How to Cancel DIRECTV (Do it in Under 5 Minutes!)

Frugal Rules with John and Nicole Schmoll

День тому

If you’re trying to learn how to cancel DIRECTV, the satellite giant doesn’t make it easy to figure out. We used to have a contract, and learned that canceling DIRECTV is pretty simple.
We made the decision to leave the satellite company over five years ago, and it’s easy to get out of a DIRECTV contract with a few quick steps.
Before you decide to cut the cord on cable or satellite, you want to try a few of the best live streaming services to find a replacement that will save you big money. That’s what we did, and have never looked back.
If you want to learn about how to terminate your DIRECTV contract, the early cancellation fee, or returning DIRECTV equipment, watch our video now to learn everything you need to do.
Quick Jump Sections:
0:00 - How to cancel DIRECTV
0:56 - How to call the retention department
1:30 - What to say when you cancel
1:54 - What is the early termination fee
3:46 - How to send back your equipment
5:00 - Paying your final bill
5:54 - Top streaming alternatives
7:34 - Final thoughts
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КОМЕНТАРІ: 144

@FrugalRules 3 роки тому

What questions do you have about canceling DirecTV or cable?

@teric1953 2 роки тому

Do you cancel DirecTV first or do you start with the new company?

@teric1953 2 роки тому

Thinking about above question.

@AdolfoPerezSBG 2 роки тому

I have been with DirecTv for over a decade. A couple of weeks ago I started having issues with some channels and I called to see what was going on. Well, I ended up upgrading one of the receivers, I specifically asked if this would get me into a new two year deal, I was assured I wasn’t. I called today because I decided to cut the cord and it turns out I owe them 240 dollars for early cancellation because I agreed to a new two year deal. 😮‍💨

@FrugalRules 2 роки тому

@@AdolfoPerezSBG Ouch! Sorry to hear that. They like to do that. We would recommend fighting it since you were essentially lied to. They should be able to pull the call where you were told this. If not, get a manager to see what they can do for you as you shouldn't be locked into something since it was their item that was not working.

@AdolfoPerezSBG 2 роки тому

@@FrugalRules I was able to cancel without having to pay a penny. I told them exactly what you said, they should be able to pull the call since they record every single one of them, manager said they were gonna write it up as a computer mistake and I shouldn’t have to worry about getting charged for something I didn’t agree to.

@doctorrobert60 3 роки тому

I cancelled Directv several years ago. When I called and talked to retention the agent stated in a threatening manner "you know there is a termination fee of $80! I told him I just connected with another TV service and I was happy to pay the fee. He again scolded me "you mean to say you started with someone else before speaking with us?" I said "yes" and he then threatened with more fees if equipment was not returned and not friendly about it. He did mention would be sent boxes to send the receiver and remote back to them and if not done timely fashion would be charged. I was not sent the return materials in timely fashion and called them and told them I better not be charged for late return. Put on hold for minute and then told the equipment was obsolete and I could just recycle it. I had less than two years and had obsolete equipment? Ridiculous. I would sign up with them again even with 6 months free. Terrible attitude by the support people on the phone. I was not rude nor aggressive with them, I guess my kindness was not appreciated! Thanks for the video guys!

@FrugalRules 3 роки тому

Yea, we had run into the obsolete equipment issue when John's dad passed a few years ago. They warned us that they were going to charge us for that & were just all around rude, especially given the situation. Thankfully we had already had the experience with canceling ourselves so we knew not to take their crap. Of course!

@cheapme1850 3 роки тому

In situations like that, just hang up the phone and call back and more than likely you’ll get a different and hopefully better phone rep. You can do that multiple times until you get a more cooperative agent.

@lowellwalters 2 роки тому

Great video! I canceled direct tv a couple of days ago. The process seems to have gotten easier, but I was glad to have watched your video. The initial representative forwarded me directly to their loyalty group, and when I told him I was canceling bc I switched to directv stream, he didn't ask any other questions or try to get me to stay. What's more, there was no disconnection fee (maybe I had direct tv so long that they didn't have the fee when I joined or maybe it is bc I'm using direct tv stream). And instead of waiting for boxes to return my equipment, I simply brought my boxes to ups without boxes or labels. FedEx works, too.

@FrugalRules 2 роки тому

Thanks! Glad to hear it was fairly seamless for you and you were able to move onto something that'll serve you better. :)

@robertbates6249 2 роки тому

finally going to cancel my Directv after being a customer since 1991

@FrugalRules 2 роки тому

Awesome! Enjoy those savings. :)

@R.D.G.C. Рік тому

Thanks! And nice Grand Cal shirt.

