How to Watch DirecTV Outside the US (The 2024 Guide)

DirecTV is an exciting streaming service that provides users with diversified content that includes TV shows, movies, sports, and more. While it’s a fantastic Netflix alternative, its limited availability within the US borders compels users to miss watching their favorite media abroad.

However, a robust US VPN comes in as a savior for all users, letting them unblock DirecTV anywhere outside the United States. Let’s find out how to unblock DirecTV anywhere in the world in no time.

Best VPNs to unblock DirecTV abroad – Quick list

What is DirecTV? Why is it not available outside the US?

DirecTV is an American broadcast channel. Though it may not be as popular as Reed Hastings-founded Netflix, it won a vast customer base in the USA.

DirecTV began as a satellite television in 1994, which later emerged as a standalone channel in 2004. Later, in 2014, the popular communication giant AT&T acquired DirecTV for $67.1 billion.

Consequently, in 2016, DirecTV’s over-the-top (OTT) service started, providing another interesting media streaming resource.

DirecTV is a wonderful resource for various media content, including TV shows, movies, and sports. The satellite channel still bears the name DirecTV, but the previously named DirecTV NOW streaming service is now rebranded to AT&T NOW.

DirecTV is also available as a satellite channel for users outside the US. The content, however, may not be the same as what is available on your DirecTV streaming account. If you want to watch DirecTV from abroad, you can, but you might miss out on some of the media you were following.

Any chance I can watch DirecTV abroad?

Perhaps you might want to ask this question after knowing you’ll likely lose access to your favorite DirecTV content if you move outside the US.

Well, don’t worry. You won’t waste your money as you can continue streaming DirecTV the way you like, regardless of where you go.

Even if you’re a non-US resident, you can still watch DirecTV in your home country the way a US resident would.

But you must apply some workarounds that address the exact thing through which DirecTV applies geo-restrictions.

And what’s that?

Your IP address!

Since your IP address directly represents your existing physical location (like your country), services like DirecTV track the users’ IP addresses. Then, when they see incoming requests from regions conflicting with their media availability permissions, they prevent you from streaming.

So, you need something that provides you with a false IP address of your desired country without you having to go anywhere. (Traveling from Europe or Asia to the USA will be ridiculous just to watch DirecTV.)

What else would serve you better than a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?

This wonderful tool lets you change your online location in a few clicks. Thus, you can set your existing location as USA with a VPN and access DirecTV from anywhere.

Alternatively, you can use a Smart DNS to unblock DirecTV at your place. But this method isn’t as effective as a VPN.

Likewise, free web proxy sites can also help you mask your IP address. But they aren’t resilient enough to evade detections and ensure continued uninterrupted access to DirecTV.

We’ll explain all the methods in detail in the following sections.

Why is a VPN necessary to watch DirecTV outside the USA?

DirecTV is only available in the US because of license and copyright restrictions. However, you can overcome these limitations with a virtual private network (VPN). When you connect to a server in the US, the VPN will assign you a US-specific server, making it appear like you are in the country.

Usually, every internet-enabled device has a unique IP address. DirecTV employs IP tracking to identify where its users are connected from. So, if you attempt to access the streaming platform outside the US, the tracking system will detect your connection and deny you access.

How to choose the best DirecTV VPNs?

When accessing restricted content, choosing the right VPN is the key. That is true for accessing DirecTV abroad as well.

If you want to enjoy DirecTV streaming on your device outside the US, just like a US resident, you should pick your VPN carefully.

Here, we list a few key things you should remember when selecting a VPN for DirecTV streaming.

• Ensure your VPN offers a huge server network, particularly with more US servers. This is important for the VPN to evade VPN detection and ban.
• Ensure your VPN offers robust encryption so that your online data remains non-trackable.
• Ideally, your VPN should offer a kill switch to prevent incidental IP exposure in case of connection drops.
• Despite encryption, your VPN service should still offer fast speeds. Slow speeds aren’t good for video streaming.
• An ideal provider should support unblocking streaming platforms. Make sure your chosen VPN does that.
• Your VPN must have an easy-to-install and use interface.
• Since it’s about the ease of streaming, your VPN must support multiple simultaneous device connections.
• Your selected provider must support all major device types and operating systems so that you can easily install it across all your device(s).
• Make sure that your VPN does not cap data. This is something crucial for streaming.
• Your VPN must respect your privacy and should protect you from online tracking.
• If you go for a paid VPN (that you should), check that your VPN service provider offers a free trial or a trial with a money-back guarantee. Of course, you can’t risk your money.
• Subscribing to a VPN shouldn’t cost you a fortune. Make sure that your selected VPN offers affordable pricing plans.

