directv stuck on one channel

Nothing sucks as a DIRECTV stuck on one channel when you are just about to catch your favorite TV show or sporting action.

One of the common problems DIRECTV users face is not being able to change channels.

Several reasons could lead to DIRECTV freezing on a single channel. The most common reason is that it is locked on one DIRECTV channel or the receiver’s Channel Lock feature is active. To sort out the issue, you need to unlock locked channels.

There could be several other reasons causing the problem. The best troubleshooting approach is to find the exact cause of the problem and apply the necessary solution.

In this guide, find out why your DIRECTV is not changing channels, possible causes, and how to fix it.

How to Troubleshoot DIRECTV Stuck on One Channel

Some of the problems associated with a DIRECTV that can’t change channels are minor and require basic troubleshooting.

However, others require some technical skills to fix the problem. If you can’t change channels on your DIRECTV, here are some possible fixes.

Method #1: Make Sure the Remote is Working

When my DIRECTV is stuck on one channel, the first thing to rule out is the remote. Many times users explore advanced issues when the problem is simply their DIRECTV remote.

To ascertain that it’s the remote that has failed, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Turn the receiver off, and unplug it from the mains for 15-20 seconds.

Step 2: Plug the receiver back to the mains and turn it on.

Step 3: Try changing the channels from the receiver.

If you can change channels from the receiver, then it’s your remote that is faulty.

So, why is your DIRECTV remote not changing channels? Well, it could be that your batteries are dead, there is an obstruction between the remote and the receiver, or the remote’s hardware failed.

The first thing you want to do is replace the batteries and check if you can change channels with the new batteries.

If changing the batteries doesn’t solve the problem, clean the receiver’s front interface and check if there is any obstruction between the receiver and the remote’s pointer.

It is also important to check the remote’s hardware, especially the buttons. Here, be on the lookout for a channel change button that is stuck in the pressed position.

Note: If none of the above methods fix the problem, you might want to consider resetting the remote. So how do you reset your DIRECTV remote?

Below is a step-by-step guide that applies to both Universal and Genie remotes.

  • Press the Mute and Select buttons simultaneously and wait for the green light to flash twice.
  • Then press 981, and wait for the green light to flash four times.

Your DIRECTV remote is now reset.

Method #2: Ascertain Channel Availability

fix directv stuck on one channel

The DIRECTV channel menu has two listings; Guide with all the available channels and Favorite Channels with selected channels only.

If you can’t change channels on DIRECTV, it could be that you are on the Favorite Channels list, so the particular channel you want to switch to is not available on this list.

So, how do you ascertain that, indeed, this is the problem? Below is a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Toggle between the Guide and Fav buttons.

Step 2: Watch out for a shift between the all channels and favorite channel list.

Step 3: Once you are on the all channels list, try changing channels.

Step 4: You should be able to change channels if this was the issue.

Note: Another way to diagnose this issue is by manually entering a channel number. If it works, then you don’t have a problem.

If you can change channels on the all channels list or switch to the preferred channel by entering the channel number, you need to adjust your Favorite Channels list. Your DIRECTV has no problem at all!

How to Add Channels to Favorite Channels List

With over 1000 channels, creating a favorite list on DIRECTV is the way to go.

Now that you know your issue of DIRECTV not changing channels is because you are selecting a channel that is not available in your Favorite Channels, you need to adjust your favorite list.

Below is a step-by-step guide on adding channels to the DIRECTV Favorite Channels list.

Step 1: Navigate to the Home screen.

Step 2: Press the Guide button and scroll through the available channels.

Step 3: On the channel, you want to add or remove, click on the Heart icon.

If the Heart icon is highlighted, the channel has been added to your favorite list.

Method #3: Check Whether You are Locked to One Channel?

In most cases, when my DIRECTV is stuck on one channel, the issue normally has something to do with Parental Controls.

DIRECTV has features that allow parents to lock the service to one channel to limit what the kids watch. The feature can also help parents limit the time minors spend on TV.

If the two methods above don’t work, then probably you are locked to one channel. The fix here will be to disable the Parental Controls wholly, lock/unlock all channels, or lock/unlock individual channels.

Disabling Parental Controls wholly or unlocking all channels isn’t a good solution though it is the perfect fix for the problem. Instead, we recommend locking or unlocking individual channels.

So, how do you unlock locked channels in DIRECTV? Here is a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Press the MENU button and navigate to Parental Controls. (You will be prompted to enter a password)

Step 2: Select Channel Locks from the “Parental Controls” menu and click Select.

Step 3: The list of channels will appear.

Step 4: Then, scroll to the channel you want to lock or unlock and use the Select button to execute the changes

Step 5: In the last step, click Save Changes and press Select.

You should be able to solve the problem of your DIRECTV not changing channels if a Parental Controls channel lock was the problem.

Ask for Help

The above are the common causes of DIRECTV not changing channels. If you are still stuck, it doesn’t bite if you use some help from the TV provider.

Below are other avenues you can consider to sort the problem.

  • Talk to DIRECTV representative via live chat
  • Talk to DIRECTV representatives via social media
  • Consult the technical team via phone support available 24/7
  • Visit the DIRECTV quick fixes and troubleshooting guide
The most common fix for DIRECTV not changing channels is unlocking locked channels on Channel Locks. Many times, parents lock channels to limit what their kids watch and forget to reverse the action.

If it’s not channel locks, check if you are changing to a channel that is not available on your current channel list. It could also be that your remote is misbehaving.

Read Next: How to Align DIRECTV Dish without Meter?

Wrapping Up

There you have it, folks, the reasons behind a DIRECTV stuck on one channel, the causes, and how to fix the problem.

We hope this guide will help you fix the problem so that you can get back to bingeing on your favorite movies or catching up with the latest news from around the globe.