How do I restore Sky TV when the screen says check Wi‑Fi or Ethernet?
Answer
Confirm the Sky box network cable or Wi‑Fi link, then restart the Sky box at the wall for 30 seconds and restart the broadband router. Wait until the router’s internet light is normal before powering the Sky box fully back on.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Avoid paying unexpected “reconnect” fees from popups or callers claiming they can restore Sky remotely.
Follow these steps
Check the network link first
If the Sky box uses Ethernet, reseat the cable at the box and router. If it uses Wi‑Fi, confirm the box is still joined to your home network in Sky network settings when the menu is reachable.
You should see: The physical cable is firm, or Wi‑Fi shows the correct network name.
Restart the Sky box at the wall
Turn the Sky box off at the wall socket, leave it off for 30 seconds, then turn the socket back on and wait for the box to finish starting.
You should see: The Sky box reboots cleanly and attempts to reconnect.
Restart the broadband router
Unplug or switch off the broadband router for about 30 seconds, restore power, and wait until the internet light returns to its normal online state before testing Sky again.
You should see: The router is fully online and other devices can browse the internet.
Power-cycle the Sky box once more if needed
If Sky still shows the Wi‑Fi or Ethernet error, turn the Sky box off at the wall for another 30 seconds, turn it back on, and wait through the full startup until the guide or live TV appears.
You should see: Sky service returns, or the same network error persists with a stable router.
Recheck Wi‑Fi after the router is stable
When Wi‑Fi is used, open Sky network settings after both devices are up, forget and rejoin the home Wi‑Fi if the box still reports no connection, using your normal Wi‑Fi password only on the Sky on-screen keyboard.
You should see: The Sky box reports a connected network and channels load again.
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Extra tips
What to look for: An on-screen Sky message telling you to check Wi‑Fi or Ethernet, plus whether the router internet light is online and the Ethernet cable is firmly seated if you use wired networking.
Before you change anything: Note any full error wording on the TV before restarting equipment. If you use Ethernet, check the cable is seated at both the Sky box and router before changing settings. Avoid factory resetting the Sky box until simple power and network restarts fail. Never share account passwords or one-time codes with unexpected callers.