Noisy sky Q box

[SueA2]

Does anyone know why my Sky Q box emits a high pitched loud whine for 2 minutes when it is switched on? It doesn't do it when put on from standby, only when the power has been off. It terrifies my dogs and I am hoping there is a way to stop it. Thanks.

[PandJ2020]

Likely to be a spinning component (fan/hard drive) warming up.

No easy fix other than a replacement box if Sky agree to swap it.

[MightyQuinn]

Hi @SueA2   I doubt if will help, but you could try some sound dampening feet or a soft rubber pad. I suspect you will have to eventually contact Sky for a replacement box.

[Mark39]

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@SueA2 wrote:

Does anyone know why my Sky Q box emits a high pitched loud whine for 2 minutes when it is switched on? It doesn't do it when put on from standby, only when the power has been off. It terrifies my dogs and I am hoping there is a way to stop it. Thanks.

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Is it the cooling fans you're hearing? They.make a noise like a jet engine when the box is first turned on at the mains, then gradually step down to being almost silent. The solution is not to turn the box off at the plug. It's designed to be left on permanently and won't cause any damage,

[SueA2]

Thanks everyone for the replies, but it is not a fan noise or anything like that, it sounds like a house alarm, a constant, loud high pitched screech. I don't ever turn the box off at the mains, but I live in a small village that has occasional power cuts and it makes this noise every time the power comes back on. It doesn't sound like it ought to do that if no-one else's does this, so I will contact Sky. Thanks again.

[lettice]

What kind of surface is the Sky Q box sitting on?
Do remember someone having a sort of semi glass shelf and had a similar screeching noise, it seemed the shelf material was exacerbating the fan noise.

Would suggest getting a small piece of wood, say an inch or few centimers thick, that covers the bottom area of the box and placing that under the Sky Q box.

The wood may help reduce the sound level.

If it only does it on a power restart, it is the fans for the hard drive starting up for a brief time. I

[SueA2]

Thanks, @lettice . The box sits on a wooden shelf. The noise is far too loud to be the fan, it is definitely an electronic noise. It sounds like a house alarm.

[Mark39]

@SueA2 I'd suggest reporting it to Sky. I imagine they'll send you a replacement box. If it's a 'doorstep exchange' whereby you hand over your current box in exchange for a replacement, be sure to take the Viewing Card out of the old box before handing it over.

[lettice]

Ok.

Sounds like the hard drive is not sitting correctly, or maybe just struggling.

Rather than ringing Sky.

You can order a replacement Sky Q box online, via the link at the bottom of this help article;

Sky Q boxes are warm to touch or noisy | Sky Help | Sky.com | Sky Help | Sky.com

If you do replace it online;

Make sure when you swap over your old (current) box for the new one at the door with the courier that you take out your current Sky viewing card and keep it (do not send the viewing card back with the courier) as you will need that to pair the new box when it arrives.