How to manage devices on streaming TV apps in South Africa

One of the greatest boons of internet TV is that streaming services Showmax, Netflix and DStv Now allow multiple devices to be used with a single account. This means each member of your family has access to the account through their own smartphones and tablets, and that you can stream the same shows on your smart TV in your lounge and on your tablet in bed.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to adding, removing and managing the various devices on each of these platforms.

Manage devices on Showmax

When you use a device to stream or download from Showmax it will be automatically be registered as one of your devices.

How many devices can I use with Showmax?

Register up to five devices on your Showmax account. Stream on two of these registered devices simultaneously.

How do I see which devices are linked to my account?

1. Sign in on the Showmax website.
2. Select My Account from the top menu bar under your username.
3. Select My Devices to manage your registered devices.
4. If there are any devices that you don’t recognise, click the “x” button on the right of the name of the device to remove it.

Which devices are compatible with Showmax?

Stream Showmax on your web browser on your laptop or PC, watch on your DStv Explora or gaming console, and stream or download to smartphones and tablets. Find out which Apple devices, Android devices, smart TVs and gaming consoles to use to download the Showmax app.

What is there to watch?

Manage devices on Netflix

How do I activate a device on Netflix?

Certain older models of smartphones and tablets may require an activation code to be sent before the Netflix app can be opened. Simply follow the instructions on the device and enter the activation code on this page. Make sure both your computer and your device are connected to the internet before you do this.

How many devices can I use with Netflix?

There are three price plans available in South Africa. On the Basic package, only one device can be used at any one time. On the Standard package, two devices can be used simultaneously. The Premium package allows streaming on up to four devices simultaneously. The same goes for downloads, which are allowed on one device with the Basic package, two with the Standard package and four on Premium.

If you would like to add a new device, but have downloaded titles on the maximum number of devices allowed on your account, you will need to delete all downloads from at least one of the existing devices before you can download on a new device.

How do I see which devices are linked to my account?

1. Select Account from the drop-down menu next to your profile or username.
2. Select Manage Download Devices under Settings.
3. Under Settings, you are also able to see recent streaming activity on your devices, sign out of all devices and, for older smartphones and tablets, activate a device.
4. Once you have selected Manage Download Devices, you will see the devices that have been used under your account. If there are any you don’t recognise, remove them.

Which devices are compatible with Netflix?

See the list of compatible smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and more here.

Manage devices on DStv Now

How many devices can I use with DStv Now?

Up to four devices (TVs, smartphones, tablets, media players, computers) can be registered with one DStv Now account. And any two of these can run DStv Now and stream content at the same time.

How do I see which devices are linked to my account?

If you see an error that you’ve reached the maximum number of devices, or that you’ve reached the two-device streaming limit, here’s how to check who’s using your account:

1. Open DStv Now app (smartphone or tablet).
2. Go to More > Settings > Manage Devices.
3. If you don’t recognise a device, click on it and hit “Remove Device”.

Which devices are compatible with DStv Now?

Stream DStv Now through your web browser, or download the DStv Now app on these devices:

• Certain LG, Samsung and Hisense smart TVs
• Xbox gaming consoles (Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X)
• Apple TV (4th generation and newer)
• Media players running Android TV (Google-certified devices only)
• Smartphones and tablets running iOS and Android

What is there to watch?