Why is DStv not showing all channels, and how do you fix it?

DStv not showing all channels

Have you ever tried watching a channel on your DStv decoder but realised that it is not accessible? Well, you are not alone. Like any electronic device, your decoder might malfunction, making you unable to access various channels. But is there a way around it? And how do you fix DStv not showing all channels?

DStv is among the leading television broadcasters in Africa. The service, launched in Africa in 1995, introduced satellite and pay television in the continent, revolutionising entertainment. DStv has various packages, from the budget to the premium, that allow users to access specific channels based on their subscriptions.

Why is DStv not showing all channels?

There could be various reasons that could lead your decoder not to be able to access all channels. From connection issues to subscriptions and errors, failure to access channels can be technical or software related.

How to restore DStv channels

Restoring your DStv channels is easier than you might think. Sometimes the issue could be minor, and sometimes it could be more technical. Before seeking the help of a DStv technician, try these hacks below.

1. Check if your account is active

After assembling the requirements above, you can check if your DStv account is live.

  1. Access the internet browser and log into the DStv self-service portal.
  2. Access the login page and choose your country/region.
  3. Enter your surname.
  4. Login to your DStv account.

Once in, you can check if the status alongside your card number reads "Active" or not. If your account is inactive, you must pay the amount necessary to activate your account.

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2. Reboot and scan your DStv decoder

DStv not showing all channels

What do you do when your DStv channels don't work? Rebooting and rescanning is an ideal fix. Satellite television is sometimes prone to downtimes and errors. One method to revive your decoder is to reset it and then rescan your channels. Here is how to reset your decoder.

  1. Power your decoder.
  2. Use your remote by pressing the blue button.
  3. Press the right arrow button until you locate the "settings" sub-menu.
  4. Scroll to the "System settings" menu, and a pop-up will appear.
  5. Press on the right arrow of the "OK" button.
  6. Then scroll down to the "Rest Decorder Settings" and press "OK."
  7. You will receive a prompt with various reset options; choose "Reset to Factory Default" and press "OK."

Your decoder will reset and reboot. After rebooting your decoder, you can scan your channels again. Here is how to perform a rescan on your DStv decoder.

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  1. After rebooting, a setup screen will appear.
  2. Choose the satellite based on your country using your remote arrow keys and the "OK" button for confirmation.
  3. You will receive a prompt to choose between the quick or the manual setup options.
  4. For the ideal setup, choose the manual configuration and press the OK button.
  5. Select the type of LNB (low-noise block downconverter), preferably the one used to set up your dish, or use the universal LNB.
  6. Check the tuner and scan.
  7. The decoder will scan the channels and, once finished, will be redirected to channel 100.

3. Check if your satellite dish is aligned correctly

If you cannot view all channels on DStv because of your satellite dish, you should contact maintenance, as it could be a technical issue. You can assess if your satellite dish is the problem by checking its alignment.

Sometimes, the satellite dish might be tampered with, resulting in signal loss. Place the satellite dish in a high and secure location to avoid tampering.

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What does it mean when DStv is only showing channel 100?

DStv channel 100, or Dish TV, is a free-to-air promo channel on all the packages. It displays promotional messages and contacts. There are various reasons for your DStv to switch to channel 100. They include;

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DStv not showing all channels

If you have already paid, you can send an SMS with the word "RESET" followed by a space and your SmartCard number to 22788 (in Kenya). If faced with the error code, log in to the self-service portal and locate the "Fix Errors" section.

You can also manage and access your DStv account by dialling *423# or using the MyDStv app to view balances, fix errors, pay bills, and upgrade packages. Once settled, your account will reset, and your subscription will be updated.

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Why is DStv not showing all channels? There could be various reasons for your DStv decoder to fail to display media. It could be that your subscription has run out or your decoder is encountering technical issues. With the guide above, you can try some proven methods of troubleshooting your account.

Can you unlock scrambled channels on a free-to-air decoder? Tuko.co.ke published an in-depth article about the methods of unlocking digital TV channels in Kenya.

The free-to-air decoder only shows the viewer a select list of channels. But is there a method of unlocking your decoder to enable it to access scrambled channels?

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Simon Ayub (Lifestyle writer) Simon Ayub is a Content Manager, Strategist, and writer who joined Tuko's team in 2019. He graduated in 2014 with a BSc in Agricultural Economics and is a CPA. Simon has over a decade of experience creating content for nyagah.co.ke, theHoth and other platforms. He works on content encompassing biographies, fashion and lifestyle, gaming, and more. Simon was awarded the "Writer of the Year" 2022 on Tuko. In 2023, Simon finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and, in 2024, expanded their skills through the Google Initiative Course. You can reach him via simonayub@gmail.com.