How to Switch From DirecTV To Spectrum?

Want to switch from DirecTV to Spectrum because of the high fees?

DirecTV offers a wide range of channels and programming packages, but they can be quite expensive compared to other streaming services.

If you’re switching, Spectrum is a good alternative. 

To switch, contact Spectrum to schedule an installation appointment and select a package that fits your needs. Once your new service is installed, cancel your DirecTV subscription and return any equipment provided.   

Alright, let’s talk about other things you need to know!

All You Need to Know to Switch from DirecTV to Spectrum

Before switching from DirecTV to Spectrum, you need to know some basic information about the two service providers.

We researched each of their offerings, pricing, and customer service reputation to help you make an informed decision. 

DirecTV vs Spectrum: Comparison

Switching providers is a big decision, so ensure you weigh all the factors before making a final choice.

Here’s a quick comparison between DirecTV and Spectrum based on key factors:

	DirecTV	Spectrum
Service Type	Satellite TV	Cable TV
Availability	Nationwide	46 states
TV Packages	5	3
Channel Count	75-150+	125-200+
Internet Speed	Up to 100Mbps (via AT&T)	Up to 1 Gbps
Phone Service	Yes (via AT&T)	Yes
Contract	Yes (2 years)	No
Early Termination Fee	$20 for each remaining month on contract	No
Installation Fee	$99 (waived with certain offers)	$49.99 (waived with certain offers)
Equipment Fee	$7-$15 per month per receiver	$7.99 per month per receiver
DVR Service Fee	$10-$15 per month (included with certain packages)	$12.99 per month
DVR Storage Capacity	Up to 200 hours of HD content or 800 hours of SD content (Genie HD DVR)	Up to 50 hours of HD content or 200 hours of SD content (Spectrum DVR)
Customer Satisfaction	3.4 / 5 stars (CableTV.com)	3.4 / 5 stars (CableTV.com)

Before You Start the Switch

How much does it cost to switch from DirecTV to Spectrum TV? The exact amount depends on various factors. But there are some things you need to do first.

Comparing Pricing, Channels, and Packages

When making your choice, consider what you need and prefer. Take into account the number of channels you typically watch, the internet speed you require, and your budget. 

Here are some tips to help you compare:

• Prioritize essential channels and confirm their inclusion in your chosen package.
• Review the pricing structure of each provider to assess their value within your budget.
• Look at additional features or perks that come with each provider’s package.

Important: Do your research and compare all these before making a decision. 

Review Your Contract Obligations with DirecTV

Finally, review your DirecTV contract for obligations. Check if you are still under contract with DirecTV and how much it will cost to cancel your service.

Confirm the status of your contract via the following: 

• Log in to your DirecTV online account.
• Click on the My Account tab.
• Go to the Billing and Payments section.
• Select View Bill.
• The contract end date is listed on the bill near the top.

Know the Possible Costs and Fees

If you’re still under contract, take note of the early termination costs. DirecTV’s ETF is $20 for each remaining month on your contract, plus a $15 deactivation fee. 

Note: Spectrum has a phone payoff or contract buyout program for eligible new customers. Reimbursements are based on DirecTV’s ETF, capped at $500. 

Signing Up For Your Spectrum Service

Now that you’re done with your research and comparison and have reviewed your contract obligations, you are ready to sign up for your Spectrum service.

Let’s discuss the steps on how to switch to Spectrum. 

Choosing Packages or Bundles

The first step is to choose the package or bundle that suits your needs and budget. Spectrum offers three TV packages, each with a different number of channels and prices. 

Package	Channels	Price
Select	125+ channels	$44.99 per month
Silver	175+ channels including all Select channels plus HBO Max, Showtime, and NFL Network	$74.99 per month
Gold	200+ channels including all Silver channels plus Starz, Starz Encore, Epix, TMC, and NFL RedZone	$94.99 per month

Spectrum also offers internet and phone services. If you want to save money, bundle two or more of these services together.

Bundle	Services Included	Price
Double Play Select	TV Select + Internet	$89.98 per month
Double Play Silver	TV Silver + Internet	$119.98 per month
Double Play Gold	TV Gold + Internet	$139.98 per month
Triple Play Select	TV Select + Internet + Phone	$109.97 per month

Tip: Switching from DirecTV to Spectrum qualifies you for a promo offering a free month’s service, installation, and HD receiver. To redeem, show proof of DirecTV cancellation within 30 days of your Spectrum sign-up. 