@anitaduckworth3608 3 роки тому

Nice idea. But if, like me, live in an area where my internet is satellite and have limited broadband, and still slow, streaming is impossible.

@williamcarter4242 2 роки тому

Yaw are so smooth..I’m hooked on both of you..I’m so hooked on dtv though..I’m scaredy-cat…to cut…how would I contact a person to set me up show me how.. to actual cut in my area?

@rags8855 Рік тому

ATT is terrible, expensive, terrible service, can’t understand most of the representatives and charge ridiculous prices. I have had direct tv for over 30 years. Now that ATT took them over I’m done. Canceling both subscriptions I have.

@bigeasylivin1 8 місяців тому

Does this also apply if I’m bundled with ATT?

@t34_guy90 Рік тому

thanks guys!

@xMsxPiratex Рік тому

Working on cancelling now. Thank you for the info! (February 2022 and the bill is $186/mo!) 😳

@FrugalRules Рік тому

Ouch. Enjoy those savings! 🙂

@juniper-usa-shei369 2 роки тому

Question, did the retention phone number change when direct tv fell out of the AT & T umbrella?

@teric1953 2 роки тому

Great information.

@FrugalRules 2 роки тому

Thanks, glad you found it helpful. : )

@wandalanders8700 3 роки тому

Wouldn't you need internet to access the networks you mentioned. I'm a senior and I am trying to learn all I can. But, if I pay for internet and something like netflix etc. wouldn't I be paying just as much as I do now ! I have direct and att internet less than a hundred a month. ?? I love how clearly you explain everything . Thank you !

@FrugalRules 3 роки тому

Great question! Yes, you do need internet to access any streaming service. Many times it's cheaper to get rid of the cable, keep the internet, and pick a streaming service. But, that's not always the case so it's important to do the math for your situation. Glad to be of help! :)

@3vino1 3 роки тому

If you stream in low quality, you might be o.k. But if you stream at HD or 4K, very likely you will run out of broadband and then have to pay extra for internet. I don't know how much free broadband other's give for free, but ATT gives 100,000 gb for free. I did the math streaming at 1080P and 4K. That quickly adds up and the cost would be higher for internet than I pay for Direct TV and ATT internet now. I do stream Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, at HD and 4K, and DVD's, but our TVs are normally on Direct tv although we only watch and record from a few select channels. My broadband usage stays fairly low, but it would go sky high if I were to stream everything.

@ronaldjones4913 Рік тому

Ok...I'm going all in on this disconnecting thing. I feel like I'm about to go through a new frontier I've never been to. If you don't hear from me in a week or two...call somebody!!

@FrugalRules Рік тому

Ha ha, will do. We promise it'll be worth it!

@kungfuchrisconway 5 місяців тому

Just cancelled, took 30 minutes for me. My monthly bill after all fees was 235 a month... And no i didnt even have the top plan. I can literally get 2 streaming services and still be saving money

@lsxjunkie 2 роки тому

I just canceled today and told the rep the reason was due to personal reasons that I do not care to go into with him. And he disconnected my service and said to take my equipment to a UPS store for them to send back. My service still works however. But when I log into my account online it says there is a service request ticket opened under my account. I guess things aren't finally over until they have the equipment as you say in the video.

@FrugalRules 2 роки тому

Yep, they want that equipment back for sure. Otherwise they'll hit you with a nasty fee.

@lolhottie123 2 роки тому

When I cancel, do they disconnect you right away or does it go to the last day of your billing cycle?

@memphisrainezzzz7040 Рік тому

I wish it was this easy for me ☹️ Mr Robot told me they’re having technical difficulties with customer service & told me to call back later. I’m unable to pay the bill this month & with an unpaid balance so i’m expected to get shut off probably tomorrow lol

@yes350yes Рік тому

I just got with directv the loyalty dept. and verified Im no longer under contract. Asked If would be charged any fees If I cancel, they said no, but wouldnt be surprised if I am charged a fee in the end, final bill. I want to get my new internet in effect first then I will start the process. They were going to charge me $145 for the choice pack tv and internet. Choice had the sports channels I wanted, but youtube also has all those channels plus the locals I need.

@bigeasylivin1 8 місяців тому

I did not start a new contract for years now. Am I under contract.

@nancyvrba2179 2 роки тому

What about dish? I need to cut from them after for years with them

@jko0526 2 роки тому

I wish I would have seen this before I canceled my Directv account. I was with them since 2004 and I ended up being on the phone for over an hour and three times I was put on hold for over 15 minutes and when they first got a rep on the phone he said we just sent you an email for $15/month.. By the end of the call they had offered over $50 per month off for a year. It was a nightmare!

