How to Watch DirecTV outside USA via VPN or Smart DNS
Note: If you don’t feel you need additional information about Smart DNS or VPN, you can directly sign up at ExpressVPN. By choosing a US server, you’ll be able to unblock all American geo-blocked channels including Direct TV.
How to unblock and watch DirecTV Anywhere
How to Access DirecTV Abroad using VPN
VPN is a great tool to bypass restrictions imposed on American streaming services like DirecTV. VPN allows you to change your IP address. Therefore you’ll appear to be virtually located in the USA. Once you get an American IP address, you will have access to all US geo-blocked channels. VPN has its own set of features.
- VPN allows you to fully encrypt your traffic. No more eavesdropping from government agencies or ISPs.
- By changing and hiding your IP address, VPN grants you online anonymity. This prevents websites from tracking you.
- While Smart DNS is powerless against DNS Hijacking and Transparent Proxies, VPN works flawlessly even in the presence of these policies.
- Once you choose an American VPN server, all US streaming channels become unblocked. Enjoy streaming Direct TV, Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO Go, and many more.
There are some steps you need to follow in order to access DirecTV abroad. You’ll find them below.
The Steps
Here’s what you need to do in order to watch DirecTV outside the United States:
- Go to ExpressVPN‘s website and sign up for their service.
- After that, download and install their VPN application on your streaming device. You’ll find clients for Android, iOS, PC, and Mac.
- Once the installation is done, log in with your VPN credentials.
- Now, surf through the server list and select one located in the United States.
- Finally, launch DirecTV as soon as you establish a connection.
- Watch the channel anywhere in the world without a hitch.
There are dedicated VPN apps on iPhone, iPad, Android phones/tablets, and Windows/Mac Computers, provided by VPN service providers such as ExpressVPN. With such apps, setting up your device with VPN is fairly easy.
- Best for streaming and privacy
- High speed servers in 160 VPN locations
- Works for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu
- 24/7/ live chat support
- 3 extra months free on annual plan
- UltraHD streaming
- Free Smart DNS proxy
- Unblocks all major streaming services
- Limited Time 72% Discount
- Unlimited VPN connections
- Over 1000 servers
- Ad-blocking feature available
- User-friendly application
- Exclusive Smart VPN feature
- Standalone Smart DNS subscription available
- Extra security features
- Extensions for Firefox and Chrome
- Split-tunneling available
Best VPN for DirecTV
With a little research, I’ve come up with 4 of the best VPNs for DirecTV. I took into consideration all the factors that make them your top choice to use when you want to stream DirecTV abroad. Here they are:
ExpressVPN
You’ll find that ExpressVPN takes the top spot on our list due to having dozens of servers throughout the US. The best thing about this VPN is that even with encryption, your connection remains as fast as ever. This means that you can watch your favorite shows without any buffering interruptions.
Their support staff are very friendly and can be contacted via live chat to assist you with any issue you might face. In addition, ExpressVPN adopts a strict no-logs policy, which means that you’ll be able to browse the internet without worrying about if your activities are being stored or not. Moreover, this VPN allows up to 5 simultaneous connections. Make the best of it and share your account with two other users who cherish online security.
BulletVPN
BulletVPN is another VPN that proved to be worthy of mentioning. It has 154 servers in 55 countries, which is considered to be a small amount compared to the others.
But when you speak about their servers in the US, you should know that it’s one of the few ones who can unblock Netflix at fast speeds. Not to mention that DirecTV is pretty easy to access once you operate with their service.
Bullet VPN supports OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, IPSec, IKEv2, PPTP protocols and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You’ll find applications on almost every operating system available out there, including ones on PC, Mac, Android, and iOS. Not to mention that you can connect 6 devices under one account at the same time.
NordVPN
NordVPN offers possibly the highest number of servers of any VPN provider in the U.S. You’ll find more than 1000 servers in the United States and 5000+ in total across the globe. Their servers are very fast but can witness a slight drop every now and then. However, that won’t affect your streaming experience at all.
NordVPN excels when we speak of security and privacy. They offer features like no other including double VPN, dedicated IP, CyberSec, and anti-DDoS protection. NordVPN customers can log on to servers on up to 6 devices at one time. This means that you can watch geo-restricted content on multiple devices at once.
