Error code 771 on your DIRECTV unit usually indicates signal problems between your receiver and dish. Take a moment to troubleshoot and fix common causes for error code 771, including cable connections and dish obstructions.
Understanding Error Code 771
Error code 771 indicates that your receiver is having trouble getting a good signal from your satellite dish. The code is sometimes seen during bad weather. If you're experiencing inclement weather, you can often simply wait for rain, snow or heavy clouds to pass, and the connection between the receiver and dish will reestablish itself automatically. If you’re not experiencing bad weather, improper cable connections between your receiver and dish are the likely culprit.
Troubleshooting Error Code 771 - Cable Connections
To troubleshoot error code 771, start by checking all the connections between your receiver and dish. Make sure the power cable is firmly connected to a wall outlet. If the power cable is connected to a power bar or power adapter, make sure these devices are properly connected and powered on as well. Verify that the cable connecting the satellite dish to the SAT-IN or SATELLITE-IN port on the receiver is sitting squarely and is firmly connected.
Troubleshooting Error Code 771 - SWiM Inserter and Dish Obstructions
If the cable coming from your dish is connected to a SWiM Power Inserter, unplug the Power Inserter from the wall outlet, wait 15 seconds and then plug it back in. If your satellite dish itself is accessible, check for physical obstructions that might be blocking the dish. Overgrown trees and other buildings are common culprits. If possible, cut back any overgrown trees so that the satellite dish has a clear line of sight to the sky.
Resetting Your Receiver
If you’re certain all your connections are set up properly and that your satellite has a clear line of sight, reset your receiver. This task varies slightly depending on the receiver model. Open the access card door on the front of the receiver, if present, and press the small red button beneath the door. Release the button and wait for the receiver to reset itself. If your receiver doesn’t have this button, unplug the receiver’s power cable, wait 15 seconds and then plug it back in. Press the “Power” button and wait for the receiver to reset itself. If you've checked all your connections, verified the satellite has a clear line of sight, reset your receiver and you're still encountering error 771, contact DIRECTV at 1-800-531-5000 for further assistance. The receiver or dish may have a hardware malfunction.
Code 771 Vs. Code 721
Don’t confuse code 771 with code 721. Although the numbers look similar at first glance, code 721 is significantly different. Code 721 means you’re not authorized or are otherwise unable to access the channel you’re trying to watch. Usually this code appears when you try to watch a channel that’s not part of your DIRECTV package.
