The_new_Showmax
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!

Original African stories by local talent

Volspoed on Showmax

Volspoed S1

Volspoed is a turbo-charged reality series about the high-adrenaline life and marriage of endurance racer Antonie Marx. Lands 6 January on Showmax.

OriginalMade in South Africa
Adam to Eve poster

Adam to Eve

Blessing Lungaho stars in Adam to Eve, as a man whose world is turned upside down when a mysterious curse transforms him into a woman.

OriginalMade in Kenya
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa.jpg

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa brings together fan favourites from Nigeria, Kenya and SA. New episodes land on Showmax on Fridays.

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 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 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
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

Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax

Go on holiday with RHUGT - Africa