How to record Sky TV using your smartphone...even when you're not at home

It’s really frustrating when you’re out of the house and unable to set your Sky+ box to record the next instalment of Coronation Street or that FA Cup game.

But did you know that, with a little help from your smartphone, you can program your Sky+ box to record any TV show while you aren’t even at home?

Using the Sky+ smartphone app

The free Sky+ app lets you wirelessly browse TV listings and remotely set your Sky+ box back at home to record a specific TV show. You could be anywhere: at the gym, at work or even on the bus.

The app works on the iPhone 4 and smartphones running Google’s Android operating system, such as the Google Nexus S.

You will also need:

1. An active Sky TV subscription
2. A 3G or wi-fi signal on your phone.

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How does it work?

The Sky+ app lets you record TV shows onto your Sky+ box back at home by using wirelessly communicating with it over your smartphone’s 3G or wi-fi connection.

That might sound complicated, but don’t let it put you off. The app is very easy to use and its iPhone and Android versions are virtually identical.

The app’s homescreen is divided into the same content categories you see on your telly - including “Entertainment” and “Movies” - so you can browse every channel available to you at home.

Let’s say you want to record an upcoming football match. Simply click on the app’s “Sports” icon from your smartphone, tap the channel showing the game - such as Sky Sports 1 - and then click “Record” when you seen the name and time of the match.

The smartphone app even has a “Search” feature to help you find and record specific shows by name.

Frequently asked questions

• What can I record using the Sky+ app?

The app can be used to remotely record any show you’d normally watch on your telly, up to seven days in advance. Up to 10 shows can be recorded each day.

You’ll also only be able to record the channels of your Sky TV subscription package, such as the “Music Pack” or “Variety Pack”.

Recorded shows can only be watched back on your Sky+ box - not on your smartphone.

• How much does the Sky+ app cost?

The app is free, and so is the process of recording shows to your Sky+ box. Using the app over your smartphone’s 3G connection will count towards your mobile phone package’s mobile internet data allowance.

• Can I use the Sky+ app abroad?

Yes, but international roaming costs could make using the app quite expensive. Read more about avoiding international roaming costs.

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