BT YouView Box problems or BT TV not working are exasperating because they hinder you from enjoying the wide variety of channels the company offers.
Just when you settle comfortably on the couch or bed to watch, your TV instrument finds a way to irk you.
If you are facing any issues with your BT instrument you are in the right place. Fortunately, we’re here to help you fix these issues.
Your BT youview box simply not working. There is no time to waste and you want to investigate on your own, how you can make it work.
So, let’s start. We will explore some familiar issues and equip you with the knowledge to help you watch your BT TV as quickly as possible.
Why is BT TV Not Working?
If your BT TV is not working it is recommended to check the basic issues first.
You should check the following:
- Check the Battery of Remote
- Find out if there are any loose wirings
- Restart the BOX and TV.
- Check Broadband Connection
- Make your software update.
BT Youview Box not Working
This is one more issue that requires restarting first. If your BT TV box is loading forever, it means that the box is experiencing issues and try to restart it.
If it is still the same after restarting, then check for software updates. Follow these easy steps for checking updates:
- Go to Settings.
- Go to Information & Reset sub-menu.
- Choose Software Information.
- press Update Software.
BT Youview Box Troubleshooting
Let’s start by identifying the typical problems the BT community encounters.
Listed below are the top nuisances that might confront you one way or another if you are a BT customer:
Recording Problems
In order to make a good recording, your BT YouView Box needs to be turned on throughout the recording process.
Also, make sure that the channel can be viewed well before the recording starts.
Maybe you had some scheduled recordings and there has been some overlapping so, you should look at that as well.
The Freeview signal or broadband connection is often the reason for failed recordings. It is improbable to recover lost tracks so take measures to prevent such circumstances.
How to Fix Recording Problems?
Follow these steps to fix your recording problems:
Step #1. Evaluate the channel you want to record. It is only logical that recording would fail if you cannot view the channel properly.
Step #2. Secure your equipment cable.
Step #3. Turning off your BT TV box wouldn’t allow any recording so make sure it is on before you record.
Step #4. Go to the Scheduled section of your My TV to check if recordings are set up properly.
Signal Problems
Sometimes there is a message displayed on the screen notifying you of the lost signal.
There’s no mistake, you know what that means, now you need to figure out is it just one channel, or a few, or all of them.
If it is only one channel, there is little you can do it probably comes from your provider.
If multiple channels have been affected then you may be dealing with intermittent aerial connection.
The reason for this is that the signal is either too weak or too strong and overloads your YouView box.
Try to check the position of your TV aerial, or look into the installation. Here are the things you can do before calling Customer Support.
How to Fix Signal Problems?
Follow these steps to fix the signal issues:
Step #1. Check the status of your service. On the service status page, you can check if there is a network interruption.
Step #2. Use the landline to check if it is working. Broadband needs a functional phone line to work.
Step #3. BT Hub should be restarted. Network problems are often resolved by turning the connection on and off.
Step #4. Check if the lights are turned on in your Hub after. It will indicate if your device is working or not.
Step #5. For fibre customers, your Openreach modem should be power cycled.
Step #6. Assess if your test socket is working. Sometimes, an internal telephone extension is a problem and not the phone line.
BT TV Box Not Working
BT YouView Box not working is one of the most reported issues in the BT community.
Many refer to this as freezing. Here’s how you can fix it.
How to Fix BT TV Box not Working?
To fix your BT TV box non-working issue, you can follow these steps:
Step #1. A reboot is often enough to fix this issue. Switch the box off and wait for 10 seconds before you turn it on.
Step #2. If the reboot does not work, try checking if your software is up to date. Just press the YouView button and click settings. After that, select Information & Reset.
Step #3. Once you’re done, select Software Information and then Update Software.
Step #4. If all else fails and BT Box not working remains a problem, a full reset is required. However, you would lose all your recordings.
Step #5. If the BT instrument Not Working issue continues, ask BT for assistance by contacting them on 0800 111 4567.
Channel Problems
Sometimes there is a message displayed on the screen notifying you of the lost signal.
There’s no mistake, you know what that means, now you need to figure out is it just one channel, or a few, or all of them.
If it is only one channel, there is little you can do it probably comes from your provider.
If multiple channels have been affected then you may be dealing with intermittent aerial connection.
The reason for this is that the signal is either too weak or too strong and overloads your YouView box.
Try to check the position of your TV aerial, or look into the installation.
The cause of the problem can easily be identified since the channels are categorized. Here’s how.
How to Fix BT Channel Problems?
Step #1. If any channel within 1-299 is not working, fix your Freeview signal.
Step #2. Subscription channels are from 301-399. If any within the range does not work, fix your internet connection.
Step #3. Reboot the BT box and check
Step #4. If not solved, follow the reset method given below
Remote Control Problems
You have the TV instrument, but control settings are vexing to handle.
