What Channel Is ABC Family On Directv?

What's Happening

Disney wanted to appeal to younger viewers when they changed the channel’s direction. Shows like *Pretty Little Liars* and *The Fosters* stayed put, but the network got a fresh identity. DirecTV updated its lineup to match, though most subscribers didn’t see a channel number change. If you’re hunting for ABC’s actual network feed, you’ll need your local affiliate—not a single national channel. That’s how broadcast networks work in the U.S. (Every market has its own ABC station.)

Step-by-Step Solution

Finding Freeform on DirecTV (2026)

1. Power up your DirecTV box and make sure it’s locked onto the satellite signal.
2. Hit the “Guide” button on your remote to open the live TV grid.
3. Use the number pad to type “311” or scroll to it with the arrow keys.
4. Press OK or Select to jump to the channel.
5. If 311 is nowhere to be found, go to Menu > Settings > Channel Info > Reorder Channels and double-check that Freeform is in your package.

Finding ABC in Chicago (WLS-TV)

1. Open your DirecTV guide and hit the search button.
2. Type “WLS” or just punch in channel 7.
3. Pick WLS-TV from the results or hit OK to switch to it.
4. If you’re using an over-the-air antenna, set it to VHF channel 7 for the cleanest ABC signal.

Finding ABC in Central Illinois (WICS or WICD)

1. Pull up your DirecTV guide and search for “WICS” or “WICD.”
2. WICS usually shows up as channel 20; WICD lands on 15.
3. Select the right station to start watching ABC shows.
4. Cable or other providers might list them as 20.1 or 15.1 instead.

If This Didn’t Work

Start by checking your subscription. Freeform is usually bundled with DirecTV’s Entertainment package or higher as of 2026. Once you’re sure, run a software update under Menu > Settings > System > Software Update so your box grabs the latest channel data. Still missing it? Reset your channel lineup via Menu > Settings > Channel Info > Reset Channel Lineup—this won’t touch your saved recordings. For ABC affiliates, the DirecTV Stream app or TV Guide can look up your local ABC station by ZIP code (affiliates change by market). Using an antenna? Hit Menu > Settings > Channel Setup > Antenna Setup > Scan for Channels to pull in those over-the-air signals.

Prevention Tips

Save the websites of your local stations—like WLS-TV or WICS—so you can check them when lineups shift. Set a monthly reminder to update your guide (Menu > Settings > Channel Info > Guide Settings > Update Guide Listings). The DirecTV Stream app even shows channels by location and provider, so you can verify your local ABC feed before you need it. For a bigger picture, Nielsen’s DMA map tells you exactly which stations serve your area based on your designated market.