If you are facing the Sky Viewing Card not working error, do not worry. Many other Sky TV users are facing the same dilemma. If your Sky viewing card is not working, it could be that the card needs to be properly inserted, activated, or paired with the box.
In this guide, we have shared steps to fix the Sky viewing card not working error in a few simple and easy steps.
For the unversed, a Sky viewing card is a smartcard linked to a Sky TV account. The card is inserted into the Sky box, is activated, and paired with the account.
It grants access to the specific UK TV channels that the subscriber has paid for, enabling them to watch a variety of digital content. If your Sky viewing card is not working, here’s a troubleshooting guide to help resolve the issue.
Check Card Insertion:
- Ensure the viewing card is correctly inserted into the slot on the right-hand side of the Sky box.
- The card chip (gold area) should be facing down.
- Push it gently until you feel a slight click to ensure it’s fully engaged.
Remove & Reinsert Card:
- Power down your Sky box by pressing Standby on the remote.
- Next, switch it off at the mains.
- Remove the viewing card.
- Wipe the chip area with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth and remove dust or dirt.
- Check for any physical damage on the card.
- Switch the Sky box back on at the mains and leave it on standby for at least 3 minutes.
- Press the Sky button on your remote to turn the box back on and, when prompted, reinsert the viewing card as described in step 1.
Restart Your Sky Box:
If the issue persists, restart your Sky box.
- Press Standby on your Sky remote, then turn the Sky box off at the mains.
- After a few moments, turn your box back on at the mains.
- Wait four minutes, then press Sky on your remote.
Refresh Your Viewing Card:
- On your Sky remote, press Home.
- Next, select Settings, and then System Info.
- Highlight the Viewing card number.
- Select Setup to refresh the card.
Re-pair Your Viewing Card:
If you’re seeing messages like “This is the wrong card for this box.”
- You will have to re-pair the viewing card to your Sky box.
- You can do this through your box’s settings if it’s connected to a telephone line or broadband, or by contacting Sky customer support.
Online (UK):
- Go to: https://www.sky.com/help/articles/pair-your-viewing-card.
- Log in with your Sky ID
- Follow the instructions to pair your card with the current box
Or Call Sky:
- UK Sky Customer Service: 0333 759 3772
- Tell them you’re getting the “Viewing card cannot be read” message, and ask to pair the card to your box.
Update Box Software:
- Press the Standby button on your Sky remote.
- Switch off and unplug your Sky box and connected device.
- Press the Backup button on your Sky box.
- While holding the Backup button, switch your Sky box back on at the mains.
- Continue holding the Backup button until all four lights on the front panel turn on, then release.
- The box will now be in download mode.
- The software download will take 5-10 minutes.
- Once finished, the box will go to standby.
- Wait a few minutes, press Sky on your remote.
Contact Sky Support
If you’ve followed all the above steps but are still facing the Sky viewing card not working error, there may be a problem with the card itself or the Sky box.
- Do try to contact Sky support and tell them the steps you’ve already tried.
- They can diagnose remotely and issue a new card or box if needed.
That is all about how to fix the Sky viewing card not working error.