Can I use 2 Sky Q mini boxes?

[sonjaw]

I already had one mini box and have bought another for an different room but don't seem to be able to use it at the same time as the original box. What am I doing wrong? Before I bought the second box the Sky website said 2 miniboxes and the main box would work independently of each other. 

Error message tells me to put the other mini box in to stand by. 

Thank you in advance. 

[PandJ2020]

Tell us what hardware version of the main box you have: https://www.sky.com/help/articles/sky-software-updates

If it's an 'older' one then they only support 1 concurrent mini.

With the latest boxes you can have up to 4 minis but only 2 concurrent for TV viewing.

[TimmyBGood]

@sonjaw 

As @PandJ2020 indicates, the original (2016-2019) 1TB non-UHD main Q box can only support one Mini in use.

All the 2TB boxes and the UHD/HDR 1TB (late 2019 onwards) can have two.

[sonjaw]

Thank you for that. I followed the directions you gave and it says my box is 1TB and therefore, I assume, not compatible for 2 mini boxes. So infuriating but thank you so much for replying and stopping me from trying to link them. 

[PandJ2020]

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@sonjaw wrote:

Thank you for that. I followed the directions you gave and it says my box is 1TB and therefore, I assume, not compatible for 2 mini boxes. 

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You need to check the exact model.  But I'm assuming it's 32C.

They are compatible but just not concurrently.  You can call Sky and ask for an upgraded main box - they are likely to ask for a one-off payment (up to £100) though.

[sonjaw]

Hi. Yes it is the 32C. I'm surprised Sky sold me a second mini box knowing I couldn't use them both at the same time. Ho hum, I should have asked on here first. 

Thank you again, you've been very helpful. 

[PandJ2020]

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@sonjaw wrote:

I'm surprised Sky sold me a second mini box knowing I couldn't use them both at the same time.

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Not surprised.  As I said it's 'compatible'.

You can try complaining, but they may not reduce the charge to upgrade.

[nigea99]

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@sonjaw wrote:

Hi. Yes it is the 32C. I'm surprised Sky sold me a second mini box knowing I couldn't use them both at the same time. Ho hum, I should have asked on here first. 

Thank you again, you've been very helpful. 

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hi @sonjaw 

Needless to say the restriction is covered in the small print but it is certainly not spelt out as I think it shoud be. 

They do let people have more than they can use at anyone time (even with the other boxes you are limited to 2) but some, if not many, do get them to use in other rooms that won't be in use at the same time (e.g. some have 1 for the Kitchen & 1 for the bedroom)

edit : P.S. We do have to point out a minor but vital point  - the mini boxes are not sold & they always remain the property of SKY - the cost charged is a non-refundable 'Admin/Activation Fee'

[Daniel0210]

@sonjaw 

Just to clarify, Sky didn't sell you a mini box… they are loaned to you the same as the main box and must be returned to Sky when you cancel your Multiscreen subscription or Sky Q in full. 

[sonjaw]

Apologies..... I'm surprised Sky didn't mention this before charging me borrow their equipment 

[Chodley]

I would formally complain and push for a main box upgrade. It probably can't do UHD either and definitely can't do HDR.