How to Change Your Sky Remote Control: A Comprehensive Guide
Losing or damaging your Sky remote control can be a major inconvenience. Whether your furry friend decided it was a chew toy, the batteries finally gave up the ghost, or it simply vanished into the Bermuda Triangle of your sofa cushions, being unable to control your Sky box is frustrating. Fortunately, replacing your Sky remote is a relatively straightforward process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from identifying your remote to programming a new one, ensuring you can quickly get back to enjoying your favorite Sky channels.
Why Might You Need a New Sky Remote?
Before diving into the ‘how-to,’ let’s consider the common reasons why you might need a replacement Sky remote:
* **Damage:** Accidental drops, spills, or pet damage are frequent culprits.
* **Loss:** Let’s face it, remotes have a knack for disappearing. They can be lost behind furniture, in moving boxes, or simply misplaced.
* **Malfunctioning Buttons:** Over time, buttons can become unresponsive due to wear and tear or dirt accumulation.
* **Battery Corrosion:** Leaking batteries can corrode the internal components of the remote, rendering it useless.
* **Upgrading Your Sky Box:** Sometimes, upgrading your Sky box might necessitate a different remote model, particularly when moving to Sky Q or Sky Glass.
Identifying Your Sky Remote Control
Sky has produced a variety of remote controls over the years, each with its own unique features and compatibility. Identifying your specific remote is crucial for ensuring you purchase the correct replacement and follow the appropriate programming instructions. Here’s how to identify your Sky remote:
* **Look for a Model Number:** The model number is usually printed on a sticker located inside the battery compartment. Common Sky remote model numbers include:
* Sky+ Remote (Rev 4, Rev 6, Rev 9 etc.)
* Sky Q Remote (SkyQ Touch Remote, SkyQ Voice Remote)
* Sky Glass Remote
* **Compare Visual Features:** Observe the button layout, color, and shape of your remote. Compare it to images of various Sky remotes online. The Sky website or online retailers like Amazon often display pictures of different models.
* **Consider the Sky Box:** The type of Sky box you have (Sky+, Sky Q, Sky Glass) will generally dictate the type of remote you need. Sky+ remotes are not compatible with Sky Q boxes, and vice versa.
Where to Buy a Replacement Sky Remote Control
Once you’ve identified your Sky remote model, you have several options for purchasing a replacement:
* **Sky Website:** The official Sky website is a reliable source for purchasing genuine Sky remotes. This ensures compatibility and avoids potential issues with third-party replacements. Check the ‘Accessories’ or ‘Help’ section of the Sky website.
* **Sky Marketplace/eBay:** Used Sky remotes can be found for sale on marketplaces like eBay. If you are buying used, make sure the condition is good and test the remote functionality after receiving it.
* **Amazon and Other Online Retailers:** Amazon and other online retailers offer a wide selection of Sky remotes, both genuine and generic. Be sure to read reviews carefully before purchasing to ensure the remote is compatible with your Sky box and meets your expectations. Look for terms like “Official Sky Remote” to ensure you are getting a genuine product. Third party remotes sometimes work but might have limited functionality.
* **Argos and Other Physical Stores:** Large retailers like Argos often stock Sky remote controls in their physical stores. This allows you to physically inspect the remote before purchasing it.
**Important Note:** Be wary of overly cheap or suspiciously generic remotes, as they may not be fully compatible or function reliably.
Programming Your New Sky Remote Control
Once you have your new Sky remote, you’ll need to program it to work with your Sky box and TV. The programming process varies depending on the type of remote and Sky box you have. Here’s a breakdown of the programming methods for common Sky remote models:
Programming a Sky+ Remote Control
Sky+ remotes are typically programmed using a combination of Sky box menu options and remote control button presses. Here’s a general guide:
1. **Turn on your Sky box and TV.**
2. **Press ‘Services’ on your Sky remote.** If you don’t have the Services button, then press the ‘Help’ button.
3. **Navigate to ‘Settings’ and press ‘Select’.** You might need to use the arrow keys to scroll through the options.
