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Set up your equipment

Learn how to swap out equipment, set up with a TV & activate service.

Identify the service you have and follow the steps provided for each option.


satellite.pngSatellite dish satellite.pngInternet connection (No satellite)
 

Genie Receiver

Learn how to set up a Genie receiver with a TV.

DETAILED STEPS

Swap out equipment, set up with a TV & activate service

If you received a replacement non-Genie receiver, learn how to connect it.

Set up your Genie on your TV
  1. The Satellite Dish Setup screen displays on your TV.
  2. Keep the default settings as they are.
  3. Leave the Order ID field blank.
  4. Select Continue and follow the onscreen instructions.

Activate your Genie and complete your setup 
  1. Activate your Genie Mini online or call our automated activation line at 844.578.7448. You may need your access card number, receiver ID, and model number. They are on the barcode sticker on the outside of the box your replacement receiver came in.
  2. Complete your setup by following the guided screens to the end.
  3. If needed, a prompt to program your remote control appears. Follow the onscreen instructions or visit Program your DIRECTV remote control.
  4. Connect your receiver to the Internet by pressing MENU > Connect Now. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Exchange Genie receivers
  1. Place your new Genie next to your non-working Genie with both backs facing towards you.
  2. One by one, disconnect and remove each cable from the back of your old Genie. The only cord you don't need to transfer is the old power cord.
  3. Connect the new power cord to the new Genie and an electrical outlet.
  4. Power on your replacement receiver and your TV.

Reset remote control
  1. On your remote, press and hold MUTE and SELECT.
  2. The green LED will blink twice.
  3. Press 9-8-7 on the remote. The green LED will blink four times.
 

Set up multi-room viewing using Genie Mini

Are you replacing a Genie DVR and have a multi-room viewing/Whole-Home setup? Set up your Genie Minis and other clients with your replacement receiver. Select the title below that matches your equipment (Genie Mini or Wireless Genie Mini).

Set up your DIRECTV Genie Mini
Learn how to connect your DIRECTV Genie Mini to your replacement Genie receiver.

Set up your DIRECTV Wireless Genie Mini
Learn how to connect your DIRECTV Wireless Genie Mini to your replacement Genie receiver.
   

Genie Mini

Learn how to connect a Genie Mini so you can watch DIRECTV on another TV in your home.

DETAILED STEPS

Connect a Genie Mini with a TV and Genie HD DVR

First, connect the Genie Mini to a TV.
  1. Choose how you want to connect:
    • Use an HDMI cable (recommended option) for high-definition (HD) video and Dolby® Digital audio - Plug one end of the cable into the HDMI port on the back of your Genie Mini. Then, plug the other end into the HDMI port on the back of your TV.
    • Use a 10-pin Mini-DIN cable for standard-definition (SD) and HD (1080i or 720p) video and audio - Plug the black 10-pin connector into the A/V Out port on the back of your Genie Mini. Then, plug the other ends of the cable(s) into the corresponding-colored input ports on the back of your TV.
  2. Connect the power cord to the Genie Mini and plug it into an electrical outlet.
  3. Turn on the Genie Mini and the TV.

Next, pair the Genie Mini with your Genie HD DVR
  1. Press MENU on your Genie remote.
  2. Select Settings > Whole-Home > Manage Clients > Add Clients.
  3. Write down the PIN displayed on the screen. Leave this screen as is - Do not select Done.
  4. Return to the TV where you connected the Genie Mini.
  5. Use the remote to select Continue and enter the PIN when prompted.
  6. Select Add a New Location.
  7. Enter a room location name and select Save Name.
  8. Select OK to confirm.
  9. Choose a setup option:
    • COPY - If you want to mirror the settings from an existing Genie/Genie Mini in your home. Then, select the location you want to copy.
    • DON'T COPY - If you want the default DIRECTV settings added to your new Genie Mini.
  10. Select Watch DIRECTV or Browse the Guide to complete the guide setup.
  11. Go back to the TV connected to the main Genie HD DVR and select DONE.

Have a wireless Genie Mini? Find out how to connect a Wireless Genie Mini to your TV.
 

