The reason why Sky Q remote not working is most likely related to a battery failure or a fault with the remote’s hardware.
If replacing the batteries doesn’t help at all, fear not, because we have prepared an advanced troubleshooting guide to address all suspected possibilities!
If a Sky Q remote stops working all of a sudden, the first thing to check is the batteries and whether the TV receiver is plugged in and working.
If the problem is still there, inspect the hardware of the remote for any damages and factory reset the TV receiver.
Let’s continue to unwrap!
Why is Sky Q Remote Not Working No Red Light?
If the Sky Q remote doesn’t show any sign of functionality and the red light is not working, the issue may resemble a remote battery failure.
There are many factors involved so keep reading!
Here are the top causes for the malfunction of the Sky Q remote:
- The batteries of the remote ran out of charge.
- The Sky Q TV box is facing a software problem.
- The Sky Q remote control has been damaged.
- There is a programming/software remote issue.
Let’s troubleshoot!
My Sky Q Remote is Not Working – 7 Working Solutions!
Tip: Follow our steps in consecutive order and test the remote multiple times!
1. Use the Sky Q Remote *Find* Feature
An excellent and advanced way to tell if the Sky Q remote is recognized by the Sky Q TV box is to activate the “Find” feature.
The feature is activated by pressing the “Sky” button on the front of the TV receiver twice and the remote will start beeping to help you find the unit when lost.
Note: The feature can also be used to check whether the remote is recognized.
- Simply press the “Sky” button on the front of the receiver!
If the remote does beep, it means that the batteries are working and that the remote and the TV receiver can communicate. If the remote does not beep, it means that there is a programming issue or the batteries are dead.
Tip: Use the “Find” feature throughout this guide to test whether the remote works or not!
2. Power Cycle the Remote Control
A remote power reset consists of taking out the batteries for a particular amount of time until the hardware is completely discharged.
This is a very common solution whenever the batteries haven’t made proper contact with the battery compartment or have been embedded incorrectly.
Follow these steps to apply a power reset to the Sky Q remote control:
- Remove the battery cover from the Sky Q remote.
- Eject the batteries out of the battery compartment.
- Hold the power remote button for 15 seconds.
- Hold every other button for another 2 seconds.
- Reinsert the batteries and test the remote control.
Replace Sky Q Remote Control Batteries!
If a power reset didn’t do the trick, then the remote’s batteries might just be dead.
The Sky Q TV remote control uses 2 AAA batteries. You can purchase a fresh pair at any convenience store!
Note: Avoid installing batteries that have already been used before!
3. Clear Any Objects of Interference
You could either use a voice Sky Q remote or a non-voice IR-only remote control.
If you wish to operate the Sky Q receiver via voice commands, you need a remote that supports Bluetooth connectivity, but to only perform basic functions, you need a standard Sky Q IR remote.
Address Bluetooth Interference on Sky Q Remote:
- Dislocate other Bluetooth devices close to the receiver.
- Verify that the remote’s top part (front) is not obstructed.
- Move closer to the Sky Q TV box while using the remote.
Address Infrared Interference on IR Sky Q Remote:
- Clean the remote and TV’s frontal “IR eye” bulb at the tip.
- Move solid furniture or objects in front of the TV/remote.
- Dislocate devices that work with radio frequency waves!
Note: In case the red light on the remote is still not showing up, double-check the batteries!
4. Thoroughly Clean the Sky Q TV Remote!
Regardless of the type of Sky Q TV remote you have, maintaining the hardware clean is a must in order to preserve the remote for a longer period of time.
It’s not unlikely that your remote is not working due to stuck buttons, dust accumulation, or obstruction under the battery cover!
Follow these steps to disassemble the Sky Q TV remote and clean it:
- First, gently position the remote on a flat surface.
- Then identify the type and number of back screws.
- Acquire a compatible screwdriver (Phillips-headed).
- Undo all of the screws on the bottom compartment.
- Gently pull open the Sky Q remote’s compartments.
- Use a soft dry cloth with rubbing alcohol to clean.
- Focus on the spaces between the remote’s buttons.
- Wipe clean the springs in the battery compartment.
- Once fully dried up, reinstall the remote’s components.
Alert: Installing the remote’s batteries while still wet, might lethally damage the remote!
5. Perform a Remote System Reset
Another reliable solution whenever Sky Q remote is not working is to activate the in-built reset feature of the remote.
The feature is designed to reset the software and all connections of the remote by holding a specific combination of buttons, as long as there are working batteries!
- Simply hold the “7” and “9” buttons on the remote until the LED flashes 4 times!
These steps will unpair the remote control from the receiver temporarily and then automatically reconnect the device once the system reset is complete.
In addition, the remote’s operation will be refreshed, and hopefully the Sky Q remote will start working.
Reminder: Only test the Sky Q remote from close proximity!
6. Factory Reset the Sky Q Receiver
Perhaps, conducting a factory reset on the Sky Q receiver will restore the functionality of the remote control.
You should keep in mind that performing a factory reset on the Sky TV box will erase all content and settings stored on the device, including exiting remote programming.
Can you Factory Reset a Sky Q TV Box Without a Remote?
Not all Sky Q TV boxes can be reset without a remote control. It is up to you to determine whether your specific type of Sky Q box has an integrated reset button on the back or not.
All you have to do is press the reset button on the back and hold it down for 25-30 seconds. Upon starting up the TV box after the reset, it will be at the initial setup.
Keep in mind that the Sky Q TV box will be powered off during the reset and then you will need to set up the box.
Integrated Reset Button?
All Sky Q TV Mini boxes are known to have an integrated reset button. If your TV box has one, the reset button is usually found on the left/right port slot and looks like a small round button.
Note: In case there is no reset button, jump to the next solution!
7. Use the Sky Go App – Workaround!
If you weren’t able to restore the functionality of the Sky Q remote, using the Sky Go platform on your mobile device is an excellent temporary solution!
Once set up, the Sky application can be used as a digital remote to operate the TV box, without the need for a physical remote.
How to Setup the Sky Go Mobile Platform?
- On Android
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Type “Sky Go” in the search field.
- Download the first app result.
- On iOS
- First, open the Apple App Store.
- Type “Sky Go” in the search field.
- Download the trusted Sky Go app.
How to Access the Sky Go Digital Remote?
- Open the Sky Go app once installed.
- Sign in to your Sky Q registration.
- Then, go to “TV box digital remote”.
- Next, follow the on-screen steps.
- Once connected, use the remote.
Note: The device with the Sky Go application must be connected to the same WiFi as your Sky Q TV box in order for the digital remote to work.
Quick Recap:
Whenever the Sky Q remote not working, first power reset the device, and proceed with a battery replacement as soon as possible.
If the issue continues with a fresh battery set, conduct a factory reset on the Sky Q receiver and perform a thorough remote cleaning!
Follow our blog for more solutions and tips!
Read Next: How to Fix Sky Go Error Code 50-2?
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.