Why can’t I pre-record an upcoming movie anymore as of April 15, 2026

We hear you, @Sweetfx. We recently updated the interface to highlight all the ways you can watch a title. While we can't revert the software version, the option to record should still be available. Please try restarting your device and then try recording again. You can also follow these steps for other options to schedule recordings:

- Press the dash (-) button on your remote or go to Menu > Search.

- Look for a show, movie, or game you want to record.

- Select Record Once or Record Series.

If technical assistance is needed, contact us here: DIRECTV Customer Service - Phone Support & Chat

Rhyan, DIRECTV Community Team

Thank you for the instructions. I really don't like this new layout :(  It is really close to the other streaming services and I hate streaming ugg.  I'm just use to DirecTV that was so easy to use and record movies while I am not at home. There is way too much going on new when you press select.  I will reset the receiver tonight and HOPE it will let me click on "upcoming show" and I can record. IF it doesn't work, I will come back here and if still now right I will call customers service. Crossing my finger :)

We’re constantly working to improve and value your feedback. If you need a hand, just reach out; we’re happy to assist. Rhyan, DIRECTV Community Team

New interface is terrible for anyone who manages their Upcoming Recordings.

Ways to Watch feature does NOT allow you to record....

Instead you now have to search, hunt, and peck your way through the guide to do each separately.

Please bring back ability to record different/later airings of episodes from the Upcoming Recordings screeen.

Thanks,

Judith

Yup :( no matter what I do (reset, power on and off)  I can NOT record anything ahead of time. I can only record what I am watching at the moment, so everything is a Partial Recording of anything. What am I paying $295.00 a month for now? This new interface is horrible and maybe make a new receiver and send to us that have been with you since 1996 that will work with this new interface. This is the FIRST time that DirecTv has broken my heart and now wondering if I should just cancel and try DishTv now.  I am the saddest customer now :(

We're sorry for the frustration, and we'd like you to stay. We've shared this with our team for further investigation. John, DIRECTV Community Team

Thank you, John, for forwarding this issues for further investigation. 

Is there any other way to report bugs in DirecTV updates besides this Forum?

@Sweetfx, we have an additional step to follow.  When looking at the Ways to Watch, you can arrow down to the Upcoming section and press the red button on the remote to record that episode.  Mark, DIRECTV Community Manager

This is the best place to report and get assistance from DIRECTV and/or the Community ACEs.  Always post it as a question in the appropriate Topic and SubTopic.  Adding it to something already posted may not be seen in a timely fashion. Mark, DIRECTV Community Manager

Thanks for reply. Red button is not a solution for me to record an upcoming airing of an episode. In Ways to Watch red button will record entire series - not just the upcoming episode. Then if you use red button to delete upcoming airing, it deletes entire Series Record (whether you wanted to or not). 

See my post in this forum.......... 

"New Info Pages are Rolling out for DIRECTV Satellite customers"

Do they care???

That works fine to record any EPISODE watching which is not my issue. I want to record from the "Ways To Watch" for a movie. Then look at the list and click on it and then set-up to record that upcoming program. Which is NOT how you can do that anymore. All the movies I have recorded NOW are all missing the beginnings by 10 minutes. So yeah, the joy of recording and then watching is gone. DirectTV please just tell us the truth? You changed the interface and we can no longer set up to record any movies or shows at a later time. Did you think that we did not like this feature?

The recording functionality is working as designed. For clarification, the steps provided were for recording programming that wasn't already set up as an individual or series recording. Our technical specialists can help check the reason why your recordings are missing the first 10 minutes. Sending you a DM now. John, DIRECTV Community Team

I figured out how to record Directv shows on this new interface.
1, put on whatever you want to record like in a middle of a movie or show.
2. Click info and the select

3. Arrow down to “ways to watch”

4. Click on that and you will see a list on the right side. Choose one of the upcoming shows

5. Arrow over to the right and scroll down to which one you want to record 

6. Then press the “red record button” on the white remote and the upper left corner by the guide button and then you’ll see that it sent to record and then exit out

OMG Directv was that so hard to explain to us :(

Try it out and see if works for you too. I would love to know.

Problem remains for recording a future upcoming re-airing of an episode of a show that is set for Season Record. Still waiting to hear back from DirecTV on that issue.