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?

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

Click "Sign in" in the Showmax app.
Use your email address and password for preview.showmax.com.
Click Continue.
Get streaming!

Using the link

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

Using the QR code

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

Browse Showmax

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

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

Slay Queens is a bold docuseries that dives straight into the glitzy, gritty world of Mzansi’s most talked-about women. New episodes every Friday.

OriginalMade in South Africa

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

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 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 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