Setup Instructions for the Sky Remote

Tim Smith | 10th of May, 2022

Pairing your Sky or Sky Q remote controls to your television is more than just something that technological wizards do because they can. It's actually quite useful. For starters, it eliminates the need for multiple remotes (which can be lost or chewed by the dog). It may also provide additional functionality depending on your television.

You will be able to switch inputs with a paired remote and the right TV, allowing you to use devices such as game consoles without any fuss or bother. Depending on what you're watching, you can also change the picture format and aspect ratio. Of course, the ability to turn on and off Sky TV or Sky Q and your TV with a single button is a plus. And the usefulness does not end there. You can also control your sound system with the right Sky remote version and compatible hardware.

What you'll need to hook up your Sky remote

As you'll see in this guide, pairing your Sky or Sky Q remote is a breeze. But what exactly do you need to make it happen? Let's go over what you'll need to have ready:

How to ensure that your Sky remote can be paired

Although all Sky Q remotes can be paired, some Sky remotes cannot. Sky remotes with less than four'rev' (or'revision') numbers cannot be paired or programmed. So, how do you determine the revision number of your Sky remote? Don't worry, this is very simple, and the procedure is the same whether you have Sky or Sky Q.

First, use your Sky remote control to select 'TV.' Then, simultaneously press the 'Select' and red buttons until the light at the very top of your remote flashes.

Open the back of your Sky remote, just as you would to replace the batteries. Search for a white label near the top of the compartment. Simply make a note of the'rev' number. If your Sky rev number is greater than four, you're good to go.

You might have noticed a second label on the inside of your Sky remote control. This is where you'll write down the three or four digit code required to program your Sky remote control.

How to Make Sure Your TV Can Be Paid

Not all televisions are created equal. The truth is that the newer they are, the more likely it is that you will be able to pair your TV with your Sky remote. Because major manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Philips, and Sharpe produce new TVs almost monthly, Sky maintains an ongoing list of compatible sets.

However, if your television is more than ten years old, it is unlikely that you will be able to pair it.

How to Connect Your Sky Q Remote to Your TV

Remember, Sky wants you to be able to pair your Sky Q remote, so they've made the process as simple and straightforward as possible. Here's how it works with most televisions:

Press the 'Home' button on your Sky Q remote, then select 'Settings,' then 'Setup,' and finally 'Remote Control,' and then your remote. This will give you a list of options, with the one you want being 'Control your TV' - then select the brand of your TV. You can select 'Find it for me' for the model. Hold down the 1 and 3 buttons at the same time, and then enter the three or four digit code that appears using the number pad on your remote. It's now time to see if you're paired. Simply try the volume control - if it changes the volume of your TV, you're paired.

How to Connect Your Sky Remote to Your TV

Before you do anything else, you must first locate the brand code for your television. This is a three or four digit code that corresponds to the manufacturer of your television. Sky keeps an up-to-date list of these on its website. So, locate your code and make a note of it to keep close at hand.

Turn on your TV using its own remote control, and make sure the Sky screen is visible. Now, put down the TV remote; if everything goes as planned, you won't need it again. Then, on your Sky remote, press the 'Home' button, select 'Settings,' then 'Setup,' then 'Remote Control.' Now select the Sky remote. Now, go to the 'Control your TV' menu and select the brand and model of your television.

Because you are unlikely to know the exact model, you can now select 'Find it for me.' The Sky box will then consult its own list of TV models and manufacturers. Now, press and hold down the 1 and 3 buttons until you see a three or four digit code (or more than one). Enter these codes in the correct order until your TV is paired.

What exactly is HDMI-control?

When you pair your Sky or Sky Q remotes with your TV, you can change the volume, select channels, and turn your TV on and off. Basically, you can store your television remote control in a drawer (with the batteries removed, of course).

But what if you have external speakers as well? Alternatively, a full Surround Sound, Dolby Atmos, DTS all singing, all dancing entertainment system Can you do without the remote control as well?

Yes, if your speakers or entertainment system have an HDMI input, your Sky remote will most likely be able to control some of their essential functions. Sky refers to this as 'HDMI On-Touch Play,' but TV and home entertainment system manufacturers refer to it by a variety of names, including CEC, HDMI-CEC, Bravia Sync or Bravia Link, AnyNet. Simply consult the owner's manual for your television. If it says you can use its brand of HDMI control on other devices, then your Sky or Sky Q remote can as well.

Control HDMI with your Sky remote control

On your Sky remote control, press the 'Services' button until the 'Options' tab is highlighted, and then select 'Setting'. Scroll down and select HDMI Control. You can now toggle this on or off, and save your settings as usual.

Using your Sky Q remote control

No surprises here; go to 'Settings,' then 'Setup,' then 'Audio Visual,' where you can toggle HDMI control on or off. Easy