Use your DVR by connecting it to your TV with an HDMI cable, then use your remote or mobile app to schedule, watch, and manage recordings
Grab a full-size HDMI cable. Plug one end into the HDMI 1 Out port on the back of your DVR box. Slip the other end into the HDMI 1 In port on your television. Power up both devices. Grab your remote and dive into the DVR menu—now you’re ready to record your favorite shows.
How do you DVR on Comcast?
Use the X1 DVR by highlighting a show or movie in the guide and pressing Record
Here’s how it works: grab your Xfinity remote and open the on-screen guide. Scroll to the program you want. Press Record. Want to automate it? Set up season passes for entire series. Or just use the Xfinity TV Remote app on your phone—schedule recordings from anywhere, even when you’re not on the couch.
Can I set my DVR from my phone?
Yes, use the Xfinity TV Remote or DISH Anywhere app to schedule DVR recordings from your phone
No need to hunt for the remote. Download the Xfinity TV Remote app for iOS or Android, sign in, and you’re in business. Use the guide just like you would on your TV. DISH users? The free DISH Anywhere app does the same thing—schedule recordings from your phone or tablet.
How do I watch my DVR on my phone?
Open the Xfinity Stream or DISH Anywhere app on your phone to stream DVR recordings remotely
Download the Xfinity Stream app or DISH Anywhere. Sign in with your account. Your recorded shows live in the “My Library” or “DVR” section. Tap any title to start streaming. Just make sure you’ve got a solid Wi-Fi or mobile data connection—nothing kills the mood like buffering.
Can I set my DISH DVR to record from my phone?
Yes, use the DISH Anywhere app to schedule DVR recordings from your smartphone or tablet
Install the DISH Anywhere app on your iOS, Android, or Fire device. Open it up, pick a show or movie in the guide, then tap “Record.” You can also set recordings from a show’s details page. Whatever you schedule syncs instantly with your DISH DVR at home—no extra steps required.
Can I set my DVR from my phone directv?
Yes, use the DIRECTV app to schedule recordings on your Genie DVR from your phone
Open the DIRECTV app. Tap “Browse for TV,” then choose “Record to TV.” Decide if you want a single episode or the whole series. Pick your DVR from the list and confirm. All your scheduled recordings show up in your Genie DVR’s “My Recordings” menu—easy as that.
How do I change my recording settings on DirecTV?
Open the DIRECTV menu, go to Settings > User Preferences > Recording Preferences to adjust DVR settings
Grab your Genie remote and press Menu > Settings > User Preferences > Recording Preferences. Here’s where you tweak things: change default recording quality (Best, Better, Good), add padding for show start/end times, and manage series recording options like skipping reruns or only recording new episodes.
Why are my shows not recording DirecTV?
Shows may not record if guide data is delayed, the episode is a rerun, or the DVR lacks available space
A few things could be going wrong. First, check your guide data—press Guide on your remote and make sure the show is actually listed. If you’ve set your DVR to only record “First Runs,” reruns won’t get saved. Also, clear some space on your DVR by deleting old recordings. If all else fails, restart your receiver by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
How do you stop recording on Direct TV?
Use your remote to go to My Recordings, select the show, and press the Delete or Stop Recording button
Grab your Genie remote and press Menu > My Recordings. Highlight the series or single episode and press Info or Select. You’ll see two options: “Stop Recording” to cancel future airings or “Delete” to remove it from your list. Stopping a recording prevents new ones from being saved, but it doesn’t delete the copies you already have.
How do I reset my directv without a password?
Perform a soft reset by unplugging the DVR for 30 seconds, or do a factory reset via the menu if needed
Try a soft reset first—just unplug the power from the back of your DVR for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. If that doesn’t work and you need a full reset, press Menu > Settings > Reset > Reset DVR. Warning: this erases all your settings and recordings, so use it as a last resort.
How do I block purchases on Direct TV?
Set up a Purchase PIN by going to Menu > Parental Controls > Purchase PIN, then enable purchase blocking
Press Menu > Settings > Parental Controls > Purchase PIN on your remote. Enter a 4-digit PIN and confirm it. Then, enable “Block Purchases” in the same menu. Now, any attempt to buy On Demand or pay-per-view content will require this PIN—no accidental purchases slipping through.
How do I block on demand purchases?
Enable the Purchase PIN in Parental Controls to block all On Demand and pay-per-view purchases
Go to Menu > Settings > Parental Controls > Purchase PIN. Set and confirm a 4-digit PIN. Then toggle “Block Purchases” to On. This locks down On Demand and pay-per-view purchases—no PIN, no buying. It’s a simple way to keep your bill (and your kids) in check.