Your guide to Showmax and the DStv Explora

4 March 2024

Your guide to Showmax and the DStv Explora

The Showmax app is available on the Explora Ultra and Streama.


What do I need to get Showmax on my DStv Explora?

  1. You need to live in South Africa, Kenya or Nigeria.
  2. Your Explora Ultra needs to be connected to the internet.
  3. You need an uncapped connection of at least 2Mbps, but 4MBps is recommended.
  4. You need a DStv subscription as well as a Showmax subscription.

If you are a DStv subscriber without a Showmax subscription, sign up on the MyDStv website or app. Find out more about how to sign up on the Showmax website.

How do I get Showmax on my DStv Explora Ultra?

Simply press the Showmax button on your Explora Ultra remote.

How to sign in to Showmax on your Explora Ultra

There are three ways to sign into Showmax on your Explora: by using the email, link, or by scanning the QR code.

Using the email

  1. Click “Sign in” in the Showmax app.
  2. Use your email address and password for preview.showmax.com.
  3. Click Continue.
  4. Get streaming!

Using the link

  1. Click “Sign in” in the Showmax app. Select “Too much to type?” to activate on your phone. 
  2. Use your smartphone, tablet, PC or laptop to go directly to showmax.com/activate in your browser.
  3. Enter the unique code you’ll see on your TV screen – you have 15 minutes to do this before the code expires.
  4. Get streaming!

Using the QR code

  1. Click “Sign in” in the Showmax app. 
  2. Select “Too much to type?” to activate on your phone. 
  3. Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera to open the website. 
  4. Sign in to Showmax. 
  5. Enter the unique code you’ll see on your TV screen – you have 15 minutes to do this before the code expires.
  6. Get streaming!

Original African stories by local talent

Nilichoma on Showmax

Nilichoma

The Kenyan Showmax Original docuseries features celebs who received an unexpected windfall, and then blew it all. Premiering on 28 May 2024.

Original
/images/ke.svgMade in Kenya
Melissa de Vries as Frieda and Lee-Ann van Rooi as Suzette in Mince Jou Hare

Mince Jou Hare S1

Shimmy Isaacs’s laugh-out-loud sitcom about a factory worker who opens a hair salon in her home lands on Showmax on 20 May 2024.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Untying Kantai on Showmax

Untying Kantai

Untying Kantai follows King Kantai, a man who has spent 30 years of his life working hard to provide for his family, only to be conned out of his life savings. Now streaming.

Original
/images/ke.svgMade in Kenya
BigGirl Small World on Showmax

Big Girl Small World

Big Girl Small World follows Ciku, a plus-size woman who stumbles through a journey of self-discovery after a humiliating scandal. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.

Original
/images/ke.svgMade in Kenya
Siyabonga Thwala as Khaya and Nambitha Ben-Mazwi as Ndoni in Empini on Showmax

Empini S1

Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama about Ndoni, a deeply troubled private security bodyguard in search of answers. Landing 23 May, with new episodes weekly.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Original Sin: My Son The Killer on Showmax

Original Sin: My Son The Killer

Original Sin: My Son The Killer follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, who then went on the run from South Africa to Brazil.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Tracking Thabo Bester on Showmax

Tracking Thabo Bester

From the makers of Devilsdorp and the director of Convict Conman comes the true-crime documentary South Africa has been waiting for. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
The Illuminated S1 on Showmax

The Illuminated

The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. All episodes now streaming.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
What will be the cost of vengeance? Empini S1, coming soon
Ultimate Girls Trip SA: What happens in Jamaica?