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21 April 2020

How to manage devices on streaming TV apps in South Africa

Do you have a bunch of different devices linked to a single Showmax, Netflix or DStv account? Here's how to manage devices on each platform.

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?

Insecure S1-5

Insecure S1-5

House S1-8

House S1-8

Lovecraft Country

Lovecraft Country

Detroit (2017)

Detroit (2017)

John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum

John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum

Years and Years S1

Years and Years S1

On the Basis of Sex (2018)

On the Basis of Sex (2018)

We’re Here S1

We’re Here S1

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 online

How many devices can I use with DStv?

Up to four devices (TVs, smartphones, tablets, media players, computers) can be registered with one DStv account. And any two of these can run DStv 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 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?

Stream DStv online through your web browser, or download the DStv 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?

Gomora S1

Gomora S1

Chasing the Sun

Chasing the Sun

Vula Vala S1

Vula Vala S1

The Good Doctor S1-4

The Good Doctor S1-4

Legacy S1-2

Legacy S1-2

The Block Australia 2020

The Block Australia 2020

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What is DStv online?

It's an online streaming service through the DStv app for smartphones, tablets, computers and smart TVs, available to all existing DStv subscribers who have a decoder and satellite access, as well as new subscribers who have signed up for streaming access only. Go to dstv.co.za to subscribe or register.

What is Showmax?

It's a streaming service featuring hit African content, international series and movies, documentaries and kids' shows. Showmax Pro includes all this plus live sport from SuperSport, live music and news. Go to showmax.com for more.

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How much does Netflix cost in South Africa?

How much does Netflix cost in South Africa?

Wanting to get into streaming TV and wondering how much it’ll cost you in South African rands? Here’s a breakdown.

Your guide to DStv online, the DStv App, Catch Up and more

Your guide to DStv online, the DStv App, Catch Up and more

How does streaming work on DStv? What’s the difference between Catch Up and DStv online and the DStv App? And where does Showmax fit in?

How to download with the DStv App

How to download with the DStv App

Get the DStv App on smartphone or tablet, connect to Wi-Fi and download shows to watch offline later.

How do I watch Amazon Prime Video on DStv?

How do I watch Amazon Prime Video on DStv?

The DStv Explora Ultra comes with ready-to-use streaming apps Showmax, Netflix, Prime Video and more. Here’s how to get Amazon’s streaming service.

How do I watch Netflix on DStv?

How do I watch Netflix on DStv?

With the new DStv Explora Ultra, subscribers get streaming apps Showmax and Netflix already integrated. Here’s how to get set up.

Get 1GB free data for streaming with your Showmax Mobile subscription and MTN

Get 1GB free data for streaming with your Showmax Mobile subscription and MTN

New and existing Showmax Mobile customers are now able to stream up to 10 hours of series, movies, kids’ shows and more with 1GB of free MTN data every month until 31 October 2021.

How to watch sport online in South Africa

How to watch sport online in South Africa

Here’s where you’ll find live sport from SuperSport to stream in your web browser or on your phone or tablet.

Where to stream live news in South Africa

Where to stream live news in South Africa

Here’s how to get your fix of live news on streaming platforms.

View more how-tos

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The best shows and movies to stream on Netflix, Showmax, DStv and Amazon Prime in South Africa.

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