It’s somewhat astounding the amount of content you can find with a DIRECTV subscription these days — and you can control exactly what you want with your package. Need a plan with 90+ cable channels like the old linear pay-TV plans used to have in the good old days? No problem, DIRECTV has its Signature plans available starting at $90 per month. Want to pay less for a specific subset of channels? Check out the streamer’s Genre Packs, which come in a variety of themes and cost as little as $20 per month.

How do you use the parental controls to keep kids away from adult content on DIRECTV with all these channels available? We’ll show you how DIRECTV’s streaming packages are equipped with parental restrictions and how to use them here.

Everything you need to know about parental controls on DIRECTV

How does DIRECTV use parental controls?

DIRECTV has parents set up a PIN number that will be asked for automatically when a user tries to watch a show or movie rated above the preset limits established by the account owner. You can choose which content levels you want the viewers in your home to see without being asked for a PIN, based on the TV ratings levels provided by DIRECTV.

Viewers can filter TV shows by the following ratings:

• TV-Y
• TV-Y7
• TV-G
• TV-PG
• TV-14
• TV-MA

Movies can also be filtered by rating, using the standard system of:

• G
• PG
• PG-13
• R
• NC-17
• X

How to set up a PIN on DIRECTV

To set up a PIN on a DIRECTV streaming account, use the following instructions:

1. Open DIRECTV on your Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, or DIRECTV device.
2. Navigate to Settings and then Preferences.
3. Select Parental Controls, and follow the on-screen prompts.

Will parental controls settings apply to all DIRECTV devices?

No, you will have to update parental controls on your devices individually. Updating them on one device will not apply to the DIRECTV app on any other of your TVs, mobile devices, or other screens you use to watch DIRECTV.

5-Day Trial

directv.com

DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

…

Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

How many channels does DIRECTV have?

The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV include local channels?

Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV have live sports?

DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

5-Day Trial

$59.99+ / month

directv.com

Start streaming DIRECTV & save up to $30 off your 1st mo. of service! Learn how.