How to Cancel Your DSTV Subscription Online
Complete guide for South African residents
Last updated: October 2025
Quick Facts
- Cancelling online takes 5-10 minutes
- No refunds for prepaid subscriptions
- You can watch until your current month ends
- You can rejoin anytime without penalties
Table of Contents
Why South Africans Are Cancelling DSTV
DSTV prices increased again in April 2025. Many South Africans are now paying between R29 and R879 per month for their subscriptions. That’s a lot of money!
The main reasons people cancel DSTV are:
- High costs: Premium packages cost R879 per month plus R120 Access Fee
- Better alternatives: Netflix, Showmax, and others are cheaper
- Repeats: Too many old shows playing again and again
- Limited use: Only watching a few channels but paying for everything
- Financial pressure: Need to cut household expenses
The good news? Cancelling DSTV is free and you can do it yourself online.
⚠️ Important Things to Know Before Cancelling
DSTV is prepaid. This means you pay first, then watch. When you cancel:
- You will NOT get money back for the current month
- You can keep watching until your payment period ends
- Your subscription stops automatically at the end of the month
- Your decoder stays yours – you can reconnect later
Check your payment date:
If your subscription renews on the 15th and you cancel on the 10th, you still pay for the full month. You cannot get that money back.
Debit orders:
If DSTV takes money from your bank account automatically each month, you must cancel online or call them. Just stopping the debit order at your bank is not enough!
✅ How to Cancel DSTV Online (Step-by-Step)
This is the fastest way to cancel. You need your phone or computer with internet.
Step 1: Log Into Your Account
- Go to www.dstv.com on your phone or computer
- Click on “Sign In” at the top of the page
- Enter your email address or ID number
- Enter your password
- Click “Log In”
Forgot your password? Click “Forgot Password” and follow the steps to reset it.
Step 2: Find Your Subscription
- Look for “My Account” or “Self Service” button
- Click on “Manage Subscription” or “My Subscriptions”
- You will see your current package (Premium, Compact, Family, etc.)
- You will also see your payment date and amount
Step 3: Cancel Your Subscription
- Scroll down past the upgrade offers (they try to make you change your mind!)
- Look for “Cancel Subscription” or “Disconnect Package” link
- Click on it
- They will ask why you are cancelling – choose any reason
- Click “Confirm Cancellation”
Important: You may need to click “Confirm” twice. Keep clicking until you see a success message!
Step 4: Save Your Proof
- Take a screenshot of the confirmation message
- Check your email – DSTV should send confirmation
- You might also get an SMS confirmation
- Keep this proof in case there are problems later
Cancel from a computer if possible. The website works better than the mobile app. If the app gives you problems, use the website instead.
Other Ways to Cancel DSTV
Method 2: Cancel Using USSD Code
You can use your phone without internet:
- Dial *120*68584# on your cellphone
- Follow the prompts on your screen
- Choose “Cancel Subscription”
- Confirm your choice
Note: This uses your airtime but is very small – less than R1.
Method 3: Cancel by Phone
Call DSTV customer service:
- Phone: 011 289 2222
- WhatsApp: 060 060 3788
- Hours: 08:00 – 22:00 every day
Warning: Phone lines are often very busy. You might wait 30 minutes or longer. Online is faster.
Method 4: Cancel at a DSTV Office
Visit a MultiChoice or DSTV service centre:
- Bring your ID document
- Bring your DSTV account number or decoder number
- Ask them to cancel your subscription
- Get a written confirmation before you leave
Find your nearest service centre at www.dstv.com or call 011 289 2222.
💰 What Happens to Your Money
IMPORTANT: DSTV does not give refunds for cancelled subscriptions.
| Situation | What Happens |
|---|---|
| You cancel after paying | No refund. You watch until the month ends. |
| You cancel before payment day | No new payment taken. Current month finishes. |
| Debit order already gone | No refund. Cancel to stop next month. |
| You change your mind | You can reconnect anytime – no penalties! |
Example:
You pay R449 for DSTV Compact on 5th October. On 20th October you cancel. You will still watch until 4th November. On 5th November, no payment is taken and your DSTV stops. You do not get R449 back.
