If you are trying to complete a Showmax sign up in Nigeria, it will not work anymore. MultiChoice shut Showmax down on 30 April 2026, and the app and website no longer take new subscribers. Its shows, including Showmax Originals, moved to DStv Stream, which you can use on your phone, laptop or smart TV without a dish.
This guide explains what happened to Showmax, where to watch its shows now, how to sign up for DStv Stream instead, and what it costs from 5 November 2026.
What Happened to Showmax?
Canal+, the French company that now controls MultiChoice, announced on 5 March 2026 that Showmax would close after a review of its streaming business. Showmax launched in 2015 and was relaunched with a new app in 2024, but it was losing money. Reports put the losses at about $522 million over three years.
Here is how the closure played out:
- 5 March 2026: the closure was announced.
- 1 April 2026: Showmax shows started moving to DStv Stream.
- 30 April 2026: the Showmax service shut down.
- 31 May 2026: free DStv Stream access for former Showmax subscribers ended.
Can I Still Do a Showmax Sign Up?
No. There is no Showmax sign up, free trial or Showmax login anymore. If you still see the Showmax app in an app store or on an old phone, it will not let you subscribe or stream.
Be careful with websites or social media pages that still offer cheap Showmax accounts or codes. Since the service is closed, those offers cannot be genuine. Do not pay for them.
Where to Watch Showmax Shows Now
Showmax Originals and much of its library now live on DStv Stream. That includes Nigerian titles such as The Real Housewives of Lagos and other local series that used to be Showmax exclusives.
DStv Stream is the online version of DStv. It gives you live channels, catch up shows and on demand content in one app. You can pause and rewind live TV, start a show from the beginning and download some content to watch offline.
When the content moved, MultiChoice said Showmax Originals would be available on the higher DStv packages. With the new package line up from 5 November 2026, check in the DStv Stream app which package includes the shows you want before you pay.
How to Sign Up for DStv Stream Instead of Showmax
- Download the DStv Stream app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or go to the DStv Nigeria website.
- Tap Sign Up and create an account with your email address or phone number.
- Choose a package. You can stream without a decoder, or link the account to a decoder you already pay for.
- Pay with your card or bank.
- Sign in on your phone, laptop or smart TV and start watching.
If you already pay for DStv on a decoder, you do not need a separate plan. Sign in to DStv Stream with your DStv account and you can watch your package on your phone at no extra cost. Our guide on how to watch DStv live online covers each device.
How Much Does DStv Stream Cost in Nigeria?
DStv Stream uses the same packages and prices as the decoder. From 5 November 2026, MultiChoice moves to four new packages:
| Package | Monthly price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| DStv Starter | ₦6,000 | Local shows and one Premier League match a week |
| DStv Select | ₦11,000 | Movies, series and kids channels |
| DStv Sports | ₦21,000 | Every Premier League and Champions League match |
| DStv Premium | ₦44,500 | Everything, plus Formula 1, tennis and golf |
That is more than Showmax used to cost, so think about what you actually watch before you pick a package. For what each one includes, see our guide to DStv packages and prices in Nigeria.
What Happened to Showmax Premier League?
The Showmax Premier League mobile plan closed with the rest of Showmax. Premier League football is now on SuperSport, which you can watch through DStv on a decoder or on DStv Stream. From 5 November, DStv Sports at ₦21,000 shows every Premier League match, and Starter at ₦6,000 shows one Match of the Week.
Remember that streaming a full match uses a lot of mobile data. If you watch several games a week at home, a decoder may cost less overall.
What Happened to My Showmax Subscription?
When Showmax closed, automatic renewals stopped, so you should not have been charged after 30 April 2026. Former subscribers were offered free trial access to DStv Stream until 31 May 2026, with details sent by email.
People who did not want to move to DStv Stream could ask for a refund for the unused part of their subscription, subject to MultiChoice’s terms. If money left your account after the closure, check your bank statement and contact DStv with the details. You can find contact options in our list of DStv service centres and self service options.
Showmax Sign Up Alternatives in Nigeria
If DStv Stream is more than you need, there are other legal ways to watch movies and series online in Nigeria:
- Netflix has Nollywood films and series alongside international shows, with a cheaper mobile plan.
- Amazon Prime Video carries some Nigerian originals and a large international library.
- YouTube has many free Nollywood channels, paid for by adverts.
- GOtv is a cheaper TV option if you mainly want local channels. Read our DStv vs GOtv comparison.
Prices for these services change often, so check the current plan in each app before you subscribe.
How to Pay for DStv Stream
You pay for DStv Stream the same way you pay for a decoder subscription: in the app with a card, through your bank app, with the *288# code or with payment apps like OPay. Our guide on how to pay DStv online in Nigeria walks through each method. If you want a different package later, follow our steps to change your DStv package online.
Common Questions
Is Showmax still available in Nigeria?
No. Showmax shut down across Africa, including Nigeria, on 30 April 2026. Its shows moved to DStv Stream.
Is DStv Stream the same as Showmax?
Not exactly. Showmax was mainly on demand movies and series. DStv Stream combines live DStv channels with on demand shows, including the former Showmax Originals.
Is there a free Showmax sign up or trial?
The free trial for former Showmax users ended on 31 May 2026. New offers appear from time to time, so check the DStv Stream app for any current deal.
Do I need a decoder for DStv Stream?
No. You can stream on your phone, laptop or smart TV with just an internet connection and a paid package.
Will Showmax come back?
Not as Showmax. Reports say Canal+ plans its own streaming app for Africa in future, but no Nigerian launch date has been confirmed.
Showmax Sign Up Is Over, So Use DStv Stream
A Showmax sign up is no longer possible, because the service closed on 30 April 2026. To watch its shows and Nigerian originals now, sign up for DStv Stream, choose the package that fits what you watch, and pay online. For official package details and terms, visit the DStv Nigeria website.
Frenzy valentine is a passionate blogger, developer, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and author of myfreshgists.com.