a popular service in the United States. And best of all, you are not dependent on a streaming box. In this article, we will be showing you how to get the DIRECTV app for Smart TV and stream without a box.
Before we continue, let’s quickly discuss the history and understand what DTV is. Then, we will compare its subscriptions and look at Smart TV support and the list of compatible devices.
A Quick History
On Aug 26th, 2021, AT&T TV services transitioned to DIRECTV STREAM. The partnership between AT&T and TGP rebranded the services back to its root without making any changes to services. However, they did increase the pricing significantly and added 10 additional channels to all three plans. In 2023, the service still offers the same contract-free streaming subscriptions without renting a set-top box.
While back in the days when AT&T reluctantly ignored Google’s Android TV platform, DIRECTV now filled the gap. Even if it is a selfish reason to support their Android-based Gemini Air, it still is a good step forward. However, Vizio, Hisense, and LG Smart TV owners are still waiting for the company to release the app.
What is DIRECTV STREAM
It’s DIRECTV’s VOD service that lets you stream live and on-demand content online. You don’t need to pay for a yearly subscription or purchase extra equipment to get started. With DTV Stream, you can watch live sports, news, and other videos on your Smart TV, phone, or laptop.
However, you’ll need a compatible device to install the application. You can also buy the Android-based set-top box for $120 or pay $5 monthly for 24 months. For seamless streaming, DIRECTV recommends at least 8 Mbps internet speed. From personal experience, I recommend a 50 Mbps or higher connection.
Pricing and Plans Comparison
If you’ve used AT&T TV before, you’re likely familiar with DIRECTV’s three standard subscription packages. Each plan offers different news, sports, and entertainment channels with varying pricing models.
To help you decide which suits you, here’s a quick comparison of the plans, including the number of channels you’ll get with each.
Keep in mind the following pricing does not include taxes.
All these plans come with 1st month of Sports Pack for free. These also include Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+, and Cinemax as add-ons for the first three months. Make sure to cancel or adjust these add-ons after the promo period ends.
How to install DIRECTV STREAM on Samsung TV
Samsung has its own store where you can download and install the app. However, you must have a Samsung ID; if you don’t, you can sign up for free. Once you get your account, log in and follow these simple steps:
- Press the “Home” button on your Samsung remote.
- From the bottom of the screen, scroll to the left to find and launch “APPS”.
- Select the search icon in the top right corner.
- Now type “DIRECTV” on the search screen.
- Find the app from the search results and press the “Select” button on the remote.
- Select the “Install” button to get the app on your Samsung TV.
After successfully installing the application, add it to your Samsung TV home screen.
How to Watch DIRECTV STREAM on Roku TV
Roku is a digital media player which offers access to various online streaming services. It was first developed in 2008 with the collaboration of Netflix. Later, the company released its own streaming devices, the Roku Express, Premiere, and Streaming Stick. And now, they are offering its platform to top-rated Smart TV brands like TCL, Philips, and Hisense.
You can get almost any popular streaming service on Roku TV. To get DIRECTV app for Roku, follow these simple steps:
- Press the “Home” on your Roku remote.
- Scroll down to find “Streaming Channels”.
- From there, select “Search Channels”.
- Now type “DIRECTV” on the search bar.
- Select the app by pressing the “OK” on the remote.
- Now select the “Add Channel” and press “OK” again.
After this last step, you’ll see a message box Adding “DIRECTV”…(100%), which will take some time, depending on your internet speed connection. Once done, you will get a “Channel added” message on the screen. Now go ahead and hit home on the remote, and you should see the DIRECTV app channel on your Roku TV.
How to install DIRECTV STREAM on Sony, TCL, & Hisense Smart TV
The DIRECTV wasn’t available on Hisense, TCL, & Sony before, but now, with the support for Google’s Android OS, you can download & stream the app on your TV. The overall experience of installing any app on both Android & Google TV is pretty similar. The only difference is Google TV has its own curated and more focused library of apps. However, you can still sideload any Android application with a bit of know-how.
To stream DIRECTV app on Sony and TCL Smart TVs, sign in to your Google account and follow these simple steps:
- Using the remote, select “Apps” from the top menu, right next to Home.
- Scroll down to the search bar and type DIRECTV.
- Select the app from the search results.
- Then select the “Install” button.
The Google TV OS makes it much easier to install any application. You can also use voice commands to get the app on your TCL or Sony TV by saying, “Download DIRECTV”, and it will automatically do it for you.
How to Install DIRECTV STREAM on Android TV
Besides Sony, TCL, and Hisense, there are many other brands that manufacture Android TV and Streaming devices. This includes the DIRECTV Gemini Air, which is based on Android TV OS. It has a wider app library and a customizable user interface. However, the overall user experience for installing the app is much less the same as any other Google platform.
Simply sign in to your Google account and follow these steps using the TV remote:
- Go to “Apps” from the top bar menu (next to Discover).
- Scroll down and launch the Google Play Store.
- Now search for DIRECTV.
- Select the app from the results.
- Then, select the “Install” button to download.
- Now, open the app and sign in with your DIRECTV STREAM account.
It is that simple; the primary difference between Android and Google TV is the UI. So whether you are on either platform, this method works for both.
How to download DIRECTV STREAM on LG TV
Much like Google’s Android, the LG WebOS is also based on the Linux platform. Overall, it has a great UI experience and is pretty fast when it comes to performance. On the LG Content Store, you will find over 160 streaming channels, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. However, DIRECTV is not one of the apps you can find on LG Smart TV.
For now, mirroring your phone, tablet, or laptop screen is the only way to stream DIRECTV on LG TV. While it’s not suitable, and the video resolution can be cranky sometimes, it is our only solution.
