GOtv Update Error Code SIG: How to Fix It Step by Step

The GOtv update error code SIG appears when your decoder tries to download new software and the download fails. First a countdown runs and the update page opens. Then the screen shows “Update Error (code=SIG)”, and the decoder keeps trying and failing, and you never get back to your channels.

Luckily, you can usually force the update yourself in about ten minutes. Below is the method GOtv’s help centre gave us, plus the signal checks that stop the error coming back.

What the GOtv Update Error Code SIG Means

The decoder could not finish downloading its software update. The usual cause is a weak or unstable signal during the download, so the decoder receives a broken file and stops. Less often, a power cut during the update causes the same error.

GOtv sends software updates over the same signal as your channels. If the antenna struggles to hold a steady signal, channels may still play, but a long download can fail partway. That is why many people see code SIG even though their TV looked fine the day before.

Step 1: Check Your Signal Before You Try Again

Fix the signal first, or the forced update may fail the same way. Check the antenna cable at both ends, and make sure the antenna is outdoors, high and pointing at the transmitter.

• Push the antenna cable firmly into the decoder’s RF IN socket.
• Look at the cable connector. The thin centre wire must stick out enough to make contact.
• Check the cable along its length for cuts or crushed sections.
• If the antenna is indoors, move it outside and as high as you safely can.

Our guide on how to fix a GOtv antenna explains how to reach a strong signal of 75 percent or more.

Step 2: Force the Update to Clear Error Code SIG

You force the update with the P+ button on the decoder itself, not on the remote. Hold P+ while you plug in the power, release it when “CODE” appears on screen, then enter the code with P- and P+.

1. Unplug the power cable from the decoder.
2. Press and hold the P+ button on the front of the decoder.
3. Keep holding P+ and plug the power cable back in.
4. Hold P+ until the word CODE appears on the blue screen on your TV, then release it.
5. Straight away, press P- twice and then P+ twice. The CODE box should show 0011.
6. Wait. The screen should move to FORCE UPGRADE and start downloading.

Leave the decoder alone until the download finishes and it restarts by itself. It can take several minutes. Do not unplug it or press any buttons, because cutting the download short is what causes the error in the first place.

If CODE does not appear

Unplug the decoder again and repeat from the start. Make sure you hold P+ before the power goes in, and keep holding until CODE appears. If your decoder has no P+ button on the front, ask GOtv customer care for the method for your model.

Step 3: Rescan Your Channels

Once the update finishes and the decoder restarts, run an automatic scan so every channel comes back. Press Menu, go to the installation or tuning section, and choose the automatic scan. Our guide to recovering lost GOtv channels shows the full path.

If channels then show E16 or another code, send a reset with your IUC number. Our GOtv error codes guide explains each one.

If the GOtv Update Error Keeps Coming Back

• The signal is still too weak. Raise the antenna, shorten the cable run, or upgrade to a higher gain antenna.
• The power keeps cutting out. Run the update when power is stable, or plug the decoder into a UPS so it stays on.
• The update still fails at the same point. The decoder may have a fault. Take it to a GOtv service centre.

Watch the decoder light while it updates too. A steady light during a download is normal, and our guide to GOtv decoder lights explains what the other colours mean.

Common Questions

Is it safe to force a GOtv update?

Yes. It only tells the decoder to download the latest software again. Your subscription and IUC number stay the same.

How long does the GOtv update take?

Usually a few minutes. On a weak signal it can take longer. Leave the decoder alone until it restarts by itself.

Can I watch GOtv while the update error shows?

No. The decoder keeps returning to the update screen until the update succeeds, so you need to finish it first.

Signal First, Then the Update

Most cases of the GOtv update error code SIG come from a weak signal during the download. Fix the antenna and cable, force the update with P+, enter 0011, and leave the decoder alone until it restarts. Then rescan your channels.

If you still need help, the official GOtv Africa website lists customer care contacts for your country.

Valentine

Frenzy valentine is a passionate blogger, developer, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and author of myfreshgists.com.