can i use multiple miniboxes?

[Matt195]

My parents have a main sky box and have just purchased three mini boxes in order to use multi room in the bedrooms. However, it will only allow one mini box to work and if we try to connect either of the other two, it disconnects the first one. Does anyone know wy this is?

[Daniel0210]

@Matt195 

Firstly they haven't purchased any mini boxes, they are loaned by Sky.

You can have a maximum of 4 mini boxes loaned to you by Sky. You can watch Sky content on two minis and the main box at the same time. You may be able to use a third mini box if the first one in use is being used for a streaming app ie: Netflix or DIsney+.

Be aware the original 1TB (non-UHD) Sky Q box only allows one mini to be in use. To check if you have the non UHD 1TB box check in:-
Home - Settings - System Info - Hardware Version
If it shows as 32Cxxx then you have a non UHD 1TB that only supports 1 active mini box.

All 2TBs and the UHD/HDR 1TB permit two mini boxes. Each mini box which is loaned to you may be subject to a one off upfront charge but you only need one Sky Q monthly Multiscreen subscription.

[nigea99]

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@Matt195 wrote:

My parents have a main sky box and have just purchased three mini boxes in order to use multi room in the bedrooms. However, it will only allow one mini box to work and if we try to connect either of the other two, it disconnects the first one. Does anyone know wy this is?

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hi @Matt195 

As detailed by @Daniel0210 , I think it likely that your parents only have one of the older non UHD  boxes which can only support 1 active mini.

Although not always the case, SKY, however,  have  a habit of using these for people migrating from SKY HD unless they specifically take out the UHD sub or otherwise  manage to persuade them to issue a UHD capable box 

[Matt195]

Thanks for your response. They do infact have the old sky Q box, so this is clearly the reason. It's very frustrating that Sky don't specify this more clearly, as they would not have paid for three boxes if they'd known. I am trying to get hold of an actual human being at Sky to discuss, but that seems to be very difficult these day! 

Thanks for your response thought, that's been really helpfu.

[Daniel0210]

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@Matt195 wrote:

I am trying to get hold of an actual human being at Sky to discuss

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@Matt195 

I presume one of your parents is the account holder so be aware that unless you have authority to speak to Sky on their behalf and know the telephone password they won't discuss the account with you. 

[nigea99]

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@Matt195 wrote:

Thanks for your response. They do infact have the old sky Q box, so this is clearly the reason. It's very frustrating that Sky don't specify this more clearly, as they would not have paid for three boxes if they'd known. I am trying to get hold of an actual human being at Sky to discuss, but that seems to be very difficult these day! 

Thanks for your response thought, that's been really helpfu.

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@Matt195  we often see posts similar to yours and it is frustrating to see that people are  not made more aware.

Needless to say it is covered in the small print but even those of us who are aware don't find it that easy to spot.

We do try to point out the limitations on here but, like your post, often people post only after finding it out the hard way.

Of course, some people do get more minis just to have the option of watching in a different room, rather than needing to be able to watch simultaneously.

Hope you / your parents manage to get through and manage to arrange something mutually agreeable, although SKY do usually insist on an upgrade fee for a main box .

[Chodley]

Bear in mind also they could use a tablet in the meantime. I think even the non-UHD box will also allow 2 simultaneous mobile devices and some tablets have hdmi out

[Laing1]

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@Chodley wrote:

Bear in mind also they could use a tablet in the meantime. I think even the non-UHD box will also allow 2 simultaneous mobile devices and some tablets have hdmi out

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@Chodley if you mean the old 1TB non UHD box then its 1 mini and 1 tablet/phone simultaneous where as the UHD boxes are 2 mini's and 2 tablet/phones simultaneous