@FrugalRules 2 роки тому

Sorry to hear that. They certainly could take more than a few lessons in customer service.

@spencookie Рік тому

Hey you guys are AWESOME!!! I’ve always yelled at customer service out of frustration😮 sorry I did that!! But they always transferred me to retention services. Yes, I took the bait!! You have convinced me to cut this cord. I can see locals on my new Samsung tv. The new tv’s come with over 1,400 channels and music channels just like DIRECTV. Also I subscribe to Apollo Tv, it’s like $56.00 quarterly and you get live tv from Canada and other countries plus all sporting events. If you missed your favorite colleg or pro games you can go here and watch it a day or two later. I’ve invested in fire stick and Apple TV. So it’s time. Thanks again

@FrugalRules Рік тому

Awesome, glad to be of assistance. Ha, we think we can all tend that way at times, re: customer service reps, especially when getting the runaround.

@thomassnyder3094 9 місяців тому

All I got were recorded menus, which looped me back to the same menu.

@5argetech56 11 місяців тому

Yup I had that. Over 15 years. I was a customer of. Directv. They tried to get. Stay offering this and that. I was firm and Refused. My HD Box. Was so old they didn't want it back. Now I only pay for high speed internet and streaming Paramount + Pluto TV is amazing. Lots of great features and content.

@theoriginalchefboyoboy6025 3 роки тому

just tell 'em their boxes will be nicely stacked curbside for them to pick up if they want to be d**kheads about canceling. Also, you can say you moved in to a new apartment and the landlord doesn't allow dishes of any kind to be installed. Or that they do allow dishes but there's no line of sight due to trees or building obstruction ie. your apartment is on the wrong side of the building. There's also the condemned property/natural disaster ploy - a tornado destroyed your house, you had a fire, your house has been condemned for termites, etc, you have to live in a hotel and you don't know when you'll be able to move back in. But a very good, well considered video, cheers.

@FrugalRules 3 роки тому

Yea, some of those might work but no guarantees unfortunately. But, we do like your first approach. :)

@3vino1 3 роки тому

I would think you would still be responsible for those boxes no matter what your reason is for cancelling. However, outdated boxes are not wanted back, but they do want the current ones back. It's your responsibility to take them to a place like FEDEX or UPS where they know what to do with them. Returns are paid by direct tv and not you.

@FrugalRules 3 роки тому

@@3vino1 That is a good point. We've run into the outdated box issue before, with John's dad passing. That seems to be about the only time you can get out of returning the boxes.

@cheapme1850 3 роки тому

It’s probably better to just drop it off at a local FedEx store, no packing required, and you get a receipt.

@FrugalRules 3 роки тому

@@cheapme1850 Yep, good point.

@lesliemacdougall1442 9 місяців тому

I'm a Canadian who has directv in Blaine, WA - we pay $100 Cdn a month and we want to cancel. What a waste of money this is. When I call that number - it's hit and miss if I get a live person. When I actually get to entering my passcode I get a hang up signal. ugh! What number do I call from Canada to get to AT&T Directv?! HELP

@mikep6399 2 роки тому

i call cancel on wednesday march 9 th was told march 14 th shut everything off do thry actually turn off shut off everything before you send equipment back or do it after u send it back

@FrugalRules 2 роки тому

They should turn everything off when you call to cancel. The rates they charge you to get out of the contract is based on that day.

@KaijuMystic Рік тому

is the cancellation Fee a one time or a monthly, cause I only been with them for a year. I calculated to fee for the remaining contract and deactivation fee and it adds up to $255. I rather pay 255 one time then 155 every month

@FrugalRules Рік тому

It's just a one-time fee. They charge you for the remaining months and it's added on your final bill.

@mandingo6821 Рік тому

Vidgo is AWESOME also.

@LarryKelly 3 роки тому

Keep in mind that the final discount they may offer you might be worth taking and sticking around a while longer if the final monthly cost is going to be close to your planned streaming options.

@FrugalRules 3 роки тому

Sure, that's a possibility. However, those final discounts are rarely, if ever, truly final. Most often it's a temporary discount that'll go away in a couple of months. That puts most right back in the same situation with a higher bill.

@LarryKelly 3 роки тому

@@FrugalRules Well, it’s not like they don’t tell you how long the discounts are going to last. I’ve had a couple that have lasted 12 months. Right now I’ve got free-HBO with HBOMAX for a year. I wasn’t trying to cancel but I’ve got 20 years experience with DIRECTV and I know every couple months to call up and see what they can do for me. Right now I am operating on a $20 a month discount for a year because I’m a long-term customer. That has varied anywhere from $20-$50 a year depending on the mood of the company.