Best VPNs to unblock DirecTV outside the US

Wondering where you would find a VPN that fulfills all these requirements?

Don’t worry. Check out our three best VPN recommendations based on our thorough research and multiple tests.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is the most trusted VPN service for any task online. It offers more than 5,000 secure servers in over 60 countries. With its impressive features, you can rest assured that your privacy is secure.

While they respect the regulations and do not support illegal activities, they do not affect the users’ anonymity. Therefore, they are among the few VPNs we recommend when unblocking restricted content.

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2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN have resisted VPN detection and bans most lawfully for a long time. Despite respecting the global laws for internet safety, they also respect user privacy.

Hence, they provide their customers with superior privacy and anonymity. That’s the reason why they always succeed in bypassing content restrictions.

ExpressVPN works with a wide range of devices. The supported devices include Chromebook, Mac, Linux, Amazon Fire Tablet, Windows, iOS, and Android. Also, thanks to its compatibility with popular routers, you can use it even on your streaming devices without built-in VPN support.

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3. Surfshark

Surfshark is among those few VPNs that offer premium services like the leading players of the VPN (virtual private network) market without burdening your pocket. Due to their impressive services, these guys have managed to be counted among the top VPNs within a short time despite being relatively new.

Still, they are working hard to improve their services further, which is evident from the fact they have grown their server network from 1,700 to over 3,200 within a short time.

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What about free VPNs?

Technically, free VPNs can help you access DirecTV, as they also let you change your IP address.

However, they still do not unblock restricted content as smoothly as paid VPNs. It’s because they do not offer you that premium level of privacy as a paid VPN would do. So, they will likely get caught by vital services like DirecTV and face bans. Also, they tend to leak your real IP, thereby exposing yourself online.

Besides, we advise you to avoid free VPNs as they (usually) compromise your privacy – in most cases, by monetizing your data.

Yet, there are some good free VPNs as well that do not compromise your privacy. Still, they might not be successful enough with unblocking streaming services like DirecTV.

If you wish to try them, look at our list of best free VPNs here.

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Best DirecTV VPNs comparison table

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN	Surfshark
Avg speed	140Mbps	133Mbps	101Mbps
Supported devices	Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Routers	Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Routers	Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Routers
Simultaneous connections	10	8	Unlimited
Logging policy	Strictly no-logs	Strictly no-logs	Strictly no-logs
Cheapest monthly plan	$3.99	$6.67	$1.99

A step-by-step guide to unblocking DirecTV outside the US with a VPN

Now that you know which VPNs you should use to watch DirecTV at home, the next question is, how to do that?

Don’t worry; here we list the basic steps for using a VPN to unblock DirecTV channels outside the US.

1. Register yourself with a VPN service.

The first step to content unblocking is subscribing to a premium VPN service.

While we have recommended some names above, you can also search for a good VPN yourself.

Once done, you must subscribe to the service, for which you need to create an account. Enter all your details as asked, and select a pricing plan for your subscription. You don’t need a US payment method since VPNs often support the payment methods available globally.

Once you successfully subscribe, you can download the separate VPN apps on all your devices you plan to use for DirecTV streaming.

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2. Install and set up the VPN on your device.

Well, most good VPNs, like the ones we recommended above, are very easy to install. You can have them running on your device in a few clicks.

Also, almost every VPN service provider has shared detailed tutorials on its website regarding the download, installation, and other steps. While the basic procedure usually remains the same, the exact setup steps may vary depending on the respective device’s VPN app.

So, after subscribing to a VPN, browsing its website a little more can let you find the instructions/tutorials about setting up the respective VPN client on your device(s).

If you cannot find precise instructions, feel free to contact the VPN’s customer support. They will either provide you with the exact links to instructions or will help you install the app on your device.

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3. Connect to a US server.

Since DirecTV is strictly available in the United States, you must mask your online location as a US one. For that, you should connect to a US server.

Most renowned VPNs offer multiple servers from different US cities, so you won’t face trouble finding the one with good connection strength.

Also, you can look for a dedicated US server for streaming. The VPNs that support streaming platforms usually offer dedicated streaming servers that warrant fast speed.

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4. Sign in to your DirecTV account.

After establishing your VPN connection, check your IP address and location. All the details should mention the US. Also, check your connection for possible IP leaks and secure all leaky sources.

