How to Clear DSTV Error Codes – All Methods

Legend KhaleefahDecember 31, 2022

You just got home, and you decided to put on your DSTV decoder to start binge-watching your favourite TV shows or the football highlights you missed. Well, you seem unable to do any. All you can see on your TV screen is Error 16, Error 30, or Error 32.

Don’t fret. There’s nothing extraordinary about seeing errors on your TV screen. This may be strange to you, but we are here for you.

In this article, we will take you through simple steps by which you can clear all DSTV error codes on your decoder. In fact, we will provide you with more than one method as we will be looking at the errors from different angles.

So, sit back as we unleash yet another mystery.

Before taking you too far into the article, let’s do justice to some of the errors you find on DSTV.

DSTV Error Codes

Table of Contents

Your DSTV decoder can show up any error at any point in time. And as earlier noted, you may find Error 16, Error 30, or Error 32 and more on your TV screen. Of all the errors, Error 16 is easily the most common.

What is DSTV Error 16 ?

DSTV Error 16 is an error code that is designed to notify users that their subscription has expired. In this manner, to clear the Error 16 code implies that a user has to subscribe to any of DSTV’s package.

Nonetheless, there are times when your subscription is yet to expire and you would still find the Error 16. At a time like this, it has become a bug. So, how do you clear the error code? We will get to that in a jiffy.

Let’s take a look at other error codes…

E04 – Insert Smartcard

This error occurs when the smartcard is not correctly inserted into the decoder.

Switch off the decoder
Remove the smartcard.
Wipe gently using a dry cloth
Insert back into the decoder
Switch on the decoder
If this error continues, you should take the decoder likewise the Smart Card to the nearest DSTV office.

E07 – Checking Smartcard
Same process as EO4and E06 above

E107 – Smartcard and Decoder not paired
Contact the nearest DSTV service centre

E16 – Service is currently scrambled

This error may be due to a temporary suspension in transmission

Press Menu followed by 4 to view your Mail Inbox Messages
If you get a notification to pay, then do as instructed before you can access services
For accounts that have not been suspended, send an SMS to 32472 with the following content “E16 Smartcard number”

E17 – Ensure Smartcard is inserted into Decoder

Ensure smartcard is inserted into the decoder. Also, do one of these two:

Send an SMS to 32472 with the following content “E17 Smartcard number” Log into your account. Select “Reset Decoder”
use the Voice Self Help option via a local DSTV Call Center
E19 – Service is currently scrambled. Please wait

Wait for some minutes to get your subscription status verified. If the error message is not cleared in two minutes, call the nearest DSSTV Call Center.

E30 – Checking the subscription status

Ensure that the cables are correctly connected to the precise outputs
Switch off the decoder
Switch on after 10 seconds
If the error persists, visit dstv.com to troubleshoot
Alternatively, contact the nearest DSTV Center

E32 – Your smartcard is not switched on or activated, or the channel you are trying to view may not be part of your package

Your smartcard may be switched off
The channel you are trying to view may not be part of your subscription
If both are untrue, send an SMS to 32472 with the following content “E32 Smartcard number”
Alternatively, visit My Account to clear DSTV error code E32

E34 – Cannot read smartcard

Switch off the decoder
Remove the smartcard.
Wipe gently using a dry cloth
Insert back into the decoder
Switch on the decoder

E37 – Invalid Channel Number

The channel number you chose is not part of this viewing environment. To view a list of channels, press the down arrow or TV and select My Channels.