4. **Select ‘Remote Control’ and press ‘Select’.**
5. **Choose ‘Pair remote with your TV’.** The options might be named slightly differently depending on your Sky box model and software version.
6. **Follow the on-screen instructions.** The on-screen prompts will guide you through the process of entering your TV brand and testing the remote’s functionality. The Sky box will send test signals to the TV to check if the volume and power buttons work correctly.
7. **Enter your TV brand:** You’ll likely be presented with a list of TV manufacturers. Use the arrow keys to select your TV brand and press ‘Select’. If your brand isn’t listed, try searching for it using the number keys. Some older Sky+ boxes require a 4-digit code specific to the TV brand. This code can usually be found online by searching for “Sky remote TV codes”.
8. **Test the remote:** The Sky box will ask you to test the volume and power buttons on the remote. If the buttons work correctly, select ‘Yes’. If not, select ‘No’ and try a different code or programming method.
9. **Press ‘Select’ to confirm the pairing.**
10. **Pairing the remote with the Sky Box:**
* Press ‘Services’, then ‘0’, then ‘0’, then ‘1’, then ‘Select’. This will take you to the installer menu, which is usually hidden.
* Select ‘Remote Control’.
* Select ‘Pair remote with Sky box’.
* Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process. This usually involves pressing a specific button combination on the remote.
**Troubleshooting Sky+ Remote Programming:**
* **Ensure fresh batteries are installed.** Low batteries can interfere with the programming process.
* **Point the remote directly at the Sky box.** Ensure there are no obstructions between the remote and the Sky box.
* **Try different codes for your TV brand.** If the initial code doesn’t work, try searching online for alternative codes for your TV model.
* **Reset the remote:** Some Sky+ remotes can be reset by removing the batteries and pressing a specific button combination (usually ‘TV’ and ‘Sky’) for several seconds.
Programming a Sky Q Remote Control
Sky Q remotes use Bluetooth to communicate with the Sky Q box, which allows for more reliable and feature-rich control. Pairing a Sky Q remote is a slightly different process:
1. **Make sure your Sky Q box is turned on.**
2. **Press and hold the ‘1’ and ‘3’ buttons simultaneously on your Sky Q remote.** Continue holding the buttons until the remote’s light flashes.
3. **Release the buttons.** The remote will enter pairing mode.
4. **Follow the on-screen instructions.** The Sky Q box will automatically detect the remote and guide you through the pairing process. This usually involves pressing the ‘Select’ button to confirm the pairing.
5. **If the remote doesn’t pair automatically, try the following:**
* Move closer to the Sky Q box.
* Ensure there are no other Bluetooth devices interfering with the signal.
* Restart your Sky Q box by turning it off and on again.
6. **Programming the Sky Q remote for your TV**
* Go to Settings, then Setup, then Remote Control.
* Select “Control TV”.
* Follow the on-screen instructions to select your TV brand and test the remote functionality.
**Troubleshooting Sky Q Remote Programming:**
* **Check the batteries in the remote.**
* **Make sure the Sky Q box is in Bluetooth pairing mode.**
* **Restart your Sky Q box.**
* **Try a different pairing method:** If the standard pairing method doesn’t work, try pressing and holding the ‘7’ and ‘9’ buttons simultaneously until the remote’s light flashes, then release the buttons and follow the on-screen instructions.
Programming a Sky Glass Remote Control
The Sky Glass remote is designed to be incredibly simple to pair and use, relying heavily on voice control. However, sometimes you may need to re-pair it:
1. **Turn on your Sky Glass TV.**
2. **If the remote is not working at all, try a hard reset.** Unplug the Sky Glass TV from the power outlet for at least one minute, then plug it back in.
3. **When the TV restarts, the pairing process should begin automatically.** Follow the on-screen prompts. Usually, this involves simply pressing the ‘Voice’ button on the remote.
4. **If the pairing process doesn’t start automatically:**
* Point the remote directly at the Sky Glass TV.
* Ensure there are no obstructions between the remote and the TV.
