Sky Go external display output is blocked is a message that appears due to Sky rights and their policy to prevent their content from being distributed.
Typically, streaming from the Sky Go app to a Sky Q TV box is smooth, but when you attempt to cast to a third party, not so good.
The reason why Sky Go blocks the external output is due to service restrictions but this limitation can be bypassed. First, you need to allow the Sky Go app permissions to your images and videos.
Let’s unwrap more!
Why External Display Output is Blocked Sky Go?
The reason why your Sky Go app is showing “external display output is blocked” is because the type of “casting” or “mirroring” that you want is not supported.
Typically, Sky is preventative in their content being captured and broadcasted, hence they’ve implemented many measures.
Well, these Sky measurements often prevent viewers from enjoying their content on a big TV screen and only allow users to stream from the Sky Go app.
Well, there are a couple of good techniques, hacks and bypasses, that will enable you to cast your Sky Go content anywhere!
When Does the Sky Go Error Appear?
The “external display output is blocked” typically appears when your smartphone or computer is in a “screen sharing/casting” mode.
Then when you attempt to play a show, the app will quickly let you know that streaming is not possible, while you attempt to cast onto an external output.
Sky Go External Display Output is Blocked Hack & Tips!
1. Enable Photo/Video Sky Go Access
Note: Skip this step if you’re using the Sky Go computer app!
If you’re using a supported type of connection such as Chromecast or Sky Q/Glass, but you still see the “blocked output” error, then you need to check the Sky Go app permissions.
Specifically, you need to enable access to your phone’s images and videos, which will enable the casting.
How to Enable Sky Go Permission on Android?
- On your Android phone, go to Settings.
- Enter the “Apps” and then “See all apps”.
- Select Sky Go and tap on “Permissions”.
- Allow the Photos & Videos Sky Go access.
How to Enable Sky Go Permission on iOS?
- First, open the Settings app on your iOS.
- Scroll down and select the Sky Go app.
- Then, tap on Photos and tap All Photos.
When you’re ready, and Sky Go has now access to your smartphone’s photos, re-open the Sky Go app and test whether the error will appear again.
In case you’re still unable to output on your external display, then continue reading to reveal more methods to bypass this error easily!
2. Use Direct HDMI Video Connection!
This method works for every device. Instead of attempting to share your Sky Go content to your external display, you can share the entire display.
So if you’re using a laptop, then connect the computer to your TV using an HDMI cable in order to broadcast the entire display with Sky Go!
How to Use HDMI on Mobile?
If you’re using a smartphone to stream Sky Go, then you can connect your smartphone to your TV using an HDMI adapter.
This is a small dongle that allows you to connect to your phone’s charging port the HDMI cable from the TV and broadcast your phone’s content on a big display!
Note: You can explore the HDMI Adapters compatible with different phones, to discover and select the one that matches your setup!
How to Use HDMI on a PC/Mac?
If your laptop has an HDMI output port, then this is a straightforward job.
However, with the Apple MacBook, things require extra steps such as purchasing an adapter.
If you have a desktop computer, the HDMI connection would be possible by plugging your TV into your GPU’s output port.
For this purpose, you can use HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, and VGA, based on which one of the ports your TV is equipped with.
Tip: Connecting a second, large monitor to your Sky Go computer, resolves the need to share your Sky Go content wirelessly!
3. Cast Sky Go to a Chromecast Dongle
If you have a Chromecast dongle, which you can use to connect to your TV, then sharing any content from Sky Go should be error-free.
This is the intended way to screen-cast content from Sky Go, which is also the easiest method to achieve screen sharing.
Here’s how to Chromecast Sky Go on your TV:
- First, verify that the Chromecast setup is completed.
- Then, make sure that the Chromecast is powered on.
- Open the Sky Go application on your playout device.
- At the top right, corner press on the small TV icon.
- Select your currently connected Chromecast dongle.
- That’s it, now simply select a Sky Go for streaming.
In case you still see “external display output is blocked”, then continue reading further!
4. Force Stop Sky GO & Reboot Setup!
In case the output-related error is persistent in your Sky Go application, it’s time to reboot all of the operational services by power cycling your device.
This is an easy method and works on any device so exit the Sky Go app and then shutdown your device.
Then, turn off your receiver TV by unplugging the power adapter from the electrical outlet.
Then, after 60 seconds, reconnect your TV and power on your Sky Go app device, to test whether the external display error will still be there.
Reminder: Verify that your device is currently not screen-casting!
5. Broadcast Your Device’s Screen!
A very effective hack when Sky Go external display output is blocked is to broadcast your Sky Go device’s display.
For example, you can broadcast your phone’s screen and sound on the internet for free and privately and also view your broadcast on any device, even on your TV.
This method will guarantee your Sky Go content on a big screen, error-free, as long as you’ve got an internet connection and a computer.
You can use free streaming platforms such as YouTube and Twitch, even Facebook to stream privately.
Then you only need to use the respective TV application to open the view of your live broadcast and enjoy the Sky Go content without the external display being blocked.
Tip: Always stream and view series privately, and delete recordings to avoid copyright strikes!
6. Use a Remote Desktop Application
Another hack to bypass the Sky Go output restrictions would be to use a remote desktop app, only for viewing content on another device.
For this purpose, your TV must be smart and should support remote applications such as TeamViewer, AnyDesk or Remote Desktop.
What you need to do is play Sky Go content on your computer or smartphone and share the access via the remote app to your TV.
Then, you need to confirm and will always see your Sky Go device’s screen, as well as the Sky Go content playing on your remote access screen.
Tip: This method does not guarantee the streaming's best quality!
7. Reinstall the Sky Go Application!
Well, in case nothing works and your Sky Go app is still showing the “external display output is blocked” message, then it’s likely an app bug.
In case of any files that are missing or some sort of data corruption, it’s probable to encounter weird errors so a clean app reinstall will help!
How to Reinstall Sky Go on PC/Mac?
- On Windows, go to the Start Menu > Control Panel > Programs & Features > Sky Go > Uninstall > go to Sky Go Downloads > download for Windows > open the SkyInstaller.exe.
- On Mac, open the Finder, then locate the Sky Go app and then select Move to Trash to uninstall the app. Then download and install the Sky Go app for Mac from the Sky Go Downloads page.
How to Reinstall Sky Go on Mobile?
- On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Manage Installed Apps > Sky Go > Uninstall. Then open the Google Play Store, find the Sky Go app and press on the Install button.
- On iOS, go to Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage > Sky Go > Delete App. Then go back and enter the App Store, locate the Sky Go app and get the app back.
When the app is cleanly installed on your device, test whether the “external display output is blocked” error is still there.
If yes, then test whether you can share Sky Go content on another device or contact Sky Go Customer Service for more help. Best of luck!
Quick Recap:
Hence, when Sky Go external display output is blocked, first reboot your setup and make sure that the “Photos” permission is enabled for Sky Go on your device.
Additionally, you can update the Sky Go app, and perform a clean reinstallation to resolve the issue!
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.