Setting Up Your Spectrum Service

The next step is to set up your Spectrum service, and you have two options: self-installation and professional installation. 

Self-installation

1. Gather your equipment.

2. Place your modem and router in a central location near a cable outlet.
3. Connect your modem to the cable outlet using the coax cable.
4. Connect your router to the modem using the Ethernet cable.
5. Turn on the modem and router. 
6. Wait for the modem to boot up. 
7. Activate your service.

Note: The self-installation fee is $24.99, but with a promo code, you get it waived. 

Professional Installation

1. Call Spectrum customer service and schedule a professional installation appointment.
2. Provide the following information:

• Your name, address, and phone number
• The type of service you want to install
• The date and time of the installation 

3. A scheduled Spectrum technician visit your home.
4. He will access your home’s cable outlet.
5. He will connect the modem and router to the cable outlet and configure your service.
6. The technician will test your service once the installation is complete.
7. Pay for the professional installation fee.  

Note: The professional installation fee is $49.99, and you must be present during the installation. 

Transferring Your DVR Recordings

If you want to keep your DVR recordings, transfer them before canceling your service.

Here’s how to do this:

1. Ensure you have an external hard drive with enough storage.
2. Connect the hard drive to your DVR using a USB cable.
3. Select the recordings you want to transfer.
4. Copy them to the external hard drive.

Once the transfer is complete, disconnect the hard drive from the DVR and connect it to your computer or another device to watch your recordings. 

Testing and Troubleshooting

After setting up your Spectrum service and transferring your DVR recordings, test and troubleshoot your service to ensure everything works properly.

Here’s how to do this:

Test your TV service

1. Turn on your TV and cable box.
2. Check if you can access all your subscribed channels and features.
3. Check the remote control, guide menu, on-demand library, and DVR functionality. 

Test your internet service

1. Turn on your computer and modem.
2. Check if you can connect to the internet and browse websites. 
3. Confirm access to WiFi, email, security suite, and streaming services. 

Test your phone service

1. Turn on your phone and phone jack. 
2. Check if you can make and receive calls. 
3. Verify the usability of voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, and calling features.

Troubleshooting

1. Reboot your equipment.
2. Check your connections.
3. Reset your password.
4. Update your settings.
5. Visit the Spectrum support website.
6. Call Spectrum customer service at 1-855-855-4578.  

Canceling Your DirecTV

The final step is to cancel your service and return your equipment. You need to do this after you have confirmed that your Spectrum service is working.

To wrap up the switching process, here are the steps to follow.

Steps to Cancel Your Service

1. Call DirecTV customer service at 1-800-531-5000.
2. Provide the following information:

• Your name, address, and phone number
• Your DirecTV account number
• The date you would like the service canceled

3. Provide your reason for canceling.
4. The rep will propose a retention offer, decline if you agree to the cancellation. 
5. The rep will process your cancellation request. 
6. You will receive a confirmation email once it’s complete. 

Note: If you are under contract, you will be charged an early termination fee.

Returning Your Equipment

Returning via FedEx

1. Gather all equipment provided by DirecTV.
2. Find a FedEx office or UPS store near you. 
3. Pay for the shipping label and attach it to the equipment.
4. Drop off the equipment at the FedEx office or UPS store.
5. You will receive a confirmation email once the equipment has been returned. 

Via a Return Kit 

1. Call DirecTV customer service at 1-800-531-5000. 
2. Provide the necessary information. 
3. The representative will send you a return kit with the shipping label.
4. Pack up the equipment and attach the shipping label.
5. Give the kit to your mail carrier or drop it off at a post office. 
6. You will receive a confirmation email once the equipment has been returned. 

Note: Return the equipment within 21 days of canceling your service to avoid additional charges. 

Conclusion

Making the switch from DirecTV to Spectrum is quick and easy. Once signed up, install your Spectrum service, and ensure it works properly. Finally, you’re going to need to cancel your DirecTV and return your equipment.

For more articles about DirecTV and Spectrum, visit our blog! 

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