Activate your Genie Mini (including replacements)

To activate your Genie Mini:
  • Go to your Equipment page. You’ll be prompted to sign in before proceeding.
  • Under Receivers, select Activate receiver.
  • Follow the prompts to activate.
  • Select Continue to complete.

You can also call the automated activation line at 866.433.3489 to activate your receiver.

Next, you can program your DIRECTV remote control.
   

Wireless Genie Mini

Learn how to set up a replacement Wireless Genie Mini, connect it to your Genie HD DVR, and activate it.

DETAILED STEPS

Replacement and set up instructions

  1. Place your replacement Wireless Genie Mini next to your old Wireless Genie Mini.
  2. Move all cables one at a time from the old device to the new one.
  3. Connect the new power cord and plug into an electrical outlet. Don't reuse the old power cord.
  4. Power on the Wireless Genie Mini and your TV. The Connecting to Video Bridge screen appears.
  5. Go to the TV connected to your Genie HD DVR to begin setup. You may need your serial number, MAC address, and model number. You can find this information on the barcode sticker on the outside of the shipping box.
  6. On your remote, press MENU.
  7. Select Settings > Whole-Home > Manage Client > Add Clients.
  8. Write down the PIN that displays on screen.
  9. Leave the Genie HD DVR on this screen until the setup of the Wireless Genie Mini is complete.
  10. Return to the location where you set up your Wireless Genie Mini. Wait two minutes or until Connect Now is active.
  11. The Wireless Signal Strength icon should display three green bars.
  12. Select Connect Now. The Enter PIN screen displays after the connection countdown.
  13. Using your remote, enter the PIN from step 8.
  14. Select Replace a Location and choose the client/receiver you are replacing.
  15. Select Replace > Yes, Replace to confirm your choice. The Wireless Genie Mini may display a flashing red LED, and the screen may flash gray intermittently during this setup step.
  16. Return to the Genie HD DVR.
  17. On the Add a Client screen, select DONE.

Activate your Wireless Genie Mini

Activate online or by calling the automated activation line:
Note: If the Enter PIN screen appears after the two-minute countdown, please call 800.288.2020 to complete your activation.

Program your remote

Setting up your remote is easy. Follow the steps in Program your DIRECTV remote control.
   

Gemini device over wireless

Learn how to set up your Gemini device on your Wireless network.

DETAILED INFO

Connect your Gemini device (Wireless)

Once you have your Gemini device, power supply, HDMI cable, and remote out of the box:
  1. If this is a replacement device, disconnect your current device, HDMI cord and power supply and set aside – including the remote.
  2. Plug the HDMI cable into your device and the other end into your TV.
  3. Plug the power supply into the new device. Plug the other end into an outlet.
  4. Power on your TV. You may need to switch your TV source input to match the HDMI port you plugged the Gemini device into.
  5. Remove the battery slip from the back of the remote control.
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts. This includes the following:
    1. Pair your remote and device. Point the remote at the device and press the FAST FORWARD and REWIND buttons for 2-3 seconds at the same time. When paired, a confirmation screen displays.
    2. Select your Wireless network and enter the password. Once connected, your device checks for updates and may automatically restart. (This may take a few moments)
    3. Review and accept Terms & Conditions.
    4. Select or enter the room location for this device.
    5. Enter your Google ID and password, if you have one. Learn more about Google Assistant

Heads up: If your Google Account has two-step verification, please check for an approval message from Google regarding this Gemini device.
 

Use voice control on your remote

Google Assistant makes it easier than ever to watch what you want, when you want. Just press and release the MIC/voice button on your remote and wait for solid blue lights. Then, say what you want to do:
  • Go to a channel or show - say “Tune to TNT”
  • Turn closed captions on or off - say “Turn on closed captions”

Learn more about connecting your Genie receivers to the internet
   

Gemini device over wired connection

Learn how to set up your Gemini device using a wired connection.

