After HR54 replacement from HR44, Direct TV App doesn’t work!

I hope you don't mean literal "upgrade". Being the same model line, a warranty replacement would get the HR54 (even if you have HR34) as the earlier models shouldn't be in stock any more. Not something to use a free upgrade and 24 month agreement for.

There is another thread with someone who got the Genie-2 (HS17) and having similar app problems. Guess something that needs investigation as to why everything is not syncing up with the newer model.

Reinstalling app, refreshing receivers through your account online, a red button reset (or even unplug power for a minute or two on the HR54) are some basic things to try to see if the right data and authorizations can push through for all devices involved.

Appreciate the reply. It was a receiver warranty replacement so I didn’t use an “upgrade.”

I tried all of those options you mentioned and still the same issues. Directv said they need to escalate but it’s now been over a week. 

-in addition, my on demand is not working. 
-directv app shows old receiver info without the option to choose the new main receiver. Shows old recordings but they do not play if I select them. 

-verified that new receiver is connected to internet (same network as device running app) but online account shows “not connected to internet”
-online acct shows new receiver under manage devices and old receiver is not present under manage devices.

The online account showing "not connected" is a old long standing issue. That specifically hasn't affected capability, but very annoying to see when it doesn't match of course.

As for everything else, sounds like something is cached that isn't clearing with the install of the new box. Since On Demand is not working after a week, I would try adding another step to the troubleshooting.

On the HR54: Menu > Settings and Internet > Internet > Advanced > Reset Network Defaults.

Unplug power from both HR54 and your Gateway/modem/router for 2-5 minutes. Uninstall the app as well, making sure to clear cached memory, even rebooting the phone.

Power on Gateway, etc. back on. Once internet confirmed working plug the HR54 back in.

Refresh service authorizations through the online account.

Run internet setup on the HR54 for what you use (Ethernet or WiFi). Don't use the WPS option or hide SSID as these can cause connection issues for DirecTV equipment.

Only the HR54 should provide connection. If any other boxes are wired by Ethernet to your router, or have an external wireless CCK, disconnect those to avoid conflicts with your Genie (note: only models since HR44 with built-in wireless CCK support 5GHz, as the external only supports 2.4GHz).

Guide data from satellite should be refreshed within 24-48 hours. Info from On Demand around the same, though depends on your internet connection.

If all that is done, in that advised order, then I say it falls completely on the service side. But as DirecTV was designed for satellite, and internet were secondary perks, sometimes there can be quirks that require these extra steps to resolve.

Based on the info you provided, and that other thread, I'm leaning towards the DirecTV side being the issue, but I like to check all options to be sure in case it can be resolved.

Appreciate all the info. Will give it a try. Thanks @Juniper. 

Whether those suggestions work or DirecTV figures it out, let us know. Great to pass on the known fix (or at least confirmation where the problem is if something they still need to sort out).

So I tried all of the above and I’m still in the same spot unfortunately. They even sent a tech out here a couple days ago thinking it could be a faulty receiver but apparently, that’s not the issue either because I still have the same issues. Not sure what to do at this point. I have 2 smart tv’s upstairs that we have the directv app on and I also use the mobile app on my phone to manage my dvr and I don’t have any of those capabilities. Thinking of cancelling at this point. 

As a final resort you could submit this to the BBB. They forward that over to DirecTV's corporate level (Office of the President) usually resulting a contact back within a few days. Furthest you can go to get the issue resolved or at least escalated as high as it can go to perhaps fix it for others even if you don't keep the service.

DirecTV is service by satellite so internet perks have always been secondary. You seem to prioritize the the internet side, so perhaps satellite is no longer the right fit for you. If you do decide to go elsewhere, make sure to call DirecTV first. This way you know if there is an early cancellation fee (ECF) or not. Also be prepared if you do close the account, it goes through at the end of the bill cycle, so no proration. Best to know your bill dates so you can plan accordingly.