The company calls this LG Screen Share. It is much more like Chromecast; you can find more information in their official guide.
How to install DIRECTV STREAM on Vizio
Smart TVs from LG and VIZIO are still not supported by the platform. If you own a TV from one of these brands, you are left with screen-casting using your phone or laptop. Alternatively, you can buy a streaming stick or rent a set-top box from DIRECTV.
To begin with, install DTV Stream on your Android or iOS device. Launch the app and sign in to your account. Once done, play any video on the device and tap the Chromecast icon to mirror the screen to your Vizio Smart TV.
How to Download DIRECTV app on onn TV
Onn. is a Walmart-owned brand that offers cheap Roku-based TVs from 32-inch to 75-inch sizes. Recently, the company released the onn 4K Google TV Streaming Box. On either OS or platform, the DIRECTV STREAM is supported on onn. TV.
So, to install the DTV app, follow the methods mentioned earlier for Google TV or Roku. The UI experience on both the on onn. device or Smart TV is generic; there is no modification except for the logo.
Freequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can watch DIRECTV on a Smart TV without a streaming box, but only if your TV is compatible with the app.
If your TV isn’t compatible with the DIRECTV app, you will need to use Gemini Air, Apple TV, Roku, or Android TV streaming stick or box. All you need to do is connect the device to your TV’s HDMI port, set it up, and install streaming apps.
Based on your TV operating system, you can download the app from Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store. As for Samsung, they have their own store for Smart TVs called “APPS”.
It is important to understand that there used to be two separate apps for Satellite and Streaming services, which are now merged into one. But this does not mean you can use a single credential to access both services. You still need to separate accounts to stream any of the subscriptions on the go.
The DIRECTV is available on a variety of Smart TVs, including Samsung, Sony, TCL, Hisense, and onn. However, it is not yet available on Vizio and LG, but there is a workaround.
From 2021 and onwards, Sony Bravia now offers Google TV OS on all its Smart TVs. To watch DIRECTV STREAM on Sony TV, download the app from the Play Store.
Hisense is in the top five brands for Smart TVs in the United States. Besides their own Vidaa OS, Hisense also offers Roku, Fire TV, and Google TV OS on their brand. To download DIRECTV STREAM on Hisense TV, ensure your Smart TV has a compatible operating system first. Then, go to the app store and search for the DTV app.
LG has a different operating system than the one available on other TV brands. The company focuses on its user base, and since there isn’t enough demand from LG TV owners, DIRECTV is not motivated to partner with LG.
Verdict: How to Stream DIRECTV on Smart TV
After the transition from AT&T TV to DIRECTV, the company has made a few improvements. I am not saying it’s an entirely new service or that the new management addresses consumers’ concerns promptly. However, the latest addition to support the Android TV platform makes us believe the company might launch apps for LG and Vizio TV soon.
When? It’s hard to say because it took years for them to release the Android TV version. Regardless of the brand, you can still watch DIRECTV STREAM on any Smart TV using a screen mirroring feature.
I hope this guide helped you; if you encounter any issues or have additional tips to share with us, leave a comment below.
I can’t reset my password on my VIZIO smart tv. I got past my ID but I tried to use my password, it will not let me in. I can’t reset my password either.
Is this regarding VIZIO Smart TV account or DirecTV Stream?
Hi. Iam having trouble finding and downloading the latest version of DirecTV Stream for my TCL Android TV. Currently the DirectTV apps am getting are for Mobile phone streaming. I would really appreciate if you could send me a link where I can find the very latest version of DirecTV Stream for Android TV. Thanks
Did you receive any update on this by chance? Having similar difficulties.
Hello.
I am trying to install DirecTV on a Sony Bravia. I have followed the instructions, but I cannot find the DirecTV app on my Moto stylus. What should I try to do?
Thank you
I followed the steps but I can’t seem to get the app on my home apps.
I was able to install the Directv Stream on my Hisense tv but it didn’t put the app on the Home Screen and is only accessible from system apps?? Anything we can do ?
I need to install Directv Stream on a Bravia. Where can one download the modified apk? Thanks.
I have signed up for direct tv stream for my 2021 Samsung TV. I have a Samsung account…when I click on the direct tv app to try to install, it says it is loading, then screen goes black… help!!!
There is an, I think, easier work around for TCL Series 5 Google TV (they have an app for the Roku TCL). Set TV up initially for Google TV. Probably as a Directv Streaming subscriber looking to upgrade to a smart TV, you already own the Directv Streaming box. Leave the box it activated to your network. . Plug the HDMI cord from the Directv box right in to new TV’s HDMI port 2. Your new TCL smart tv will recognize that a devise is attached to port 2 when you turn on the Directv box. For the time being and anytime that you turn on your new TV, leave the Directv box off. .When you power on the TV through the TCL remote, Goiogle TV apps will appear on your screen. When you want to watch Directv simply turn on the Directv box through the Directv’s remote. Your TCL will recognize the that the Directv box is activated and automatically swich over to it. It’s that simple.
And, the numeric remote control that comes with the Directv streaming box is a lot easier to use on Directv as compared to the TCL remote control. I stumbled upon this simple fix after hours of trying everything else. I suspect that another work around is to set up the TV initially as just a TV (you are given that choice on initial setup menu and to forgo the Google option. Now that I’ve got it up and running, I’m not willing to experiment with that solution.
I would have liked to know up front prior to paying/ installing the ATT Direct tv deboggle that it would f**k me into buying more devices to make my tv’s to work.
SHAME ON ATT it should be against the law!