@FrugalRules 3 роки тому

@@LarryKelly That's great. However, one anecdotal situation doesn't equal, by any means, that's the case for all. So few can get what you get/got that it's not a reason for most to stay. It's a business built on keeping people in contracts. It's also a business built on offering the best deals/savings for new customers and not loyal customers. That's also not to mention the fact they love to nickel and dime customers. If you, generally speaking here, are able to secure some kind of super sweet deal, that's one thing. However, for most, that's just not possible.

@LarryKelly 3 роки тому

@@FrugalRules We see what really happens when I do attempt to cancel them. I am on the waiting list to get SpaceX Starlink. As I don’t watch near as much TV as I used to I expect to replace DIRECTV and my current HUGHESNET using streaming services only. Prior to doing that I plan on being back here and other places for considerable research.

@mrjcbuc Рік тому

So, we’ve been directv customers for 20 years. Are we under a contract? Also, two days ago my wife signed a contract for an additional tv. Is it true that she can cancel that without penalty within 14 days? Thanks.

@FrugalRules Рік тому

That depends entirely on if you've signed a contract recently or not. That's only a question they'd be able to answer as it depends if they still offer that ability.

@lindakoberstein8894 Місяць тому

I have a problem. I am a 75 year old woman who has cancelled DIRECTV, I have a fire stick now and streaming channels, but cannot get DIRECTV off of my television and still have to use a DIRECTV remote. Help !!!

@yes350yes Рік тому

What about if you have already served your 2 yr contract and are now on a promotion, do you still get penalties for canceling directv?

@FrugalRules Рік тому

If you've not signed another contract you should be able to leave without any fees.

@amyyoshikawa7698 Рік тому

Hi I am so disappointed with Directv. My parents are no longer here. My bill was at $73.13 and I got a call from a sales rep from Directv stating since I was a loyal customer for 6 years, she would give me free channels from 563 to 574. I cancelled the HBOmax and select it came out to $97.11. I was upset I didn’t yell or scream I was firm and felt duped. The rep insisted it’s because I cancelled before March. I got the free unnecessary Directv channels December 22 nd. I was so upset that I almost cancelled. I have been struggling financially and working only part time. Lost my full time job. I am tired of paying my directv contract. I don’t watch sports. My late dad did. They raised directv at and t fees. I am still debating whether to try streaming Thankyou for sharing your pros and cons of Directv. I hate it when they get too pushy on vulnerable customers. Now I have to pay wasteful $97.11 cancellation fee. Stay well and safe 👍👍

@FrugalRules Рік тому

So sorry to hear that. We ran into a similar situation when we lost John's father. Was the contract in your parents name? If so, you might be able to get out of it without paying the cancellation fee.

@meredith0808 8 місяців тому

This number non-longer works to disconnect DirectTV

@chrisclayton584 3 роки тому

I haven't been under a contract for maybe 2 years. They wouldn't ask for the equipment would they?

@FrugalRules 3 роки тому

Are you still with them? If so, it's a possibility - especially if you were to leave. If not, you're likely out of the woods.

@chrisclayton584 3 роки тому

@@FrugalRules I'm still with them but I've had the same equipment since 2016.

@FrugalRules 3 роки тому

@@chrisclayton584 Got ya. Yea, they might ask for it if you were to ever leave. Beyond that, they likely wouldn't.

@talmadge1926 11 місяців тому

In ecuador they just lie to your face when you ask how to cancel. Customer services hang up .

@davidbarancyk565 2 роки тому

I know longer have a contract with Direct TV. I want to start streaming. Will Direct TV allow me to cancel Direct TV (cable) and my Phone (landline) and just keep the internet (WIFI) ?????

@FrugalRules 2 роки тому

Yes, they should in theory. We just had satellite through them, so we don't have personal experience with it. Be prepared for them to try and increase the price of your internet though.

@diamond6256 2 роки тому

H-E-L-P???? How do you find out how much your cancelling fees are? I got divorced and "I" have never signed a contract when I changed my service. I am SO nervous doing this. I have a Fire stick on 3 tv's is that good enough to stream with or is their another device I should get?

