When you receive a message on your television screen that your Smart Card is not authorized, it could be as simple as being on the wrong channel. The Dish Network Smart Card is a specially encoded card the size of a credit card that holds your account information and identifies your subscription services. If you are 30 days late in your payment, Dish Network shuts off your service, which results in the same message on your screen.
Bill Payment
Confirm that you account is current with Dish Network before trying to reset your Smart Card. If you are late in your payment, this message won't disappear from your screen until you pay the bill. Dish Network provides online access through the Internet for you to pay the bill, or directly through your set top box through the "Customer Service" option.
Video of the Day
Reset the Smart Card
Power off your receiver. To reset the Smart Card, face your receiver and locate the door on the left hand side of the receiver, depending upon the model. Tap on the door to open it. Pull the Smart Card out of its slot and wait 10 seconds before reinserting it with the arrow facing inward, color side up. Turn the receiver back on. Wait a few moments while the system downloads the necessary information. If this does not reactivate the system, contact Dish Support at 1-800-333-DISH.
Reset the Receiver
Complete a power cycling on the receiver. Turn the unit off and unplug it from the wall. Wait approximately 30 seconds before plugging it back into the outlet. Wait while the receiver resets -- this may take up to 20 minutes in some cases, but generally takes about 10 minutes. If this does not restore functionality, contact the Dish customer service, as they can send a signal to your receiver to reauthorize the card, if need be.
Check Channel Subscriptions
To verify that you have access to the programming you wish to see, log on to the Dish Network website and navigate to the "My Programming" section on your account. Once there, it shows the programs and special channels to which you have access. If you have not set up an account online, it will ask that you provide your account number the first time you log in. Obtain this from the monthly bill that you receive. Under the "My Programming" tab, depending on the services you pay for, it will read something like this: America's Everything Pak, Movie Pass, HD Receiver, DVR Service, Protection Plan and HD 250 Free.