A: No. You need to navigate the menu to find the IUC. You can buy a universal remote (Huawin or TopStar original) at any market in Kamwala or Town Centre for ZMW 50.
Option C — Over-the-air (OTA) or online activation (for internet-enabled decoders)
: Mount your TopStar terrestrial antenna outdoors, facing toward the nearest TopStar transmitter tower.
Some third-party resellers, such as Ubuy Zambia, may accept card payments for Topstar products. However, for direct subscription payments, bank transfers or mobile money remain the most common methods. how to activate topstar decoder zambia exclusive
Enter your 17-digit Decoder Serial Number (found on the barcode at the back or bottom of the decoder). Step 4: Enter your mobile phone number and press send. 2. Linking to the StarTimes ON App
– The transition to digital television has transformed the Zambian broadcasting landscape, and Topstar Communications Company Limited, a joint venture between Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) and StarTimes, remains a dominant player. For many Zambian households, the Topstar decoder (often easily recognized by its distinctive red branding) is the primary gateway to news, sports, and entertainment.
If you encounter any issues along the way, Topstar's customer care team is available via phone (dial from any Zambian line) or in person at the Topstar Business Hall in Arcades Mall, Lusaka. Keep your smart card number and decoder serial number handy whenever contacting support. Option C — Over-the-air (OTA) or online activation
Note: This service costs only K1 and works on Zamtel and Airtel networks . Method 2: Activating via StarTimes ON App
Topstar maintains several points of contact for customer service inquiries, including technical support, subscription management, and general assistance. However, the company's official website, topstar.co.zm , has been noted as not being mobile-friendly, so desktop access may work best.
If you experience persistent activation loops, you can contact the TopStar Zambia support team directly for manual backend activation: Enter your 17-digit Decoder Serial Number (found on
(listed from best to worst quality):
If you experience persistent problems, the issue may be broader than your individual setup. For example, technical issues have occasionally led to channel blackouts on the Topstar platform in the past. In such cases: