How to Cancel DirecTV in 2026

Updated February 2026 • 8 min read

DirecTV costs $65-155/month for satellite packages or $80-105/month for DirecTV Stream. If you are on a satellite contract, canceling means dealing with early termination fees and equipment returns. Stream is easier. Here is both.

Cancel DirecTV Satellite

Call 1-800-531-5000
Say "cancel service" to navigate the phone tree
A retention specialist will offer discounts — decline if you are committed to canceling
They will quote your early termination fee (if applicable)
Set your disconnection date
Get a confirmation number
Ask about equipment return (prepaid box will be mailed to you)

Early Termination Fee (Satellite)

DirecTV satellite contracts are typically 24 months. The ETF is:

$20/month for each remaining month on your contract
12 months left = $240 fee
18 months left = $360 fee
After contract ends = no ETF (switches to month-to-month)

Check your contract status at directv.com/myaccount or call to ask when your commitment ends.

Cancel DirecTV Stream (Much Easier)

Go to directv.com/stream or the DirecTV Stream app
Go to Account Settings
Click Cancel Subscription
Confirm — no ETF, no equipment return (it is streaming)

DirecTV Stream has no contracts. Cancel anytime. If you rented a DirecTV Stream device, return it to avoid a $120 equipment fee.

Equipment Return (Satellite)

⚠️ Return equipment within 21 days or face charges of $45-200 per device.

DirecTV mails a prepaid return kit within 7 days of cancellation
Return: receivers, remotes, power cords, Genie Mini clients
Do NOT return: the satellite dish (it stays on your roof)
Keep the UPS tracking number as proof

Cheaper Live TV Alternatives

YouTube TV: $73/month — most popular replacement, unlimited DVR
Hulu + Live TV: $77/month — includes Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+
Sling TV: $40/month — cheapest live TV, fewer channels
Fubo: $80/month — best for sports
Free TV: Antenna ($20-40 one-time) for local channels + free streaming (Tubi, Pluto, Freevee)

💡 The cord-cutting math: DirecTV Choice package ($90/mo) + internet ($60/mo) = $150/month. YouTube TV ($73/mo) + internet ($60/mo) = $133/month. Or: antenna + Netflix + Hulu = $40/month + internet = $100/month total. Save $600-1,200/year.

The Bottom Line

DirecTV satellite cancellation requires a phone call, potential ETF, and equipment return. DirecTV Stream is contract-free and cancels online. Either way, live TV alternatives are significantly cheaper. Return equipment promptly, keep your tracking number, and watch your final bill for surprise charges.

⚡

Quick Cancel Guide: Directv

Direct cancel link + step-by-step instructions