How to Move Your DIRECTV or DIRECTV STREAM Service
Moving from one home to another can be exciting, but it can also be a lot of work. There is a laundry list of must-dos to keep track of, from packing to scheduling moving days, transferring bills, and more. And what about moving your DIRECTV service? Where do you even begin that process?
If you’re getting ready to move and moving your DIRECTV service is on your list of things to accomplish, we’re here to help. This comprehensive guide will give you all the tools you need to do help make moving your service a breeze.
What you need to know
Before you transfer your DIRECTV service, there are a few things you should know about the steps to take to transfer your service, associated fees, and the differences between professional installation or self-installation (if applicable).
How to move your DIRECTV Service
If you have DIRECTV service, which includes a satellite dish, you probably have questions about what to take and what to leave behind. The following are the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Call 877-872-7156 (888-DTV-MOVE)
- Tell them your new address and move-in date
- Take TVs, receivers, and remotes to your new place but leave the satellite dish behind
How to move your DIRECTV STREAM Service
Moving your DIRECTV STREAM service is a relatively simple process once you’ve got high-speed internet service set up in your new home. After your internet is up and running, just:
- Connect your compatible DIRECTV STREAM devices to your new home’s Wi-Fi network
- Log in to your account and update your billing/mailing address
- Start streaming ASAP with the DIRECTV STREAM app
Transfer fees
DIRECTV requires a 24-month contract for all plans. If you move before the end of your 24-month agreement, you may be charged a $199 transfer fee. But if you’ve had your service for 13 months and your account is in good standing, you may be able to get the $199 transfer fee waived. Keep in mind that if you are at or near the end of your original contract, you may be required to sign another 12-month agreement when you transfer your service.
Though most DIRECTV STREAM services do not require a contract, you may have committed to a 24-month agreement when you signed up so that you could receive your equipment free of charge. Either way, there are no service transfer fees for moving DIRECTV STREAM services.
Self-installation or professional installation?
When you move, you will leave your old DIRECTV dish behind, and you will receive a new dish at your new address, which you can choose to have professionally installed. There are no fees associated with professional installation when you move, so unless you have experience installing satellite dish equipment, this may be the most hassle-free option.
Professional installation is not offered for the DIRECTV STREAM service, but the self-installation process is meant to be straightforward. DIRECTV STREAM has information on their website to walk you through the self-installation process.
Landlord approval for an apartment or condo for DIRECTV
If you are moving to any property that you do not own, including an apartment or condo, you will need to get approval from your landlord before your DIRECTV service can be installed. DIRECTV provides a form that you will need to have completed before you move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM?
DIRECTV is a satellite TV service that is available anywhere you can install a satellite dish that faces the western sky, while DIRECT STREAM is a service that streams video and TV content via your high-speed internet connection. DIRECTV gives you access to a much more extensive range of live TV channels, while DIRECTV STREAM gives you access to thousands of on-demand titles.
Do I need to cancel my DIRECTV service before I move?
You do not need to cancel your service before moving unless, for some reason, you’ve decided to change to a new provider. Also, remember that you’ll be charged an early termination fee if you cancel your DIRECTV service before the end of your 24-month contract.
Instead, follow these steps to transfer your service for DIRECTV or DIRECTV STREAM:
DIRECTV
- Call 877-872-7156 (888-DTV-MOVE)
- Tell them your new address and move-in date
- Take TVs, receivers, and remotes to your new place but leave the dish behind
DIRECTV STREAM
- Connect your compatible DIRECTV STREAM devices to your new home’s Wi-Fi
- Log in to your account and update your billing/mailing address
- Start streaming ASAP with the DIRECTV STREAM app
How much notice do I need to give before I move?
If you have a DIRECTV service that includes a satellite, you will take all of your equipment with you when you move, except for the satellite dish. For this reason, you’ll need to notify DIRECTV of your move ahead of time so that you can schedule a professional installation of your new satellite dish at your new location. Though DIRECTV does not refer to any specific timeframe for notification, you might consider calling them directly to determine how much notice they need before your move.
