Sky Q Mini Box Self Install is easy if you know how to do it.
But doing it in the wrong way can lead to viewing problems. When this happens you may need to hire one Sky Engineer to do the fix.
So, the discount your received for self-installation can backfire and you may need to pay more in return.
If you have purchased a Sky Mini Box and want to do the self-installation and don’t know how to get started do not worry.
You are in the right place.
Here in this step by step guide, you will learn how to install a Sky Q box yourself and that too perfectly!
So, without any delay let’s get started!
Can I Buy a Sky Q Mini Box and Install it Myself
It’s normal to ask yourself, Can I buy a Sky Q mini box and install it myself? Of course, we want to avoid possible errors that may cost us some pounds in the future.
But when it comes to buying and installing this device, almost anyone can do it on their own.
Unfortunately, there is no way you can buy a functional device outright from online stores like eBay and Amazon.
They are properties of Sky and have their unique serial number. You can only get one if you sign up for their TV packages.
So to put it simply, you can’t purchase a mini box. But you can rent and install it on your own if you know how to do it.
By doing this, you won’t need to hire a technician to do the job for you. So you’ll surely save some money while making your purchase.
Renting the Sky Mini Box
You can buy the Sky mini box on their website. Alternatively, you can also do so through their customer support hotline. The price will depend on the installation type.
Self-installation will cost less while an Engineer installation will cost more.
So before making your purchase, make sure to weigh the cons and pros of these two. Ask yourself whether you’re confident in installing it on your own. If not, then choose the Engineer installation type instead.
Sky Q Mini Self-Installation
Self-installing your Sky Q mini box is the cheapest possible route to get your hands on this device. If you know how to set it up, you can save some buck by ordering the “self-installation” option.
However, if you have purchased one but don’t know the installation instructions, do not worry.
Read the installation steps below, and you can easily set up your additional device.
Required Cables & Accessories
Sky Q Installation Cables and Accessories are available in the package that you will receive from Sky.
In case you have not received it, you should contact Sky support staff immediately.
The following accessories are compulsory for the proper setup of the Skybox:
- Sky Q Mini Box (Of Course!)
- HDMI Cable.
- Power Cable
- HDMI to AV Cable/Converter
- Sky Q Remote
You will need an HDMI to AV Cable or an HDMI to AV Converter in case HDMI port is not present on your TV.
These are readily available in the market at a cheap price.
How to Install Sky Q Mini Box
Once you’ve collected all the needed cables and accessories required for the installation, make sure to examine them for any physical damages.
Do this carefully with the device still inside its packaging.
If there are no damages to your device and cables, let us now move on to how you can install your equipment in five easy steps:
1. Setup the Box
The first step when connecting Sky Q mini box is to set up the box with all the required cables and accessories.
To do so, do the following:
- In the “pink port” of Sky mini box, connect the HDMI cable. Plug the pink end to the Box while the other end to the TV.
- Connect the power cable into the “blue port” and then the head to mains.
- Now “Switch on” power supply.
- Press the “Home” button on your Sky Q Remote and your Box should start now.
2. Set up the Remote
You’ll also need to set up your remote control after setting up your device. Otherwise, it won’t operate properly, and you won’t be able to switch channels.
Here’s how you can set up your remote control:
- Press down buttons 1 and 3 on the remote control. Release them once you notice four blinking red lights.
- Click Continue and type in your TV manufacturer’s name.
- Press the Find It For Me option and hold the volume buttons of your remote control.
- Make sure the volume changes before you click Finish.
3. Connect the Box using WPS
Once you’ve set up your device and remote, the next step is to connect the Sky Mini via WPS. To achieve this, do the following:
To achieve this, do the following:
- Press the “Select” button on the remote. Doing so will start WPS.
- Go to the nearest Sky Q Box or Sky Q Hub and hold down the WPS button for 3 seconds.
- The button should flash amber.
- Now go to your Mini box and wait for two minutes for the WPS setup to complete.
- Your box should now connect to your main Sky Q box.
4. Check the Channels
Since your device has completed its set up with the main box, it should work fine. But we highly recommend checking whether the device is working.
Here’s how to do it:
Open any HD Channel (like Sky Sports News HD) and see if the channel is displaying properly or not. If the channels are not working, wait for 5-10 minutes and check again.
