This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Mini Box, including whether or not you can get one, how much it costs, and how to install it. We will also discuss some of the features included with the Mini Box. So if you’re interested in learning more about this new product, keep reading!
The Sky Q Mini Box: What Is It and Can You Get One?
It’s a smaller version of the main Sky Q box.
The Mini Box, as fans know it, is a popular new product from Sky that has quickly become a favorite among customers. This compact box connects to your main Sky Q TV box over Wi-Fi or ethernet cable, allowing you to pause and rewind live TV, watch On-demand content, and pause live TV in one room and then continue watching in another room.
A significant advantage of owning one of these is that the Mini Box also acts as a Wi-Fi extender, extending your existing wireless signal so that you can watch TV or access the internet in rooms where your main router signal may be weak. It works if you have a Sky router installed, as well as if you subscribe to Sky Broadband.
On the downside, however, one of the biggest downsides is that you cannot record directly onto the Mini Box. However, you can use the box to record content on your main Sky Q box and stream or watch the content later on in the Mini Box.
Another downside is that it only offers 720p resolution – not Full HD (1080p) or Ultra High Definition (UHD).
I’m a Sky Q Subscriber; How Many Mini Boxes Can I Have?
First, you need to subscribe to the Sky Q TV package and the Multiscreen add-on, which costs an additional £15 per month. You’ll get one Mini Box as standard and can then choose to add up to three more Mini Boxes for an additional charge. Just bear in mind that you can only watch TV on a total of three Sky Q boxes at any one time – this does not have to be your main Sky Q box, although it must be connected to the power as this is how the Mini Boxes access the content, live or on-demand.
How Much Does it Cost? Are any Offers Available?
You can purchase additional Mini Boxes from the Sky customer support team, usually for around £50 each (according to the website cable.co.uk). Or, if you have the MySky app on a mobile device, you can find the phone number at the bottom of the VIP section, which is usually answered quickly.
Offers?
You might find some offers available with Sky VIP, depending on what your subscription includes. For example, you might get a discount or additional benefits if you already subscribe to certain Sky products and services, such as Sky Broadband. Check the VIP section on your Sky app or your main Sky Q box regularly to see if any offers are available.
Ordering Additional Sky Q Mini Boxes
First, when you order an additional Sky Q Mini Box, you are not buying them. All Sky Q hardware is loaned to you and must be returned to Sky at the end of your contract. To get an additional Mini Box, call customer support, and request another Mini Box. You will usually need to pay an admin fee to cover the delivery cost.
Are you installing it In a Different Home: Is It Possible?
The short answer is no. The mini box needs to be connected to your main Sky Q box over Wi-Fi or ethernet cable for it to work correctly. It would be better to take it out of the house and try to use it elsewhere, as the two boxes need to be able to communicate with each other.
Can I Buy One on ebay or Gumtree? Will it Work?
The quick answer is no. As mentioned, the mini Sky Q boxes are owned by Sky and can only be used with a valid Sky Multiscreen subscription. Trying to use one of these boxes without a subscription is against the T&Cs of your contract, and you could face penalties such as a fine or even having your box shut down.
You might find a lot of these for sale on sites such as eBay or Gumtree, but this is mainly because they were initially rented by customers and then no longer have a use for them. As such, people try to sell these boxes online to make a bit of extra cash.
Can I Install it Myself?
Yes. Many customers choose to self-install their mini boxes. The process is very straightforward and involves plugging in the box to the power supply and then connecting it to your main Sky Q box over Wi-Fi or ethernet cable. The process is explained below.
Setting up and Connecting Sky Q Mini Box
Setting up a Mini Box is relatively simple, though you will need to have your existing Sky Q box or router close by.
Step 1: Plug the Mini Box into your TV using an HDMI cable and plug it into a wall outlet for power.
Step 2: There will be an initial setup message on your TV, and you will need to press “Home” on your Sky Q remote.
Using WPS
When connecting for the first time, you may experience a temporary drop in connectivity. In this case, it is recommended that you re-connect your Sky Q Mini Box via WPS.
Step 1: Press the “Select” button on your remote to access the Sky Q menu.
Step 2: You will see steps 2 of 4, starting the WPS process on your Sky Q Mini Box.
Step 3: You must find and press the WPS button on your main Sky Q product or router, such as your Sky Q Hub or main Sky Q Box. This should be a physical button that can easily be found and pressed with your finger.
Step 4: Press the WPS button on your Sky Q Mini Box for 3 seconds until the light turns amber.
Step 5: Hold the WPS button on your Sky Q Mini Box until it obtains an IP address and connects to your main Sky Q box. This process can take up to 2 minutes, so be patient and wait for the connection to complete.
Step 6: Once your Sky Q Mini Box has connected to your main Sky Q TV box or router, you should be able to access live TV and other features in any room with a connected Mini Box.
Sky Mini Box Dimensions / Specs
So you’re looking to buy a mount or wall bracket for your Sky Mini Box? To find the right product for you, it’s essential to be aware of the dimensions of the Mini Box.
Width: 23.2 cm
Depth: 15.5 cm
Height: 3.5 cm
Can you mount a Sky Q mini box behind the TV?
Yes! You can absolutely mount your Sky Q mini box behind your TV. This is very helpful if you want to hide it and the wires that come with it. Below we have listed all the best Sky Q mini box mounts for each size.
