How to Cancel DirecTV Stream (2026)
Updated February 2026 · 6 min read
⚠️ DirecTV Stream costs $79.99-$109.99/month — that's $960-$1,320/year. It's one of the most expensive streaming services and many people signed up thinking they were getting satellite TV.
DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV, AT&T TV Now, DirecTV Now — yes, they've renamed it 4 times) is a live TV streaming service. The confusing branding means many people don't even know what they're paying for. If you see "DIRECTV" or "ATT TV" on your bank statement, this is how to cancel.
💰 What You're Paying
- Entertainment: $79.99/month ($960/year)
- Choice: $99.99/month ($1,200/year)
- Ultimate: $109.99/month ($1,320/year)
- Premier: $159.99/month ($1,920/year)
- Regional Sports Fee: $8.49-$13.99/month extra
- Device rental: $5-$10/month if you have the DirecTV device
Method 1: Cancel Online
- Go to directv.com/stream and sign in
- Click your profile icon → "My Account"
- Navigate to "Manage My Plan" or "Subscription"
- Click "Cancel Subscription"
- Walk through the cancellation flow
- Confirm and save the confirmation page
Method 2: Cancel by Phone
- Call 1-800-531-5000
- Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-12am ET, Saturday-Sunday 8am-10pm ET
- Say "cancel service" to the automated system
- When connected to retention, say: "I want to cancel my DirecTV Stream subscription"
- Be prepared for a 15-30 minute call — they're aggressive about retention
- Get a confirmation number
💡 Important: DirecTV Stream (streaming) is different from DirecTV Satellite. If you have the satellite dish, that's a separate contract with different cancellation rules and possibly an early termination fee. Check your bill to confirm which service you have.
⚠️ DirecTV Stream vs. Satellite vs. AT&T — Which Do You Have?
- DirecTV Stream: Internet-based, no dish, no contract, cancel anytime
- DirecTV Satellite: Has a dish, 2-year contract, $15/month ETF for remaining months
- AT&T Fiber bundle: If DirecTV is bundled with AT&T internet, canceling may lose your bundle discount
- Check your bank statement — charges from "DIRECTV" vs "ATT" help identify which you have
🎯 Beating the Retention Call
🗣️ "We can drop you to a lower plan for $64.99/month!"
→ "Still too expensive. Please cancel."
🗣️ "You'll lose access to NFL Sunday Ticket!"
→ "NFL Sunday Ticket is on YouTube now. Cancel my subscription."
🗣️ "What if we give you 3 months of HBO Max free?"
→ "No thank you. I need the full cancellation processed."
🗣️ "Let me transfer you to our loyalty department..."
→ "I don't want to be transferred. Please cancel my account right now."
🧮 The Cost Comparison
DirecTV Stream (Choice): $99.99/month = $1,200/year
YouTube TV: $72.99/month = $876/year (similar channel lineup)
Hulu + Live TV: $76.99/month = $924/year (includes Disney+ and ESPN+)
Sling TV: $40/month = $480/year (fewer channels but half the price)
💰 Savings switching to Sling: $720/year
🔄 Cheaper Alternatives
- YouTube TV ($73/mo) — most similar to DirecTV Stream, better DVR
- Hulu + Live TV ($77/mo) — includes Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle
- Sling TV ($40/mo) — half the price, customize your channels
- Philo ($28/mo) — no sports, great for entertainment channels
- Free antenna — $20 one-time purchase, free local channels forever (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX)
- Netflix + Hulu + one live service — $40/mo total covers most needs
📦 Return Equipment
If you have a DirecTV streaming device (Osprey box), you may need to return it:
- DirecTV will send a prepaid return kit within 7-10 days
- Return the device within 21 days to avoid a $120+ equipment fee
- If you purchased the device outright, you don't need to return it
- Keep the return tracking number as proof
✅ After Cancellation Checklist
- ✅ Save confirmation number and email
- ✅ Return equipment if required (avoid $120+ fee)
- ✅ Check if your AT&T internet bill changes (bundle discount may be removed)
- ✅ Monitor bank for "DIRECTV" or "ATT" charges for 2 billing cycles
- ✅ Cancel any add-on channels (HBO, Showtime, etc.) — they may be billed separately
- ✅ Check if you also have AT&T Wireless with an entertainment perk
🔍 Find All Your Streaming Subscriptions
DirecTV, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ — streaming subscriptions stack up fast. Upload your bank statement to find every recurring charge.
Scan Your Statement Free →