Hello and welcome to Ogbeta Online. In this blog post, I will be sharing with you, on how to Link StarTimes Decoder to Your Phone.
Linking your StarTimes decoder to your mobile phone lets you enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies right on your device, anywhere and anytime.
This process has changed over the years. This updated guide will walk you through everything you need to get started in 2025.
From what you need before linking, to step-by-step instructions, subscription details, and tips, you’ll get a clear picture of how to connect your decoder to your phone and enjoy seamless streaming.
3 Items to Link StarTimes Decoder to Your Mobile App
Before you start linking your decoder to the StarTimes mobile app, make sure you have the following essentials ready.
1. StarTimes Decoder Serial Number
Your decoder has a serial number that identifies it. This is a 17-digit number usually found on a sticker at the back of your decoder. To complete the linking process, you only need the last six digits of this serial number.
If your decoder is old, the sticker may have peeled off or faded, making it hard to read. This is a common issue. If you can’t find your serial number on the sticker, there are ways to retrieve it directly from your decoder’s screen menu. A detailed video guide on how to find your serial number this way will be available soon.
2. StarTimes Smart Card Number
You also need your StarTimes smart card number. This number is linked to your decoder’s subscription, and it’s essential to match the smart card number with the serial number of the same decoder. Entering mismatched numbers from different devices won’t work.
3. StarTimes Mobile App
You’ll need the StarTimes Mobile App installed and an active account. If you haven’t downloaded or signed up yet, check out the tutorial on how to download and sign up for the StarTimes Mobile App first. Having your app ready and logged in ensures a smooth linking experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Linking Your Decoder to the StarTimes Mobile App
Once you have your smart card number, last six digits of the decoder serial number, and the mobile app ready, follow these steps:
Opening and Navigating the StarTimes Mobile App
- Open the StarTimes Mobile App on your phone.
- Tap on the Me tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll and select StarTimes Decoder Service.
Linking Your Decoder
- Look for the plus (+) sign or the option that says Click here to link your decoder.
- Tap on that option to open the linking menu.
- Enter your smart card number in the first field.
- Enter the last six digits of your decoder serial number (called the SN) in the matching field.
- Make sure both numbers belong to the same decoder.
- Tap the Link button to connect them.
Handling Missing or Damaged Serial Numbers
If you can’t read your serial number on the back of the decoder because the sticker is damaged or missing, don’t worry. A future video will walk you through how to find the serial number using your decoder’s on-screen menu.
Understanding the Subscription Model for Linked Devices
Linking your decoder to the app is only part of the process. Subscriptions have changed over time, so it’s important to understand how payments work now.
How It Worked in the Past vs Today
A few years ago, linking your decoder to the mobile app allowed users to watch the decoder subscription on up to three devices for free. That is no longer the case.
Today, you need to pay for both your decoder subscription and your mobile app subscription if you want to watch on both TV and your phone.
Subscription Payment Options:
- Pay for decoder subscription only: You can watch on your TV decoder but not on your phone.
- Pay for decoder and mobile app subscriptions: This allows you to watch on both your decoder and mobile device.
Walkthrough of StarTimesSubscription Payment on the App
After linking your decoder:
- The app will display your available subscription packages.
- For example, the Basic package might be priced at 4,000 NGN per month for your decoder.
- To watch on your phone as well, you need to pay an additional fee (for example, 1,000 NGN), so a total of 5,000 NGN for both.
- If you only pay the decoder subscription (4,000 NGN), you will not be able to watch on your mobile even with the linked decoder.
Make sure to check the subscription pricing carefully. Some classic bouquets may have lower phone subscription fees, like 500 NGN.
Related Tutorials
For a clearer breakdown of mobile subscription plans and how to subscribe directly on your phone, check the detailed guides on StarTimes mobile subscription. This video focuses specifically on linking your decoder to the app, not subscribing.
Benefits and Considerations When Linking Your Decoder to the Mobile App
If you’re wondering why you should link your decoder to your mobile app, here are some of the top benefits and things to remember.
Advantages of Linking Your Decoder to the Mobile App
- Watch your paid decoder subscription live or on-demand on your phone.
- Stream your favorite shows anywhere you have internet access.
- Flexibility to switch between TV and mobile viewing.
Internet/Data Usage Requirements
Streaming on your phone requires data. Just like watching YouTube videos, streaming StarTimes on mobile uses internet data.
The StarTimes app uses HLS streaming technology, which is designed to be fast and data-efficient. Even with a slow connection, the app should provide smooth playback.
Be sure you have enough mobile data or Wi-Fi to enjoy uninterrupted viewing.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
Some viewers may run into problems while linking or watching content. Here are common issues and solutions:
Invalid Serial Number or Smart Card Entry
- Double-check that your smart card number and decoder serial number’s last six digits come from the same device.
- If your serial number is missing or unreadable, use the decoder menu to get it or wait for the upcoming tutorial on this.
Subscription Not Working on Mobile After Linking
- Confirm you have paid for both decoder and mobile app subscriptions.
- If you only paid for decoder subscription, mobile viewing won’t work.
Data or Streaming Problems
- Check your internet connection or data balance.
- The app uses HLS streaming which works well on slow connections, but a minimum data speed is needed.
- Restarting the app or phone can help if you experience buffering or loading issues.
Summary Checklist for Successfully Linking Your StarTimes Decoder to Your Mobile Phone
Follow this checklist to make sure you’ve covered all the steps and requirements:
- Have your StarTimes smart card number ready.
- Locate the last 6 digits of your decoder serial number (check the back sticker or decoder screen).
- Download and sign up on the StarTimes Mobile App.
- Open the app, tap Me → StarTimes Decoder Service → Link your decoder.
- Enter matching smart card number and serial number.
- Pay for both decoder and mobile app subscriptions if you want to watch on both devices.
- Use mobile data or Wi-Fi to stream on the app.
- Visit Ogbeta Online https://ogbetaonline.com.ng for further support or tutorials if needed.
Linking your StarTimes decoder to your phone is a convenient way to enjoy your subscription content anytime, anywhere. With the right numbers, app setup, and subscription plan, you’ll be all set for smooth streaming on the go.
For personalized support or more tech tips, visit the Ogbeta Online website or reach out via WhatsApp.
Enjoy your viewing experience!