Set up and activate your DIRECTV equipment

Learn how to set up a Genie receiver with a TV.

Connect your Genie HD DVR

1. Place your replacement Genie on top of or next to the non-working one.
2. Transfer cable connections one at a time to the new Genie, except for the power cord.
3. Plug the new power cord into the new equipment, then power on the Genie and TV.

Reset your remote control

1. On the remote, press and hold the MUTE and SELECT buttons.
2. The green LED will blank twice.
3. Press 9-8-7 on your remote.
4. If successful, the green LED blinks four times.

Set up and activate Genie HD DVR

1. Follow the guided steps on-screen to complete setup.
2. When the Satellite Dish Setup screen displays, keep the default setting as is and leave the Order ID field blank.
3. Select Continue and follow on-screen instructions.
4. Make note of your access card number, receiver ID, and model number for activation – this info is also included on the barcode sticker on the outside of the shipment box.
5. To activate online, go to directv.com/activate or call our automated activation line at 800.388.6597.
6. Complete your setup by following the guided screens.

If prompted to program your remote, follow the on-screen instructions or visit Program your DIRECTV remote control.

Pair existing Genie Mini(s) to your Genie HD DVR

If you have Genie Minis for additional TVs, follow these instructions to pair your Genie Mini receivers.

1. Go to your replacement Genie and press MENU on your Genie remote.
2. Select Settings > Whole-Home > Manage Clients > Add Clients.
3. Make note of the PIN that displays and do not dismiss the screen until you’ve entered this PIN for each Genie Mini receiver. Go to each Genie Mini receiver in the home and enter the PIN.
4. Select Add a New Location.
5. Enter the location name and select Save Name, then Ok.
6. To apply your personalized settings, select Copy to mirror settings from an existing Genie receiver in the home.
• Select the receiver location to copy the settings.
• Choose to Watch DIRECTV or Browse The Guide to complete guided setup.
7. To apply default settings, select Do Not Copy. Choose to Watch DIRECTV or Browse The Guide to complete guided setup.
8. Return to the Genie HD DVR and select Done on the Add Client screen.

Pair Wireless Genie Mini(s) to your Genie HD DVR

Go to your Wireless Genie Mini receiver and:

1. Press MENU on your Genie remote.
2. Select Settings > Whole-Home > Manage Clients > Add Clients.
3. Make note of the PIN that displays and do not dismiss the screen until you’ve entered this PIN for each Wireless Genie Mini receiver. Go to each Wireless Genie Mini receiver in the home and enter the PIN.
4. Wait for the Connect Now label to display.
5. Verify the Wireless Signal Strength displays three (3) green bars and select Connect Now. Wait for the countdown clock to complete.
6. Using your remote, enter the PIN code on the Enter Pin screen.
7. Select Replace a Location, choose the receiver you want to remove and select Replace.
8. Select Yes, Replace to confirm.
9. Return to the Genie HD DVR and select Done on the Add Client screen.

Heads up: To return your old equipment, follow the directions provided with your order. Get more info about equipment returns

Find out how to connect a replacement Genie 2 DVR. Also, learn how to return your old equipment.

Set up and activate your Genie 2

Go to your nearest TV connected to a Genie Mini or Wireless Genie Mini client and turn on the TV. If you see the WIRELESS CONNECTION LOST screen, proceed with the bulleted items below. Otherwise, skip to the activation steps.

• Select TROUBLESHOOTING (or More Information, if shown)
• Select REPEAT SETUP
• When error code 928 displays on the Reset screen, enter 9-8-7-6 on your remote
• CONNECTING TO VIDEO BRIDGE will display on screen – if signal quality is good or excellent, select CONNECT NOW

Activation steps

When you see SATELLITE DISH SETUP on screen, it’s time to activate your Genie 2. You can:

• Activate online or
• Call the automated activation line at 877.691.1023

Complete set up
Follow the guided screens on the TV to complete set up.

1. When the NEW LOCATION screen appears, select ADD A NEW LOCATION.
2. Name the room location and select SAVE NAME.
3. On the COPY SETTINGS screen, select SKIP THIS STEP.
4. On the REMOTE SETUP screen, select SET UP REMOTE LATER.

