4 Messages
Former ATT TV cable boxes not working with DirectTV Stream
I have used ATT/DirecTV service for years. With my original contract, which at this point is probably from the Stone Age, I received three cable boxes.
The boxes worked fine through multiple moves to multiple states, even as ATT spun out the product to be DirectTV Stream.
However, with my most recent move completed in the New Year, all of a sudden I’m getting the dreaded “checking for updates” screen when trying to set up the box.
I’ve tried the factory reset hacks to no avail. One DirecTV rep told me that they would send me replacement boxes, which never showed up. When I called to ask about shipment status, a different DirecTV rep told me they actually couldn’t send me any new boxes since the ones I have apparently are no longer under warranty. (How convenient.) When I called to cancel I spoke with a third rep who told me I COULD continue to use the equipment I’ve used for years and DirecTV tech support could help.
Since DirecTV has been basically useless through this ordeal, here’s my question: Are there any prior ATT customers with the original ATT cable box who have successfully updated their device to work with their DirecTV Stream account? If so, please enlighten me!
litzdog911
ACE - Sage
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46.1K Messages
10 months ago
How long since those boxes were last used?
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breezy0617
4 Messages
10 months ago
Hi litzdog911, the boxes were last used in mid December 2023, prior to disconnecting the boxes for an interstate move. At the time, I contacted DirecTV to ensure there wouldn’t be a disruption in my service, which is when we discovered I was still using the original AT&T boxes. I didn’t even know there was a different device on the market to use — no contact from AT&T or DirecTV at all. The representative told me they’d send me replacement Gemini devices … but never did, and the last person I spoke with said they actually couldn’t replace my boxes because they are apparently no longer under warranty.
The DirecTV app for my account still works fine, but I’d much prefer to use the boxes as they’re faster to navigate with! I just can’t figure out how to get past the updating screen.
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lou_do
ACE - New Member
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626 Messages
10 months ago
I have a real old AT&T Stream box, from the original testing days, prior to the national release. It was acting up and only booting up once in a while. I did a factory reset on it, and now it works just fine. Some of the buttons on the original remote no longer work, but I can use a peanut remote from when I had DirecTV satellite, and it works fine for all features. I just can't use voice commands with it.
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breezy0617
4 Messages
10 months ago
Thank you! To factory reset, did you follow the “hold button for 30 seconds” instructions or something else?
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lou_do
ACE - New Member
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626 Messages
10 months ago
Follow these instructions to do a factory reset.
https://www.directv.com/support/article/000075734
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Ludwick577
ACE - New Member
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3.3K Messages
10 months ago
How are you connecting to the internet on the box? Wifi or ethernet cable?
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breezy0617
4 Messages
10 months ago
WiFi so far — if ethernet would make a difference I’ll try it! Instructions received as well, thank you all!
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Ludwick577
ACE - New Member
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3.3K Messages
10 months ago
Yah, I'd try the ethernet cable. If that doesn't work maybe it's your ISP. Last month, I had a two day issue with Mediacom doing updates to my Osprey box and it wouldn't connect. If you have a cell phone with hotspot/tethering----connect your Osprey wifi to it and then try to restart the box.
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