LG Smart TVs are incredibly popular, known for offering great picture quality, smart capabilities, and wide viewing angles. However, one limitation of LG TVs is that they do not natively support the DIRECTV Stream app. This streaming service from DIRECTV offers live TV and on demand content like movies and shows over the internet rather than through a satellite dish.
If you have an LG TV and want access to DIRECTV Stream, the good news is you still have options. By connecting an external streaming device, you can download the DIRECTV app and enjoy all your favorite content. This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to set this up.
Why DIRECTV Stream Doesn’t Work on LG TVs
DIRECTV and LG likely haven’t formed a partnership to allow native support of DIRECTV Stream on LG smart TVs. Without this business agreement in place, LG can’t provide the infrastructure and authorization for you to simply download an app in its content store.
This contrasts with other major smart TV platforms like Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku TVs, and Google TVs where DIRECTV offers a native app. For example, with an Android TV from Sony or TCL, users can install DIRECTV Stream directly without any external device needed.
So why doesn’t LG allow the same access? It largely comes down to control and revenue sharing. Each smart TV platform has its own rules, requirements, and restrictions imposed on apps delivering streaming content. This includes taking a share of subscription revenue generated or limiting advanced features.
DIRECTV may have deemed LG’s webOS platform too restrictive or unprofitable to strike a deal compared to more app-friendly competitors. Unless this changes in the future, LG TV owners need to look to third-party workarounds.
What You’ll Need
To watch DIRECTV Stream on your LG TV, you’ll need just a few things:
- LG Smart TV
- Streaming device like Roku or Amazon Fire TV
- High speed internet connection
- DIRECTV Stream account and subscription
For this guide, we’ll be using a Roku as the demonstration streaming device, but the overall setup process applies to any streaming box or stick you choose. Let’s compare some top options:
| Streaming Device | Price | Resolution | HDR | Voice Remote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roku Express 4K+ | $39 | 4K | No | No |
| Roku Streaming Stick 4K | $59 | 4K | Yes | Yes |
| Fire TV Stick 4K | $49 | 4K | Yes | Yes |
| Chromecast with Google TV | $49 | 4K | Yes | Yes |
I recommend the Roku Streaming Stick 4K or Chromecast with Google TV for the best combination of 4K resolution, HDR support, and convenience features like voice control. But all these streaming devices will give you access to the DIRECTV app.
Step 1: Connect Roku to TV
Begin by plugging your Roku device into your TV’s HDMI port just like you would any cable box or game console. Turn both devices on and use your LG remote to switch the input source to match whichever port is being used by the Roku. The Roku home screen should appear, ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Download the DIRECTV App
From the Roku home screen, use the remote to select “Streaming Channels” from the left side menu. This will open the Roku Channel Store. Next, type in “DIRECTV Stream” into the search bar at the top and select it from the list of results. On the next screen, choose to download or add channel.
It should only take a few seconds for the DIRECTV Stream app to download onto your Roku device.
Step 3: Sign in to DIRECTV Account
With the app downloaded, go back to the Roku home screen and open DIRECTV Stream. Here you will need to enter credentials from your existing DIRECTV account in order to sign in and access content.
DIRECTV Stream requires an active subscription, so you will need to have signed up previously before trying to log in. Provide your username/email and password to complete setup.
One tip here is to make sure each member of your household uses a separate DIRECTV Stream profile. This allows personalized watchlists, viewing history, recommendations, and parental controls for an experience catered to each person.
Step 4: Start Watching DIRECTV Stream!
Once your DIRECTV account is authenticated, you now have full access to live channels, on demand libraries, and any DVR recordings through DIRECTV Stream on your LG TV! Navigate through the leftside menu or use the search feature to find something to watch.
Here are a few things you can do to take full advantage of DIRECTV Stream:
- Browse the On Demand library – DIRECTV gives you access to over 40,000 titles of movies and shows available instantly. Use the filters and search tools to dig into this massive catalog.
- Customize your channel lineup – Don’t want to pay for channels you never watch? Toggle specific networks on and off until your package matches your viewing preferences. This helps you save money.
- Setup recordings for your favorite shows – Using the DIRECTV Stream DVR features, you can record live TV to watch later. Set series recordings so you never miss hit shows. Just keep in mind recordings expire after 90 days.
- Download shows to mobile devices – The DIRECTV app allows downloading content to phones and tablets to watch offline. Great for planes, road trips, or other times you lack internet connectivity.
The process is really that simple. By using the Roku streaming stick, you now have a workaround to watch DIRECTV content directly on your LG smart TV.
Now let’s explore the overall pros and cons of relying on DIRECTV Stream for your streaming TV needs.
Pros and Cons of DIRECTV Stream
Like most streaming services, DIRECTV Stream comes with its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:
Pros
- Access to local sports and news channels
- Large on demand libraries with over 40,000 titles
- Intuitive mobile app for streaming on phones/tablets
- Bundle with internet to save money
- No contract requirements
Cons
- Packages and add-ons get expensive
- Limited (20 hours) cloud DVR storage
- No pause/rewind on live TV
- Confusing channel packages
Based on research from Parks Associates, the average monthly price for DIRECTV Stream subscribers is $95 per month. That lands on the higher end compared to competitors like Hulu Live at $70 monthly average revenue per user (ARPU). However, DIRECTV customers do get more simultaneous streams and better DVR allowances included.
When considering the costs, don’t forget DIRECTV Stream requires a 2-year contract for promotional pricing. This locks you in unless you pay early termination fees. Streaming rivals like YouTube TV and Sling TV involve no contracts.
Overall DIRECTV Stream offers a solid experience for those wanting a cable TV-like package with the flexibility of streaming. But buyers should weigh the costs against limited DVR storage and inability to pause live TV. For the best features, stepping up to the higher-tier packages is a must.
FAQs about DIRECTV Stream
Here are answers to some common questions about getting set up with DIRECTV Stream:
How many devices can stream at once? Up to 20 devices can stream simultaneously from the same account.
What internet speed do I need? DIRECTV recommends at least 8 Mbps connection for smooth streaming with a 25 Mbps speed preferred especially for 4K.
Can I customize channel packages? Yes, packages are fully customizable by adding or removing genre-based extras like sports and movie channels. Spanish language add-ons also available.
How long can I keep recordings? Recordings to your 20 hours of DVR storage will expire after 90 days. You can upgrade to unlimited storage for $10/month but even then shows expire after 9 months.
Does DIRECTV Stream include Sunday NFL Ticket? No, Sunday NFL Ticket must be purchased as a standalone package and works only on mobile and computers, not supported devices like Roku.
Ready to get started? Just grab a Roku, connect it to your LG TV, and enjoy DIRECTV Stream in no time! Let us know if you have any other questions.
