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How can I set my Sky box to record with my iPhone?

Our digital TV expert says...

Well done for taking the plunge and upgrading to Sky+HD Jack - I hope you’re enjoying all the benefits your new box has to offer. One of the many plus points of the box is its ability to “Remote Record”. This means that you can programme the Sky box to record the shows you’re worried about missing when you’re out.

For example, let’s say you just found out that you’re going to miss your favourite soap because the trains are delayed. With Sky+HD there’s no need to worry, because by sending a text message or using the Sky smartphone app you’ll be able to tell your box to record the show - so you can watch it when you finally do get home.

You can also log into your Sky account online to set your box to record. To find out how to activate the Remote Record, read my handy guide below…

What is Remote Record?

One of the handiest features of the Sky+HD box is the Remote Record function, which lets you send a recording request to your box using a mobile phone or via the My Sky website.

To use Remote Record, you need a Sky subscription - if you’re not the subscriber in your household, you need their permission before you start.

Once the service is activated, your Sky+HD box will automatically recognise your mobile number and your Sky customer ID when you send requests to record. There are three ways to Remote Record:,/p>

1. Using the Sky Mobile service or the Sky+ for iPhone app
2. By sending a text message
3. Online at www.sky.com/tvlistings

Activating Sky+HD Remote Record feature

Before you can start using Remote Record, you’ll need:

• A Sky+ or Sky+HD box and a subscription to at least one Sky “viewing pack”
• A Sky ID

If you don’t have a Sky ID or cannot remember your details, you can sign-up or request a reminder from www.sky.com. Next, to activate Remote Record, follow these steps:

1. Go to www.sky.com/remoterecord and sign in using your Sky ID
2. Follow the simple on-screen instructions to link your Sky ID and/or your mobile number to your chosen Sky+ or Sky+HD box
3. You’re ready to use Remote Record!

Remember though that recording requests must be made at least 30 minutes before start of a programme.

Sky Remote Record smartphone app

If you’ve got an iPhone, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Download the Sky+ app using your iPhone or from the iTunes App Store
2. Once downloaded, sign in to the app using your Sky ID, and you’ll have instant access to the seven-day Sky TV channel guide
3. Find the show you want to record, then press Record
4. Your request will be sent to your Sky+ or Sky+HD box.

If you experience any problems with your device or downloading the application please contact the Apple App Store support number on 0870 876 0753.

If you haven’t got an iPhone, you can install the Sky Mobile app to any smartphone, including BlackBerry, HTC, Samsung and LG phones. Just follow these steps:

1. Install the Sky Mobile application from your smartphone’s app store
2. Once downloaded, sign in to Sky Mobile and select Sky TV Guide
3. Find the channel you want by scrolling through the categories or by inputting the channel number on your keypad
4. Highlight the programme you want to record from the list and hit Record
5. You’ll receive a message to let you know your request has been sent to your Sky+ or Sky+HD box.

Sky Remote Record by text message

If you don’t have a smartphone, you can also set your Sky+HD box to record by sending a text message. Just compose the message in the following format, separating each section with a full stop:

Programme title. Channel. (name or number) DD/MM. (date) HH:HH. (time)

eg: Mad Men. Sky Atlantic. 10/08. 22:00.

If you don’t know the time of the programme or the channel, then just text the programme title, eg Mad Men.

Send this text to 61759 - you’ll receive a message to let you know your request has been sent to your Sky+ or Sky+HD box. Each text message confirmation costs 25p plus your mobile network provider’s standard charges.

Sky remote record text message

Sky Remote Record via online Sky listings

If you’ve got access to a computer and the internet, you can set your Sky+HD set-top box to Remote Record via the TV listings on Sky’s website:

1. Go to www.sky.com/tvlistings
2. Find the programme you want to record by browsing the listings or by using the search functions
3. Click on the programme title and then select Remote Record
4. You’ll receive a message to let you know your request has been sent to your Sky+ or Sky+HD box.

A maximum of 10 requests can be sent via the TV Listings each day.

Jack, I hope the information above is useful, and that you never have to worry about missing an episode of your favourite show again. For more information about how to use Sky+, read our guide to the Sky+HD set-top box.

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