Losing your DStv signal can be a real pain, especially when you're settling in to watch your favourite show. But what if I told you that you don't need to call out a technician every time your signal disappears? You can actually use your smartphone to find the DStv signal and get your channels back on. It's surprisingly easy, and I'm going to show you how.

The short answer is to use a satellite finder app on your phone. These apps use your phone's GPS to locate the DStv satellite in the sky, making it much easier to align your dish correctly. One of the most popular and user-friendly apps for this is the Satellite Director app, which is available on the Google Play Store.

How to Use Your Phone as a DStv Signal Finder

Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding your DStv signal with your phone:

1. Download a Satellite Finder App: The first thing you'll need to do is download a satellite finder app. As I mentioned earlier, Satellite Director is a great option.

2. Know Your Satellite: In South Africa, DStv uses the Intelsat 20/36 satellite, which is located at 68.5°E. You'll need this information for the app.

3. Enable GPS: Make sure the GPS on your phone is turned on. The app needs your location to accurately calculate the position of the satellite.

4. Follow the App's Instructions: Open the app and select the Intelsat 20/36 satellite from the list. The app will then show you the direction you need to point your dish. It will usually have an arrow or a similar indicator on the screen that you need to align with the satellite.

5. Adjust Your Dish: Slowly and carefully adjust your satellite dish, following the directions on the app. It's a good idea to have someone watching the TV inside to let you know when the signal comes back on. I remember the first time I tried this, I was so focused on the app that I completely overshot the satellite. My wife was inside shouting "You've gone too far!" It took a few tries, but we got it in the end. A little patience goes a long way.

6. Fine-Tune the Signal: Once you have a signal, you might need to make some small adjustments to get the best possible picture quality. This is where the signal strength and quality bars on your DStv decoder come in handy. You'll want to get these as high as you can.

And that's it! You've successfully found your DStv signal using your phone. I have to say, the first time I did this myself, I was pretty impressed. I felt like a pro installer without having to spend a cent!

If you're still having trouble, you might want to check out our post on how to fix DStv signal problems for more in-depth troubleshooting tips.

Speaking of saving money, did you know you can earn rewards just by using your phone? With the Points Castle app, you can take surveys, play games, and enter competitions to earn points. You can then redeem these points for awesome vouchers, including airtime and data. It's a great way to get a little something extra for the time you're already spending on your phone.