Do you have to return DIRECTV remotes?

Must You Return DIRECTV Remotes?

This is one of the most common questions that people have when they want to cancel their DIRECTV service, namely, do they have to return the remotes and other equipment? This is a typical question that customers ask especially when they are planning on cancelling their satellite TV service. In this article, you will learn about the different options and guidelines that DIRECTV has in place for customers who want to return their remotes and receivers when they choose to cancel service.

DIRECTV Remotes

In most cases, you do not need to return the DIRECTV remote controls when canceling your DIRECTV subscription. For DIRECTV, remotes including DIRECTV Genie remote or DIRECTV universal remote, are considered as an accessory that you possess. That means that when you cancel your DIRECTV service, you can still retain your remotes.

However, if you leased or rented your remotes from DIRECTV, then you will have to return this equipment. Leased remotes are not very common today but it is recommended to review ones account statement to verify whether one is being charged a monthly fee for rented remotes or whether one has unpaid charges for the leased remotes.

What about other DIRECTV equipment?

While DIRECTV lets you keep personally owned remotes, you do have to return other leased DIRECTV equipment you have such as:While DIRECTV lets you keep personally owned remotes, you do have to return other leased DIRECTV equipment you have such as:

-DIRECTV Genie HD DVR -DIRECTV Receivers -DIRECTV Stream Device -SATELLITE DISH -Mounts/cabling/accessories

Users should also make sure they return all the cables, power cords, and any other accessories that are associated with the DIRECTV devices. As a customer, under your DIRECTV customer agreement, you are required to return all leased equipment when you cancel service and if you fail to return the equipment, you will be charged a non-return equipment fee.

Returning DIRECTV Equipment When You Cancel

But how should the DIRECTV equipment be returned correctly? DIRECTV provides several options:

Return Kit: When canceling, DIRECTV can provide you with prepaid shipping labels and boxes for returning your devices. And then you simply deliver the sealed boxes to a shipping company, for instance, UPS. This is the easiest way to return your leased DIRECTV receivers, Genie DVR, cables and other hardware.

In-Person: You can also return equipment in person at a UPS Store or other authorized DIRECTV retailer in your area. They will then pack the devices and return them to DIRECTV.

Pick Up:However, you can also ask DIRECTV to come and pick the equipment from your home once you have cancelled the service. This enables you not to drive anywhere in order to return your DIRECTV box or Genie system.

Leased equipment must be returned within 30 days of service deactivation or fees will be charged. DIRECTV’s early termination fees include $135 for each leased receiver, Genie HD DVR or Stream not returned, to a limit of $400.

Can You Return DIRECTV Equipment Before Canceling:

If you are a customer who is currently planning on canceling your DIRECTV service but would like to return the leased equipment right away, you can do so before you disconnect the service. Nevertheless, you will still be charged for monthly service fees until you call DIRECTV to properly disconnect your subscription. It also means that your account remains active and continues to be charged until you officially terminate your DIRECTV service.

Other customers who may be planning to change their providers may want to return DIRECTV equipment but continue to use the service in the meantime. Unlike most dealers, DIRECTV has a strict policy that does not permit customers to return leased receivers and Genies with an active account. All rented equipment must remain connected to receive programming until the account has been terminated.

The only exception is when you are replacing equipment leased through direct buy from DIRECTV. For instance, if you have been provided with new Genie receivers, you may have the enhanced hardware on your account and return the old equipment without disconnecting total service.

In conclusion, while the customer can retain some privately owned items like the remote control once they cancel their subscription with DIRECTV, they are bound to return leased devices such as the receivers, Genie DVRs and the satellite dish within one of the return options provided by DIRECTV highlighted above. This saves on costs that would be incurred when canceling service by having to return hardware after being a DIRECTV customer. Taking the time to compare your records will help you identify what has been assigned to you as owned equipment and leased equipment when you are ready to switch from DIRECTV and cancel satellite TV service.