Using your B7 remote should never be a problem. But as it is with most DStv components, there’s always the tendency to run into difficulty now and then, especially when you are using a new product. Whatever the case, here is how to program, reset, and also troubleshoot a DStv B7 remote control.
The DStv remote (model B7) was launched a few years back. It came alongside the 6-series (6S) set of HD decoders introduced by Multichoice that year.

In terms of features, it is not so different from a B5 remote. But its design and feel are slightly different from what we are used to having in other DStv remote models.
It comes with a lonely standby button at the top, with the rest of the buttons stylishly arranged under it. There are only 32 buttons on this remote, making it one of the simplest DStv remotes produced by Multichoice in the last decade.
The B7 remote manual is not available for now. However, we expect this article to serve as a user guide until the PDF version of the manual is available for download.
Recommended Article: Troubleshoot, Program, and Reset a DStv A7 Remote.
What to do if Your B7 remote is Not Working
If you have read the article on common DStv remote problems and solutions, there’s a good chance you already know how to fix a whole lot of issues related to DStv remotes.
If your B7 remote is not working, here are a few things you can do to fix it.
What is the problem? This is the first and most important question you’ll need to ask — and answer. Once the problem is known, fixing the remote becomes a lot easier. Also, knowing the exact problem makes it easier to find the cause.
The common problems with your remote are either going to be dead batteries, sticky buttons, or a faulty circuit board. But on rare occasions, the problem can also come from the decoder.
Dead Batteries
Although most built-in DStv batteries take years to die, you may be out of luck. But how do you know if the problem is from the battery?
Here is your answer: There is a good chance your battery is dead when your remote does not produce any light when pressed.
And if you do not find the infrared light on your phone camera when you press the buttons on the remote, this could also mean the batteries are dead. If you notice these two signs, start by replacing the batteries in the remote. This should fix the problem.
Faulty Circuit Board
Every remote has a circuit board inside it and your B7 remote is no exception. If the board is dirty, it becomes difficult and sometimes impossible for the rubber membrane under your buttons to make contact with the board. As such, you won’t be able to generate and pass any commands to your decoder.
A faulty or dirty circuit board can also be the cause of sticky remote buttons.
To fix this, follow the steps below:
- Pry open your remote from the lining on the side.
- Carefully pick out the electronic board and clean it with a soft clean cloth dipped in alcohol or water.
- Leave them in the open air for a few minutes to dry. You can also use your standing fan to make it dry quicker.
- Put the parts back together and test your remote again.
Sticky buttons
This happens when the buttons on your remote are “touching themselves” or sending commands even when you do not press them. As mentioned above, this is mostly caused by a dirty circuit board and you can fix it by following the instructions in the “Faulty Circuit Board” section above.
But at other times, sticky buttons are caused by broken remote buttons. If the buttons are broken, I recommend you replace the remote. But at times, this problem is fixed if you open the remote and reposition the buttons from the inside.
DStv B7 Remote Programming
You won’t find so many programming functions on the B7 remote. However, using the blue DStv button, located under the standby button near the top of your remote, you can make changes and assign lots of commands.
Note that the DStv button also serves as the Menu button on the B7 remote model.
How to Reset and Unlock a B7 Remote
If your remote is ever locked and you need to unlock or reset it, there is a good chance the fault is from a setting on parental controls.
You don’t need to enter programmed settings to reset or unlock your remote. It was designed to be simple and easy to use by just about anyone. And it is the kind of device you should buy for anyone who is not so tech-savvy.
But if you have to unlock your B7 remote, press the DStv button and it will take you to DStv Central. Navigate to Parental Controls and child lock settings and make the needed changes to unlock your remote.
This should guide you on how to make use of your B7 remote. If you are still facing any difficulty, leave a comment below and we’ll help you out.
I tried to reset the remote several time, but it’s not responding. I noticed that my child used an explorer remote and it worked. After that Ii started encountering this problem. Could that be the cause?
Hi, Itumeleng. You may have to try and clear programming using the Explora remote.
my b7 remote is totally not working even though I clean it or i put a new batteries
Hi, Munirat. It’s most likely broken. You’ll need to test another remote on your decoder to be sure, then get a new one.
Trying to switch from tv to music channels…how do I do that?
Do you mean TV to music or TV audio? Please, let me know. In any case you can switch them using the “+ P -” button on your remote control.
Hello, please provide the steps to program the b7 remote to switch my TV on and off.
Hello, J. Smith. The B7 remote does not come with programming capabilities. If it is not working, you have to try to open and fix it. A lot of things could cause a remote to malfunction. Follow the steps in the article above for more information. Another thing you can do is test the decoder with another remote before getting a new one. Let me know how it goes.
My arrow keys are not working….the down n up keys
Open it and clean it. Follow the instructions in the article.
Info and alt not working
Open it and clean it.
Please My B7 remote is not working. The stand by button indicates red or amba when any button is pressed. Please urgent
Try pressing the INFO button for 3 seconds. You may also need to change your batteries.
This worked for me. Thank you.
Wow! That’s great! Great work, Braxton. Enjoy your weekend.
Never worked for me red light remains on standby button when any button is pressed.
I’m sorry to hear that. Maybe your decoder is different from hers. May I ask the kind of decoder you are using?
How to change a channel using B7 remote .
Hi, Nkosikhona. To change channels, use the plus (+) and minus (-) icons on the “P” button.
My B7 remote is not working I tried to reset it but not reset I hold ARC and standby nothing happen please help
Hi, Mbongeni! You have to clean it; the steps in the article above will show you how to do that. You can also visit DStv Remote Solutions to learn more.
Remember to replace the batteries with new ones.
Good day. My B7 dstv remote is not working. The Led on Standby is always on showing red or amber. Please help
Hi, Thabelo. Sorry for replying late. In most cases, the problem is always with the batteries. Check the batteries first. If the problem persists, follow the instructions in the article above to open and clean the remote.
Please my dstv B7 remote blinks red when I press the button, all button works expect the grid but it green light on the decoder blinks but yet the grid do nothing
Hi, Odike. I’m not sure what the problem is or what you are trying to do. The grid button is mostly used to navigate the menu options. You can try a couple of things: Reboot the decoder, try touching the remote batteries and try again to see if things are back to normal.
Hi my b7 remote is not accessing any thing but all the lites comes on n stufz
My B7 remote is not working I tried to reset it but not reset I hold ARC and standby nothing happen please help