Identify what the upgrade changes
Sling separates storage capacity from retention time. Its DVR table describes a paid subscriber’s included storage and an Unlimited DVR upgrade, while retaining a nine-month expiry for both. The word unlimited therefore applies to the storage allowance in that comparison. It should not be expanded into a promise that a favourite film can stay in the library permanently.
Read the lock control by its purpose
On a limited-storage account, locking protects a recording against removal when the service needs space. The help says Unlimited DVR users do not have that lock control because they do not run out of recording space. A missing lock button after upgrading can consequently reflect the account’s storage mode rather than a damaged recording or an incomplete upgrade.
Plan for expiry before downgrading or leaving
For a programme with an expiry warning, consider whether you need to watch it while it remains available; Sling also suggests a new recording where possible. Do not assume the original expiry moves because you changed storage tiers. Removing Unlimited DVR introduces a separate capacity issue: the guide says older recordings can be deleted until the remaining collection fits the included allowance. Freestream has its own lower capacity and shorter retention rules, so distinguish a paid-subscription recording from a free-service item when asking support about a deletion.