Are you seeing the error “DIRECTV this location is not authorized” and you don’t know what to do? Do you want to break free from this particular error indefinitely?
In this guide, we’ll be discussing what this problem means, what causes it, and how you can solve it.
We’ve dug deep into this matter and reached out to some people that experienced this, as well as some experts knowledgeable about this error.
To fix the location is not authorized prompt, ensure that the channel or program you’re accessing is supported by your location. Refresh your DIRECTV services through the website and physically. Reduce the number of genie minis connected, and lastly, perform a complete reset of the primary Genie receiver.
Before we go over the resolution, let us first discuss what causes the DIRECTV message this location is not authorized.
Reasons Why You’re Seeing a “Location Not Authorized” Message
Seeing the location is not authorized prompt could be alarming but knowing the actual cause can make it seem lighter and more manageable.
There are a few things instances that make this error or scenario possible, but the most common include:
- Receiver incompatibility
- Too many minis connected
- Your package doesn’t support the channel or program
- Broadcast issue or problem
- Hardware troubles/problems
So, whether you’re experiencing the error on a new channel you haven’t accessed yet or if you’re seeing it on a regular channel, this guide is for you!
DIRECTV This Location is Not Authorized (Complete Fix)
This tutorial will cover and sweep through everything. We’ll go over all the steps completely and comprehensively so that you don’t need another guide in fixing it.
Step #1: Check Your Local Channels
You’ll likely get this message if you’re accessing a local channel that is not part of the local area or region you are in.
To see the current local channels you can access with the location you have, check the DIRECTV Channel Lookup Tool.
Select Regional Sports & Local, and then enter your ZIP Code.
The list of available local channels should appear, and you should now have a complete idea of what or what’s not included in the channels list.
Step #2: Restart Your DIRECTV Genie
Then, what you want to do next is restart or reboot your DIRECTV Genie receiver. This can help clear out all processes and data currently running.
To power cycle or restart your receiver:
- Locate the reset button on the receiver, which is usually inside the access card door.
- Press this button once (1).
- Wait for the Genie receiver to reboot.
Note: You can also restart or reboot it by unplugging it from power, then waiting for 10 seconds before plugging it back in again.
Restarting Your Mini Receivers
If you’re looking to restart your mini receivers, you need to restart or reboot the main receiver, too.
The process for restarting your mini receiver is the same as how you restart or reboot your main receiver.
Step #3: Refresh Your DIRECTV Account/Services
After that, the next step is to refresh your DIRECTV account and/or services through your DIRECTV Online Account or Accounts Management Facility.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can do this:
- Log into your AT&T DIRECTV Account.
- Then, go to My Equipment & Services.
- Locate and select the particular receiver or equipment you want to restart.
- Then, on the options available, select Refresh Receiver.
Note: Your services will temporarily be disrupted or interrupted for two (2) to three (3) minutes.
Don’t panic, it will reinitialize automatically, and you don’t need to do anything, you just have to wait.
Detach and Reattach Wires and Cables
A sub-step you can do is to make sure that all wires and cables are attached and connected to their respective ports properly.
For this step, all you have to do is detach or disconnect or detach the wires and cables connected or plugged in on the receiver.
This includes the HDMI cable, the power cable, and the Ethernet cable (if you have one connected).
Step #4: Disconnect Some Genie Minis
The next thing you want to do is to decrease the number of Genie Minis connected to the main receiver, as one cause of it is an overload of the client (Genie Minis).
If there are more than three (3) Minis connected, tone it down to just two (2), then reboot all connected Minis and the main DVR by unplugging them from power.
Step #5: Perform a Reset of Your Genie Receiver
Last, but most definitely not least is to perform a complete reset or a factory reset of your DIRECTV Genie receiver.
A factory reset is not like a regular restart or power cycle simply because of the fact that doing the former will erase and wipe all saved data and configuration settings on the receiver.
It will be like you just had your receiver coming out straight from DIRECTV’s office. There are two (2) ways you can do this, and we’ll teach you both so you have options to choose from.
1) Factory Resetting Through the Power Button
This, by far, has been reported to be the easiest and fastest way to factory reset a Genie receiver. For this process, you simply have to go near your receiver.
Once there, press and hold the power button for around 30 seconds. You’ll know when to release the button from being pressed when the display goes off and the system shuts down automatically.
When it does shut down, wait a full minute before turning it back on again. Your system should look and feel like it’s brand new.
2) Factory Resetting Through the Menu
If you feel like you’re more comfortable in doing it through the Genie menu, then do so!
Here’s how you can reset it through the menu:
- On your remote, select HOME
- From there, choose Settings > About
- Then, choose Factory Reset/Restore Factory Settings
Allow the system to reinitialize and set all configurations back to where they should be.
By following this 5-step process, it’ll be a walk in the park if you’re trying to get rid of the “location is not authorized” message or prompt on your DIRECTV receiver.
I’m Still Getting the Not Authorized Error, What Should I Do?
Should you still be burdened by this error even after you’ve religiously followed the fix process, the next best thing to do is contact AT&T or DIRECTV’s customer support team and inquire about the next best steps.
The issue could be with the hardware, its connection, your account, etc. Let them know of the troubleshooting steps you’ve done so they know what to expect.
Thus, you can fix the “this location is not authorized” prompt by checking if the channel you want to watch is included in the package and by power cycling or restarting it. Perform a complete factory reset if it doesn’t solve the problem.
Read Next: How to Fix DIRECTV Wireless Video Bridge Blinking Green?
Final Verdict
The DIRECTV this location is not authorized prompt can be such a nuisance, especially if it comes on while you’re watching your favorite shows, titles, and channels.
The next time you encounter this problem, go back to this guide, follow it carefully, and get rid of the error once and for all!
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.