* Try moving closer to the TV.
5. **Factory Reset (If all else fails):**
* Press and hold the power button on the Sky Glass TV (not the remote) for about 10-15 seconds. This will initiate a factory reset. Be aware that this will erase all your personal settings and require you to set up your Sky Glass TV from scratch.
**Troubleshooting Sky Glass Remote Programming:**
* **Ensure the remote has fresh batteries.**
* **Make sure the Sky Glass TV is turned on and in pairing mode.**
* **Try restarting the Sky Glass TV.**
* **Contact Sky Support:** If you’re still having trouble, contact Sky support for assistance.
Common Sky Remote Control Problems and Solutions
Even with a properly programmed remote, you might encounter occasional issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
* **Remote Not Responding:**
* **Check the batteries:** This is the most common cause of remote control problems. Replace the batteries with fresh ones.
* **Clean the remote:** Dust and grime can accumulate on the remote’s buttons, preventing them from making proper contact. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the remote.
* **Check for obstructions:** Make sure there are no obstructions between the remote and the Sky box or TV.
* **Reset the remote:** As mentioned earlier, some Sky remotes can be reset by removing the batteries and pressing a specific button combination.
* **Certain Buttons Not Working:**
* **Clean the affected buttons:** Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean the affected buttons.
* **Check for damage:** Inspect the buttons for any signs of physical damage.
* **The button membrane might be failing.** If specific buttons are not responding after cleaning, it might indicate that the internal membrane of the remote is damaged. In such cases, replacement is often the best option.
* **Remote Works Intermittently:**
* **Check the batteries:** Intermittent issues are often caused by low batteries.
* **Check for interference:** Other electronic devices, such as fluorescent lights or cordless phones, can sometimes interfere with the remote’s signal. Try moving these devices away from the Sky box or TV.
* **The IR sensor might be faulty:** The remote uses an infrared (IR) sensor to transmit signals. If this sensor is damaged or faulty, the remote might work intermittently or not at all.
* **Remote Not Controlling the TV Volume/Power:**
* **Reprogram the remote for your TV:** Follow the programming instructions outlined earlier in this guide to ensure the remote is properly configured to control your TV.
* **Check the TV’s settings:** Some TVs have settings that can disable external remote control. Consult your TV’s manual for instructions on how to enable external remote control.
Tips for Maintaining Your Sky Remote Control
To prolong the life of your Sky remote control and prevent future issues, follow these tips:
* **Store the remote in a safe place:** Avoid leaving the remote on the floor or in areas where it’s likely to be damaged or lost.
* **Clean the remote regularly:** Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the remote on a regular basis.
* **Avoid spills:** Keep drinks and other liquids away from the remote.
* **Replace batteries promptly:** Don’t wait until the batteries are completely dead before replacing them. Replace them as soon as you notice the remote’s performance declining.
* **Remove batteries when not in use:** If you plan to store the remote for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent corrosion.
* **Consider a remote control protector:** You can purchase silicone covers that fit over your Sky remote to protect it from damage and spills.
When to Contact Sky Support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide and you’re still having trouble with your Sky remote control, it’s time to contact Sky support. Sky’s customer service representatives can provide further assistance and help you resolve any underlying issues. Some situations where contacting Sky support is recommended include:
* **You’re unable to program the remote despite following the instructions carefully.**
* **The remote is still not working after replacing the batteries and cleaning it.**
* **You suspect there may be a problem with your Sky box or TV.**
* **You’re unsure which type of remote you need.**
Conclusion
Replacing and programming your Sky remote control is generally a simple process, and this guide has provided you with the information and steps you need to do so successfully. By following these instructions, you can quickly get back to enjoying your favorite Sky channels without the frustration of a malfunctioning or missing remote. Remember to identify your remote model correctly, purchase a compatible replacement from a reputable source, and follow the appropriate programming instructions for your Sky box and TV. And if you encounter any persistent issues, don’t hesitate to contact Sky support for assistance. With a little patience and effort, you’ll have your Sky remote working perfectly in no time!