How to get the correct local channels

What device are you using? So the zip code change is now based on your credit card of the new location, right? Local channels are derived from a combination of billing zip code and device IP address. Essentially the IP address a customer is assigned must match their billing zip code to receive the local channels available in that area. Your ISP determines the IP address that is assigned to your location.

So I changed the billing zip code years ago when I moved.  And I still got the old city locals. I just spent an hour with 3 different people in tech support to update my “card” from an address from 3 years ago. I think they’ve finally fixed it. Thanks. 

Hi @JG3142, thank you so much for the update.

We are glad to know that it was fixed, you can contact us back if further assistance is needed.

Thanks for choosing DIRECTV.

Carlos, DIRECTV Community Specialist

We can help with your local channels, @JG3142.

1. Press the Home button.
2. Scroll to the gear icon and press OK to open your settings.
3. Select System and then General.
4. Check your Location Status. If it's off, select OK to turn it on.
5. Press the down arrow to review the Location Usage Summary.
6. Check to see if DIRECTV STREAM displays. If it doesn't restart your DIRECTV STREAM device by pressing and releasing the red button on the side.
7. Repeat steps 1. through 6 to make sure DIRECTV STREAM shows under Location Usage Summary.
8. Press Exit to return to live TV.

We have Location Solutions for other devices here. 

We're here if you have questions. 

Rickey DIRECTV Community Specialist

Our DirectTV Stream stopped recording CBS programs we have set up as series.  What can I do to fix this?

Which shows?

Survivor and Ghosts

I had a problem last month with shows recording but it was every series recording I had setup. I just cancelled the series and set them back up and that fixed the issue. U might try that then go into the episodes and see if they are set to record. U can watch those missed recordings on demand or on the cbs app.

Thank you, I will try that. 

I know this thread is old but I am curious if DirectTV ever fixed the zip code issue. I used to have DirectTV and I received local channels in Denver. I live in Detroit. They tried telling me that it was my billing address. My billing address's zip code is Detroit. I'm not sure if they were messing with me or it was a language barrier. They were strictly working from scripts and probably didn't have a clue as to what was going on.

Did they ever fix it?

Depends. Yes they work off of billing zip code. Other factors depend on the IP address of your modem. Even device has to be considered. Just not a simple question of has the local channel issue been fixed.

My modem doesn't decide what it's IP address is. That's set my the ISP's hub down the block and is not static. I actually still work for that ISP and know the IP address is local and I don't use VPN. The LG tv has the correct zip code as well. When I do a geo search on my assigned IP it shows the location of said hub. So I always knew it wasn't on my end and the cust service reps basically gave me the same story you did but didn't offer any fix. The failed to find a fix and I moved on.

On a side note, my billing zip code is located in Detroit Michigan so that wasn't it, either.

Your cable modem's IP address IS defined by your ISP. You have no control over that. Depending on if the device has GPS or location services, the only alternative is to use billing zip code and IP address. LG Smart TV's are not supported so you must have an external device.

Why would I need a device if I have a smart TV? I want to cut the cable.