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: A number of issues are caused by wrong insertion of the DStv Smartcard
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.
| DStv Code | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| E04 | Please insert Smartcard | The 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. |
| E06 | Smartcard fault. Cannot Read | The 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. |
| E07 | Checking Smartcard | If 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. |
| E16 | Service is currently scrambled | Transmission 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. |
| E17 | Ensure Smartcard is inserted in the decoder | Ensure 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. |
| E19 | Service is currently scrambled. Please wait | Please 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. |
| E30 | Checking the subscription status | Please 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. |
| E32 | Your Smartcard is not switched on or activated, or the channel that you are trying to view may not be part of your package | Your 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. |
| E34 | Cannot read Smartcard | The 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. |
| E37 | Invalid channel number | The 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. |
| E38 | Program Map Table not available | Please 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. |
| E39 | Service not running | Please 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. |
| E42 | Parental Control PIN blocked | You’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. |
| E45 | Service not allowed | Switch 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. |
| E50 | No services available | No channels exist in the package you have selected. Please select another package. |
| E70 | Services not available on TV2 | No 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. |
| E71 | Song title and artist info not available | Song 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. |
| E72 | Rescan in progress | The decoder is busy scanning. Please wait for the scanning to finish. |
| E75 | LNB2 overload | Please 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. |
| E74 | LNB2 overload | Please 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. |
| E73 | TV link overload | Please check your connection or consult your manual. There may be an error with your installation. |
| E76 | Your second TV service is not enabled. Please contact MultiChoice for assistance | TV2 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. |
| E43 | Not for this country | This channel or programme is not available for viewing in your country. |
| E107 | Your Smartcard and decoder are not paired | Please contact the DStv Call Centre for assistance. |
Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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