Once done, you have now protected your internet connection. So, head to the DirecTV website or app, sign in to your account, and stream your favorite media.

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How to unblock DirecTV with a Smart DNS?

Although, we highly recommend using a VPN to access DirecTV outside the United States since this is the most effective tool.

In fact, you can also use a VPN to unblock other streaming services and restricted websites.

However, we know you might always face trouble using a VPN. If you switch subscriptions, change devices, or want to stream quickly on a device with no VPN.

So, to cater to your needs in all such circumstances, our next recommended workaround is a Smart DNS.

Now, what is it?

Simply put, a Smart DNS service replaces your existing DNS server (the one assigned by your ISP) with its own servers. This way, it reroutes your traffic through its own servers in another country. It leads to websites receiving your requests to see your changed location. More specifically, they see the location of your Smart DNS.

That’s how Smart DNS helps you access geo-blocked content anywhere.

Since the process involves no data encryption but rather a simple traffic rerouting, you experience a fast internet connection with a changed location. This is why a Smart DNS works best for streaming services.

Can I get DirecTV US unblocked on Kodi?

As someone living outside the USA, you must be a frequent Kodi user as this is the best medium to access most streaming platforms.

While you’re reading this section, you must know about Kodi already. But for those who don’t, let us quickly describe.

Kodi is an open-source media player. By the term “media player,” we mean that Kodi isn’t a streaming platform in itself. Instead, a digital media player runs on your streaming devices. You can access different streaming platforms to watch your desired content through Kodi.

Since it’s open-source, it’s free to use. And that’s the most lucrative thing about it.

However, Kodi runs with different platforms via add-ons. If you can’t find or don’t have an add-on, you might be unable to access a streaming platform.

Thankfully, DirecTV falls in the category that Kodi supports via add-ons.

So, if you’re outside the United States and wish to watch DirecTV on Kodi, you must install an add-on. We recommend using the IPTV Stalker Kodi add-on.

Why do we recommend the IPTV Stalker Kodi add-on?

I hear you ask why did we specifically mention IPTV Stalker here.

No, we aren’t an affiliate of it!

We advise IPTV Stalker because it can make streaming platforms with US libraries accessible everywhere.

IPTV is an abbreviation of “Internet Protocol Television,” that is, the delivery of TV content (such as TV channels) via IP networks instead of conventional means such as satellite or cable TV.

The IPTV Stalker Kodi add-on facilitates accessing TV streaming platforms by allowing you to use the IPTV option to unblock various US, UK, and Canada channels on your home TV.

If you have Kodi running on your device, you can easily access US, UK, or other foreign channels by simply installing the IPTV Stalker add-on. This add-on even works with smartphones. So, you can reward yourself a 24/7 access to your desired media across all your devices.

However, the only problem with this add-on is that Kodi doesn’t officially support IPTV Stalker. It’s a third-party add-on. So, you might have to seek access from the add-on developers if you face trouble using it with Kodi.

Though, if you install the add-on as we explain below, you’ll likely face no trouble.

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A step-by-step guide to watching DirecTV on Kodi with IPTV Stalker add-on+VPN

Before moving on, let us highlight that you should always use Kodi with a VPN.

Why is that? Is it illegal? I hear you ask.

Using Kodi is utterly legal until you ensure “lawful” use. However, since people can also use Kodi to access content illegally, such as accessing pirated content, Kodi remains on the radar. That’s why we advise you to use a VPN with Kodi to save yourself from any troubles in the future.

Cleared? Great!

Returning to our topic, you need a combination of an add-on, like the IPTV Stalker add-on, and a VPN for DirecTV streaming on Kodi.

Here we explain how to do it all in a step-by-step manner:

• Install a VPN on your Kodi device, such as your Firestick or a top box.
• Connect your VPN to a US server (since DirecTV, your ultimate streaming destination, is available to the US only).
• Download the IPTV Stalker add-on on your device via a direct link (such as this one).
• Open Kodi on your device and visit the “System” menu.
• Browse through the available options to reach “Settings.”
• Again, scroll through the list of all available options to find “Add-Ons” and open this option.
• Now choose the “Install from Zip File” option.
• Go to the destination folder where you have downloaded the IPTV Stalker add-on from the new window.
• Click on the add-on zip file. Kodi will begin installing the add-on.
• When the installation is complete, go back to the Kodi home screen.
• Go to Video > Add-ons.
• Find the IPTV Stalker add-on in the list to open it.

