How to activate free to air channels on gotv?
Just went through this process last week! Here's how to activate free-to-air channels on your GOtv: First, ensure your decoder is connected to power and has strong signal. Press the OK button on your remote to bring up the installation menu. Select "Channel Search" or "Auto Installation" - this will scan for all available channels including the free ones. The process takes about 5-10 minutes. After scanning, you should have access to channels like NTA, TVC, AIT, and other local stations without any subscription. If it doesn't work, try a factory reset (but note this will erase your settings).
Activating Free-to-Air (FTA) channels on your GOtv decoder usually happens as part of the initial activation process, or if your paid subscription expires. GOtv typically keeps your account open to FTA channels once the subscription is terminated, but sometimes you need to prompt the system. The most reliable method is to use the self-service channels: 1. Decoder Setup: Ensure your GOtv decoder is switched ON and tuned to the GOtv self-service channel (often Channel 400). 2. Self-Service Method: You typically need to send an SMS or use the GOtv self-service website or mobile app to reset/re-authorize your decoder. The exact format varies by country, but for initial activation or reactivation, you often send a keyword followed by your IUC (decoder) number to a designated shortcode. 3. Wait for Signal: Leave the decoder on Channel 400 for a few minutes. If the signal is received, the FTA channels should become accessible. If you've just bought the decoder, you may need to complete the full account opening process first, which usually involves providing your ID/passport number and IUC number to an accredited installer or Multichoice agent. This YouTube video from GOtv provides a good overview of the initial activation process: How to open your GOtv account and activate your channels.
As a GOtv technician, I can confirm the official method: Switch on your decoder and TV, press MENU on your remote, go to SETTINGS, select SYSTEM SETTINGS (you might need the default password 0000), choose FACTORY RESET, then AUTOMATIC SEARCH. This will scan and store all free-to-air channels available in your area. The number of channels varies by location. If you're still having issues, check your antenna connection and signal strength. Sometimes just moving the antenna can help pick up more channels. The process is free and doesn't require any payment or customer service call.
It's mostly an account status issue. FTA channels are usually your fallback when the subscription isn't active. If you are not seeing them, it means your decoder is likely "dormant" or hasn't received the re-activation signal from GOtv's end. The quick fix is to send a re-connection signal: * Use the App: The GOtv app is the fastest way. Go to the "Fix Errors" or "Clear Errors" section, enter your IUC number, and select the E16 error (if you see it) or just a signal reset. * Ensure it's ON: The decoder MUST be powered on and connected to the aerial for the signal to be received and processed. * Check Channel 400: Make sure it's tuned to the designated activation channel (often 400) while you send the command. The channels should pop up within 15-30 minutes.
Quick fix for GoTV free-to-air—GOtv ditched full FTA conversion, but GOtv Lite gives local/FTA channels cheap (₹200/month). Rescan: Menu > Advanced > Installation > Auto Scan (ensure antenna aligned). Gets NTA, Faith TV, etc. No hacks needed—official now. My setup grabs 20+ channels post-scan. GOtv details. Signal issues?
To activate Free-to-Air (FTA) channels on GOtv: 1. Make sure your GOtv decoder is connected and has a signal. 2. On your remote, press the Menu button and go to Installation → Advanced Options → FTA Only. 3. Restart the decoder. FTA channels like NTA and other public broadcasters should now appear without subscription. For more help, visit GOtv Africa Support.