Discussion topic: Is the Sky Mini Box really so poor ?
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Message posted on 10 Sep 2024 05:39 PM
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Is the Sky Mini Box really so poor ?
I know the mini box is really a absolutley poorly designed piece of equipment that really isn't fit for purpose, let alone being charged for.
I'm getting to the point that its virtually daily that I have to unplug the box to reboot it to work.
Anyone else have this issue ? Or am I missing something in the settings that may be causing this ?
Cheers.
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All Replies
Message posted on 10 Sep 2024 05:51 PM
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Re: Is the Sky Mini Box really so poor ?
Have you spoken to Sky about it? I didn't have that problem with my Mini boxes.
Message posted on 11 Sep 2024 02:55 PM - last edited: 11 Sep 2024 02:55 PM
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Re: Is the Sky Mini Box really so poor ?
Mini boxes have been around for eight years now: there are millions in daily use.
Typically the first suspect is always an inadequate wireless connection from the main Q box, which Sky will attempt to resolve through loaning a WiFi booster.
BT Halo 3+ Ultrafast FTTP (500Mbs), BT Smart Hub 2
Message posted on 11 Sep 2024 05:47 PM
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Re: Is the Sky Mini Box really so poor ?
Cheers all,
I have the mini box connected to an ethernet cable as the sky wifi is not strong enough for it to connect.
I just get a blank screen with the green light on, hence having to unplug it. Its new box as well, had it replaceed last week and getting same issue.
Message posted on 11 Sep 2024 07:01 PM
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Re: Is the Sky Mini Box really so poor ?
@TwoBit wrote:
Its new box as well, had it replaceed last week and getting same issue.
That would strongly suggest the issue is elsewhere.
Is the WiFi switched off on the Mini box?
Is it a managed or unmanaged switch?
What is the ISP and router in use?
BT Halo 3+ Ultrafast FTTP (500Mbs), BT Smart Hub 2
Message posted on 12 Sep 2024 03:07 PM
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Re: Is the Sky Mini Box really so poor ?
The wifi isn't the issue, its the fact the box fails to start. I'm on sky fibre but can't wait to get back to virgin in truth, not been impressed with it.
It's if it's stuck in standby but the green light is on to say the box is active. Reboot the box its fine, but can only do that via unplugging it.
Message posted on 06 Jul 2026 05:08 PM
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Re: Is the Sky Mini Box really so poor ?
I virtually never use the thing because it is so bad. I have a booster - but the experience on watching recordings from the mini involves 5 minutes of program - 1 minute of blue screen or drop out or silence - repeat. Watching the apps is also hit and miss with it - but sometimes I can watch a whole film without a problem - but I wouldn't bet on it.
The box is always boiling too (I've got it up on additional feet and there's plenty of space around it) - I regularly have to pull the plug on it. I have it connected to a TP-Link Powerline to try to improve the network experience (admitedly I don't have the main box connected to anything other than the Wifi - as it's in the same room as the booster and the booster is about 10-15ft from the router).
Disappointing is an understatement.
Message posted on 06 Jul 2026 06:26 PM
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Re: Is the Sky Mini Box really so poor ?
@AlanB66 wrote:
I virtually never use the thing because it is so bad. I have a booster - but the experience on watching recordings from the mini involves 5 minutes of program - 1 minute of blue screen or drop out or silence - repeat. Watching the apps is also hit and miss with it - but sometimes I can watch a whole film without a problem - but I wouldn't bet on it.
The box is always boiling too (I've got it up on additional feet and there's plenty of space around it) - I regularly have to pull the plug on it. I have it connected to a TP-Link Powerline to try to improve the network experience (admitedly I don't have the main box connected to anything other than the Wifi - as it's in the same room as the booster and the booster is about 10-15ft from the router).
Disappointing is an understatement.
@AlanB66 who is your broadband provider ? and can you confirm how all the boxes and boosters are conected ? and to what ?
I may be a Sky Superuser but I am still just a Sky customer
Sky Q 2 TB (Silver)Box, 2 Mini boxes since June 2016, all connected by wifi
Sky Broadband Hub/SR203, Sky Ultrafast broadband
Ultimate on Demand, Q Experience/UHD, Sky Sports, Sky Cinema
LG 49SJ 810 V UHD TV
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL mobile
Message posted on 06 Jul 2026 06:27 PM - last edited: 06 Jul 2026 06:34 PM
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Re: Is the Sky Mini Box really so poor ?
@AlanB66 wrote:
The box is always boiling too (I've got it up on additional feet and there's plenty of space around it)
Typically that's a sign the WiFi is struggling
I have it connected to a TP-Link Powerline to try to improve the network experience (admitedly I don't have the main box connected to anything other than the Wifi - as it's in the same room as the booster and the booster is about 10-15ft from the router).
If the Mini is actually using an ethernet connection then you'd want to disable the on-board wireless.
BT Halo 3+ Ultrafast FTTP (500Mbs), BT Smart Hub 2
Message posted on 06 Jul 2026 06:53 PM
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Re: Is the Sky Mini Box really so poor ?
All Sky kit.
Message posted on 06 Jul 2026 06:53 PM
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Re: Is the Sky Mini Box really so poor ?
"If the Mini is actually using an ethernet connection then you'd want to disable the on-board wireless." ... how?
Message posted on 06 Jul 2026 08:10 PM
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Re: Is the Sky Mini Box really so poor ?
@AlanB66 wrote:
"If the Mini is actually using an ethernet connection then you'd want to disable the on-board wireless." ... how?
press Home
Scroll to Settings - but do not press enter/select at this point
Press 0 0 1 in sequence followed by the Enter/ select button
you should now get the engineer's menu where you can disable / enable the wifi bands
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