Has your DStv been disconnected and you want to get it working again? Whether your subscription lapsed, you cancelled and want to come back, or your decoder shows “service not authorised,” this guide explains how to reconnect DStv and what it costs.
Why DStv Gets Disconnected
- Unpaid subscription — if your monthly payment fails or is late, MultiChoice suspends your viewing after a grace period.
- Voluntary cancellation — you cancelled your package and want to reactivate.
- Smartcard deactivation — your smartcard was delinked from your account (common after decoder swaps or account changes).
- Decoder not connected for 90+ days — DStv may deactivate a smartcard that has not been connected to a satellite signal for an extended period.
How to Reconnect DStv
Step 1: Check Your Account Status
Log into your DStv account at dstv.com or via the MyDStv app. Check if your subscription is active, suspended, or cancelled. If suspended for non-payment, the quickest fix is to pay the outstanding balance.
Step 2: Pay Any Outstanding Balance
You can pay via the MyDStv app, EFT, retail payment points (Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Checkers), or at a MultiChoice walk-in centre. Once payment reflects, reactivation is usually automatic within 1–2 hours.
Step 3: Send a Reconnection Request
If payment alone does not restore your channels, you may need to send a reactivation request:
- MyDStv app — go to Account > Manage Subscription > Reconnect
- USSD — dial *120*68584# from your registered mobile number
- Call MultiChoice — 011 289 2222 (official DStv customer support line)
- WhatsApp — message MultiChoice on their official WhatsApp line
Step 4: Reset Your Decoder
After reconnection, your decoder may need a signal refresh. Do a full decoder reset — unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in, and wait for it to boot and download the latest channel authorisation.
What If Your Hardware Has Issues?
If your DStv was disconnected for months, the hardware may need attention before it will work again:
- Dish misalignment — wind or storms may have moved the dish while it was unused. You may need a dish realignment.
- Cable damage — rodents, weather, or UV degradation can damage cables left unused. Look for water ingress signs.
- LNB failure — LNBs exposed to Cape Town coastal weather degrade faster. Check for LNB replacement signs.
- Decoder fault — a decoder stored unpowered for months may need a software update or, in some cases, a power supply repair.
Reconnection vs New Installation
If your dish, cables, and decoder are all still in good condition, reconnection is just an account-level action — no technician visit needed. But if the hardware needs repair or replacement, you may be better off with a fresh DStv installation. A technician can assess your existing setup and tell you what is reusable.
Important: We are an independent DStv installation and repair service in Cape Town. For account reactivation, payment, and subscription queries, contact MultiChoice directly at 011 289 2222 or via dstv.com. For hardware repairs, dish realignment, and new installations, contact us.
Need a DStv pro in Cape Town?
- DStv installers near me — certified local technicians across Cape Town
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