Pair additional Mini(s) to the Genie 2 server

Go to the next TV with a Genie Mini connected and turn on the TV.

• If the WIRELESS CONNECTION LOST screen displays, follow the setup instructions from the previous section.
• If not, repeat the instructions to ADD A NEW LOCATION.

Set up the Genie 2 Server (PDF, 179KB)
View PDF
 

Replace your Genie 2 server

Follow these steps to set up your replacement equipment:

1. Place your new Genie 2 next to your old equipment and transfer all cables and cords one at a time, connecting the power cord last.
2. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.
3. Power on your TV.
4. Wait 3-4 minutes for the ADD CLIENT button at the top of your Genie 2 to start flashing green.

Learn how to set up your Gemini device on your Wireless network.

DETAILED INFO

Connect your Gemini device (Wireless)

Once you have your Gemini device, power supply, HDMI cable, and remote out of the box:

1. If this is a replacement device, disconnect your current device, HDMI cord and power supply and set aside – including the remote.
2. Plug the HDMI cable into your device and the other end into your TV.
3. Plug the power supply into the new device. Plug the other end into an outlet.
4. Power on your TV. You may need to switch your TV source input to match the HDMI port you plugged the Gemini device into.
5. Remove the battery slip from the back of the remote control.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts. This includes the following:
   • Pair your remote and device. Point the remote at the device and press the FAST FORWARD and REWIND buttons for 2-3 seconds at the same time. When paired, a confirmation screen displays.
   • Select your Wireless network and enter the password. Once connected, your device checks for updates and may automatically restart. (This may take a few moments)
   • Review and accept Terms & Conditions.
   • Select or enter the room location for this device.
   • Enter your Google ID and password, if you have one. Learn more about Google Assistant

Heads up: If your Google Account has two-step verification, please check for an approval message from Google regarding this Gemini device.
 

Use voice control on your remote

Google Assistant makes it easier than ever to watch what you want, when you want. Just press and release the MIC/voice button on your remote and wait for solid blue lights. Then, say what you want to do:

• Go to a channel or show - say “Tune to TNT”
• Turn closed captions on or off - say “Turn on closed captions”

Learn more about connecting your Genie receivers to the internet
 

Learn how to set up your Gemini device using a wired connection.

DETAILED INFO

Connect your Gemini device (wired)

Take your Gemini device, power supply, HDMI cable, and remote out of the box. Be sure to use the new cables provided with your new device to experience optimal viewing.

1. Unhook the HDMI cord, coaxial cable and power cord from your current device and put the device, HDMI cord and power supply aside. Set aside the old remote, too. Do not disconnect the end of the coaxial cable connected to the wall.
2. Connect the coax cable you just disconnected from your old device to the ethernet coax adaptor. Hand tightens to ensure a snug fit.
3. Connect one end of the ethernet cable to your new device. Connect the other end of the ethernet cable to the ethernet coax adaptor.
4. Connect the small end of the micro-USB cable to the ethernet coax adaptor. The plastic tab on the adaptor may need to be moved to access the micro-USB port.
5. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into your TV.
6. Plug the other end into an outlet.
7. Power on your TV. You may need to switch your TV source input to match the HDMI port you plugged the Gemini device into.
8. Remove the battery tag from the back of the remote.
9. Follow the prompts to complete setup. This includes:
   • Pairing your remote and device. Point the remote at the device and press the FAST FORWARD and REWIND buttons for 2-3 seconds at the same time. When paired, a confirmation screen displays.
   • Review and accept Terms & Conditions.
   • Select or enter the room location for this device.
   • Enter your Google ID and password, if you have one. Learn more about Google Assistant

Heads up: If your Google Account has two-step verification, please check for an approval message from Google regarding this Gemini device.
 

Use voice control on your remote

Google Assistant makes it easier than ever to watch what you want, when you want. Just press and release the MIC/voice button on your remote and wait for solid blue lights. Then, say what you want to do:

• Go to a channel or show - say “Tune to TNT”
• Turn closed captions on or off - say “Turn on closed captions”

If your Gemini device doesn’t automatically connect

Connecting your new Gemini device to your DIRECTV network and main Genie server (HR44/HR54 models).