For your DIRECTV STREAM service, you will take your equipment with you and self-install it as soon as your high-speed internet service is up and running at your next home. For this reason, there is no need to notify DIRECTV STREAM of your move. Once moved and set up, you will simply log into your DIRECT STREAM account and update your address and billing information.
What if I need to change my move-in date?
If you need to make a change to your move-in (or installation date) for your DIRECTV service, you can call DIRECTV directly at 877-872-7156 (888-DTV-MOVE).
You will self-install your DIRECTV STREAM service when you move, so there is no need to notify DIRECTV STREAM of any changes to your move date.
Can I change my DIRECTV plan when I move?
While both DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM allow changes to your plan when you move, keep in mind any contractual obligations you might have if you’re within the 24-month window of your contract.
Should I take my equipment with me?
When you move your DIRECTV service, you will take all of your equipment with you except for the satellite dish. You will need to schedule an appointment through DIRECTV to have a technician come out and complete the professional installation of your new DIRECT satellite dish at your new location.
When you move your DIRECTV STREAM service, you will take all of your equipment with you and self-install your service at your new home after your high-speed internet has been installed.
What if I’m moving to an address that doesn’t support DIRECTV service?
If for some reason you’re moving to an address that does not allow the installation of a satellite on the premises, call DIRECTV at 844-428-0146 to discuss your options. (Since DIRECTV STREAM is available anywhere you have a high-speed internet connection, you may consider switching services.)
DIRECTV STREAM service is available anywhere you have a high-speed internet connection. (DIRECTV STREAM suggests an internet connection of at least 80Mbps to support their streaming services.) If you cannot obtain high-speed internet at your new address, contact DIRECTV STREAM directly at 888-388-4249 to discuss your options.
What if I’m moving to an apartment or condo?
If you are moving to an apartment or condo (or an address that you do not own), you will need to get permission from the landlord to have your DIRECTV satellite dish installed. DIRECTV requires you to have a permission form completed by your landlord, which must be given to the technician before your professional installation can be completed.
Moving to an apartment or condo (or another address that you do not own) has no impact on your DIRECTV STREAM service.
Do I have to have a professional installation at my new address?
When you move, you will leave your satellite dish at your old address, so a new one will need to be installed at your new address. DIRECTV prefers that you take advantage of the free professional installation of your new satellite dish by one of their technicians.
When you move to your new address, you will bring your DIRECTV STREAM equipment with you and self-install it. DIRECTV STREAM provides details online to help with the self-install process and any questions you may have.
How soon will my services be installed after I move?
Your DIRECTV service will be installed as soon as a technician comes out and completes your professional installation. This is why it is essential to call DIRECTV and schedule installation as soon as you know your move-in date for your new address.
As soon as the high-speed internet is connected in your new home, you will be able to self-install your DIRECTV STREAM service. Don’t forget to log into your account once your service is installed and update your mailing and billing address.
Will I lose the saved programs on my DIRECTV Genie when I move?
As long as you move into the same local area with the same programming, you will not lose any of the saved programs on your DIRECTV Genie and will be able to view everything as usual after your new service is installed. If you are moving out of your local area, DIRECTV suggests that you consider switching the DIRECTV STREAM service, so you have access to all your favorite programming.
Moving your DIRECTV or DIRECTV STREAM services is easy
If you are moving to a new address and are curious about how to transfer your DIRECTV or DIRECTV STREAM service, the good news is that the process is relatively simple for both. While moving your DIRECTV service will require you to make an appointment for professional installation of a satellite dish at your new address, your DIRECTV STREAM service can be self-installed as soon as your high-speed internet is connected at your new address.
Either way, DIRECTV is there to help you every step of the way, and you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite service in your new home in no time at all!
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