Showmax customers can use mobile numbers as unique identifiers

At Showmax, our commitment to enhancing customer value and improving the viewing experience remains unwavering. As part of our continued investment in innovation and customer-centric solutions, we’re proud to announce a significant change that will make managing Showmax accounts easier and more accessible for users across the continent.

Showmax will begin using mobile numbers as unique identifiers. This strategic move is designed to streamline account access, enhance convenience, and improve our ability to stay in touch with customers in a way that works for them.

Traditionally, email addresses have been the sole method for signing into Showmax. With this update, new customers will be required to register with both a unique email address and a mobile number, while existing customers can continue to use their email address to log in/ or choose to verify their mobile number to use it as a login option.

This change reflects our promise to continuously improve the customer journey by offering flexible, user-friendly account management. By integrating mobile numbers into our system, we aim to make it even easier for customers to stay connected to their favourite content—anytime, anywhere.

Key benefits for customers:

• Greater convenience: Log in using either a verified mobile number or your email address.
• Simplified access: No need to remember long email addresses; your phone number becomes your entry point.
• Enhanced contactability: Stay informed with important account updates and communications.

Security remains a top priority. To verify a mobile number, an OTP (one-time pin) will be sent to the user’s device, ensuring only the rightful owner can complete the process.

Customers can also manage their preferences and choose how they’d like to receive communications—by SMS, email, or both.

This new approach to account identification is just one of many steps MultiChoice is taking to innovate and expand access to our services, while keeping customers firmly at the heart of everything we do.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit our website.

Showmax mobile number as unique identifier: frequently asked questions

1. Why is MultiChoice changing the unique identifier from email address only to including mobile number for Showmax customers?

MultiChoice is adding the unique identifier as mobile number to improve contactability and reach customers more effectively.

2. When did the Showmax mobile number unique identifier change take effect?

The Showmax mobile unique identifier change took effect on 31 August 2024.

3. Which countries will the Showmax mobile number unique identifier change apply to?

The change will apply to all African markets where Showmax operates.

4. Does this mean that customers will only be able to sign in using their mobile number and not their email address?

No, existing customers can still sign in using either their email address or a verified mobile number.

5. What should I do if I want to sign in using my mobile number instead of my email address as an existing customer?

Existing customers will need to verify their mobile number to sign in using that number.

6. What is the process of verifying mobile numbers for existing customers?

Customers should sign in to their Showmax account via Showmax Web. Then, click on Account at the top right corner, select Settings, and click on Update Mobile Number.

7. How do new customers sign up on Showmax?

New customers will need to provide a unique email address and unique mobile number upon Sign Up. The Mobile number will need to be verified via an OTP process before Sign Up can be completed.

8. As an existing customer what happens if I don’t verify my mobile number?

If you don’t verify your mobile number, you won’t be able to use it to sign in, as it won’t be a unique identifier until verified. However, you will still be able to sign in using your email address.

9. As an existing customer, am I forced to verify my mobile number?

Existing customers are not forced to verify their mobile numbers, but doing so is beneficial for accessing Showmax through alternative methods.

10. What happens if someone verifies my mobile number before I get the chance to do so?

If someone verifies your mobile number before you do, it will become a unique identifier for their account. However, an OTP process will be used to validate the mobile number to ensure security.

11. What if I don’t receive the OTP via SMS? Can I request a resend?

You can request an OTP resend up to three times. Each OTP is valid for 10 minutes. If all three attempts fail, you must wait 30 minutes before trying again.

12. If I verify my mobile number, will I receive marketing information via SMS only or both SMS and email?

Customers will continue to receive marketing communications via both SMS and email. However, they will have the option of opting out of both types of marketing communications.

13. Will I be charged for verifying my mobile number?

No, verifying your mobile number is free of charge.

14. Will I be charged for the OTPs?

No, it’s free of charge.

15. What happens if someone accidentally verifies their Showmax account using my mobile number?

The OTP process helps prevent accidental verification. For any fraudulent activity, please contact support via live chat, email, or our social media channels.

16. Can I verify one mobile number across multiple Showmax accounts?

No, each mobile number can only be verified for one Showmax account.

17. What happens if I have registered my mobile number in multiple Showmax accounts?

You will need to verify your mobile number with one account, making it a unique identifier for that specific Showmax account. For the other accounts where your mobile number is captured, you will need to update it to a different/unique mobile number in order to verify it.

18. Can I reset my password using the mobile number after I have verified it?

No, password resets can only be done via email. Mobile numbers cannot be used for password resets.

19. Do I have to verify my email address as well?

No, verifying your email address is not necessary, but a notification will be displayed under your Account Settings encouraging you to do so.

20. Is there a limitation to how many times a customer can verify a mobile number if they change their number?

Currently, there is no limit on the number of times a user can update and verify their mobile number.