SurfShark
SurfShark uses AES-256-GCM and SHA-512 encryption to protect your data and offers its own DNS network, as well as built-in DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection. So far so good, but wait there’s more. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands. Do you know what that means? You don’t have to worry about data retention laws as the region does not belong to the 5 Eyes or 14 Eyes country groups
Surfshark doesn’t limit the number of simultaneous connections users can have, which means that you’ll be able to share a VPN connection with anyone around you while using the same account. This VPN allows us to trust in their no-logging policy because it actually exists, unlike some other VPNs who claim to respect our privacy.
How to Unblock and watch DirecTV outside the USA using Smart DNS Proxies
In order to unblock DirecTV outside the USA, you need to trick it into thinking you’re accessing it from inside the USA. Smart DNS proxies allow you to do just that. If you choose Smart DNS to unlock DirecTV, you won’t need to install any additional software on your streaming device. Smart DNS proxies have a list of benefits.
- Smart DNS works on nearly all streaming devices. iPhones, IPads, Android, PS4/PS3, Xbox, Smart TVs, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku are all compatible with Smart DNS.
- Smart DNS only alters the route of some bits of your connection. As a result, your Internet speed will not suffer.
- Smart DNS does not change or cloak your IP address. This feature comes in handy if you visit local websites and services a lot.
- Smart DNS gives you the capability to watch streaming channels from different countries at the same time. Unblock DirecTV, CBC Canada, and CanalPlay. There’s no need to re-configure your initial Smart DNS setup.
It’s important to know that Smart DNS becomes useless in case your ISP deploys DNS Hijacking and Transparent Proxies.
Unlocator is my favorite Smart DNS service. They do have a list of about 120 unblock streaming channels. Additionally, you’ll find videos/guides on how to set up your device with Smart DNS. Check their free 7-day trial here.
How to unblock DirectTV using Smart DNS or VPN – Miscellaneous Information
DirecTV is available on the following devices.
- iPhone/iPad
- Android Phones/Tablets.
- Amazon Kindle
- Windows/Mac Computers.
Once you’re done with setting up your streaming device with Smart DNS or VPN, you get to unblock Direct TV along with all other US online channels.
- Amazon Fire TV
- Crackle
- M-GO
- Netflix
- HBO GO
- Hulu Plus
- MLB.TV
- WWE Network
- UFC
- NBA Game Time
- A&E.
- NHL Game Center
- History
- Lifetime
- Disney and many more.
DirectTV outside USA – Unblock/Watch
That’s probably all you need to know about unblocking DirecTV anywhere outside the USA using Smart DNS or VPN. In case, you need further info or instructions about setting up a particular device, please do leave a comment below.
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About The Author
William Reeves
A technical wizard of 10 year experience. Certified in Linux, Ethical Hacking and all sorts of technical stuff . I did work on projects around the world worth millions of dollars. My aim is to free you the reader from location restrictions and protect your privacy.
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I would not recommend Tunnel Bear. The wait time to connect to any country on this list is several minutes. They offer TB for free, and it seems the wait time is the same. I have contacted Tech Support a couple of times recently and have yet to hear from them. So the support for their product is poor.
Seems like direct tv now is overriding vpn. I travel a lot and want to be able to se my recorder wherever I am. I use express vpn. Any addition suggestions?
Hi Pam. Have you tried connecting to a different American VPN server?
All company are terrible
I’m successfully accessing DirectTV in Korea on my iPhone and iPad utilizing Express VPN. Is there any way to be able to view ona smart TV?
Hi John. You could try installing VPN on your router. That way all connected devices would share the router’s VPN connection.
try NordVPN free trial. They provide the smart-play feature for streaming. It should run better than another VPN providers. Works with US Netflix without errors for me.
Interestingly, Directtv works in a 4th Gen AppleTV, it doesn’t ask the location question, but I now also have a 4th Gen with 4k, and it does. So one box I can use it, the other I cant. Weird.
I’m outside the U.S. right now. I use ExpressVPN on my iphone so I can use Direct TV Now and it works with no issue but when I switch to Samsung S8+ for some reason Google or the phone leaks my location to Direct TV bypassing the VPN. I have viewed the ip address with a locator and it does show I am in the US but Android still leaks my location somehow. Any idea how to fix this? I want to use Android not iphone. Thanks
Try disabling location services and GPS and give it another try.