To fix the issue, just do the following:
How to Fix BT Remote Control?
A general Fix of your remote control is as follows:
Step #1. Check the batteries. Oftentimes, non-functional power sources are the reason why your remote is not working.
Step #2. Check if the remote is flashing light when you press its buttons. If it does not, the remote itself is the problem. Otherwise, your TV box is not responding and needs to be rebooted.
Step #3. If all else fails, reset the remote control.
No Lights on BT Mini Connectors/Powerline Adapters
No lights often indicate a non-working device. If the lights on your BT box are not present at all, this means that it is not connected properly or simply does not work.
Check the cables and check if it is actually switched on. If neither helped, then you may need to replace your adapters.
Here are the things you should do to address these BT YouView Box problems.
How to Fix No light on adapters or Connectors?
Step #1. Check if the power is switched on.
Step #2. Look at both the mains and the socket.
Step #3.Re-Tune the Channel list
Step #4. If it is on and the problem persists, find the configuration or reset button. Press it and wait.
Pictures Pixelated
Watching is not fun when you cannot see the characters clearly because the pictures keep pixelating. Here is how you can resolve it.
How to Fix Pixelated Pictures
To fix pixelated issues, follow these steps:
Step #1. Check if your TV box is connected with an Ethernet cable. If yes and it’s too short, you can buy a longer one at BT shop.
Step #2. Assess carefully if all cables are connected correctly.
Step #3. Check if you are connected to the BT Hub and not to any other router.
Step #4. Check BT Hub lights.
Step #5. Check if other members of your family are using the BT line for games or any other activities that might consume a large amount of the connection.
Step #6. Go to Settings > TV Signal & Quality > Picture Quality Alert to reduce further pixilation.
BT Box Keeps Losing Channels
Sometimes you may notice some channels especially the HD Channels keep losing without any problem.
This is a common problem that many users complain about. To fix this issue do the following:
Box on Maintenance Mode
Sometimes when you try to start the box, it blinks the red light or the maintenance mode.
This is really a big issue and we recommend applying this fixing method:
How to Fix BT Maintenance Mode
Step #1 Try to restart the Box
Step #2 If not fixed press the arrow button of the box for few seconds to enter ‘Maintenance Mode”
Step #3 Check the prompt “Y”
Step #4 Now check if the indicator light is blue.
Step #5 If not, do a hard reset of the BT Box.
Any Other Issue?
If your issue is none of the mentioned problems, then we recommend you to do a hard reset of your BT TV Box.
Reset will bring your BT instrument to its original factory settings and will fix the issue that you may be facing.
To help you out, we have mentioned the methods to reset a BT Box below.
How to Reset BT TV Box
BT YouView Box problems are often quickly resolved when you reset the BT TV instrument or device.
You have two options on how you would reset it. Either you reset using buttons on the TV box itself or through the menus.
Method 1 : Reset Through TV Box Buttons
Let check the first method to reset your BT device back to its original state.
Follow these steps:
Step #1. Reboot the TV box by switching it on and off. You should see a red light on the front panel to confirm that it is working.
Step #2. For five seconds, press the down arrow button at the back of your TV box. At the bottom screen, you should see ‘Enter Maintenance Mode Y/N’.
Step #3. Press the power button as soon as you see the label.
Step #4. Maintenance mode will appear next. You should choose the Factory Reset, keep recordings option to finish the reboot.
Method 2 : Through the Menus
Keep in mind that with this option, you will lose all your recordings. To reset through the menu option do the following:
Follow these steps:
Step #1. Press the Home or YouView button on your remote control to go to the main menu.
Once you’re in, select Settings > Information & Reset > Factory Reset.
Step #2. A warning will be displayed. Just enter the numbers shown using the remote control if you wish to continue. Otherwise, cancel.
Step #3. Once you’re finished, the screen would require set-up again. Just follow the instructions, and you’re done.
BT Youview Box Still Not Working?
Even after doing the troubleshooting methods and followed by reset has not fixed the issue with your BT Box, we believe your instrument has some serious issues.
It is better to contact the Company and order a replacement Box.
FAQs
How To Get A Replacement BT Youview Instrument?
To get a replacement Youview Box, call Customer Support on 0800 111 4567 and explain the issue.
Check if you are eligible for a free replacement as per the terms of the contract.
Will Reset Option Delete My Recordings?
Yes, if you use the reset option you will lose all of your recordings.
So, use the option only when other troubleshooting option does not work for you.
My BT Is Showing No Light?
If your box is not showing any light, there must be an issue with the connection.
Check the electric cord connections properly and restart the Box.
Conclusion
BT Youview Box Problems can certainly cause frustrations while watching any of your favourite shows or TV.
Knowing the basic troubleshooting methods can surely help you in the hour of need.
We recommend bookmarking this page if you are a BT Customer so that you can refer to this guide in case of any problems or issue with your Box.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.