After the setup, it takes 5-10 minutes for network settling. So, wait for a few minutes and check again. Still not working? Follow the next step!
5. Reset & Restart
If you’re unable to view the channels correctly, the best way to go about it is by resetting your device. To do this, you can try out the following:
- Press the “Reset” button present on the back of your device.
- Wait for few minutes until it finishes resetting.
- Unplug the box from mains and wait 5 minutes.
- Connect again and start Step 1-3 again.
Sky Mini Box Installation Errors
If you follow the steps mentioned above, you can easily set up your device without any problems. However, many users report “error messages” while setting it up.
Let us discuss some of the most common errors while installing and how you can fix them effortlessly.
Connecting Screen
Sometimes, you may hear only the audio while the screen is not showing. When this occurs, you will see the “Connecting Screen” message.
To fix this, “dismiss” this error with your remote and check if it resolves the problem.
Unsuccessful Connection
Most of the time, you will see the “Unsuccessful Connection” message on your screen.
If this happens, do not worry. Just wait for at least 1 minute and your device should fix the problem itself.
Joining Network
In other instances, you may also encounter the “Joining Network” message on your TV screen. And after some time it will show that “There is a problem joining the network”.
In such cases, you would need to reset your device.
How To Connect Sky Q Mini Box To Your Main Sky Q Box
Sky Q mini boxes are essential, especially if you have various TVs at home. Without one, you’d have to stay where your primary box is to watch the TV.
So, to prevent this from happening, you’d need a mini box in every room. These devices will automatically connect to your primary box upon doing the tutorial above.
But if you haven’t set up your main box, you may not be able to watch programs in your room.
Steps
So, since we’ve already tackled the steps needed when connecting Sky Q mini box, we’ll also dive into how to connect Sky Q mini box to your primary device:
Step #1. Connect the cables to their respective ports on the main Sky Q box.
Step #2. Afterwards, place the viewing card in place. You can find this slot on the right side of your device.
Step #3. Put working batteries into your remote control’s battery compartment.
Step #4. Turn on your device and hold the Home button on your remote once the start-up message disappears.
Step #5. Set up your remote control. Do Step 2 of the previous section.
Step #6. Connect your box to the WiFi by going to the Network option under Settings.
Step #7. Once this is complete, pair the viewing card to your device. Go to System Info under Settings and select Viewing Card Set Up.
Step #8. Check your channels. Do Step 5 of the previous section.
What’s Next?
After the installation, check if your new room has good WiFi reach and is stable.
If there is a low WiFi signal you may get buffering issues while watching TV.
You can also check out our guide on Best WiFi boosters for Sky Broadband in case you plan to get one booster or extender.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my Mini Boxes when I cancel my subscription?
Since you only rent these devices from the company, you’d need to return them if you decide to terminate your subscription.
Otherwise, you’d have to pay a Non-Return charge for every piece of equipment you don’t return. This rule also applies to lost or stolen devices.
Can I have multiple Mini Boxes in my house?
You can have multiple boxes for your additional TVs at home. But the number of mini devices you can have would depend on your main box’s model.
However, we highly suggest limiting yourselves to 4 set-top boxes only. Otherwise, you may see a drop in your viewing experience.
Can I use a Mini Box I bought from the internet?
When a user terminates their contract with this provider, they’d decide to sell their boxes on the internet to get some bucks. They’re also cheaper than the legitimate ones.
Although they may work, we can’t guarantee that this will always happen. Instead, we recommend buying one from Sky’s website or through their customer service hotline.
How do I set up my box if I live in a flat?
It is still possible to set up your devices if you live in a rented flat. But to do so, you’d need a communal system.
You’ll also need to put your box in the Single Cable Router (SCR) mode under the Set Up menu. Afterwards, you’d need to restart your device.
Conclusion
We hope after reading this step by step guide on Sky Q Mini Box Self Install instructions, you can easily set up your newly purchased device.
As per Sky Company rules, a customer can have only four additional Sky mini boxes installed. So, keep this number in mind while you order.
We recommend that before going through the installation process, make sure your Internet connection is stable and working well.
Otherwise, your installation may not work and give you frustrations.
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.