Charles thanks for replying. Direct TV Now app won’t work without location services on. Its funny how iphone it works but switching to android it appears Google is somehow telling Direct TV where I really am despite the VPNExpress.
If location services are mandatory, there’s no way to trick the DirecTV Now app to think you’re in USA on Android, no matter which VPN service you’re using. The only workaround I can think of includes rooting your Android device.
How do you think iphone allows it? OK I’m pretty determined. Any good articles into learning to root android devices? Thanks Jack-
How do you think iphone allows it even though location services are on? OK I’m pretty determined. I guess I have to learn how to root an Android Device now. How does rooting help it to work? Thanks Jack-
guys howcu can do that
direct tv need subscribe and then u have to pay how can i do all that i dont live in usa
i want to pay np but u have to be in usa or will not work
When I go to use directv it asks for an account number with at&t. I’ve tried several ways to watch but each time it says I have to create an account and then asks for my provider account number
My question is: If I connect a directv receiver to the internet outside of the US will the box be shut down? I currently have my box with me in the Bahamas and would love to access my On Demand features that I have at home.
Does this work in Nicaragua and what is the monthly fee after the 30 trial?
Try sling box. This bypasses everything.
The new DirecTV Now service, running on an AppleTV, requires that “location services” is enabled. Somehow the AppleTV finds its true geolocation even when using a VPN server. Any ideas to get around this?
Living in ecuador. Just got direct tv now. Using it on my my Apple TV hooked up to a router that has a vpn.
Direct tv now ask that I turn on locator function on Apple TV. When I do it doesn’t let me use direct tv now. Any solutions
Completely new to this only having just read about it in the last two days, VPN versus DNS. I am in south Africa and would like to access all of the channels that DirecTV in California provides. I already have a paid subscription monthly for DirecTV in California
I use a VPN or should I use a DNS? And after having read some of the posts on this site, do I need to check with my Internet provider to see that they don’t block anything that I’m doing with either a VPN or DNS?
Hi Lee. You should be able to watch DirecTV in South Africa using VPN without the need for Smart DNS. VPN bypasses both DNS Hijacking and transparent proxies, so there is no need to check with your ISP.
I’m attempting to stream DirecTV video while abroad, using ExpressVPN. Each time I get the same error from DTV, “Sorry, we ran into a problem. Please restart the video player.” I’ve tried different browsers as well. The VPN service does not appear to be tricking DTV servers. Any suggestions?
Hi Tommy. Once you have established the VPN connection, head over to http://www.whatismyip.network and make sure you are getting an American IP address.
I use ExpressVPN and cannot watch DirecTV on any of my devices with the ExpressVPN. I checked my IP address and it indicates a US IP address. Thoughts?
Can you use this information on an apple tv device directly, without using a computer?
Hi Keith. Smart DNS can be directly setup on an Apple TV.
will these devices work in Asia?
Hi Lulu. Yes, these devices should work in Asia.
I tried free trial period from Unlocator its not work for me. Netflix detects proxy
Have you contacted their support about the proxy error issue?
I have tried putting these numbers in there on a HR24 and did not work. I also tried putting these numbers in my dlink, and it shut my internet down completely.
I have a legitimate out of country receiver and direct themselves basically said I am on my own. and apparently you are on your own here too I have asked for help and I am getting no replies.
Hi Marcus. Seeting up DNS on DVR Satellite receivers can be tricky. The receiver itself might use other technologies to determine your location. However, changing DNS on a DLink router should not shut down your Internet completely unless your ISP blocks using DNS servers other than its own.
I did finally get my internet to work with these DNS Numbers set up on my computer and in my router. But this still did not allow me to use the on demand feature with direct
How do I use the receiver to access vod with directv? There are advanced network settings so I can set the DNS, IP address etc. in the receivers menu.
Will this service work so I can make my location appear as US?
Sorry for the late reply, it is worth a try :).
Did it work? I have a HR24 receiver but always been afraid to hook it to the network for the fear of being shut down.
Has anyone tried to change the DNS in the receiver?
No never did get it working on the HR24. The help just kind of fizzled out from there and I gave up on it