Learn how to enjoy online entertainment using the Startimes ON app in Nigeria. Designed for Android users, the app allows you to watch live TV, movies, and series anytime, anywhere.

In this Startimes ON app tutorial, both registration, login, and streaming processes will be explained in detail.

Learn how to manage data and enjoy playback even on low data.

Regardless of whether you are using Startimes as a first timer or have experience with the service, in this article, I will teach you how to make streaming with Startimes enjoyable.

What StarTimes ON Is

StarTimes ON is the mobile version of StarTimes in Nigeria. It lets you watch live TV, films, series, sports and lots of videos on your Android phone. Many things are free, but special shows or channels need a VIP subscription. Some people use it because it works even if they do not have a decoder or a television.

How to Get the App on an Android Phone

Go to the Google Play Store and search for “StarTimes ON”. The official one is made by StarTimes Inc. The app usually downloads quickly because it is about 20–100 MB.

If you cannot find it on Play Store, you can visit the StarTimes website (startimestv.com) and download the APK.

How to Register or Sign In

When the app opens, tap the “Me” or account section. Choose “Register” or “Sign in”.

You can register with your Nigerian phone number (+234), Facebook, or Google.

A small code may be sent to your phone or email so you can confirm you are the owner.

If you already have a StarTimes decoder, you can link it by typing your Smartcard number and the last six digits of your decoder’s serial number. This helps your TV subscription work on your phone too.

How to Start Watching

Once you are logged in, you can look through live channels, movies, series, sports and other videos.
Some things are free. One guide says there are “51 free channels” and “about 70% of VOD free”.
For VIP content, you need a plan. In Nigeria, common plans include:

• Sports VIP daily: ₦100
• Max VIP daily: ₦200
• Sports VIP weekly: ₦400
• Max VIP weekly: ₦800

When you pay, your VIP access usually activates straight away. You can also download videos to watch offline. These stored videos stay for a short time, such as seven days.

Tips for Watching with Limited Data or Slow Internet

Streaming needs internet, so problems may happen if your connection is weak. To make things easier:

• Keep your internet connection steady.
• Update the app to the newest version.
• If your data is small, download videos first and watch them later without streaming.
• Choose a lower video quality to save data. StarTimes says its technology helps reduce data use.
• Use Wi-Fi or data bundles when possible, especially for live sports or films.

If a channel does not load:

• Check your internet.
• Look at your subscription page to make sure it is still active.
• Try logging out and logging in again, or reinstall the app.
  If nothing works, contact StarTimes support through the app or their help channels.

What Nigerian Users Should Keep in Mind

StarTimes ON is an affordable way to watch TV and sports on your phone. It is handy for people who travel a lot or do not have a television.

However, it still uses internet data, so it helps to plan your data carefully if you rely on mobile networks.

Sports lovers may enjoy it because StarTimes often shows leagues such as the Bundesliga and other major competitions.

Before paying for any plan, check exactly which channels or shows you will get, since some things are free while VIP gives access to premium content.

What StarTimes and Other TV Apps Cost in 2025

Nigerians watch TV or movies in several ways. Some use their StarTimes decoder at home. Others use the StarTimes ON app on their phones.

Some choose other streaming platforms like Netflix, Showmax, or Amazon Prime Video. Here is what their prices look like in 2025:

StarTimes Decoder (Home TV)

StarTimes has different monthly plans.

• The cheapest is Nova, about ₦1,700.
• The most expensive is Super, about ₦9,800.

These use an antenna or a dish.

StarTimes ON App (Mobile Only)

If you only use the phone app, there is a mobile bouquet for around ₦1,500 per month.

StarTimes is one of the cheapest ways to watch TV in Nigeria and is great for people who don’t want expensive satellite bills.

Other Streaming Platforms (2025 Nigeria)

Netflix

• Costs from about ₦2,200 (mobile plan) to around ₦7,000 (premium).
• Has a huge mix of movies and series, works on many devices and allows offline downloads.

Showmax

• Usually between ₦1,600–₦3,500, but special offers sometimes drop the price to ₦1,000–₦2,000.
• Famous for strong African and Nollywood content, as well as international shows, with offline downloads.

Amazon Prime Video

• About ₦2,300 per month.
• Offers lots of international films and Amazon originals.

Traditional Pay-TV (Satellite/Cable)

Services like DStv have become very expensive.

• Some premium packages now cost around ₦44,500 per month in 2025.

This makes StarTimes ON and other phone-based streaming options far cheaper.

What Each Service Is Good At (Strengths)

StarTimes ON (Mobile) — Good Things

• Very cheap compared with most TV or streaming services.
• Works on phones without a decoder or dish.
• Great for people who move around a lot or don’t have steady electricity.
• Shows many kinds of programmes: sports, Nollywood, international movies and kids’ shows.
• Mixes normal live TV with some on-demand video, depending on the plan.

Netflix, Showmax and Prime Video — Good Things

• They offer big libraries of global movies and series.
• Showmax shines in African content.
• You can download videos to watch later when the internet is slow.
• They work across many devices — phones, tablets, smart TVs and laptops.

What Each Service Struggles With (Weaknesses)

StarTimes ON — Weak Points

• The “mobile only” plan has fewer channels than the bigger global services.
• Good internet is needed for smooth streaming; weak data causes buffering.
• Does not have as many huge global hits as Netflix or Prime Video.

Netflix, Showmax and Prime Video — Weak Points

• They cost more than StarTimes ON.
• They use a lot of data, especially HD shows or sports.
• Some content is not available in Nigeria because of licensing rules.

Which Service Is Best for Different Types of Nigerian Users

For people on a small budget or students

Choose StarTimes ON (mobile bouquet).
It is the cheapest and doesn’t need a decoder.

For those who want African content plus some international shows

Choose Showmax or Amazon Prime Video.
Both are good value and allow offline downloads.

For people who want a huge global film and series library

Choose Netflix or Prime Video — but only if you can afford higher data use and stable internet.

For households wanting everything (sports + channels + movies)

Use traditional pay-TV or the top StarTimes decoder packages.
But these cost much more and require a dish/antenna and steady power.

Things Nigerians Need to Watch Out For

Data Costs

Streaming uses lots of data in Nigeria. High-quality videos use even more, so people must monitor their data carefully or stick to Wi-Fi or off-peak plans.

Extra Costs

● StarTimes decoder users must buy the decoder and probably a dish or antenna.
● Streaming-only users must have good internet and a device that can stream properly.

Content Limitations

Not every movie or show is available in every region because of licensing restrictions.

Price Changes

Prices for all services can change because of inflation or currency issues. Promotions come and go. Pay-TV and streaming prices have already risen in recent years.

Final Verdict

If you want bigger global libraries with more international movies and series — and you don’t mind a higher monthly cost or data usage — then Netflix, Showmax or Prime Video might suit you better, especially because you can download shows.

If you want live TV, sports, movies and many channels all together, and you have good electricity and a dish or antenna, then traditional pay-TV or high-tier StarTimes decoder packages offer the most features, but they cost the most.

But if you want a cheap and flexible option, especially on your phone, StarTimes ON is a strong choice.