New Showmax mobile_1920 x 1080
23 January 2024

How to watch Showmax on the smart TV app

Get the big screen experience when you watch Showmax on your TV. There are plenty of options whether you have the latest smart TV or want to hook up your standard TV to the internet.

To find out about Showmax's packages, prices, content and the app, read more here.


I'm an existing subscriber

  • Go to your TV's app store. Download the app as usual.
  • You'll see a Sign In screen. Sign in with your usual username and password on the screen, or scroll down to sign in on your mobile. (This may differ on Apple TV.)
  • To sign in on mobile, go to showmax.com/activate on your mobile device, and enter the unique code on the screen.
  • That's it! You're in! Enjoy the show!
smart_tv_how_to
smart_Tv_how_to_2
smart_Tv_01

I'm a new subscriber

  • To start streaming with Showmax on your smart TV, download the Showmax app by following these steps:
  • Use the Search function on your app store and enter the term "Showmax". Instal the app.
  • Log in with your Showmax account to enjoy seamless streaming and downloading.
  • (You must set up your account on the Showmax website before logging in on the app.)

How do I sign in on my smart TV? 

  • On the launch screen of the app, you’ll see a One-Time Pin (OTP) on your TV screen. (Note: the process and screens on some smart TVs may differ slightly.)
  • In a mobile or web browser, go to showmax.com/activate to link your TV to your Showmax account.
  • Sign in with your Showmax account. 
  • Enter the unique code. 
  • You’ll be automatically signed into the app on your TV. 
  • Start streaming!

Which devices can I use?

If you have problems downloading the new Showmax app, check if your smart TV is on the list of supported devices. If it's on the list, and you're still having trouble, ensure your TV software is up to date. If you need more support, contact our helpful customer care agents on Live Chat.


How to get Showmax on your non-smart TV

No smart TV? No problem. There are many ways to get Showmax on your TV. The sign-in process on these devices follows the same steps as above.

Android TV

You can access Android TV via a set-top box that allows your TV (provided it isn't too old) to connect to the internet. The software is easy to use and the box comes with a remote, so it is a very similar experience to a smart TV. The Showmax app is available on Android TV.

Explora Ultra or Streama

DStv subscribers can watch Showmax via the Explora Ultra or Streama.

Apple TV

Stream Showmax via Apple TV (4th generation or above).

More options

  • Google Chromecast is a media-streaming device that plugs into the HDMI port and allows you to cast shows directly from your phone to the TV.
  • Connect your laptop to your TV with an HDMI cable.
  • Connect your smartphone or tablet to the TV's HDMI port via a Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL). You'll need an MHL cable, and to check if your device supports it.

Don't have Showmax yet?

Test drive Showmax now.

Drama series and movies to stream online »

Share:

Original African stories by local talent

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa.jpg

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa brings together unforgettable Housewives from across the continent. Lands 28 November on Showmax.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Showmax Original Unspoken War

Unspoken War

Six-part docuseries Unspoken War, produced by IdeaCandy, lands on Showmax and M-Net on Wednesday, 12 November 2025.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Slay Queens on Showmax

Slay Queens

Slay Queens is a bold, no-holds-barred documentary series that dives straight into the glitzy, gritty world of Mzansi’s most talked-about women. Stream from 31 October, with new episodes every Friday.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Vaal Riviera on Showmax

Vaal Riviera

Vaal Riviera follows four Afrikaans families living in the heart of Vaal River society, where family, business, car racing and legacy all come into play. Now streaming, with new episodes on Tuesdays.

Original South Africa
The ABC Killer on Showmax

The ABC Killer

The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream now on Showmax.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Collage of images from Showmax's new ad 'Watch Us'

What if we believed the best can come from here?

Let's rewrite the rules of what it means to be local.

Untied on Showmax

Untied S1

Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Reckless on Showmax

Reckless S1

Reckless follows a pair of young brothers who find themselves at a crossroads when a tragic accident changes their lives forever. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.

OriginalMade in Kenya

Single Kiasi S4, now streaming

Reckless S1, now streaming

Latest Stories

Bafana Bafana live on Showmax Premier League

Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe

Arsenal live on Showmax Premier League

Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break

Catch the fiery battle between Chelsea and Liverpool live on Showmax Premier League

The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red

Godfrey Odhiambo on Reckless on Showmax

Godfrey Odhiambo on Reckless, his career, and the evolution of Kenyan film

Catch Newcastle v Arsenal live on Showmax Premier League on Sunday, 28 September at 17:30

The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade

Thelma on Showmax

June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma

Catch the blockbuster Premier League weekend live on Showmax Premier League.

Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend

Catch all the action from the Premier League live on Showmax PL.

Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue

Minne Kariuki as Mariah in Single Kiasi S4 on Showmax

Minne Kariuki on Single Kiasi, motherhood and being a “gold digger” 

Gerard Butler as 'Big Nick' O'Brien and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Donnie Wilson in Den of Thieves 2: Panthera. Photo Credit: Rico Torres.

Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera

Catch the London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham live on Showmax Premier League.

From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham

Catch the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch, live on Showmax Premier League.

Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running

The Mommy Club NBO on Showmax

Carey Priscilla dishes on The Mommy Club NBO drama 

Catch the Manchester Derby live on Showmax Premier League.

Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax

The Brutalist on Showmax

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist

Catch all the action from the Premier League live on Showmax PL.

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window

Task S1 on Showmax

What to watch on Showmax in Kenya in September 2025

Catch Liverpool v Arsenal live on Showmax Premier League on Sunday, 31 August 2025 at 17:30

Alexander Isak a great option for LFC's attack, say former Liverpool striker David Ngog

Ten Pound Poms S2 on Showmax

Kate and Annie take charge in Ten Pound Poms Season 2

Single Kiasi S4 on Showmax

First look: Single Kiasi returns for Season 4

The Mommy Club NBO on Showmax

Radio queen Cess Mutungi to host The Mommy Club NBO reunion

Sibusiso Vilakazi believes his former club Mamelodi Sundowns will edge out Pirates in the second leg of the MTN8 semi final.

Vilakazi's verdict: Sundowns to "edge it" in high-stakes MTN8 semi-final

Newcastle and Liverpool battle it out at St James Park on Monday, 25 August 2025. Catch all the action live on Showmax PL.

Rivalries reignite in thrilling Premier League games on Showmax

The Pitt S1on Showmax

5 patients you’ll meet in The Pitt Season 1