topic How do i permanently turn off the voice activated features? in Sky Q

How do i permanently turn off the voice activated features?

1question — Fri, 10 May 2024 09:48:00 GMT

Sky tell me I have to have a new box, I don't trust them as far as i could spit them so how can I permanently disable voice activated features?

I've seen guidance on how to turn off hints and tips but I want none of it; is that possible?

I know someone here will really want to tell me im paranoid and go on to unpack how and when voice activation works, I'm very familiar with the tech thanks and yet I'm still asking this question so make of that what you will.

Thanks in advance

Re: How do i permanently turn off the voice activated features?

MightyQuinn — Fri, 10 May 2024 10:48:23 GMT

Hi @1question The microphone is in the Remote. Simply turn off Bluetooth on the remote by holding down 4 & 6 and you have disabled all voice commands. Note, nothing is "listening", you have to press a button to initiate a voice command.

Re: How do i permanently turn off the voice activated features?

PandJ2020 — Fri, 10 May 2024 10:56:35 GMT

@1question wrote:
Sky tell me I have to have a new box,

That might not be true... but without any further detail we cannot comment.

Re: How do i permanently turn off the voice activated features?

Stephen+Mourton — Fri, 10 May 2024 20:20:23 GMT

I don't know if I'm missing something but I am a bit confused. I have voice activation on my remote but don't often use it. It is a blue button on the remote but if you don't press it it won't work anyway!!! So just don't press it!

Re: How do i permanently turn off the voice activated features?

TimmyBGood — Sat, 11 May 2024 08:22:44 GMT

@1question wrote:

Sky tell me I have to have a new box, I don't trust them as far as i could spit them so how can I permanently disable voice activated features?

Every Q box has the potential for Voice Control built-in to the operating system. I guess one option is to try and track down a vintage IR-only remote which doesn't have a microphone.

Re: How do i permanently turn off the voice activated features?

chaz010 — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:50:05 GMT

if you disable the bluetooth to disable the microfone will it not also disable the channel selector ?

Re: How do i permanently turn off the voice activated features?

nigea99 — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:59:43 GMT

@chaz010 wrote:

if you disable the bluetooth to disable the microfone will it not also disable the channel selector ?

@chaz010

No, all other features are available but when the bluetooth is switched off, it uses Infrared & therefore the remote must be able to 'see' the Q box

Re: How do i permanently turn off the voice activated features?

chaz010 — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:54:17 GMT

maybe not then my TV is in the bedroom upstairs and the sky box is downstairs , I use to use the magick eye dongle to controll the box but the sky enginere said the new box works of the remote so must use the blue tooth feature ? maybe i could burn out the microfone with a soldering iron ?

Re: How do i permanently turn off the voice activated features?

MightyQuinn — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:10:56 GMT

@chaz010 wrote:
maybe i could burn out the microfone with a soldering iron ?

Hi @chaz010 To be clear, all Sky Q boxes and accessories are on loan with ownership belonging to Sky. Although I don't believe they care, but burning out their property may not be wise. Especially when all you have to do is avoid pressing a button!

Re: How do i permanently turn off the voice activated features?

Chodley — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:42:22 GMT

@chaz010 wrote:
maybe not then my TV is in the bedroom upstairs and the sky box is downstairs , I use to use the magick eye dongle to controll the box but the sky enginere said the new box works of the remote so must use the blue tooth feature ? maybe i could burn out the microfone with a soldering iron ?

Or just, you know, not press the microphone button. I say this as someone who won't have Alexa in the house.