Are you struggling to figure out why the Sky remote is not working? Don’t fret because you are not alone. The most common issues are weak batteries, interfering signals, faulty IR emitters, etc. This article will teach you solutions for all kinds of Sky remote problems. By trying these simple fixes, you can have your Sky remote working again.
Before heading into the troubleshooting methods, know the outline of the Sky remote not working by looking at the table below.
| Issues | Reasons | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| The remote signals are weak | Presence of distracting objects | Ensure the remote is in a line of sight |
| Sky Box not responding to remote’s commands | Caches on the Sky box | Power cycle the Sky box |
| The remote is partially unresponsive | Due to weak batteries in the remote | Replace the remote batteries |
| Remote malfunctions or response slowly | Glitches in the remote | Reset the Sky remote |
| The remote is completely dysfunctional | Damage to the remote’s sensor or buttons | Repair or replace the remote |
Remove the Obstructions
To seamlessly control the Sky Box functions, the remote signals should reach the box without interruptions. For this, no distractions or barriers should be found near the Sky box or in between the remote and the device. Also, ensure that radiowave-emitting devices, baby monitors, or other IR-emitting devices are not placed closer to the Sky box. If found, move them and try controlling the Sky box.
Ensure the Remote is Within the Range
Sky recommends that users control the box within 10 meters of it. However, most users recommend using the remote within 5-6 meters to avoid slow responsiveness. So, stand within the 6 meters of the Sky box and press the volume button. If the device doesn’t respond, try the next troubleshooting fix.
Release the Sky Remote Stuck Buttons
Accidentally, you may keep a large object on the remote, or you may sit over it. This will lead the remote buttons to be pressed. Sometimes, the remote buttons will not return to their default state. If you use the remote in this condition, you can’t control the Sky box. So, release all the pressed buttons and try controlling the Sky box. If you can’t release the jammed buttons, clean the Sky remote.
Clean the Sky Remote
Since we may have the habit of leaving the remote in an open zone, the dust may settle on the remote. Though the dust seems tiny, it may cause a threat and result in the Sky remote not working. The dust accumulation on the IR sensor or button gaps can block the remote signals or button function. So, pick a soft cloth and wipe the dust from the remote. If possible, use an isopropyl alcohol while cleaning the remote for effective results.
Power Cycle the Sky Box
The caches on the Sky box will not allow the box to respond to the remote’s commands. This may portray the issue as the Sky remote not working. However, power cycling the Sky box will fix this issue.
- Press the Power/Standby button on the box to turn off the Sky Box.
- Remove the Sky Box’s cable from the electric socket.
- Patiently wait for a few minutes to let the box’s residual power go down.
- Plug the cable back into the electric socket.
- Turn on the box by pressing the Power button.
If the Sky remote still doesn’t work, try the next troubleshooting method.
Replace the Remote Batteries
Using the Sky remote with low or drained batteries will not pave the way to control the Sky box. Soon after your remote stops functioning, open the remote’s battery compartment and inspect the battery status. If the batteries are found weak, replace them with new 2 AAA batteries. If the batteries are bulged, clean the compartment and insert new ones. Now, try controlling the Sky Box using the remote.
Re-program the Remote with the Sky Box
Occasionally, the remote might unpair from the Sky Box. This may happen due to IR signal interferences or if the remote is left unused with drained batteries for a long time. You can re-pair the remote with the Sky Box to fix the issue.
- Pair Sky/Sky Pod remote – Aim the Sky remote towards the Sky Box remote → Press and release the OK key on the remote → The remote will pair with your Sky Box via an IR sensor. Afterward, the remote will automatically switch the Bluetooth connectivity mode.
- Pair Sky Glass/Sky Q Remote – Long-press 7 and 9 buttons for 3 seconds → Hold the 1 and 3 number buttons for 3 seconds → As a result, Your Remote is now connected message will appear on the screen → Choose Continue.
Note: If you use the Sky remotes as universal controllers, program the remote with the TV using the remote codes. Program the Sky Q remote to the TV through the Sky Q box remote settings.
Reset the Sky Remote
The final troubleshooting is resetting the Sky remote to its default setting. This may fix the remote sensor and Bluetooth not working and set the Sky remote free from errors. However, it also erases the remote’s programming memory. So it is mandatory to pair the remote with the Sky Box after performing a reset.
- Reset Sky/Sky Pod remote – Hold the OK and Volume Down keys for 5 seconds → The remote will be set to factory defaults.
- Reset Sky Q/Glass remote – Hold the 7 and 9 number buttons on the remote → Release the button when the remote’s LED light blinks 4 times.
Examine the Remote’s Hardware Parts
If the Sky remote is not working even after performing the troubleshooting techniques, check the remote components. Damage in the remote’s sensor or buttons may result in Sky remote not working. To verify it, launch the camera app on your smartphone and point the remote facing the mobile camera.
Press the remote Power button, and check whether you can see a light. If you can’t, then the remote’s IR is broken. Check the condition of the rest of the remote buttons by repeating the process. If the hardware damage is confirmed, proceed to the remote repair or replacement.
Contact Sky Customer Support
To repair the Sky remote or order a new replacement remote, rely on the Sky customer support team. You can reach out to the Sky support team through their official website and claim remote repair. Otherwise, you can visit the nearby Sky support center. If your remote lies under active warranty, you can claim a free repair or replacement remote unless the damage is not due to man-made.
Try These Remote Alternatives
The remote repair or arrival of a new remote may take time. In such a situation, you can use the following alternatives to control your Sky Box.
- Use Physical buttons – Most Sky boxes have physical buttons either under behind or at the from panel. With the help of those buttons, you can easily manage your Sky box functions.
- Use the Remote app – You can control your Sky box using the Sky+ app (Note that this app is not currently available to download. If you installed it earlier, you can use it). On the other hand, to control the Sky Q boxes using a remote app, consider using the Sky Go app. Install the remote app on a mobile phone and pair it with your Sky box. Then, control it using the remote icons.
FAQ
Inspect the remote’s hardware parts and also check the Sky box receiver. If both are in appropriate condition, reset your Sky Q box and check again.
