No record button

Don't have an iPhone, but my PBS channel has a 'REC' button on both live content and future content from the guide. Have you restarted your device? Also it may be that you are out of  your home market that is causing the issue.

It's because you're away from your home location. You can only record from channels in your home location. That does indeed make it difficult to record shows on local channels when you're away from home. 

I just learned yesterday about a show I want to record. In this case I’m returning home two hours before the show will broadcast, so I’m lucky I’ll be able to catch it. But generally that won’t work. Why should DirecTV have this policy? They know where I’m based. Why should it matter where I am at the moment?

On a related issue, is it possible to post questions for DirecTV customer support or otherwise contact someone? All I’ve found so far is a series of FAQ entries that never seem to match my issue.

DirecTV Stream is willing to record programs on my “local” stations that I’ve already scheduled. It just won’t let me schedule new recordings. To me this is irrational.

I found a solution for setting up recordings on your DIRECTV streaming service on your iPhone app while away from home: turn off “Location”.  Go to settings, then Apps, find the DIRECTV app and pick “Never” for Location setting. 

Note this will NOT allow you to stream on your phone, but the “Guide” will show your local channels from home and will have a recording option if you pick a show in the future. 

When you’re done setting up your recording, turn Location back on if you wish to stream on your phone. 

Thanks. I’ll try to remember that for the next time I want to do that.