DStv USSD Code: How To Pay DStv Subscription Using USSD

Before we delve into the day’s topic, which is mainly about DStv USSD code, what is DStv first? Digital Satelite Television (DStv) is a cable TV under Multichoice Africa Limited, a South African company.

South Africans, Nigerians, Ghanaians, and other Africans widely use the DStv. TV packages are designed to suit families, friends, couples and organisations.

The DStv USSD code is one of DStv’s recently popular services. This is because it eases the stress of payment. 

Customers even use the code to clear error messages on their decoder and perform other transactions. How, you may wonder?

This guide will take you through the DStv USSD codes for Nigerians and their various applications. 

What is the DStv USSD Code? 

Sometimes, convenience means managing your DStv Subscription with a gadget in your hands – skipping the long queues and travel time that come with physical payment centres. 

One of the ways to achieve this convenient subscription lifestyle is through DStv USSD.

The DStv USSD code falls under DStv’s Self-service options.

The USSD code for Nigeria helps customers in Nigeria to quickly pay for subscription packages, and manage other aspects of their accounts.

Also read: Nigerian Tribunal Fines Multichoice N150 Million, Offers One-Month Free DStv/Gotv Subscription to Users

Comprehensive List of DStv USSD Codes in Different Countries 

The DStv USSD code differs in each country where DStv is operational. 

Below is a compilation of DStv USSD codes for various countries: 

CountryUSSD Code 
Nigeria*389*9*smartcard number#
Zambia*247#
Ghana*759#
Ethiopia*847#
South Africa*120*68584#
Malawi*470#
Tanzania*150*53#
Kenya*423#
Uganda*206#

DStv USSD Code for Nigeria Usage 

You need an active DStv account to use the code for Nigerians.

The DStv USSD code for Nigeria is *389*9*smartcard number#. It can make subscription payments, check account balances, and more. 

You can also use the USSD to clear error messages on your decoder. We will explore how to achieve that later on in this article. 

Also read: Multichoice Nigeria Increases the Prices of DStv and GOtv

How to Subscribe for DStv Using DStv USSD Code for Nigeria

Follow the steps below to subscribe to a DStv package in Nigeria with USSD:

  1. Dial *389*9*smartcard number#. Ensure you use the number linked to your DStv account
  2. Click on DStv from the pop-up menu
  3. Select your preferred package 
  4. Make and confirm payment
  5. Enjoy your viewing!

How to Pay DStv Subscription in Nigeria Using Airtel USSD 

If you are using Airtel, you can pay for your DStv subscription by following the steps below:

  1. Dial *939*41*#
  2. Select your preferred DStv package
  3. Select your DStv account (where applicable)
  4. Confirm the transaction 
  5. Input your PIN
  6. Enjoy your viewing!

How to Check Balance Using DStv USSD Nigeria

Did you know you can check your DStv account balance with DStv USSD? 

To do this, follow the steps below: 

  1. Dial the USSD code Nigeria
  2. Input your Smartcard number
  3. Click on “Check Balance”
  4. View your balance

Note that your Smartcard number is also the same as your IUC number.

To save your smartcard number for future reference, click on “save” after inputting the number. You can also name the smartcard number for easier reference if you have multiple cards.

Also read: MultiChoice Cracks Down on Streaming Pirates with Another Arrest

How to Top-up DStv Account Using USSD

To recharge your DStv account with USSD, follow the steps below: 

  1. Dial the USSD code Nigeria
  2. Input your smartcard number, or select it if you have previously saved it
  3. Select 3 from the pop-up menu
  4. Select 1 ( “Pay Now”)
  5. Input the amount in naira
  6. Select your mobile money wallet
  7. Click Send
  8. Wait for a notification of successful payment

How to Use DStv USSD Code to Clear Error 

You can make use of the DStv USSD code to clear errors by following these easy steps:

  1. Dial the code for Nigeria
  2. Select 5 on the pop-up menu
  3. Confirm your profile
  4. Input/select your Smartcard number
  5. Input the error code on your TV screen
  6. Wait for the pop-up confirmation
  7. Wait for a confirmation text message
  8. The error code will be cleared within 15 minutes. 

