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We already published an article on installing an AT&T TV app on a Smart TV where we discussed different ways to watch live ATT TV without buying a streaming box or device. However, the recent partnership between AT&T and TGP took a turn back and rebranded the service as DIRECTV. There are no changes in subscription plans and pricing except for the name AT&T TV and now its DIRECTV Stream. Here we'll guide you with the steps on how to install Directv Stream on a Smart TV from Samsung, Sony, TCL, Hisense, Vizio, LG, Philips.
In hurry! Click on the TV brand names and jump right into how to guide:
- Samsung
- Roku TV and Devices
- Sony Bravia
- Google & Android TV
- LG WebOS
- Vizio SmartCast TV
- Hisense
The overall steps are exactly the same with few changes. You can still use the AT&T TV login details for the new Directv Stream service on your Smart TV.
Caution: Installing the new Stream app on any Android TV goes against the terms and conditions of Directv and Google services. However, it is not illegal – you can install the app, but the company will not offer customer support on a non-compatible TV.
Supported Operating Systems for DIRECTV Stream App
Like we mentioned earlier, there are no big changes except for the rebranding. The new Directv Stream app is available for Smart TV with Ruko, Apple tvOS, and Samsung Tizen operating systems.
Once again, SmartCast OS from Vizio and LG WebOS is not compatible with the Directv app. Even though the app is available for Android phones and tablets, but you can't find it on Android TVs from Sony, TCL, and Hisense.
However, there's a workaround for Android and Google TV OS to install the Directv Stream app on Sony, TCL, and Hisense televisions.
What is DIRECTV Stream?
Directv Stream is a video streaming service that lets you watch live and on-demand content via the internet. You can get started without paying for a yearly subscription or buying additional equipment. Directv allows you to stream live sports and video content on your Smart TV, phone, or laptop.
For streaming DIRECTV without a TV box, you need a compatible device to install the new Stream app. And for the lag-free experience, you also need an AT&T compatible router with at least 8Mbps or higher internet connection.
Directv Stream Pricing and Plans Comparison
Directv offers four standard packages for its Stream TV subscription, which you are already familiar with if you were opt-out for AT&T TV. All these plans have various pricing models and channels for sports, news, and entertainment.
Check out the quick comparison of the plans, pricing, and the number of channels you will get:
Plan | Channel Count | Monthly Price |
---|---|---|
ENTERTAINMENT | 65+ | $69.99 |
CHOICE | 95+ | $84.99 |
ULTIMATE | 130+ | $94.99 |
PREMIER | 140+ | $139.99 |
Directv Stream Compatible Devices
Above, we have discussed the list of supported operating systems; however, there are some limitations regarding devices and Smart TVs. The Directv Stream is currently available for Smart TVs & devices from Apple, Ruko, Samsung, and Amazon Fire.
You might have noticed the televisions from major brands like Sony, LG, and VIZIO are not on the list. To watch Directv Stream on unsupported Smart TV, you will need to streaming stick or use the screen-cast feature from your laptop or phone.
List of Compatible Smart TVs & Devices
- Apple TV
- Chromecast
- Amazon Fire
- iPhone and iPad
- Google Chromecast
- Android Phone and Tablets
- Samsung TV (2017+ models)
- Roku (Streaming Devices and TVs)
List of Non-compatible Smart TVs & Devices
- Xbox
- Nintendo
- PlayStation
- Sony Bravia
- LG Smart TV
- Hisense Vidaa
- VIZIO SmartCast TV
- Android & Google TV OS
How to install DIRECTV Stream on Samsung TV
Samsung uses Tizen OS on their televisions with its own App Store, where you can download and install Directv Stream. However, you must have a Samsung account; if you don't, you can sign up for free. Login to your account and follow the following simple steps to install the Directv Stream app.
- Press the "Home" button on your Samsung remote.
- From the bottom of the screen, scroll to the left to find and launch "APPS".
- Select the search icon on the right top corner.
- Now type "DIRECTV Stream" on the search screen.
- Find the app from the search results and press the "Select" button on the remote.
- Now simply select the "Install" button to get the app on your Samsung TV.
After successfully installing the app select the "Add to Home" button to add the app to your Samsung TV home screen. This way, you can directly access the Directv Stream from the home of your Samsung smart tv.
How to install DIRECTV Stream on Roku TV
Roku is a digital media player which offers access to various online streaming services. It was first developed in 2008 with the collaboration of Netflix. Later the company released its own streaming devices, the Roku Express, Premiere, and Streaming Stick. And now they are offering its platform to top-rated Smart TV brands like TCL, Philips, and Hisense.
If you own a smart TV with Roku OS or a device, you can get almost any popular streaming service. To install Directv Stream on Roku TV or device following the following simple steps:
- Press the "Home" on your Roku remote.
- Scroll down to find "Streaming Channels".
- From there, select "Search Channels".
- Now type "DIRECTV Stream" on the search bar.
- Select the app by pressing the "OK" on the remote.
- Now select the "Add Channel" and press "OK" again.
After this last step, you'll see a message box with Adding "DIRECTV Stream"…(100%) which will take some time depending on your internet speed connection. Once it is done, you will get a "Channel added" message on the screen. Now go ahead and hit home on your Roku remote, and you should see the DIRECTV Stream channel on your TV.
How to install DIRECTV on Sony Smart TV
When it comes to Sony TVs, installing Directv Stream is a bit complicated and takes some time. Sony uses Android and Google TV operating systems on their televisions. Now for some reason, the app for the Directv streaming service isn't available on Android and Google TV Playstore.
