Tim Smith | May 10th, 2022

How to connect your Sky remote to your TV

Pairing your Sky+ or Sky Q remote controls to your television is more than just the kind of thing that techno-wizards do because they can. It’s actually very useful. For a start it removes the need for multiple remotes (and multiple remotes getting lost, and chewed by the dog). Depending on your TV, it can also provide additional functionality.

With a paired remote and the right TV, you will be able to switch inputs so you can use devices such as games consoles with no fuss or bother. You can also alter the picture format and aspect depending on what you’re watching. Of course, the ability to switch your Sky TV or Sky Q and your TV on and off with one button is a boon. And the functionality doesn't stop there. With the right Sky remote version and compatible hardware, you can also control your sound system.

What you need to connect your Sky remote

Pairing your Sky+ or Sky Q remote is, as you’ll see in this guide, really quite simple. But what do you actually need to make it happen? Let's have a look at what you’ll need to have ready:

How to make sure your Sky+ remote can be paired

Although all Sky Q remotes are pairable, some Sky+ remotes are not. Sky+ remotes with a ‘rev’ (or 'revision') number of less than four can’t be paired or programmed. So, how do you find out what revision number your Sky+ remote has? Don’t worry, this is really simple, and it doesn’t matter if you have Sky+ or Sky Q, the procedure is the same.

First of all press ‘TV’ on your Sky remote control. Then hold down the ‘Select’ and red buttons together until the light at the very top of your remote flashes.

Open the back of your Sky+ remote – just like you would if you were replacing the batteries. Look for a white label which is usually near the top of the compartment. Then just make a note of the ‘rev’ number. If your Sky+ rev number is more than four then you’re good to go.

You may have noted that there is a second label on the inside of your Sky+ remote control. This is a place for you to note down the three or four digit code you’ll need to program your Sky+ remote control.

How to check that your TV can be paired

Not all televisions are equal. The fact is that the newer they are, the more chance you have of being able to pair your TV with your Sky remote. Because new TVs are being produced almost monthly by the major manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic, Philips and Sharpe, Sky has an ongoing list of compatible sets.

However, a good rule of thumb is that if your TV is more than ten years old you’re probably not going to be able to pair it.

How to pair your Sky Q remote with your TV

Remember that Sky wants you to be able to Pair your Sky Q remote so they’ve made the process incredibly straightforward and as simple as possible. Here’s how it works with most TVs.

Press the ‘Home’ button on your Sky Q remote then choose ‘Settings’ then ‘Setup’ then, of course, select 'Remote Control' and then your remote. This will give you a set of options, with the one you’re after being ‘Control your TV’ – then choose your TV's brand. For the model you can choose ‘Find it for me’. You’ll need to hold the 1 and 3 down at the same time and then, using the number pad on your remote, enter the three or four digit code that is displayed. Now it’s time to check if you’re paired. Just try the volume control – if this changes your TV’s volume, then it’s job done, you’re paired.

How to pair your Sky+ remote with your TV

Before doing anything else you’re going to need to find your TV’s brand code. This is a three or four digit code that corresponds to the brand of your TV. Sky maintains an up to date list of these at its website. So, find your code and make a note of it that you can keep close to hand.

Turn your TV on using its own remote control, make sure your TV is showing your Sky+ screen. Now, put the TV remote down, if all goes to plan you won’t need it again. Then press the ‘Home’ button on your Sky+ remote, select ‘Settings’ and choose ‘Setup’ then ‘Remote Control’. Now choose the Sky+ remote. Now, it’s straight into the ‘Control your TV’ setting and pick your TV’s brand and model.

You probably don’t know the exact model so now you can select, ‘Find it for me’. The Sky+ box will then consult its own list of TVs and models. Now you need to press and hold down the 1 and 3 buttons until you’re presented with a three or four digit code (or more than one). Enter these codes in order until your TV is paired.

What is HDMI-control?

Pairing your Sky+ or Sky Q remotes with your TV gives you plenty of scope to change volume, select channels, and turn your telly on and off. Basically, you can put your television remote control safely away in a drawer (with its batteries out of course).

But what if you’ve also got external speakers? Or even a complete Surround Sound, Dolby Atmos, DTS all singing, all dancing entertainment system? Can you do away with the remote control for that as well?

Yes, if your speakers or entertainment system has an HDMI input then your Sky remote can probably control some of its essential functions. Sky calls this ‘HDMI On-Touch Play’, but TV and home entertainment system manufacturers call this ability to control devices via HDMI by a variety of names such as CEC, HDMI-CEC, Bravia Sync or Bravia Link, AnyNet. Basically just consult your TV’s manual. If it says you can use its particular brand of HDMI control on other devices, then so can your Sky+ or Sky Q remote.

HDMI Control with your Sky+ remote control

Press the ‘Services’ button on your Sky remote control, you should see the ‘Options’ tab will be highlighted and then select ‘Setting’. Scroll down and highlight HDMI Control. You can now toggle this on or off, and remember to save your settings as usual.

Using your Sky Q remote

No surprises here, go to ‘Settings’, and choose 'Setup' then 'Audio Visual' where you’ll be able to toggle HDMI control on or off. Easy.

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Frequently asked questions

Which Sky remote do I have?

This is easy to find out: simply open your remote as you would to change the batteries. You’ll find a white label towards the top of the unit. This will show you the ‘revision’ number. If this is 4 or above, you should be able to pair your remote control.

Can I unpair my Sky+ or Sky Q remote control?

Yes, you can return control of your television and other HDMI-connected devices to your standard remote. Simply follow our simple guides on this page, but choose to turn control ‘Off’ rather than ‘On’. You can also completely reset your remote to its factory settings in order to troubleshoot problems. This is easy. Just hold down the 7 and 9 buttons until the red light on your remote should flash – this shouldn’t take more than ten seconds – this shows that your remote has reset correctly.

How can I test if my remote has paired correctly?

This is a really easy one. All you need to do is try turning the volume up and then down again using your Sky remote. If it works, then you’re good to go.

Will my TV work with my Sky+ or Sky Q remote control?

If your television was made in the last five years, there is a very good chance that it will work with both your up-to-date Sky+ or Sky Q remote control. Not to worry though because when you go through the pairing processes described in this guide you’ll discover if your TV is compatible.