
Sky Q viewers have a unique opportunity to claim a free gift from Sky Store, but time is running out. Subscribers to the British broadcaster have mere hours left to grab a complimentary £20 credit for a film of their choice, part of a gesture to apologize for a recent technical glitch that left many unable to watch television on May 15.
The glitch in question forced Sky Q boxes across the UK into a standby mode unexpectedly. Some viewers reported being able to wake their boxes momentarily, only for the issue to send them right back to a blank screen. While this frustrating incident was rectified within hours, many users required a reboot of their equipment to restore normal service.
Sky’s technical team acknowledged the software issue that caused this disruption, which affected the functionality of Sky Q boxes, both “Active” and “Eco” modes. The latter is designed for energy efficiency, engaging between 2:30 AM and 5:45 AM, but it became unusable during this outage. The Active mode, which allows for quicker access and background recording, was also compromised.
Following the glitch, Sky announced it would be offering a generous compensatory gift—a £20 Sky Store credit. The notice was sent out via email to all affected subscribers, reading, "We’re extremely sorry if you experienced disruption to your Sky Q services recently. We’re gifting you a Sky Store Buy & Keep movie—it’s our way of saying thank you for bearing with us."
To claim this free gift, users need to act fast; the offer expires at 11:59 PM on Saturday, May 31. Once a film has been selected from the vast selection available on the Sky Store, viewers can enjoy their chosen movie forever, adding it to their digital library. Some selections even offer the physical DVD or Blu-ray option for those who prefer a hard copy.
Sky has made important steps to ensure that this kind of technical hiccup doesn’t happen in the future, acknowledging the distress it can cause when viewers lose access to their favorite content. The company has been vigilant about addressing the issue by sending text messages to subscribers, advising them to power cycle their Sky Q boxes if they’re still experiencing problems.
Power cycling, a simple and effective method to reset electronic devices, involves shutting down the unit, unplugging it from the power source, and waiting for a short period before plugging it back in. This allows the internal memory to clear and refreshes the device, often resolving lingering software issues.
For those still facing problems, Sky’s support team has laid out clear instructions on how to power cycle the Sky Q box, emphasizing its effectiveness in combating the residual effects of the glitch.
As part of its commitment to customer satisfaction, Sky is also promoting an affordable new TV bundle called “TV Essentials.” This offering includes a plug-and-play Sky Stream box with over 100 live channels, featuring favorites like Sky Atlantic, as well as subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery+. For an additional fee, viewers can upgrade to include Sky Cinema and Sky Sports.
In addition to these offerings, fans can explore a range of popular titles available to claim as part of the free Sky Store gift. Some of the featured films include well-loved blockbusters like Bullet Train, Jumanji: The Next Level, Les Misérables, and The Equalizer, among others.
Sky’s ability to respond quickly to technical issues while also providing compensation speaks to its dedication to customer service. For viewers, this free film offer serves as both an apology for the recent inconvenience and an exciting opportunity to enjoy some excellent films.
In summary, Sky Q viewers should check their inboxes and act quickly if they wish to take advantage of this time-sensitive offer. Simply follow the instructions to navigate to the Sky Store, look for the "Your Sky Store Gift On Us" tile, and make your film selection before the deadline passes. Whether you’re considering an action-packed thriller or a heartwarming drama, there’s something available for everyone, and it’s an excellent way to enjoy your downtime with quality entertainment. Remember, the clock is ticking, so don’t miss out on your chance to claim your free film!