Also read: Top 10 Most Popular Streaming Platforms Available in Nigeria

Features of DStv USSD Code for Nigeria

Below are some common features of the USSD code for DStv: 

  • You must have an active DStv account before you can use the DStv USSD code
  • The phone number you use to dial the USSD code for DStv should be linked to your DStv account
  • For swift transactions, your mobile network must be fast and stable 
  • You do not need mobile data to access this service 
  • Transactions can be made anywhere in the world with the code.

Advantages of DStv USSD Code for Nigeria

The DStv USSD code for Nigeria boasts of the following benefits: 

  • It is fast; with a stable mobile network, it takes an average of 20 seconds to complete any transaction using the DStv USSD code.
  • You can perform various transactions with the code
  • You can access the code from anywhere 
  • You do not need mobile data to access services via the code 
  • You can use DStv USSD code to clear error messages on your decoder 
  • The code is accessible 24/7
  • The code is easy to navigate 

Also read: MultiChoice Announces Exit of Imtiaz Patel as Chairman, to be Replaced by Elias Masilela with Immediate Effect

Common Issues and Solutions on DStv USSD Code for Nigeria

Are you facing challenges with your DStv self-service? 

Here are solutions to some common challenges that DStv users usually face while accessing their self-service. 

How to Prevent E16 Error Code on Your DStv?

Sometimes, your decoder still shows E16 after you have made payment for your DStv package. 

This may be due to one of two reasons: 

1. Your decoder was turned off while making payment: It is always advisable to leave your decoder on for your DStv package. 

If your decoder was turned off during payment, processing the payment will likely take some time. But not to worry – the error code will clear after 15 – 30 minutes. 

2. You did not make the right payment for the selected package: Overpaying or underpaying for a DStv bouquet is straightforward if you have paid via transfer. 

Look closely at the amount due and send every penny to the last kobo. 

If the amount transferred exceeds the required amount for your selected package, the subscription will not be successful. You will get an E16 code. Call DStv customer care to direct you on what to do if you face this issue. You can also check this list of free dstv channels.

DStv Customer Care Service Nigeria

You can contact DStv customer service in Nigeria using any of the following options:

  • WhatsApp ChatBot on +234 908 236 8533 
  • Dial *288# on your mobile
  • Chat with an agent online. Simply click the chat icon on the Home page of the DStv Nigeria website.

Remember to write down your Smartcard Number for faster services before contacting a DStv service agent via any of these channels.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the DStv USSD Code for Nigeria? 

The DStv USSD code for Nigeria is *389*9*smartcard number#.

How Do I Prevent E16 Error Code on My DStv?

To prevent an E16 error code, make sure your decoder is turned on while you make payment. Also, ensure you pay the right amount for the selected package.

Can I Use DStv USSD Code to Clear Error? 

Yes, it is possible to use DStv USSD code to clear error on your decoder. Simply dial the DStv USSD code for Nigeria and follow the preceding prompts. 

Conclusion: Multi-choice Blessings

Multi-choice Africa is feeding its customers’ needs by giving them convenience, ease and excellence. 

Customers are sure they can perform at least 85% of DStv transactions just with one dial. 

So, just as DStv says, “Out with the old, in with the do.” There is no need to go through the old-fashioned way of completing transactions. Whether you want to use the DStv USSD code to clear errors or to pay for your subscription, you can do it in less than a minute with one dial! 

Follow us on X or Twitter, @SiliconAfriTech for more informative pieces.

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Oluwajuwon Oladiti
Oluwajuwon Oladiti

Oladiti Oluwajuwon is an ardent reader and a voracious writer who is passionate about informing the public with first-hand, authentic information. His writing expertise has spanned over 5+ years, an odyssey that began in 2018. Over the years, he has crafted pieces across multiple domains, including religion, education, politics, and tech. There are two principles at the core of his writing: information must be genuine and accurate, and there is nothing erudite about speaking in terms people don't understand. While maintaining technicality, messages must be passed in a way that resonates with the readers.

Oluwajuwon is also a software engineer who specializes in backend development with Python, and he has an unwavering passion for music, pop genre especially.

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