However, there is an app for Android-based smartphones, which is a bit strange since both OS are fundamentally the same. Let's just assume the company does not care about its consumers with Sony TV. But worry not! Thanks to a developer on the XDA Forum, we have found a way to install Directv Stream app on Sony Bravia TV. However, you need a little know-how on sideloading APK files on a Sony Smart TV.
Prerequisite: Before you begin, you need an Android Phone and download the latest Directv Stream apk from the XDA-Developers forum. Once done, install SFTTV (also known as Send files to TV) App on your phone from the Playstore. Now turn on your Sony TV and follow the following steps:
- First, make sure your Sony TV and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi.
- Then, go to Google Play on your TV to search and install the SFTTV app.
- Now launch the SFTTV app on your phone and Sony Bravia TV.
- On TV, press and select the "Receive" button you'll see a "Waiting to receive" message.
- On the phone, select the "Send" button to open the file browser.
- Find the downloaded Directv Stream APK to transfer the file to TV.
- Once the transfer is successfully finished, open the APK file on your TV to install it.
After installing the APK file, you will see the Directv Stream app on your Sony TV home screen. The overall process is pretty time-consuming and can be confusing for a newbie. However, this is the only way to get Directv service on a Sony TV with Android or Google TV OS.
If you like to continue with this, we recommend using the modded apk version for the installation. Alternatively, you can go with the non-modified Directv apk which, in our experience, crash and sometimes slow down the television.
How to Install DIRECTV Stream on Android & Google TV
Companies like Sony, TCL, and Hisense offer televisions with Android TV and Google TV OS. Unfortunately, Directv doesn't seem to care about these brands or the Android and Google consumers.
The steps for installing Directv Stream on Android TV or Google TV are pretty much the similar to Sony Bravia method. You can use the above method but if it confuses or doesn't work for you – here is another way to get the job done.
Prerequisite: You need a Google drive account and the Directv Stream apk. Before you begin the steps below, download the latest apk file using your laptop, tablet, or smartphone and upload it into your Google drive. Now connect your TV to the internet and follow these simple steps:
- Launch Google Play and search for the "File Commander" app.
- Select install and open the app.
- Click on the menu icon on the top-left corner and select "Add Cloud".
- Now select "Google Drive" and sign in to your Google account.
- Now go to "My Drive" and copy the APK file you have uploaded.
- Browse to "Internal storage" and go to the "Download" folder and paste the file.
- Open the APK file to install the Directv Stream app.
The final step might give you a warning message if you are on the latest version of Google TV or Android TV. Once the installation is complete, you will see the Directv icon on Android TV home screen.
How to download DIRECTV Stream on LG TV (WebOS)
LG WebOS is a Linux-based operating system; it is fast and performs very well with its TV. In LG Content Store, you will find over 160 streaming channels, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV, and HBO Max. The LG App Store is still pretty new, and the company is doing its best to get all the popular service providers on its platform. Sadly, you can't find the Directv Stream app on LG Smart TVs.
However, you can use your compatible laptop, iPhone, or Android phone and share your screen using the LG Screen Share feature. It is definitely not a suitable solution, and the video resolution will be a bit cranky sometimes, but right now, this is the only way to stream DIRECTV Stream on LG TV.
Check out the LG official guide on how to use the Screen Share feature.
How to install DIRECTV Stream on VIZIO
Vizio is known as the best TV brand in the United States. The company uses its own SmartCast OS on Vizio TVs, which has many news, sports, and entertainment apps, but you can't find DIRECTV Stream. Right now, the only way to watch Directv Stream on VIZIO TV is by using Chromecast or SmartCast Mobile app.
To begin with, install Directv Stream on your Android or iOS device. Launch the app and sign in to your account. Once done, play any video on the device and tap on the Chromecast icon to share the display with VIZIO Smart TV.
How to install DIRECTV Stream on Hisense
Hisense is another fastest-growing TV brand in North American. The company offers both Android and Ruko OS television as well as Vidaa OS.
Depending on your Hisense TV model, you can download and install Directv Stream using the Roku app store or follow the Android method. However, if you are using Hisense Vidaa U TV, then sadly, you are out of luck. You can always use the screen share feature via your laptop or smartphone. If you are in the market for Hisense TV, you better keep your distance from Vidaa OS models and look for Roku or Android TV.
Final Thoughts: DIRECTV Stream App on Smart TV
The rebranding of AT&T TV to DIRECTV Stream did not change anything for its consumers. There are literally no improvements in its services except for its logo and name, which does not really please us. Over the years, AT&T is gone through TV Now, WatchTV, AT&T TV, and now it's back to its roots with Directv.
I was hoping to see more Smart TV compatibility and support for the new DIRECTV Stream users. Sadly, this isn't the case, and the new management is going with the same AT&T marketing plan.
Well, I hope we have covered all the basics of how to install DIRECTV Stream on a Smart TV. Whether it's from Samsung, TCL, Sony, Vizio, LG, or Hisense, you can watch Directv Stream services via the app. If the television doesn't allow you to install the app, you can always use the screencasting feature to share your smartphone, laptop, or tablet display.
In case if we have missed anything or you are having trouble installing the application, please drop us the comment below.
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Being a tech enthusiast and a founder of LookGadgets Naveed loves to review and share his thoughts with his audience. Although he is a Certified Network Engineer - but his main interests are in the latest CPU, GPU, Monitors, Laptops, Internet Routers, and PC peripherals.
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