Red Bull TV sits on DirecTV channel 138, broadcasting action sports, music events, and documentaries in full HD. If you have been scrolling through your guide trying to find it, you are in the right place. This guide covers what is on the channel, how to fix access problems, and other ways to watch Red Bull TV if you do not have DirecTV.
- Channel 138 is the permanent home of Red Bull TV on all DirecTV packages
- No add-on fee required because Red Bull TV is included with every active DirecTV subscription
- HD-only broadcast means the channel does not appear in standard-definition channel lists
- Free alternatives exist through the Red Bull TV app on Roku, Fire TV Stick, LG Smart TV, and mobile devices
- Troubleshooting takes under 5 minutes since a receiver restart fixes most access issues
#What Channel Is Red Bull TV on DirecTV?
Red Bull TV is on channel 138. It broadcasts exclusively in HD, so you will not find it if your receiver is set to show SD channels only. Every DirecTV package includes this channel at no additional cost.
To tune in, press 138 on your remote or search “Red Bull” in the DirecTV program guide. The channel runs 24/7, mixing live events with replays and on-demand content. You can also record any program using a DVR-enabled DirecTV receiver.
One thing to note: Red Bull TV on DirecTV is a linear channel with a fixed schedule. The standalone Red Bull TV app gives you more control over what you watch and when, since it operates as a full on-demand library. Both are free, but the experience differs.
#What Content Does Red Bull TV Show?
Red Bull TV covers three main categories: action sports, music, and original documentaries. The programming runs heavy on extreme sports like cliff diving, motocross, mountain biking, snowboarding, and surfing. Live events get priority scheduling, with replays cycling through the off-hours.
The music side includes live festival coverage from events worldwide. Past broadcasts have featured full sets and backstage footage. These air live during festival season and repeat throughout the year.
Documentaries and athlete profiles round out the lineup. These are typically 30 to 60 minutes long and follow athletes training for major competitions or exploring remote locations. The production quality is high, with multi-angle footage and aerial cinematography that you would expect from a Red Bull production.
#How Do You Fix Red Bull TV Not Working on DirecTV?
Start with a receiver restart. Unplug your DirecTV box from power, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears temporary glitches and forces the receiver to re-authenticate your channel access. Most channel-loading issues resolve here.
If the restart does not help, check these items:
- Channel search. Type 138 directly instead of scrolling. The channel only appears in HD guide listings.
- Signal strength. Go to Settings > Satellite > View Signal Strength. Readings below 70 on any transponder indicate a dish alignment issue.
- Receiver refresh. Visit directv.com/support and send a refresh signal to your receiver. This takes about 5 minutes.
- Account status. Confirm your subscription is active. Suspended accounts lose access to all channels including free ones like Red Bull TV.
For persistent problems, check our full guide on Red Bull TV not working which covers app-specific and device-specific fixes.
#Why Watch Red Bull TV Through DirecTV?
The main advantage is convenience. If DirecTV is already your primary TV source, Red Bull TV sits right in your channel guide alongside everything else. No switching inputs, no opening apps, no separate login.
DirecTV’s satellite delivery also handles live events well. Satellite does not buffer or degrade quality based on internet traffic, which matters during popular live broadcasts when streaming apps can struggle with viewer load. You get consistent HD quality regardless of how many other people are watching.
DVR recording is another benefit. Set Red Bull TV programs to record automatically by series or keyword, then watch on your own schedule. The standalone Red Bull TV app does not offer this functionality.
That said, the DirecTV version is limited to whatever is airing on the linear schedule. If you want to browse the full Red Bull TV content library and pick specific videos, the standalone app is better for that purpose. Viewers who also subscribe to other satellite services might want to compare options in our Dish TV vs DirecTV breakdown.
#How Can You Watch Red Bull TV Without DirecTV?
Red Bull TV is a free service regardless of whether you have DirecTV. The content is identical. Here are your options:
Smart TV apps. Available on LG Smart TV and other major platforms. Search your TV’s app store for “Red Bull TV” and install it directly.
Streaming devices. Works on Fire TV Stick, Roku, and Chromecast. Download the Red Bull TV app from the device’s app store.
Mobile and web. The Red Bull TV app runs on iOS and Android. You can also stream directly from redbull.com/tv in any browser.
All of these options are completely free with no account required. The app version gives you full on-demand access to the content library, which is more flexible than the linear DirecTV channel. If you are comparing satellite and streaming providers, our DirecTV alternatives guide covers the major options.
#DirecTV Red Bull TV vs the Free App
Both give you access to the same Red Bull TV content, but the experience is different.
| Feature | DirecTV Ch. 138 | Red Bull TV App |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Included with subscription | Free, no subscription needed |
| Content access | Linear schedule | Full on-demand library |
| DVR recording | Yes, with compatible receiver | No |
| Live events | Yes | Yes |
| Internet required | No (satellite) | Yes |
| 4K availability | No | Select content |
The DirecTV version works best if you prefer lean-back viewing where you turn on the channel and see what is on. The app works best if you want to browse and pick specific content. Many viewers use both.
#Bottom Line
Red Bull TV on DirecTV channel 138 gives you free HD access to action sports, music events, and documentaries through your existing satellite setup. Tune to channel 138 or search “Red Bull” in your guide to start watching. If the channel is not loading, restart your receiver first since that fixes most issues within a few minutes.
For more flexibility, install the free Red Bull TV app on your smart TV or streaming device. You get the same content with full on-demand control. Check out our Red Bull TV review for a deeper look at what the service offers across all platforms.
#Frequently Asked Questions
#Is Red Bull TV free on DirecTV?
Yes. Red Bull TV is included at no extra cost with every DirecTV package. There are no add-on fees, premium tier requirements, or separate subscriptions needed to watch channel 138.
#Why can’t I find channel 138 on my DirecTV?
Channel 138 only appears in HD channel listings. If your guide is filtered to show SD channels, Red Bull TV will not show up. Switch your guide to “All Channels” or “HD” mode, then navigate to 138 directly using your remote.
#Can I record Red Bull TV shows on DirecTV?
You can record any Red Bull TV program using a DVR-enabled DirecTV receiver. Set recordings manually or create a series link to capture all episodes of a specific show automatically. Recorded content stays on your DVR until you delete it or run out of storage space.
#Does Red Bull TV on DirecTV show live events?
Live events air on channel 138 as they happen. Red Bull broadcasts motorsport races, cliff diving competitions, and music festivals in real time. Check the DirecTV program guide or the Red Bull event calendar for upcoming live broadcasts.
#What sports are on Red Bull TV?
The channel covers motorsports, surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, cliff diving, skateboarding, BMX, wingsuit flying, and ice cross. Programming rotates seasonally, with winter sports getting more airtime from November through March and water sports dominating the summer months.
#Is Red Bull TV available in 4K on DirecTV?
No. DirecTV broadcasts Red Bull TV in HD only on channel 138. If you want 4K content from Red Bull, use the standalone Red Bull TV app on a 4K-capable streaming device or smart TV. Select documentaries and event replays are available in 4K through the app.
#Can I watch Red Bull TV on the DirecTV app?
The DirecTV Stream app carries a different channel lineup than satellite DirecTV, and Red Bull TV availability varies. Your best option for mobile viewing is the dedicated Red Bull TV app, which is free on iOS and Android with no login required.
#How is Red Bull TV different from ESPN or other sports channels?
Red Bull TV focuses exclusively on action and extreme sports rather than mainstream team sports like football, basketball, or baseball. You will not find scores, news desks, or commentary panels. The content is production-focused, built around athlete stories, event coverage, and documentary filmmaking rather than traditional sports broadcasting.