How to watch Showmax outside Africa: Quick method (2024)

To watch Showmax while you’re exploring outside Africa, you need to learn how to use a VPN and jump between servers. Our suggested VPNs open up Showmax by assigning you an Africa-based IP address.

A message on the Showmax website confirms that, since December 2023, the service hasn’t been available (officially) outside of sub-Saharan Africa. Below, we explain how to unlock Showmax from anywhere.

These VPNs work with Showmax

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Watching Showmax outside Africa

At a glance: To watch your favourite Showmax shows once you’ve left Africa, download a VPN, sign in, connect to a server based in Africa and then refresh the website/app.

Step 1. Download a VPN

To stream Showmax highlights including Big Brother, Real Housewives and Igiza, you need a trusted VPN. We recommended ExpressVPN as it’s cheap and lets you use up to 5 gadgets at one time.

Step 2. Sign in to your VPN

Once you’ve created your account and downloaded the software, sign in with your assigned username and password.

Step 3. Connect to an African server

As Showmax is meant to be used in Africa, you need to connect to a VPN server based there. Top VPNs will have multiple servers there that you can jump between when you need to.

For example, to unlock Showmax abroad using ExpressVPN, open the app, tap the three dots icon and use the search box to enter ‘South Africa.’ Then, click the power icon to connect.

Why can’t I watch Showmax abroad?

If Showmax identifies that you’re trying to stream content from outside of Africa, your connection could be blocked. But the best VPNs for Showmax can still help you stream from anywhere.

We’ve written a full guide on this topic. If you’re struggling with your VPN, check our walkthrough: Showmax isn’t working with my VPN: fix it FAST.

VPNs for Showmax abroad

ExpressVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.53 per month
• 6-month subscription: £8.12 per month
• 1-year subscription + 3 months free: £5.42 per month (49% off)

🌎 Number of servers	160
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	5
⏱️ Our speed test results	-8.7% download, -5.5% upload (London)

If you want to enjoy TV on Showmax from anywhere, create an account with ExpressVPN. This VPN keeps your real IP address hidden at all times, so the telly network won’t know you’re accessing content from outside Africa. All ExpressVPN members have access to servers in over 90 countries around the world.

Pros: Smartphone app lets you connect in seconds, 'favourite' most-used VPN servers for quick access, performed remarkably well in our chat support speed test

Cons: Rival VPNs are cheaper, can't use many devices at once

Try ExpressVPN today

Ivacy

• 1-month subscription: £8.62 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3 per month (65% off)
• 5-year subscription + FREE password manager: 80p per month (90% off)

🌎 Number of servers	5,700
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

Ivacy is a reliable option if you don’t want to spend loads on a VPN. It’s one of the most widely-used VPNs proven to work with Showmax and other websites locked to viewers in Africa. If you try it today, you’ll have access to over 3,000 VPN servers around the world.

Pros: Connection is steady when using multiple devices, notifications mention if Ivacy is disabled, server locations split by country and city

Cons: We think the ExpressVPN mobile app is faster, below-average results in our chat support speed test

Try Ivacy today

NordVPN

• 1-month subscription: £10.49 per month
• 1-year subscription: £3.99 per month (40% off)
• 2-year subscription: £2.79 per month (58% off)

🌎 Number of servers	5,200+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	6
⏱️ Our speed test results	-14% download, -7% upload (London)

NordVPN’s servers are secure and you can connect without handing over personal data. In just a couple of minutes, you can start streaming Showmax outside Africa. To access the service, just connect to a VPN server based in South Africa, for example. If you need help at any time, you can call on NordVPN’s live chat service.

Pros: Built-in internet kill switch works well, profile page on app includes 'Security score' with privacy tips, takes less than a minute to reach a live chat agent (based on our tests)

Cons: Other VPNs tested are cheaper, some streaming services require multiple resets to work

Try NordVPN today

PureVPN

• 1-month subscription: $10.95 per month (12% off)
• 1-year subscription: $3.74 per month (70% off)
• 2-year subscription + 4 extra months: $1.96 per month (84% off)

🌎 Number of servers	6,500+
📈 Bandwidth	Unlimited
🗣️ 24/7 live chat service	Yes
📱 Number of devices	10

PureVPN is a great VPN that allows you to bypass geo-locked websites so you can enjoy Showmax, even if you’re not currently based in Africa. There are over 6,000 super-secure PureVPN servers based in over 70 different countries.

Pros: Surprisingly affordable considering features, lots of UK and US-based servers, generous with simultaneous devices

Cons: Takes a couple of minutes to reach live chat agents (based on our tests), performs better on iOS compared to Android (in our experience)

Try PureVPN today As per our affiliate policy, we might earn affiliate commission when you select a retailer link. Prices and information correct at time of publication.