Clearing DStv Error Codes: What they mean and how to resolve them

Perhaps the most well-known DStv error code out there is E16. This code is the notice one gets when service is currently scrambled when they have not subscribed for a bouquet. Much as it’s annoying, seeing these codes is a good thing, seeing as DStv has no toll free line to call to everyone’s chagrin.

Subscribers are of one mind when they say that it’s a terrible thing to pay for a service and then blow their airtime contacting customer care as well. What’s worse is that hunting for information online can be a chore. But don’t fret. We will take you through the whole process and show you new ways of getting help from DStv.

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DStv’s automated diagnosis system makes it easy to troubleshoot common problems. Some of these may be as simple as a wrongly placed Smartcard or cables, or even the previously mentioned expired subscription. In this light, we would advise carefully checking that all the cables are correctly inserted and the device is powered on, before troubleshooting more complex issues.


Related: DStv launches a new SuperSport mobile app without live streaming


Once you have an error code there are a couple of things you can do. For starters, you can head over to DStv Eazy Self Service, scroll down to Fix Errors and input your error code. Many of these codes are actually country specific. In East Africa, for example, (as in most regions) you will mostly come across DStv error codes E16, E30 & E32. However, there is a long list of things that could go wrong.

DStv SmartCard
DStv SmartCard: A number of issues are caused by wrong insertion of the DStv Smartcard

Back to the question of Error code E16, the biggest complaint we have seen is the decoder remaining scrambled after someone has already subscribed for a bouquet. Our advice is to make sure the decoder is switched on when you pay for your bouquet to save yourself the hustle of calling customer care.

Clearing Error Code E16 via shortcode:

We have gone ahead and tabulated an exhaustive list of DStv error codes you are likely to encounter in your quest for quality home entertainment and solutions to these problems.

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DStv CodeWhat it meansWhat to do
E04Please insert SmartcardThe Smartcard may not have been put incorrectly. Switch the decoder off at the plug. Remove the Smart Card, wipe it gently with a dry cloth and put it back in with the chip on the Smart Card facing down. Switch the decoder back on again. If this error continues, take your decoder and Smart Card to your nearest DStv service centre or agency for testing.
E06Smartcard fault. Cannot ReadThe Smartcard may not have been put incorrectly. Switch the decoder off at the plug. Remove the Smart Card, wipe it gently with a dry cloth and put it back in with the chip on the Smart Card facing down. Switch the decoder back on again. If this error continues, take your decoder and Smart Card to your nearest DStv service centre or agency for testing.
E07Checking SmartcardIf this error does not clear within 30 seconds, remove the Smart Card. Wipe it gently with a dry cloth and put it back in with the chip on the Smart Card facing down. If this error continues, take your decoder and Smart Card to your nearest DStv service centre or agency for testing.
E16Service is currently scrambledTransmission might be temporarily suspended. Press Menu then 4 to check your Mail Messages, and if you have a notification from us to pay your account, then payment needs to be made before services can be reactivated. If your account is not suspended, then SMS E16 followed by your Smart Card number to 32472 or visit My Account to clear the error code.
E17Ensure Smartcard is inserted in the decoderEnsure that the Smart Card is in the decoder and either: SMS “E17 + Smart Card Number” to 32472, reset the service yourself by logging into your account and selecting “Reset Decoder” or use the Voice Self Help option through your local DStv Call Centre.
E19Service is currently scrambled. Please waitPlease wait a few minutes for your subscription status to be verified. If the message is not cleared in two minutes, please call your nearest DStv Call Centre.
E30Checking the subscription statusPlease check that the cables from the satellite dish are securely connected to the correct inputs on the back of the decoder. Then switch the decoder off at the plug, wait 10 seconds and switch it back on again. If this error is not cleared, visit Self Service on www.dstv.com for troubleshooting steps or contact the DStv Contact Centre.
E32Your Smartcard is not switched on or activated, or the channel that you are trying to view may not be part of your packageYour Smart Card is not switched on or activated, or the channel that you are trying to view may not be part of your bouquet. If your account is not suspended, then SMS your Smart Card number + E32 to 32472 or visit My Account to clear the error code.
E34Cannot read SmartcardThe Smartcard may not have been put incorrectly. Switch the decoder off at the plug. Remove the Smart Card, wipe it gently with a dry cloth and put it back in with the chip on the Smart Card facing down. Switch the decoder back on again. If this error continues, take your decoder and Smart Card to your nearest DStv Service Centre or Agency for testing.
E37Invalid channel numberThe channel number you selected is not in this viewing environment. To see the list of all channels, press the DOWN arrow or press TV and select My Channels.
E38Program Map Table not availablePlease check that the cables from the satellite dish are securely connected to the correct inputs on the back of the decoder. Then switch the decoder off at the plug, wait 10 seconds and switch it back on again. If this error is not cleared, visit Self Service on www.dstv.com for troubleshooting steps or contact the DStv Call Centre.
E39Service not runningPlease check that the cables from the satellite dish are securely connected to the correct inputs on the back of the decoder. Then switch the decoder off at the plug, wait 10 seconds, and switch it back on again. If this error is not cleared, visit Self Service on www.dstv.com for troubleshooting steps or contact the DStv Call Centre.
E42Parental Control PIN blockedYou’ve set your Parental Control levels, but have forgotten your PIN and need to have it reset. If you’ve entered the incorrect PIN five times, you will need to log in to reset your PIN.
E45Service not allowedSwitch the decoder off at the plug. Wait 10 seconds and then switch it back on again. If this error is not cleared, take the decoder and Smart Card for testing.
E50No services availableNo channels exist in the package you have selected. Please select another package.
E70Services not available on TV2No channels exist in the package you have selected. Please select another package. This channel is not available in your secondary viewing environment, so please try another channel.
E71Song title and artist info not availableSong title and artist information cannot be viewed in the secondary viewing environment. If you really need to know the information, please use your primary viewing environment.
E72Rescan in progressThe decoder is busy scanning. Please wait for the scanning to finish.
E75LNB2 overloadPlease check that the cables from the satellite dish are securely connected to the correct inputs on the back of the decoder. Then switch the decoder off at the plug, wait 10 seconds and switch it back on again. If this error is not cleared, visit Self Service on www.dstv.com for troubleshooting steps or contact the DStv Call Centre.
E74LNB2 overloadPlease check that the cables from the satellite dish are securely connected to the correct inputs on the back of the decoder. Then switch the decoder off at the plug, wait 10 seconds and switch it back on again. If this error is not cleared, visit Self Service on www.dstv.com for troubleshooting steps or contact the DStv Call Centre.
E73TV link overloadPlease check your connection or consult your manual. There may be an error with your installation.
E76Your second TV service is not enabled. Please contact MultiChoice for assistanceTV2 is not enabled. You are not enabled to view this channel or your account has been suspended. Please contact the DStv Call Centre for assistance.
E43Not for this countryThis channel or programme is not available for viewing in your country.
E107Your Smartcard and decoder are not pairedPlease contact the DStv Call Centre for assistance.

On a side note: Dignited is not in any way affiliated with DStv. All we do is offer much sought-after information to our readers. We get a large volume of comments complete with sensitive information (phone numbers, account numbers, etc.) Our advice is to actually give DStv a ring on their official numbers, send them a Facebook message or tweet them on Twitter. Many thanks!

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