You may need to go to your main Genie receiver to get a 4-digit PIN to connect your Gemini device to your network:

• On the main receiver, press MENU on the Genie remote and go to Settings > Whole-Home > Manage Clients >Add Client
• Follow on-screen prompts including pressing the DASH (-) to get your 4-digit PIN
• The 4-digit PIN will be entered on your new Gemini receiver screen

Connecting your new Gemini device to your DIRECTV network with a Genie 2 server (HS17 model):

• Go to your Genie 2 receiver and press the Add Client button on the top of the tower
• Return to your Gemini receiver and follow the on-screen prompts

Learn more about connecting your Genie receivers to the internet.

For additional assistance with your Gemini device, please call 833.922.1343.
 

Learn how to set up a replacement non-Genie receiver with a TV.

Receiver replacement, setup, and activation

If you received a replacement Genie DVR or receiver, learn how to connect it.

Replace receivers

1. Place your new receiver next to your non-working receiver with both backs towards you.
2. One by one, disconnect and remove each cable from the back of your old receiver. The only cord you don't need to transfer is the old power cord.
3. Connect the new power cord to the new receiver and plug into an electrical outlet.
4. Power on your replacement receiver and your TV.

Set up and activate your receiver

1. On your remote, press and hold MENU and SELECT. The green LED blinks twice.
2. Press 9-8-7 on your remote. The Satellite Dish Setup screen displays on your TV.
3. Keep the default settings as they are.
4. Leave the Order ID field blank.
5. Select Continue and follow all instructions.
6. Activate your receiver online or call our automated activation line at 877.691.1023.
7. If needed, a prompt to program your remote control appears. Follow the onscreen directions or the steps in the article Program a remote control.

Learn how to set up and manage your Gemini.

Get connected

Once you have your Gemini, power supply, HDMI cable, and remote out of the box:

1. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your device and the other end into your TV. Note which HDMI input you use.
2. Want a wired internet connection? Use an Ethernet cable (not included) to connect your device to your gateway. Otherwise, you’ll choose your Wi-Fi® network later.
3. Insert the power cord into the back of the device and then plug it into a wall outlet. A red light will blink on the front of the device.
4. Turn on your TV and change the input to the correct one using the Input or Source buttons on your TV remote.
5. Remove the battery tag from your DIRECTV remote.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts. You’ll be asked to:
   • Pair your DIRECTV remote and device. Point the remote at your device and press the FAST FORWARD and REWIND buttons for 2-3 seconds at the same time. When they pair, you’ll get a message that your remote is ready to use. Get help with un-pairing or reprogramming your remote.
   • Didn’t choose a wired connection? Select your Wi-Fi network name from the list of options, then enter your password using the remote. (Press OK to display the onscreen keyboard.) Once connected, your device checks for updates and may reboot.
   • Enter your user ID and password and select Sign in. Find your ID or password.
   • Review and accept the Terms & Conditions.
   • Select or enter the room location where you’ll use your DIRECTV device. This will be set as your in-home network.¹
   • Enter your Google ID and password, if you have one.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started with your Gemini Air:

• Your DIRECTV user ID and password.
• Your home wi-fi ID and password.
• An HD and 4K TV with HDMI 2.1 & 1.4, HDCP 2.3, 60 Hz and capable of 4K, 1080p and 3D.
• High-speed internet connection.
• Optional: You can sign in with your Google account to use your voice to search for entertainment, control your TV, open apps, and more.

Get connected

1. Take your Gemini Air, power supply, and remote out of the box.
2. Plug the Gemini Air’s attached HDMI cable into your TV.
3. Plug the power supply into the Gemini Air and plug the other end into an electrical outlet.
4. Turn on your TV and switch to the proper HDMI input, using your TV’s remote.
5. Gently remove the slip from the Gemini Air remote control.
6. Follow the onscreen prompts to continue setup. This includes accepting terms and conditions, remote pairing, and software updates. It can take several minutes to complete.