DETAILED INFO

Connect your Gemini device (wired)

Take your Gemini device, power supply, HDMI cable, and remote out of the box. Be sure to use the new cables provided with your new device to experience optimal viewing.
  1. Unhook the HDMI cord, coaxial cable and power cord from your current device and put the device, HDMI cord and power supply aside. Set aside the old remote, too. Do not disconnect the end of the coaxial cable connected to the wall.
  2. Connect the coax cable you just disconnected from your old device to the ethernet coax adaptor. Hand tightens to ensure a snug fit.
  3. Connect one end of the ethernet cable to your new device. Connect the other end of the ethernet cable to the ethernet coax adaptor.
  4. Connect the small end of the micro-USB cable to the ethernet coax adaptor. The plastic tab on the adaptor may need to be moved to access the micro-USB port.
  5. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into your TV.
  6. Plug the other end into an outlet.
  7. Power on your TV. You may need to switch your TV source input to match the HDMI port you plugged the Gemini device into.
  8. Remove the battery tag from the back of the remote.
  9. Follow the prompts to complete setup. This includes:
    • Pairing your remote and device. Point the remote at the device and press the FAST FORWARD and REWIND buttons for 2-3 seconds at the same time. When paired, a confirmation screen displays.
    • Review and accept Terms & Conditions.
    • Select or enter the room location for this device.
    • Enter your Google ID and password, if you have one. Learn more about Google Assistant

Heads up: If your Google Account has two-step verification, please check for an approval message from Google regarding this Gemini device.
 

Use voice control on your remote

Google Assistant makes it easier than ever to watch what you want, when you want. Just press and release the MIC/voice button on your remote and wait for solid blue lights. Then, say what you want to do:
  • Go to a channel or show - say “Tune to TNT”
  • Turn closed captions on or off - say “Turn on closed captions”

If your Gemini device doesn’t automatically connect

Connecting your new Gemini device to your DIRECTV network and main Genie server (HR44/HR54 models).

You may need to go to your main Genie receiver to get a 4-digit PIN to connect your Gemini device to your network:
  • On the main receiver, press MENU on the Genie remote and go to Settings > Whole-Home > Manage Clients >Add Client
  • Follow on-screen prompts including pressing the DASH (-) to get your 4-digit PIN
  • The 4-digit PIN will be entered on your new Gemini receiver screen

Connecting your new Gemini device to your DIRECTV network with a Genie 2 server (HS17 model):
  • Go to your Genie 2 receiver and press the Add Client button on the top of the tower
  • Return to your Gemini receiver and follow the on-screen prompts

Learn more about connecting your Genie receivers to the internet.

For additional assistance with your Gemini device, please call 833.922.1343.
   

Non-Genie Receiver

Learn how to set up a replacement non-Genie receiver with a TV.

DETAILED STEPS

Receiver replacement, setup, and activation

If you received a replacement Genie DVR or receiver, learn how to connect it.

Replace receivers
  1. Place your new receiver next to your non-working receiver with both backs towards you.
  2. One by one, disconnect and remove each cable from the back of your old receiver. The only cord you don't need to transfer is the old power cord.
  3. Connect the new power cord to the new receiver and plug into an electrical outlet.
  4. Power on your replacement receiver and your TV.

Set up and activate your receiver
  1. On your remote, press and hold MENU and SELECT. The green LED blinks twice.
  2. Press 9-8-7 on your remote. The Satellite Dish Setup screen displays on your TV.
  3. Keep the default settings as they are.
  4. Leave the Order ID field blank.
  5. Select Continue and follow all instructions.
  6. Activate your receiver online or call our automated activation line at 877.691.1023.
  7. If needed, a prompt to program your remote control appears. Follow the onscreen directions or the steps in the article Program a remote control.
   

Genie 2 Receiver

Find out how to connect a replacement Genie 2 DVR. Also, learn how to return your old equipment.