And this is it. You can now access DirecTV through this add-on on your Kodi.

Alternatively, you can also download the add-on via the SuperRepo repository. It’s an excellent repository with over 2200 Kodi add-ons for free. Here’s how to do that.

• Open Kodi on your device and go to “Settings.”
• Now visit File Manager > Add Source > None.
• Now type http://srp.nu/ when prompted.
• Click on “Done.”
• Type “SuperRepo” in the empty bar and click the OK button.
• Go back to the Kodi home screen and choose the Add-ons menu.
• Select the “Install from Zip File” option.
• Find the “SuperRepo” option and click on it.
• Proceed to download the repository’s zip file.
• After the process completes, go back to the Kodi home screen.
• Go to Settings > Add-ons > Get Add-ons > SuperRepo all.
• Find the IPTV Stalker add-on from the repository and proceed to install it.

Once done, you can use this add-on to watch DirecTV on Kodi outside the US.

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Which is the best method to watch DirecTV US abroad? A VPN!

While you can change your IP location to unblock DirecTV, using a VPN is the best.

VPNs mask your IP address and provide many security features to keep you anonymous. This anonymity is not only necessary to secure your online privacy but also to evade content restrictions.

While services like DirecTV frequently block VPNs as they know users would use such strategies to evade content blocking, a robust VPN service dodges all such blocks. They leave no chance of your real IP leak online, thus eliminating the possibility of you using a VPN.

On the other hand, web proxies and free VPNs lack thorough protection for your online security. They can leak your actual IP location online and fail to unblock restricted content due to limited features, such as a limited number of servers.

Also, these services often provide little to no protection from web trackers and advertisers. Indeed allowing you to unblock DirecTV streaming at your place permanently; when they’re free to use, they need to choose an alternate method for a living, which is monetizing your data in most cases.

As for Smart DNS, you don’t face any security threats like data monetization or web tracking. But you get no online security, either. That’s because Smart DNS services offer no data encryption. Nor do they offer any IP masking.

What they do is a simple rerouting of your DNS queries. While this feature can be a workaround for unblocking content, it’s not a permanent solution. Your actual IP address and location remain visible online.

Thus, you only have a 50% chance of achieving long-term success accessing blocked content. If you interact with robust services, you might continue to face geoblocking.

Using VPN with DirecTV

Pros:

• Robust security with data encryption
• Thorough anonymity as it hides your IP
• Ensures uninterrupted content unblocking with multiple servers
• Protects against ISP throttling and web tracking
• Can evade firewalls

Cons:

• Requires app installation

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Using Smart DNS to access DirecTV abroad

Pros:

• No app installation required
• No setup required
• Fast speed
• No need to switch servers to choose a location

Cons:

• No data encryption
• Cannot bypass firewalls
• Likely to fail in content unblocking
• Vulnerable to web tracking
• Cannot protect against ISP throttling

So, if you want to unblock DirecTV streaming at your place permanently, nothing else would serve you better than a robust VPN.

Yes, like with a VPN, on top of your regular devices, you can watch DirecTV on Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Xbox, AT&T TV, Samsung Smart TV, and several other streaming devices using a top SmartDNS service.

But, you do not get any security or privacy benefits with the latter. Also, SmartDNS services do not work with all streaming platforms, whereas top VPNs work with all.

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What about the payment method to subscribe to DirecTV?

Now that you know everything regarding unblocking DirecTV, there’s one more step to it.

If you’re a US resident or have already subscribed to DirecTV, skip this section.

But, if you live outside the USA and want to create an account on this service, you might face a problem. That is, setting up a payment method.

As you know, DirecTV is a paid service; you not only have to reside in the USA to subscribe to it but should also have a US payment method available to subscribe to this service.

It seems like another check on restricting the services to the US only.

But you can bypass this limitation, too.

Fortunately, we now have several online services that facilitate non-US internet customers in purchasing services from the US. They do so by offering US payment methods.

Two of these services are usunlocked.com and privacy.com. These services get you a US billing address and a virtual credit card you can load from your existing accounts.

So, if you’re a non-US resident and wish to subscribe to DirecTV, here’s how to proceed.

• Subscribe to any services like usunlocked.com and get your US payment details.
• Connect to a US server on your VPN (this will change your online location).
• Head on to the DirecTV website or app and create an account. Since the site will see your IP address as US, you won’t face troubles at this stage.
• Enter the required information and type your virtual US billing details when asked to set up payment methods.
• Proceed to complete the registration.

