Getting Paramount Plus on your DirecTV device can be confusing. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from signing up for Paramount Plus to troubleshooting streaming issues on various devices.
What is Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus (formerly known as CBS All Access) is a streaming service that gives you access to shows, movies and sports from CBS, Paramount Pictures and other ViacomCBS brands. This includes popular franchises like Star Trek, Spongebob Squarepants, Survivor and more.
Benefits include:
- Thousands of hit movies and shows available on-demand
- New Paramount Plus originals like 1883, Mayor of Kingstown
- Live CBS feeds from local affiliates in many markets
- Offline viewing for when you’re on the go
- 4K, HDR and Dolby Vision support where available
Is Paramount Plus on DirecTV?
Paramount Plus is not a channel you can simply tune to on your DirecTV guide. Instead, you need to access the Paramount Plus app through a supported device.
The good news is that Paramount Plus is available on many popular DirecTV set-top boxes and most DirecTV streaming devices.
Supported DirecTV Devices for Streaming
- DirecTV Stream Device (Osprey 1 and 2)
- AT&T TV Device
- DirecTV 4K Genie Mini
- Some older Genie Minis
So even though Paramount Plus isn’t a regular channel, you can still watch it on your TV through various DirecTV equipment.
How to Get Paramount Plus on Smart TV
If you don’t have DirecTV equipment but do have a smart TV (or streaming device), getting Paramount Plus is straightforward.
Here’s how to download the Paramount Plus app:
- Using your smart TV remote, go to the App Store
- Search for “Paramount Plus”
- Select Download or Install
- Once installed, open app and sign up for Paramount Plus or sign into your account
Paramount Plus is available on smart TVs from LG, Vizio, Samsung, Roku TVs, Sony and more. Make sure your TV is updated with the latest software for best results.
How to Sign Up for Paramount Plus
Before you can start streaming, you’ll need to sign up for a Paramount Plus account:
- Go to paramountplus.com on any device
- Select Start Free Trial or Buy Now
- Choose monthly ($9.99) or annual ($99.99) plan
- Create Paramount Plus account with email, Facebook or Apple
- Enter payment details
- Pricing may be cheaper if bundled with Showtime or an existing cable/satellite package through partners like DirecTV.
- Start watching!
Once signed up, you can stream from the app on mobile devices, smart TVs, web and supported DirecTV equipment.
Pro Tip: Verify Paramount Plus streaming quality settings are optimized for your connection speed. This ensures the best video quality possible across different shows and devices.
Upgrade Steps for Enhanced DirecTV Streaming
While Paramount Plus works on most modern DirecTV devices out of the box, you may need to upgrade equipment if experiencing issues like:
- Frequent buffering/stoppages
- Error messages loading titles
- Playback failures or app crashing
- No 4K or HDR support
Upgrading your setup improves internet connectivity and speeds up app performance:
- Replace standard receiver with a DirecTV 4K Genie Mini
- Get faster home internet (25mbps+)
- Connect receiver via ethernet instead of WiFi
- Reset app cache on device
- Check for player software and TV firmware updates
These enhancements ensure smooth Paramount Plus streaming in 4K HDR where available. Contact DirecTV support for help troubleshooting specific device issues.
Sign Into Paramount Plus through DirecTV
Thanks to a special deal between AT&T and ViacomCBS, DirecTV customers can sign into Paramount Plus using their DirecTV credentials.
Perks include:
- Discounted Paramount Plus pricing
- Seamless switching between apps
- One sign-in for both services
To link your accounts:
- Open Paramount Plus app
- Select Sign In
- Choose “Sign in with TV Provider“
- Enter DirecTV username and password
- Confirm when prompted
Now you can sign into either Paramount Plus or DirecTV apps with the same credentials. Enjoy ervery show, movie, sport and more on Paramount Plus.
If needing help getting Paramount Plus on a specific TV setup, see these additional articles:
- Paramount Plus on Samsung Smart TVs
- Paramount Plus on LG TVs
- Paramount Plus on Dish TV
- Paramount Plus on Spectrum
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus isn’t a channel but rather an on-demand streaming library
- Popular shows like 1883, Star Trek: Picard and The Challenge are Paramount Plus exclusives
- Paramount Plus is supported on most DirecTV devices like Osprey and Genie Minis
- Smart TVs also support the Paramount Plus app
- Sign up at paramountplus.com or get a discounted bundle through DirecTV
- Upgrade equipment if experiencing streaming issues
- Link DirecTV credentials for easier Paramount Plus access
FAQ on Paramount Plus with DirecTV
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about streaming Paramount Plus on DirecTV:
Can DirecTV customers get a discounted price for Paramount Plus?
Yes. Link your Paramount Plus account with DirecTV credentials to get special pricing. Plans start under $6 per month.
What shows are on Paramount Plus that aren’t available on regular TV?
Original hits like Star Trek: Discovery, 1883, Mayor of Kingstown plus movies like Top Gun: Maverick are Paramount Plus exclusives. New releases hit the streaming service 30-45 days before other outlets.
Does 4k streaming work for Paramount Plus on DirecTV equipment?
Select shows and live events in the Paramount Plus app can stream in 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio on compatible devices. A premium internet package is recommended for the best experience.
Why does Paramount Plus buffer or stop playing?
Buffering and stream failures are typically due to a poor network connection. First make sure your internet download speeds exceed 25mbps. If issues persist, connect your Osprey or Genie Mini receiver via ethernet instead of WiFi for faster, more reliable streaming.
Still need help?
Contact the Paramount Plus Help Center at paramountplus.com/help or reach out to the DirecTV Support team for troubleshooting tips.