📺 Cheaper Alternatives to DSTV in 2025
You can get more entertainment for less money by switching to streaming services. Here are your best options:
Streaming Services (Need Internet)
| Service | Cost Per Month | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | R99 – R199 | Movies, series, kids shows |
| Showmax | R99 – R225 | SA shows, series, movies (Pro includes sports) |
| Disney+ | R119 | Disney, Marvel, Star Wars content |
| Amazon Prime | R79 | Movies, original series |
| SABC+ | FREE | Local SA shows and news |
| Apple TV+ | R99 | Original shows and movies |
Satellite TV Options (No Monthly Fees)
| Service | Once-Off Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| OpenView HD | R799 (decoder) | 20+ free channels, no monthly fees |
| StarSat | From R99/month | 100+ channels, cheaper than DSTV |
Get Netflix (R99) + Showmax (R99) + Disney+ (R119) = R317 per month. That’s R132 cheaper than DSTV Compact (R449) and you get way more shows!
🚨 Beware of DSTV Scams!
Criminals are using fake DSTV messages to steal money and personal information. Here’s what to watch out for:
Common DSTV Scams in South Africa
1. Fake Payment Demands
You get an SMS saying “Final Notice – Pay R879 now or legal action!” with bank details. This is a SCAM. DSTV never sends payment links by SMS.
2. Fake Prize Notifications
“Congratulations! You won R50,000! Send your ID copy and R500 admin fee to claim.” This is a SCAM. DSTV never asks for money to claim prizes.
3. Fake Upgrade Offers
“Get DSTV Premium for R200 per year! Pay once to this account.” This is a SCAM. These people take your money and disappear.
4. Fake Installers
Someone knocks on your door offering “Free DSTV for life – just pay R1,500 for installation.” This is a SCAM. Always check ID cards of installers.
5. Phishing Emails
Email claiming to be from DSTV asking you to “verify your account” by clicking a link and entering your password. This is a SCAM. The link steals your login details.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never send money to personal bank accounts
- Never click links in SMS messages about DSTV
- Never share your password with anyone
- Always pay through official channels only: www.dstv.com, the DSTV app, or at retail stores
- Always check emails carefully – look for spelling mistakes
- Always verify installers’ ID cards
If you think you’ve been scammed:
- Report to DSTV: 011 289 2222
- Report to SAPS (Police): 10111
- Contact your bank immediately
- Change your DSTV password
🛡️ Your Consumer Rights
As a DSTV customer in South Africa, you have rights protected by law.
What the Consumer Protection Act Says
- You can cancel your subscription anytime without penalties
- DSTV must not make cancelling difficult or confusing
- You have the right to clear information about fees and terms
- If your decoder is faulty, you can return it within 6 months
- DSTV cannot take unauthorized payments from your account
If You Have Problems
Follow these steps if DSTV does not help you:
Step 1: Contact DSTV First
Phone: 011 289 2222 | Email: help@dstv.com | WhatsApp: 060 060 3788
Step 2: Get Reference Number
Always ask for a reference number when you call or email. Write it down!
Step 3: Escalate if Not Solved
If DSTV does not help after 7 days, contact:
- National Consumer Commission: 0860 003 600
- ICASA (regulator): 0860 462 272
- Website: www.icasa.org.za
Keep all proof: SMS confirmations, emails, screenshots, reference numbers. You will need them if you lodge a complaint.
Our Final Recommendations
If you want to save money: Cancel DSTV and get Netflix (R99) + Showmax (R99). You save over R250 per month compared to DSTV Compact.
If you love sports: Keep DSTV or get Showmax Pro (R225) which includes SuperSport channels. It’s cheaper than DSTV Premium.
If you want free TV: Buy an OpenView HD decoder (R799 once-off) and never pay monthly fees again.
When cancelling: Do it online at www.dstv.com – it’s fastest. Save your confirmation proof. Remember: no refunds, but you can reconnect anytime.
Watch out for scams: Never pay money to strangers claiming to offer cheap DSTV deals. Only pay through official DSTV channels.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in October 2025. Financial regulations, fees, and requirements may change. DSTV package prices and terms are set by MultiChoice and can change without notice. Always verify current information with DSTV directly before making financial decisions.
DSTV Customer Service: 011 289 2222 | WhatsApp: 060 060 3788 | Website: www.dstv.com
For consumer complaints: National Consumer Commission: 0860 003 600 | ICASA: 0860 462 272 | www.icasa.org.za
I have two decoders how can I cancel one of then