Make the most of the sky and the flow of the sky
Sky launched Sky Glass in 2021, so it has been around for several years. Meanwhile, we saw many updates and improvements that enhanced that experience, including the launch of the second generation Sky Glass in early 2025.
Meanwhile, Skystream arrived on the scene in 2022. This is a streaming device that connects to your TV via HDMI, and allows access to Sky’s services, but does not require satellite dishes.
Skyglass and Skystream run on the same interface and OS. So many of the Skyglass tips and tricks apply to Skystream as well.
So whether you’re looking for the quickest way to find content or want to try out low latency features in the Sky Sports main event that reduces broadcast latency, these are the top tips for Sky Glass and Skystream.
1. Find the remote control
If you have a Sky Q, you may know about remote tricks from where you can make Sky’s remote beeps by pressing the Sky Button in the center of the box. Well, in the case of Skygrass, you simply say, “Hello Sky, where is my remote?” and it starts to beep. If you have a Skystream and can’t find a remote, I highly recommend searching the side of the sofa.
2. Use voice control
Certainly talking to a TV is not the most natural thing, but if you have Alexa at home, or have Google Assistant Smart speakers, you should be used to talking to your device by now. This is the quickest way to find what you’re looking for in Sky Glass or Skystream, and you’ll be able to go back and forward.
In the case of Skygrass, the microphone is built into the TV, so you can say “Hello Sky,” and then something like “Rewind” comes back. For Sky Stream, press and hold the remote button on Sky Remote to talk about it.
3. Reduces delays when watching sports
Sky announced many updates to the Entertainment OS in April 2024. December 2024 includes delays when watching sports at the Sky Sports main event. The feature began rolling out in mid-November, allowing you to opt-in to enhance your viewing experience. This feature reduces broadcast delay by approximately 22 seconds.
To view the Low Latency channels for Sky Glass or Sky Stream, use the Live Sync button in the Sky Sports main event, or use 921 for HD customers and 922 for UHD. You can also use the Sky Remote’s audio button to say “Sky Sports Main Event Low Latency” or “Sky Sports Main Event Live Sync.”
4. Add to playlist
Playlists are one of the best features of Sky Glass and Skystream, so there are up to five personal playlists, some that allow you to add TV shows and movies. Think of it like an alternative to Sky Q recordings. However, separate the various users and all users so that they can stream when they’re ready to watch.
To add a show to your playlist, find a show or movie and press Add, or press the empty “+”. You can also add specific actors and actresses to your playlist. The playlist will be released in December’s update and will allow you to watch TV shows and movies featuring your favorite actors and actresses.
Just below the recommended shows, you will find a playlist at the top of the home screen of the Entertainment OS interface.
5. Use categories
Sky’s content offerings are one of the best and apply to both Sky Glass and Sky Stream. If you’re not looking for recommendations and know what you want (good for you), go to our TV guide. From here, press the circular pad on the empty remote to the left to reach content by category. It’s easy to find details like movies and kids.
6. Find out what’s next week
Skyglass and Skystream are about streaming “on-demand” as Sky calls it. This means you can stream something six months ago from last week or live stream it as it appears. Speaking of what is shown, you might want to know what will be at 8pm next Saturday night. You can jump up to the 7th on both Sky Glass and Skystream. In the TV Guide, if you hold down the correct button on the circular pad on the remote control, it will be displayed up to a week in advance.
7. Sign in to all streaming services
It may sound obvious, but perhaps the best tip we can offer you – except for the remote one, it’s pretty sweet for Sky Glass users. If you have an account with multiple streaming services, make sure you are signed in to all Sky Glass or Sky Stream apps. There are plenty on BBC iPlayer and ITVX from Netflix and Disney+. The more you sign in, the better the recommendations will be.
8. Skip ads
We enjoy advertising quite a bit at times, but sometimes we want to keep watching what your eyes are glued to your TV. Press or fast forward on the right of the Sky Remote’s circular pad, or hold down the microphone button on the remote to say “fast forward (average ads in the show that the average ads are watching).”
9. Get quick access to configuration
Skyglass and Skystream settings are not the quickest to access, as they require you to scroll before you can reach all content options in the left menu bar. However, there is a faster way. Press three dots on the Sky Glass and Skystream remote controls. A bar will then appear at the bottom of the screen, allowing you to access quick settings, such as changing viewing modes, or viewing modes with Sky Glass on or off.
10. Use night mode
Some soundbars like Sonos have specific features to reduce louder sounds and enhance voice and dialogue, so they don’t awaken your neighbors upstairs or neighbors. If you are using Sky Stream and use Soundbar on your TV, check your settings to see if night mode or something like that is offered.
If you have Sky Glass and use built-in speakers, open Settings and head to Images and Sound. From here, “Night Mode” will appear and tap to turn it on or off. While it doesn’t offer the exact same level of control as Sonos Arc Ultra and its advanced voice extensions, it also has options to improve voice quality that will help you make the conversation more clear.
11. Search based on actor/actress
If you love a particular actor or actress (Ryan Reynolds is our big favorite of Ambient), you can search based on them and raise Skyglass or Skystream content with that person. Press and hold the Microphone button on Sky Remote and say the names of the actors and actresses.
12. Turn on subtitles
One feature added in the Sky Entertainment OS 1.3 update was the option to add subtitles to UHD content. To quickly turn on subtitles, press the three dots on Sky Remote and the subtitles option will appear in the Quick Settings bar.
13. Use AirPlay for music and photos
If you have an Apple device, both Sky Glass and Sky Stream will add airplay support with the Entertainment OS 1.3 update, allowing you to play music on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac via Sky Stream or Sky Glass. You can also use Airplay to view family photos and play content on your TV. This is a great trick if you don’t have an Apple TV.
14. Skip these ads
The Entertainment OS 1.3 update introduces one button to allow you to skip ads for ITVX, STV Players and All4 TV apps. The buttons will automatically appear on compatible services (as long as you have a Skip ad subscription that costs £5 a month). You can click once to skip directly to the next part of what you’re looking at.
