How to Activate Sky Go Plus: A Comprehensive Guide

Sky Go Plus is a fantastic upgrade to the standard Sky Go service, offering a plethora of benefits for Sky TV customers. It allows you to download content to watch offline, stream on more devices simultaneously, and enjoy a much more flexible viewing experience. If you’ve recently subscribed to Sky Go Plus or are considering it, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the activation process step-by-step, ensuring you can start enjoying its perks as soon as possible. We will cover everything from understanding the prerequisites, navigating the Sky website, troubleshooting common issues, and maximizing your Sky Go Plus experience. This guide aims to be the ultimate resource for activating and using Sky Go Plus.

## Understanding Sky Go and Sky Go Plus

Before diving into the activation process, let’s briefly understand the difference between Sky Go and Sky Go Plus.

* **Sky Go:** This is the standard service included with your Sky TV subscription. It allows you to stream live TV and on-demand content on compatible devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. You can register up to six devices, but you’re typically limited to watching on only one device at a time, depending on your Sky package.

* **Sky Go Plus:** This is a paid upgrade that unlocks additional features. The key benefits include:
* **Download Content:** Download movies and TV shows to watch offline, perfect for traveling or commuting.
* **Simultaneous Streaming:** Watch on multiple devices at the same time. The exact number of devices varies, but it’s usually two or four, depending on your subscription.
* **Device Management:** Easily manage your registered devices, allowing you to remove and replace devices as needed.
* **Potential for higher resolution (depending on your device and broadband speed):** Some users report better picture quality with Sky Go Plus compared to the standard Sky Go.

## Prerequisites for Activating Sky Go Plus

Before you begin the activation process, ensure you have the following:

1. **A Valid Sky TV Subscription:** You must be a Sky TV customer to subscribe to Sky Go Plus. Sky Go Plus is an add-on service to your existing Sky package.

2. **A Sky ID:** Your Sky ID is your username and password for accessing Sky services online. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create one on the Sky website.

3. **My Sky Account Access:** You’ll need access to your My Sky account, either through the Sky website or the My Sky app. This is where you’ll manage your subscription and activate Sky Go Plus.

4. **Compatible Devices:** Make sure your devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) meet the system requirements for Sky Go. This usually includes having a compatible operating system (e.g., iOS, Android, Windows, macOS) and sufficient storage space.

5. **Stable Internet Connection:** A stable and reliable internet connection is crucial for streaming and downloading content.

6. **Sky Go App Installed:** Ensure you have the Sky Go app installed on all the devices you plan to use for watching Sky Go Plus content. You can download the app from the App Store (iOS), Google Play Store (Android), or the Sky website (for Windows and macOS).

## Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Sky Go Plus

Here’s a detailed guide on how to activate Sky Go Plus:

**Step 1: Subscribe to Sky Go Plus**

If you haven’t already subscribed to Sky Go Plus, you’ll need to do so first. Here’s how:

1. **Log in to My Sky:** Go to the Sky website ([https://www.sky.com/](https://www.sky.com/)) and click on “Sign In” in the top right corner. Enter your Sky ID username and password.

2. **Navigate to “Upgrade” or “TV Packages”:** Once logged in, look for a section labeled “Upgrade,” “TV Packages,” or something similar. The exact wording may vary depending on your Sky account and the current website design.

3. **Find Sky Go Plus:** Browse through the available upgrades and add-ons until you find Sky Go Plus. It might be listed as “Sky Go Extra” or simply “Sky Go Plus.”

4. **Add Sky Go Plus to Your Package:** Click on the “Add” or “Get Sky Go Plus” button. You’ll be presented with information about the price and benefits of the service.

5. **Confirm Your Order:** Review the details of your order and confirm that you want to add Sky Go Plus to your subscription. You may need to enter your payment details if you haven’t already.

6. **Wait for Confirmation:** After confirming your order, you should receive a confirmation email or a message on the Sky website indicating that your Sky Go Plus subscription is being processed. This may take a few minutes to a few hours.

**Step 2: Activating Sky Go Plus on Your Devices**

Once your Sky Go Plus subscription is active, you’ll need to activate it on each of your devices. This process usually involves signing in to the Sky Go app with your Sky ID.

1. **Open the Sky Go App:** Launch the Sky Go app on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

2. **Sign In:** Click on the “Sign In” button or link. Enter your Sky ID username and password.

3. **Device Registration:** The app may prompt you to register the device. If so, follow the on-screen instructions to register it. You may need to give the device a name (e.g., “John’s iPhone,” “Living Room Tablet”).

4. **Confirmation:** Once the device is registered, you should see a confirmation message indicating that Sky Go Plus is active on that device.

5. **Repeat for All Devices:** Repeat steps 1-4 for all the devices you want to use with Sky Go Plus. Remember that you are limited to a certain number of registered devices and simultaneous streams, depending on your Sky Go Plus subscription.

**Step 3: Managing Your Devices**

Sky Go Plus allows you to manage your registered devices. This is useful if you reach your device limit and want to replace an old device with a new one.

1. **Log in to My Sky:** Go to the Sky website ([https://www.sky.com/](https://www.sky.com/)) and sign in with your Sky ID.

