DirecTV is a satellite service provider in the USA that is a subsidiary of AT&T. It provides digital satellite television and audio to households, including TV shows, movies, and more. However, it appears that many DirecTV users are currently encountering Error Code 721 (Channel Not Purchased) when attempting to view certain channels.
If you are experiencing an issue with DirecTV, you can use this troubleshooting guide to solve the problem. It is a common issue, but many users are unaware of why it occurs. According to multiple reports online, affected users have identified a few possible reasons behind the error.
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How to Fix DirecTV Error Code 721 (Channel Not Purchased)
It appears that the DirecTV channels you are trying to watch are not part of your subscribed package. This is evident from the error message ‘Channel Not Purchased’ that you are receiving. It is possible that you may have forgotten that these channels are not included in your subscription.
Alternatively, it could be that the DirecTV receiver is not receiving program information for these channels via satellite. There is also a chance that you are encountering a software glitch with your DirecTV program.
Considering the above possibilities, let’s move on to the solutions below.
1. Ensure the problematic channel is active in your package
Most users make the mistake of not having cross-checked the channel whether it’s included and active in the subscribed package or not and start complaining about the service. So, make sure to ensure whether you subscribe the problematic channel or not. To check that:
- Head to the DirecTV channel lineup page > Go to Check it under the Get Channel Lineup option.
- Once you’re on the channel list, scroll down through the several packages and locate your subscribed package.
- Here, you’ll find out whether the problematic channel(s) is activated under your current package. [If the specific channel is showing a question mark, that means it’s not active or included in the package]
- In that scenario, if you want to activate that channel, make sure to renew the package by asking for customer support.
2. Refresh the DirecTV Service
Now, if you’re aware that the 721 error isn’t occurring because the channel isn’t part of the active package plan, then it may be possible that there is a system glitch with the DirecTV service. In that sense, performing the power cycle can help you out. To do so:
- Make sure that the DirecTV receiver isn’t currently streaming any channel.
- Now, unplug the receiver’s power cord from the power source (outlet) as well as from the back of the receiver and wait for around 15 seconds.
- Then plug back the power cord in and press the power button of the receiver to boot it.
- Once the receiver boots up, try checking the problem again.
3. Reset your receiver
If the power cycling method doesn’t help you out of this issue, make sure to reset your receiver, which means some possible firmware glitch is preventing the data regarding your DirecTV package from being updated with the latest changes. To do that:
- First, locate the Reset button on the backside of the receiver.
- Once you locate the Reset button (small red button) inside the access card door, short-press the red button.
- Please wait for it to restart, and all the lights should flash at once.
- Once done, make sure to check for the issue again.
4. Contact ATT Support
If none of the methods worked for you, try contacting ATT DirecTV Support to get additional troubleshooting steps or further investigation of the respective issue.
That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. For additional queries, you can comment below.