DIRECTV On Demand not working? Are you one of those subscribers who can’t find this issue while you want to watch your favorite show?
Can these instances be resolved and fixed even if you don’t ask for an on-field technical representative?
While these instances are fairly common, it’s truly annoying when AT&T’s DIRECTV On Demand is not working.
Good news for you, because today, we’ll be helping you troubleshoot this specific error. By the end of this guide, you’ll learn how you can fix it without any help!
Before we get to fixing it, let us first discuss a couple of problems and some of its causes.
Why is My DIRECTV On Demand Not Working?
This question is asked by almost all AT&T DIRECTV subscribers when they get the error. But, what really are the causes of it?
DIRECTV On Demand is a collection of titles available for you. Akin to Netflix and other libraries, it’s something you can use to watch shows that have been saved and recorded. Part of the most common reasons why you’re seeing the DIRECTV On Demand Not Available error includes:
New Installation
More often than not, the inquiries about not being able to access DIRECTV On Demand come from new customers.
That’s why when you look it up, the top questions would include My DIRECTV On Demand is not working after installation.
As a matter of fact, DIRECTV will be loaded completely and effectively unto your new technology after 24 hours of it being installed.
You’d have to wait for 24 hours before you check. After the said time, if it’s still not functioning or working properly, that’s the time you have to perform troubleshooting steps.
Slow Internet Connection
Another reason why your DIRECTV On Demand is not operating well is that you have a slow and sluggish internet connection.
To be able to load it, you would need a standard of 2 Mbps for SD or Standard Definition quality; and10 Mbps for HD or High Definition quality.
These bandwidths would be the sustained rates, because if the speed falls below this level, the system might completely stop and wait for the connection to regain traction before it continues.
Basically, it wouldn’t just buffer – it could cause the connection to be at a full stop.
Receiver Problems
Lastly, DIRECTV On Demand requires receivers such as the HD DVR or the Genie. One of the most common problems that subscribers don’t realize is the fact that On Demand is not functioning because of their receivers.
If you have a defective receiver, then your On Demand services would really malfunction.
So, how would you troubleshoot and fix this particular problem? Is there a specific solution to your question of why is my DIRECTV On Demand not working?
How to Fix DIRECTV On Demand Not Working?
There are a couple of errors and problems you can experience with your DIRECTV. The term “not working” could mean many things.
The most common errors include no picture (video) and/or sound (audio), content is not loading, 776, 771, and 775 error codes, slow receiver, etc.
These are the most usual problems that people get, making them think that their DIRECTV is not functional.
We will be giving you exact resolution or steps to particular problems you’re receiving. This is for you to be able to find out how you can resolve the problem you’re experiencing.
How to Fix DIRECTV No Picture or Sound
This error affects 4 out 10 DIRECTV clients, making it one of the most common and the most encountered dilemma
To be able to resolve this problem, just follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Your Receivers
The first thing you want to ensure is that your receivers are plugged in. If they are, check the panel lights and see if they’re lit up.
You also want to check if the receiver is responsive if you turn it on using the front panel. More so, you can also check if you see a green light on the remote each time you push a button – if not, then you need new batteries.
Step 2: Check the Input of Your TV
The next thing you want to do is to see if your TV input is correct.
Most of the time, people don’t realize that they’re in the wrong input, making them think that their DIRECTV On Demand is not working.
Click on Source or TV Input on your remote and check if it’s within the input you need it to be.
Step 3: Check Cables of TV
Have a look on the TV cables and see if there’s nothing wrong with it.
Are there worn-out cables? Are there damaged ones? Do you see that they’re connected properly?
FACT: Over thousands of people experience DIRECTV problems caused by cable problems. Checking it is worth it, especially if you haven’t done anything.
Step 4: Change Cables
After checking everything, try switching the cables up on your receiver and your television set. This should be enough in helping you regain the audio/video of your DIRECTV.
DIRECTV Receiver is Slow
If your receivers are slow, don’t fret – you’re not alone! It affects a lot of DIRECTV users and some experience it more frequently.
You can simply solve this dilemma by performing the following:
Step 1: Perform a Double Reboot of the System
Did you know that performing a double-reboot enables your system to run faster and more efficiently?
Yes, that’s why you have to perform a double-reboot of your DIRECTV receiver. To do this, all you have to do is to press the RED reset button on your receiver.
When you do this, the receiver will start itself back up again. When it’s back on, reboot it again by pressing the red button again.
Step 2: Run a Test of the System
Then, what you need to do is to run a system test.
Whether you’re using a non-genie hardware or genie hardware, running a system test shouldn’t be difficult.
In Genie Hardware, you just have to press [MENU] on your controller. From there, navigate to Settings > Info & Test > Run System Test. Confirm it by hitting or pressing the [DASH] button. If you see a message which has All Items OK, perform the double-reboot once again.
On the other hand, if you’re using Non-Genie Hardware, all you have to do is to press [MENU] on your remote controller. Afterward, try to locate Settings & Help > Information & Testing > Run System Test, and voila! You’re good to go!
Step 3: Check on the Hard Drive
Should you have an external hard drive installed, what you want to do is to unplug the receiver. While it’s disconnected, remove the connection of the hard drive to the receiver.
For about 24 to 48 hours, try using the internal hard drive of the receiver. After the said time period, try plugging the receiver back in again.
Take note, though, you wouldn’t be able to access any recordings from your external hard drive for the time being. But, as soon as you connect it, you will be able to.
On Demand Content Isn’t Loading or Doesn’t Work
This is probably the worst and the most frustrating error you will come across. Imagine you’re so excited to see a particular show or program, but upon opening your On Demand up, you see this error.
While it can give you the worst feeling, it’s actually one of the easiest to solve. You can do it simply by:
Step 1: Turn the Receiver Off
The first thing you want to do is to disconnect or turn the receiver off.
You can also choose to unplug it from the power source (both at the wall and at the back of the receiver).
Step 2: Turn the TV Off
Next, you want to turn the television off.
Step 3: Plug the Receiver Back Again and Activate Your Television
This step is crucial. Before you activate the TV again, have your receiver plugged or activated. Then, activate your television back up again.
You would want to check the status of each receiver that you have; this is the answer you’ve been looking for.
Step 4: Reset the Network Connection on Each Receiver
Lastly, perform a reset network connection on each of the receiver you have.
For Non-Genie Hardware, hit on the [MENU] button on your controller and head onto [SETTINGS].
Once inside settings, locate Network Setup. From there, it’ll be easy for you to find where Reset Network Settings [TO DEFAULT] is.
For those using Genie Hardware, on the other hand, you’d have to hit on [MENU] and go to [SETTINGS]. From settings, you have to go to Internet Set Up > Reset Network Settings [TO DEFAULT].
In both processes, you’d have to wait until the network settings are back to default. When it gets back to default, you would then need to hit or press on CONNECT NOW.
Those are the troubleshooting steps you want to learn and know about in case you can’t use your services.
In case you’re not able to fix it with these steps, you can always phone in AT&T’s tech support team. They’re on 24/7 so you shouldn’t have a problem reaching them.
Final Verdict
Now, you would know where to go whenever your DIRECTV On Demand is not working? And as you see, you don’t need to be an expert to learn it!
You can do it, your 15-year-old can do it, your parents can do it – everyone can do it. When it comes to the troubleshooting of your DIRECTV On Demand not working, you’ll actually be able to do it in less than 10 minutes!
Read Next: Know how to fix DIRECTV remote in Easy Steps!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.