DETAILED STEPS

Set up and activate your Genie 2

Go to your nearest TV connected to a Genie Mini or Wireless Genie Mini client and turn on the TV. If you see the WIRELESS CONNECTION LOST screen, proceed with the bulleted items below. Otherwise, skip to the activation steps.
  • Select TROUBLESHOOTING (or More Information, if shown)
  • Select REPEAT SETUP
  • When error code 928 displays on the Reset screen, enter 9-8-7-6 on your remote
  • CONNECTING TO VIDEO BRIDGE will display on screen – if signal quality is good or excellent, select CONNECT NOW

Activation steps

When you see SATELLITE DISH SETUP on screen, it’s time to activate your Genie 2. You can:
Complete set up
Follow the guided screens on the TV to complete set up.
  1. When the NEW LOCATION screen appears, select ADD A NEW LOCATION.
  2. Name the room location and select SAVE NAME.
  3. On the COPY SETTINGS screen, select SKIP THIS STEP.
  4. On the REMOTE SETUP screen, select SET UP REMOTE LATER.
 

Pair additional Mini(s) to the Genie 2 server

Go to the next TV with a Genie Mini connected and turn on the TV.
  • If the WIRELESS CONNECTION LOST screen displays, follow the setup instructions from the previous section.
  • If not, repeat the instructions to ADD A NEW LOCATION.

Set up the Genie 2 Server (PDF, 179KB)
View PDF
 

Replace your Genie 2 server

Follow these steps to set up your replacement equipment:
  1. Place your new Genie 2 next to your old equipment and transfer all cables and cords one at a time, connecting the power cord last.
  2. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.
  3. Power on your TV.
  4. Wait 3-4 minutes for the ADD CLIENT button at the top of your Genie 2 to start flashing green.
   

DIRECTV HD DVR

Connect your HD DVR (HR20, HR21, HR22, HR23, HR24, HR34, or R22 models) by setting up the Wireless CINEMA Connection Kit.

DETAILED STEPS

Learn how to get online with an HD DVR

Make sure the DVR is not connected to the Internet already. Press the dash (-) button on the remote control. If you see Internet: Not detected on your screen, follow the instructions below.

Before you begin, you must have the following:
  • Wireless DIRECTV CINEMA Connection Kit
  • Wi-Fi router connected to your home Internet service
  • An Internet connection speed of at least 2Mbps or higher

Connect to internet with the Wireless Cinema Connection Kit

  1. Press and hold INFO on your remote until the Info & Test screen appears on your TV.
  2. Locate your model number next to Receiver. Continue to step 3 if you have one of the following: HR20, HR21, HR22, HR23, HR24, HR34, or R22.
  3. Press dash (-) on your remote.
  4. The message SWiM Connected should appear on your screen.

Setting up your HD DVR

If you see SWiM Connected on your screen:
  1. Select Settings > Internet Setup.
  2. Select Yes – I have a Wireless DIRECTV Cinema Connection Kit.
  3. Follow on screen instructions to complete.

Heads up: If you don’t see SWiM Connected on your screen, follow the steps in Set up your Wireless DIRECTV CINEMA Connection Kit.
   

DIRECTV device

Learn how to set up and manage your DIRECTV device.

DETAILED STEPS

Get connected

Once you have your DIRECTV device, power supply, HDMI cable, and remote out of the box:
  1. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your device and the other end into your TV. Note which HDMI input you use.
  2. Want a wired internet connection? Use an Ethernet cable (not included) to connect your device to your gateway. Otherwise, you’ll choose your Wi-Fi® network later.
  3. Insert the power cord into the back of the device and then plug it into a wall outlet. A red light will blink on the front of the device.
  4. Turn on your TV and change the input to the correct one using the Input or Source buttons on your TV remote.
  5. Remove the battery tag from your DIRECTV remote.
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts. You’ll be asked to:
    • Pair your DIRECTV remote and device. Point the remote at your device and press the FAST FORWARD and REWIND buttons for 2-3 seconds at the same time. When they pair, you’ll get a message that your remote is ready to use. Get help with un-pairing or reprogramming your remote.
    • Didn’t choose a wired connection? Select your Wi-Fi network name from the list of options, then enter your password using the remote. (Press OK to display the onscreen keyboard.) Once connected, your device checks for updates and may reboot.
    • Enter your user ID and password and select Sign in. Find your ID or password
    • Learn about disabling auto sign-in .
    • Review and accept the Terms & Conditions.
    • Select or enter the room location where you’ll use your DIRECTV device. This will be set as your in-home network.1
    • Enter your Google ID and password, if you have one.
 

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