And that’s it! You can now enjoy uninterrupted access to DirecTV from abroad just like a US subscriber.

DirecTV Now pricing

You can start with the DirecTV Now 14-day free trial, then subscribe to either of the packages below.

Subscription plan	Channels	Cost
Entertainment	160+	$69.99/month
Choice	185+	$89.99/month
Ultimate	250+	$104.99/month
Premier	330+	$149.99/month

You can cancel the DirecTV Now subscription anytime if you aren’t willing to continue.

What to watch on DirecTV from abroad

DirectTV offers a wide range of content, from movies, TV series, sports, and even kids’ content. However, you need a premium VPN for DirecTV streaming outside the US.

Popular DirecTV Now channels outside the US

Here are some famous channels you can access on DirecTV outside America.

• AMC
• ESPN, ESPN News
• Food Network
• Starz
• Travel Channel
• The Weather Channel
• Fox Sports Go
• MLB Network

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Best movies on DirecTV

Here are some popular and latest movies you can stream on DirecTV.

• Ticket to Paradise
• Bullet Train
• Beast
• Tar
• On the Line
• The System
• Amsterdam
• Gigi & Nate

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Best TV shows on DirectTV

• Dangerous Liaisons
• Spector
• Let the Right One In
• The BMF Documentary
• The White Lotus
• Ziwe
• Avenue 5
• House of the Dragon

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New releases to watch on DirecTV outside USA

• Mean Girls – January 12 
• Sometimes I Think About Dying – January 26
• Wicked Little Letters – February 23 
• Dune: Part Two – March 1
• Imaginary – March 8
• Criminal Records – January 10
• The Regime – Spring 2024 
• Griselda – January 25
• Masters of the Air – January 26
• 3 Body Problem – March 21

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What devices can stream DirecTV Now?

You can watch DirectTV on your phone, among multiple other devices. Below is a list of devices you can stream DirecTV on (most of them linked to their individual quick guides we’ve covered in this article):

• Android
• Amazon Firestick
• Amazon Fire TV
• iOS
• Apple TV (4^th generation)
• Roku
• Chromecast
• Samsung TV

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Unblock DirecTV abroad on Android

• Subscribe to a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN. It will enable you to watch DirecTV from anywhere.
• Download and install the Android app.
• Launch the VPN software and connect to an American server.
• Download the DirecTV app on your Android device.
• Enjoy DirecTV content seamlessly.

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How to watch DirecTV outside the USA on iOS

• Subscribe to a trustworthy VPN service. We recommend ExpressVPN because of its outstanding unblocking capabilities.
• Download the VPN app on your iPhone or iPad.
• Launch the VPN and open the server list.
• Connect to a US server.
• Change the ‘Country and Region‘ to the United States in your Apple ID settings.
• Download the DirecTV app and enjoy streaming.

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How to get DirecTV outside the US on Apple TV

• Sign up for a reputable VPN service. NordVPN is our top choice.
• Download the VPN on your Apple TV.
• Open the VPN app and connect to a US server.
• Subscribe to DirecTV Now.
• Install the DirecTV Now app on your Apple TV.
• Launch the DirecTV app and enjoy streaming.

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Watch DirecTV outside the US with Firestick

• Purchase an ExpressVPN subscription. You will even get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Download and install the VPN software on your Amazon Firestick.
• Open the VPN and connect to a US server.
• Then, search for “DirecTV Now” in the search bar.
• Click “Get” to install the DirecTV Now app on your Firestick.
• Open the DirecTV Now app and start streaming.

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Common DirecTV Now errors and how to fix them

Here are some errors you might encounter when streaming DirecTV from abroad and their solutions.

DirecTV Now Error 10: No Connection

This error will appear because of a poor connection. So, the first thing you should do is check whether DirecTV Now is working on other devices.

If it is not working, you can fix the error by restarting your home router by unplugging it from the power for a few minutes. Then, restart it again. However, if the error persists, you can call your internet service provider to confirm the internet connection is working correctly.

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DirecTV Now Error 40: Video Error

This can also appear as error 1401, 1402, or 1403. The DirecTV Now customer support claims this is a temporary glitch in data transmission. Try the following tips to fix it.

• Restart your player/device.
• Close and restart the DirecTV Now app.
• Check for DirecTV Now app updates.
• Uninstall/reinstall the DirecTV Now app.
• Check for device software updates.

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FAQs