# DIRECTV Error 721 and 722: Channel Not Authorized, and What to Do > Errors 721 and 722 show up on one channel while the rest work. Either that channel is not part of your programming package, or the receiver is not receiving the programming information for it. A refresh and a restart settle most of the second case. Source: https://www.sportsdirectllc.com/help/error-codes/error-721-722 · Error code · Last reviewed 2026-10-09 · Sports Direct | DLM Media ## At a glance **Error code:** 721 / 722 **What it means:** The channel you are tuning is not part of your programming, or the receiver is not receiving the programming information for that channel. **Likely causes:** - The channel is not included in the programming package - The receiver is not getting the programming info for that channel **Quick fix:** 1. Check that the channel is part of your programming; if not, talk to a specialist about options 2. If it should be included, refresh the affected receiver (Manage Receivers, then Refresh receiver) 3. Wait a few minutes, then restart the receiver: red reset button, or unplug for 15 seconds and plug back in 4. If the error returns, refresh the receiver again **If it continues:** Call Sports Direct General Support at 480-941-3703 (Gaming Support: 877-659-9257) if the channel should be included and a refresh and restart do not clear the error. **Applies to:** Receivers ## What errors 721 and 722 mean These two codes appear when you tune a channel the receiver will not play. DIRECTV's support article covers them together: if 721 or 722 displays, the channel you are trying to watch is not part of the programming on the account, or the receiver is not getting the programming information for that channel. The 722 article words it slightly differently, saying the receiver may not have the programming info for the channel. The useful clue is that only one channel, or a small set of channels, is affected. If every channel is missing, you are looking at a signal problem such as [error 771](/help/error-codes/error-771), not an authorization one. ## Two possible causes - **The channel is not in your package.** DIRECTV for Business lists this as the first explanation. A channel that was never part of your programming will not play no matter how many times you restart the receiver. - **The receiver is missing the programming info.** The channel is included, but the receiver has not picked up the information it needs to play it. This is the case a refresh is meant to fix. ## The order of checks 1. Confirm the channel is part of your programming. If it is not, talk to a specialist about your options rather than troubleshooting equipment. 2. If it should be included, refresh the receiver. Where you have access to the online account, this is under Manage Receivers: select Refresh receiver next to the affected receiver. 3. Wait a few minutes, then restart the receiver. Use the red reset button, or unplug the power cord, wait 15 seconds, plug it back in and press Power on the front panel. 4. If the error returns after the restart, refresh the receiver again. > **Tip:** Refresh before you restart, then restart, then refresh once more. DIRECTV's steps run in that order, and skipping the refresh is the most common reason the same error returns. ## Why commercial venues see this Commercial programming is built around how each space is used, so different rooms in the same business can have different programming. A channel that plays in the bar may not be part of what is licensed for a back office or a waiting room. If a manager tunes a channel on the wrong TV, 721 is a normal result, not a fault. A quick walk through your screens with a specialist, using our [room-by-room checklist approach](/guides/commercial-tv-licensing-public-viewing), shows which TV is meant to carry what. ## When to call for help If the channel should be in your programming and the refresh and restart do not clear the error, contact us. Call Sports Direct General Support at 480-941-3703 (Gaming Support: 877-659-9257). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is error 721 a problem with my equipment? Not necessarily. It can mean the channel is not part of the programming on the account, which no equipment fix will change. If the channel should be included, a refresh and restart are the next steps, and then a call to support. ### What is the difference between 721 and 722? DIRECTV treats them together. Both mean the receiver cannot play that channel, either because it is not in the package or because the receiver is not getting its programming info. The fix steps are the same: refresh, restart, refresh again. ### Do I need to restart every receiver? Only the one showing the error. Refresh and restart the affected receiver, and leave the others running, especially during service hours. ## Sources - [Get help with DIRECTV error codes 721, 722](https://www.directv.com/support/satellite/article/000067313), DIRECTV - [DIRECTV error code: 722](https://www.directv.com/support/article/000070705), DIRECTV - [DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS Customer Service, Account & Login Support](https://www.directv.com/forbusiness/customer-support/), DIRECTV Talk to a specialist: 888-688-1699 (New Sales) or https://www.sportsdirectllc.com/contact