How to Restore Missing StarTimes Channels

You can restore missing StarTimes channels yourself in most cases, without calling customer care. Start with a channel search, because it fixes most missing channels in a few minutes. Only move on to a full reset if the search does not bring them back.

This works on StarTimes antenna decoders and dish decoders. The menu names differ a little between models, but every decoder has the same options.

Why You Need to Restore Missing StarTimes Channels

StarTimes channels usually go missing for one of four reasons: the channel list was damaged by a power cut, the signal is weak on part of the network, StarTimes moved channels to new frequencies, or the channel left your bouquet.

Local channels such as NTA, AIT, Channels and Silverbird often vanish together, because they travel on the same frequency. When one group disappears and the rest work, the cause is usually the signal or a frequency change, not your subscription.

Step 1: Search Again to Restore Missing StarTimes Channels

An automatic search makes the decoder look for every channel it can receive. Press Menu, open the installation or system settings, choose Automatic Search, and confirm. Let it finish without touching the remote.

1. Press Menu on the StarTimes remote.
2. Open System Settings or Installation, depending on your model.
3. Choose Automatic Search and press OK.
4. If the decoder asks, choose Yes to replace the old channel list.
5. Wait for the search to finish, then press Exit and check your channels.

If the decoder asks for a password, try the default. It is usually 000000, six zeros, and on some models 0000.

Step 2: Fix the Signal if Only Some Channels Return

If the search brings back most channels but a group is still missing, the antenna is not picking up that group’s frequency well. Improve the antenna, then search again.

• Raise the antenna. Outdoors and high works far better than indoors.
• Point it at the nearest StarTimes transmitter. Copy the direction of neighbours’ antennas that work.
• Check the cable and connector at both ends for damage or a loose fit.
• Use an outdoor antenna if you live far from the transmitter or behind thick walls.

On a dish decoder, the same idea applies to the dish. Check that it has not moved, and that the cable connector at the LNB is dry and tight.

Step 3: Reset the Decoder if StarTimes Channels Are Still Missing

If a channel search does not restore missing StarTimes channels, reset the decoder to its default settings. This wipes the old channel list completely and runs a fresh search on its own.

A reset also clears your favourites and other settings, so use it only after the steps above. Make sure the antenna is connected and the signal is good first, or the new search may find nothing.

Our guide to resetting a StarTimes decoder walks through every screen of the reset. After it restarts, choose your country and language, and the decoder searches for channels by itself. Do not unplug it while it works.

Step 4: Check Whether the Channel Is Still in Your Bouquet

If one channel stays missing after a reset while the rest work, it has probably moved to a higher bouquet or left StarTimes. No search or reset brings back a channel your bouquet no longer includes.

StarTimes changes its line ups from time to time. Check the current channel list for your bouquet on the StarTimes website or app. If the channel has moved, upgrading is the only way to get it back. Our guide to StarTimes bouquets and prices lists what each one includes.

Channels Show an Error Instead of Disappearing

If the channels are listed but show a message such as No Access, Not Subscribed or Smart Card Error, they are not missing. The decoder has a subscription or card problem instead. Our guide to StarTimes error codes explains what each message means and how to clear it.

Common Questions

How do I restore missing StarTimes channels?

Run an Automatic Search from the menu first. If channels are still missing, improve the antenna signal and search again, then reset the decoder to default settings as a last step.

What is the StarTimes default password?

On most decoders it is 000000. Some models use 0000. If neither works, someone has changed it, and StarTimes customer care can help.

Will a reset delete my subscription?

No. A reset only clears the decoder’s settings and channel list. Your subscription stays on your smart card account.

Search First, Reset Last

Most missing channels come back with a simple automatic search. If a group of channels stays missing, the antenna is the problem. Save the full reset for last, and check your bouquet if a single channel never returns.

For account help and contacts in your country, visit the official StarTimes website.

Valentine

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