How to activate my SmartCard
You recently received a new SmartCard or SmartCards in the mail. Please install and activate your new card as soon as possible to restore your programming. Follow the steps further below
If you have already followed the instructions in the letter accompanying your card and have replaced it in your receiver, you can activate your SmartCard online now.
You may be required to return your old card within 30 days. In such cases, the letter will provide instructions on what to do. In addition to the information you received in the mail, this page offers FAQs and troubleshooting tips.
Steps to replace your SmartCard:
- Turn on your TV and Bell Satellite TV receiver. Do not remove your existing SmartCard until you reach the appropriate step in these instructions.
- Verify the receiver ID and model to make sure you are matching the SmartCard with the right receiver by accessing the “System Information” screen with your remote control.
- Press the MENU button
- Select 6 for System Setup or Settings
- Select 1 for Installation
- Select 3 for System Information
- Locate the SmartCard slot on your receiver. Depending on your model, it is either exposed or behind a protective panel.
- Remove the SmartCard (if there is an existing SmartCard in your receiver)
- Insert the new SmartCard (with the bar code facing down and to the right)
Repeat steps above for all additional SmartCards received (for active receivers only).
Once you have completed the activation process, it takes an average of
15 minutes before you can view or record programming. In some cases, it may take
up to 2 hours.
- Note: Please repeat these steps for all the SmartCards you received in your package.
- Follow these instructions to activate the SmartCard:
Once you have installed the new card, activate it online.
Note: You will be directed to the My Services section of MyBell. If you have not yet registered for MyBell, you can do so before you activate your SmartCard.
Please refer to your letter for instructions on what to do with your old card
FAQs
1. Why do I need to replace my SmartCards?
It's important to replace the SmartCards immediately in order to avoid an interruption to your programming.
2. What's a SmartCard?
A SmartCard looks similar to a credit card and is inserted into the slot located on the front panel of your digital receiver.
Some digital receivers have an empty SmartCard slot, but will still require a new SmartCard to decode programming information from our satellites.
3. Where is the SmartCard located?
On most receivers, the SmartCard is located at the front, on the left. The card fits into a small slot and, depending on your model, is either exposed or behind a protective panel. Some receiver models don't currently have a SmartCard in the slot. If this case applies to you, you just have to insert the new card in the slot.
4. How do I perform the SmartCard replacement and activation?
Follow the step-by-step instructions to install and activate your new SmartCards, enclosed with the letter you received in the mail and/or the instructions found on the
activation home page. If you have more than one receiver, the same instructions apply to each.
5. I misplaced the new card you sent. What should I do now?
Please call
1 888 759-3474 to speak to a representative.
6. How long will it take to replace and activate my new SmartCards? When is the best time to perform the swap to ensure I don't miss my favourite programming?
It will take approximately 15-30 minutes for you to replace your new SmartCards, and then from 15 minutes to 2 hours for your programming to return to normal following reactivation. Therefore, we recommend that you replace and activate the card at least 3 hours before your favourite show hits the airwaves.
7. What do I do with the old card?
Please follow the instructions in the letter you received with the new SmartCards, as you may be required to return the old one. In such cases, a return envelope will be included with the letter.
8. I replaced and activated my new SmartCard, but I can't seem to access my programming. What should I do?
Keep in mind that it will take between 15 minutes and 2 hours for your programming to return to normal after you've activated your new SmartCards. If you're experiencing a delay of greater than 2 hours, please go to the
activation site, select the receiver with which you're having problems and follow the troubleshooting steps. If you still have issues after completing those steps, call
1 888 759-3474.
9. I have a receiver at my summer cottage and will not be able to replace my SmartCard until next summer. What should I do?
If the receiver at your summer cottage is currently on Temporary Programming Suspension (TPS), you will not receive your new SmartCards in the mail until you reinitiate your service. You'll then be expected to replace your SmartCards as soon as possible.
If your summer cottage account is not on TPS, you'll receive your new SmartCards with no delays. You're expected to replace and activate the SmartCards as soon as you're able to do so.
10. I have a receiver in my basement that I don't use and that isn't on my account. Will I have to replace its SmartCards?
No. Only receivers that are on your account and that are active are subject to the card replacement. However, if you plan on using this receiver in the future, you'll then need to get a new SmartCards.
11. I have a receiver in my garage that is active on my account but that I'm not currently using. Will I need to replace the SmartCards on this receiver?
Yes. All active receivers, whether rented or owned, will be part of the new SmartCard replacement. You'll be sent a new SmartCard for every receiver on your account, whether in use or not, and you'll be required to activate new SmartCards on all receivers.
12. I have installed my new SmartCards. How do I activate it?
Activate it using our
online tool.
