DirecTV Stream is an excellent live TV streaming service that was previously known as AT&T TV. It provides customers with hundreds of channels to view live and recorded programming. DirecTV Stream’s pricing strategy focuses on channel bundles and Cloud DVR storage to recreate the cable TV experience on the Internet. However, is it possible to log into the same DirecTV Stream account from different places simultaneously or do you require separate accounts? Let’s find out.
What is DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream is a more internet-dependent version of the satellite service offered by DirecTV. It provides various live cable channels that can be viewed through the internet on devices such as smartphones, tablets, web browsers, and streaming media players.
Some key things to know about DirecTV Stream:
- Provides live streaming rights for cable TV networks such as ESPN, CNN, TNT, HGTV, and many more.
- There are channel packages such as Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier that costs $70, $100, $120, and $140 respectively per month
- Cloud DVR lets viewers record as many hours of shows and movies as they want for later viewing.
- Allows streaming on up to three devices per account simultaneously
Can I Use DirecTV Stream at Different Places?
The short answer is yes and no. Here are the specifics:
Simultaneous Streaming Limits
DirecTV Stream offers the option of streaming on up to 3 devices at a time per account. This means that three phones, tablets, streaming players, etc. logged into one account can watch channels at the same time.
However, simultaneous streams are allowed only when these devices are connected to the home Wi-Fi network that has been registered to DirecTV Stream as the account’s home network. "
Thus, you cannot stream on 3 devices on home wifi at the same time, and stream at a vacation property’s wifi network at the same time. Thus, streaming is only possible with one registered “home network. ”"
Out-of-Home Streaming Restrictions
DirecTV Stream even puts geographical limitations when streaming using a network that is not the one registered in your home. These home location limitations are enforced using techniques such as GPS and IP mapping.
More specifically, streaming is only allowed on a phone or a tablet with a wifi/cellular connection but NOT in the home region. Streaming will not be available on TV streaming gadgets such as Roku, Firestick, etc., other than at home.
Well, if you want to use DirecTV Stream while traveling, you could watch channels on your iPhone over a hotel’s wifi. But you might not be watching channels on the cottage Roku device if one has gone for a weekend’s vacation.
Multiple Homes Registration
However, it is possible to register up to 5 home networks on the same account in some instances at DirecTV Stream. This allows streaming access at different places, such as the primary residence, a second home, and a college dorm for example.
Nevertheless, the Multi-home registration and streaming capability may be restricted to the DirecTV Stream Choice package or above.
The exact rules are usually somewhat different and may shift sometimes. It is important to contact DirecTV customer service before subscribing if you wish to register multiple homes for streaming purposes on the same account.
Alternatives for Multi-Location Streaming
If DirecTV Stream’s single-household limitation is an issue for your needs, there are a couple of alternative options:
1. Buying Multiple Accounts For DirecTV Stream
Yes, you can have different subscriptions at different locations, say the primary home, the vacation house and so on, of course, at different costs but allows the use of multiple accounts.
2. Therefore, the true cloud streaming service should be employed.
Only a few services like YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live, Sling TV FuboTV, and Philo do not restrict you to any home location. You can watch your subscription anywhere in the nation without restrictions on the type of device, provided you log in with your username and password. No IP tracking or GPS bounding to a home area like DirecTV Stream. This enables full access even when traveling or streaming at different households.
Summary
In conclusion, while DirecTV Stream enables streaming on three devices at once, the devices must be connected to one registered ‘home network’ at a time because of its geographic authentication process. Access beyond the house is still more limited in streaming.
It is possible to associate more than one home with a single account, but this may be constrained to a certain extent. All in all, DirecTV Stream operates smoothly for one house but may cause some problems if you need to have it at several places regularly. Such needs might be better served by going with a multi-account approach or using a cloud streaming provider.
Transform your viewing experience with DirecTV! Call us today at +1 855-213-2250 to explore our plans and find the perfect package for you. Our experts are ready to assist you and get you set up with top-notch entertainment. Don’t wait—contact us now!