2. **Navigate to “Devices” or “Sky Go Devices”:** Look for a section labeled “Devices,” “Sky Go Devices,” or something similar. This section may be located in the “TV” or “Settings” area of your My Sky account.

3. **View Registered Devices:** You’ll see a list of all the devices currently registered to your Sky Go account.

4. **Remove Devices:** To remove a device, click on the “Remove” or “Delete” button next to the device you want to remove. You may be asked to confirm your decision.

5. **Add New Devices:** Once you’ve removed a device, you can register a new one by signing in to the Sky Go app on the new device, as described in Step 2.

## Troubleshooting Common Sky Go Plus Activation Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter during the Sky Go Plus activation process and how to troubleshoot them:

* **Issue: “Sky Go Plus Not Active” Error:**
* **Solution:**
* **Verify Subscription:** Double-check that you have actually subscribed to Sky Go Plus through your My Sky account.
* **Allow Time for Activation:** It may take a few hours for Sky Go Plus to become fully active after subscribing. Wait for a while and try again.
* **Restart Device:** Restart your device and try signing in to the Sky Go app again.
* **Clear App Cache:** Clear the cache and data of the Sky Go app in your device’s settings. This can sometimes resolve activation issues.
* **Reinstall App:** Uninstall and reinstall the Sky Go app.
* **Contact Sky Support:** If none of the above steps work, contact Sky customer support for assistance. They may be able to identify and resolve the issue on their end.

* **Issue: “Too Many Devices Registered” Error:**
* **Solution:**
* **Manage Devices:** Log in to your My Sky account and remove any unused or old devices from your registered device list.
* **Upgrade Subscription:** If you need to register more devices than your current Sky Go Plus subscription allows, you may need to upgrade to a higher tier.

* **Issue: “Unable to Sign In” Error:**
* **Solution:**
* **Verify Sky ID:** Double-check that you are entering your Sky ID username and password correctly.
* **Reset Password:** If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” link on the Sky website to reset it.
* **Check Internet Connection:** Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
* **Contact Sky Support:** If you’re still unable to sign in, contact Sky customer support.

* **Issue: Playback Issues (Buffering, Freezing):**
* **Solution:**
* **Check Internet Speed:** Ensure you have a sufficient internet speed for streaming. A speed of at least 5 Mbps is recommended for HD streaming.
* **Close Other Apps:** Close any other apps that are using your internet connection.
* **Restart Router:** Restart your router to refresh your internet connection.
* **Lower Video Quality:** If you’re still experiencing playback issues, try lowering the video quality in the Sky Go app settings.

## Maximizing Your Sky Go Plus Experience

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Sky Go Plus subscription:

* **Download Content in Advance:** Before traveling or going to a place with limited internet access, download your favorite movies and TV shows to watch offline.

* **Manage Your Downloads:** Keep track of your downloaded content and delete files you’ve already watched to free up storage space on your device.

* **Explore On-Demand Content:** Take advantage of the vast library of on-demand movies and TV shows available on Sky Go Plus.

* **Use Parental Controls:** If you have children, set up parental controls in the Sky Go app to restrict access to age-inappropriate content.

* **Check for Updates:** Regularly check for updates to the Sky Go app to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.

* **Utilize Simultaneous Streams:** If you have multiple devices, take advantage of the simultaneous streaming feature to watch different content on different devices at the same time.

* **Customize Settings:** Explore the Sky Go app settings to customize your viewing experience. You can adjust video quality, subtitles, and other preferences.

## Sky Go Plus vs. Sky Q: Understanding the Differences

It’s important to note the differences between Sky Go Plus and Sky Q, as they offer different functionalities. Sky Q is Sky’s premium TV service delivered through a set-top box, offering features like multiroom viewing, 4K Ultra HD content, and voice control. Sky Go Plus, on the other hand, is a mobile streaming service that allows you to watch Sky content on your portable devices.

* **Sky Q:**
* Delivered through a set-top box connected to your TV.
* Offers a wider range of features, including multiroom viewing and 4K Ultra HD content (depending on your Sky Q subscription).
* Requires a Sky Q installation and a compatible TV.

* **Sky Go Plus:**
* Streams content to your compatible devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops).
* Offers download functionality for offline viewing.
* Provides simultaneous streaming on multiple devices.
* Requires a Sky TV subscription and a Sky Go Plus add-on.

While Sky Q provides a comprehensive home entertainment experience, Sky Go Plus offers a flexible and portable way to access Sky content on the go. Many Sky customers use both services to enjoy the best of both worlds.

## Conclusion

Activating Sky Go Plus is a straightforward process that unlocks a wealth of benefits for Sky TV customers. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily subscribe to Sky Go Plus, activate it on your devices, and start enjoying its features. Remember to troubleshoot any common issues you may encounter and maximize your Sky Go Plus experience by downloading content in advance, managing your downloads, and exploring the vast library of on-demand movies and TV shows. With Sky Go Plus, you can enjoy your favorite Sky content anytime, anywhere. If you encounter any persistent issues, don’t hesitate to contact Sky customer support for assistance. They are always ready to help you get the most out of your Sky subscription.

Enjoy your Sky Go Plus experience!