@FrugalRules 2 роки тому

So sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, DIRECTV does little to explain what those are on their site. They have a "life event" page on their site, but it only speaks to their wireless service. That said, when John's father passed away a few years ago we dealt with a similar situation. They tried to claim we as the heirs had to continue to pay, which we didn't since we didn't sign the contract. We'd call, explain the situation and kindly say you have no intention of paying for it since you didn't sign the contract. Yep, the Fire Stick should be more than sufficient for you to stream anything. :)

@Sylkenwolf 9 місяців тому

Oh... and 3 of our channels have been down for a couple months

@elizabethloughridge6458 Рік тому

Do you have to mail it? or can you drop it off locally?

@FrugalRules Рік тому

Yes, you have to mail it in. We covered it in the video, but they send you a box to return it.

@sherimowery3251 Рік тому

I cancelled DirectTV, but they never said anything about returning equipment. My equipment is ancient. I hate to get back on the phone for another sales pitch. Do you think they don’t want it or should I take it to UPS anyway?

@FrugalRules Рік тому

Based on our experience, they will likely want it back. It may be worth a trip to your local UPS to avoid any surprises. 🙂

@sherimowery3251 Рік тому

@@FrugalRules Ok. Thanks!

@tomquigley1924 Рік тому

Just canceled my directv. They didn't want my equipment saying it was older equipment. I received an email confirming this. The whole process was fairly painless.

@donttar3196 3 роки тому

Just keep in mind that it is a hit or miss with customer service representatives. Some are nice and understanding. Other may not be. Just warning you.

@FrugalRules 3 роки тому

Sure, that's obviously going to be the case regardless of the company you're dealing with. However, just mention the desire to cancel and that attitude is often going to switch to salesy pushes to keep the overpriced service.

@gregroman6840 3 роки тому

I have direct tv and they just dropped my cost by 30% and I dont have a contract.

@FrugalRules 3 роки тому

That's great, but that's just a ploy they like to use to keep you around. The discount won't last forever, unfortunately.

@bigmoinaz6363 3 роки тому

@@FrugalRules What can you state about the recent sale of DTV by AT&T and can we expect a quicker process?, thanks😎👋✌

@cheapme1850 3 роки тому

I had a similar situation. I called and got my rate dropped by $45, 12 months, no contract, cancel at anytime.

@FrugalRules 3 роки тому

@@bigmoinaz6363 We've been reading about that. What we've read is they've only sold 30% of their stake in DTV. We'll be interested to see where else this goes as it's not been a good acquisition for them at all.

@conniesisco6468 3 роки тому

@@cheapme1850 mine was decreased by $60 per month form12 months cancel any time.

@jeanhurd6420 11 місяців тому

How do I get rid of the satellite?

@FrugalRules 11 місяців тому

They typically don't require it back, so you can do with it as you wish.

@shock84metal 2 роки тому

I can't hear you over that KState shirt

@Dan-ji4db 11 місяців тому

I'm paying $248 a month JUST for directv. Cancelling Monday

@dstarkspp 10 місяців тому

Damn!

@peterfmodel 2 роки тому

I suspect after DirectTV has cancelled OAN this video will be very popular.

@ralphwetzel3902 2 роки тому

Go Wildcats.

@Deboe37 Рік тому

BS jus t called this number no help they directed me to another number for life alert said they had limited access on their to cut me ask me all types of question about internet, cellphone, nothing about cancelling

@natashanonnattive4818 Місяць тому

You have to pay before you get the service, when you cancel at the end of your month you should be all paid up no they want you to pay the invoice they sent for the next month to. Even though you pay in advance for the month. How can they do that? No, I'm not watching for that month, its shut off. 😒 171.00 $$ fk

@marielaruiz1116 2 роки тому

Lol you should work for dtv before you make a video … we don’t prorate and contracts cannot be waived

@FrugalRules 2 роки тому

So, our experience and the experience of hundreds of others we've spoken to about this very thing is incorrect? Must've hit a nerve if a DirecTV rep is commenting on our video.

@zekemowad6501 Рік тому

Nice video but an 8 minute video to tell me how to do something in less than 5 minutes? ;)

@FrugalRules Рік тому

It often takes more than five minutes. And, if you think you can do it better then go for it. 🙂

@Bythebartalk 3 роки тому

Lol someone hates directv

@FrugalRules 3 роки тому

Is there a problem with that? :)

@zekemowad6501 Рік тому

I hate them what's wrong with that

@TexasRose50 Рік тому

Me too! ATT is history!

@ig_foobar 3 роки тому

Also delete your Facebook account. It is toxic.

@ccclc6159 Рік тому

PHONE NUMBER GIVEN @1:13 ONLY TELLS YOU TO LOOK ON YOUR BILL TO FIND YOUR LOCAL PROVIDERS NUMBER. my e-mail bill has not a single phone number? strange considering the bill comes from a phone company