Your Sky remote should work to change channels and adjust other settings. But if some buttons are not working, they might be damaged.
Also, Sky remote buttons can stop working if the battery is dead or there is interference from other devices in the room. In other cases, an issue with the Sky Q box could explain why the buttons are not responding to your inputs.
Read on to learn how to fix buttons on a Sky remote that are not working.
1. Check the batteries
Checking the batteries helps you determine whether they are low or not powering the remote.
If the batteries are low, the remote may stop working, or some buttons will not respond to your inputs.
To check the batteries:
- Cover the buttons slightly on your Sky remote with your hand.
- You should see a white backlight behind the buttons.
- If you can see the backlight, the batteries are working.
- If you cannot see the backlight, try pressing a button.
- If there is still no light, check the battery compartment to make sure the paper used to protect the battery is removed. If it is removed, then the batteries are dead.
If the batteries are low, replace them with new ones. Also, ensure you have inserted the batteries in the correct orientation.
2. Check for interference
Interference from other devices can cause buttons on a remote to stop communicating with your Sky TV.
The Sky remote uses infrared signals to communicate with the Sky box.
Therefore, other devices in the room can emit signals that interfere with the remote’s signals. When that happens, the remote can become unresponsive or force specific buttons to stop working.
If you suspect interference is the issue, try moving other devices away from the television to see if this helps.
Consider moving things like baby monitors, wireless routers, cordless phones, microwaves, and other remotes away from your Sky devices.
3. Clean the contacts
When you frequently use the Sky remote, the contacts can become dirty or corroded, leading to an unresponsive remote.
Consider cleaning the contacts to restore the connection between the button pads and the PCB and improve the performance of the remote.
To clean the contacts, use:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Kitchen towel
- Cotton swab
Gently clean the contacts to avoid damaging them. Once done, check if the buttons are responsive.
4. Check for damage
You should check for any physical damage to the remote if the select button on the Sky remote is not working. Physical damage can cause specific buttons to stop working.
Check for visible signs of damage, such as cracks or dents, and ensure the buttons are not stuck or jammed. If you notice any damage, you may need to replace the remote or have it repaired.
You may get a free remote replacement by contacting Sky support.
5. Re-pair the Sky remote
The buttons may stop working because you did not pair the remote properly. You can reset the buttons as follows:
- Press and hold buttons 7 and 9 simultaneously on your Sky remote for three seconds.
- Press and hold buttons 1 and 3 simultaneously for three seconds.
- Wait until you see the message – Your remote is now connected.
- Select Continue.
If the screen displays Connect your remote, something is wrong, and you must repeat the steps at least three times.
Here is a video showing how to pair a Sky Q remote with a TV.
6. Restart your Sky device
A system issue with your Sky box could be why the remote buttons are unresponsive or why some buttons are not working after resetting.
Therefore, restart your Sky box as follows:
- Press the Standby button on your Sky remote or on the box.
- Switch off your Sky device at the mains, then switch it back on -there’s no need to unplug it.
- After a few seconds, you will see the Sky logo on the screen, and the red or white standby light will come on.
- Press the Home button on your Sky remote.
- You should see the Home screen.
Once you see the home screen, the remote buttons are working.
Have your say!
Did these methods work for you? Let us know in the comments below.