Sky Q subscribers face a series of channel changes between 2025 and 2026, including the shutdown of older SD boxes, a major reshuffle of entertainment and factual channels, and the return of Sky One as a rebranded service. Understanding which deadlines affect your service and how to adjust your channel list is essential to avoid interruptions.
What Sky Q channel changes are happening in 2025-2026?
SD Box Shutdown
October 2025
SD boxes lose TV service
Sky One Returns
February 2026
Rebranded as Sky Entertainment; Comedy, Documentaries, Crime, Arts move channels
Warner Bros Discovery Shuffle
January 2026 (reported)
Dozens of channel number changes
Monthly Changes
Ongoing
Weekly updates to TV guide on Sky Q
- Sky is phasing out SD boxes by October 2025. Customers must upgrade to Sky Q or Sky Glass/Stream to continue service.
- Sky One returns as a rebranded entertainment channel (Sky Entertainment) in February 2026, triggering channel moves for Comedy, Documentaries, Crime, and Arts.
- A major reshuffle of Warner Bros Discovery channels is expected in early 2026, affecting dozens of channel numbers.
- Monthly TV guide changes are routine; users should check the Sky forum or official help page for weekly updates.
- Channel availability differs between UK and Ireland – not all channels are available in both countries.
| Change | Date | Affected Platforms | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| SD box TV service ends | October 2025 | Sky+ SD boxes | Upgrade to Sky Q or Glass/Stream |
| Sky One rebrand to Sky Entertainment | February 2026 | Sky Q, Sky+ | Note new channel number (101) |
| Comedy moves to 113 | February 2026 | Sky Q | Update favourites |
| Documentaries moves to 114 | February 2026 | Sky Q | Update favourites |
| Crime moves to 121 | February 2026 | Sky Q | Update favourites |
| Arts moves to 122 | February 2026 | Sky Q | Update favourites |
| Warner Bros Discovery channel reshuffle | Early 2026 (reported) | Sky Q, Sky+, Glass | Check new numbers via guide |
When do Sky SD boxes stop working?
Sky has confirmed that customers with older standard-definition boxes will lose television services in October 2025. According to the Sky SD box upgrade guide, the company is ending support for legacy SD receivers as part of its transition toward HD and internet-based platforms.
If you own a Sky+ SD box, you must upgrade to Sky Q or Sky Glass/Stream before the deadline to avoid cancellation. The upgrade process is outlined on Sky’s help pages, and no changes to subscription costs have been announced solely for this transition, though new hardware may involve a contract.
Look at the front of your set-top box. If it does not have a “HD” or “Q” logo, it is likely an SD model. Sky recommends ordering an upgrade well before September 2025 to allow installation time.
What happens if I don’t upgrade by October 2025?
Your TV services will be cancelled. Sky advises upgrading to Sky Q or Sky Glass/Stream to continue watching. The official help article states: “SD box customers’ TV services will be cancelled down by October.”
Which Sky channels are moving or being replaced?
Sky One rebrand and channel moves (February 2026)
Sky One will return as Sky Entertainment in February 2026, taking channel 101. As a result, four other channels will shift: Sky Comedy moves to channel 113, Sky Documentaries to 114, Sky Crime to 121, and Sky Arts to 122. These changes were announced in an official Sky Group press release.
Channel closures (late 2025 and early 2026)
MTV channels ceased broadcasting at the end of 2025. MTV Music (channel 350), Club MTV (351), and MTV 90s (352) were permanently removed from the Sky TV guide, according to satandpcguy.com. This reflects the broader decline of linear music television. POP channels closed on 1 January 2026, and HGTV was also removed from satellite in January 2026.
Warner Bros Discovery reshuffle (early 2026)
A major update from RXTV Info reports that dozens of Warner Bros Discovery channels will be repositioned across Sky’s platforms. Exact new numbers are not yet officially confirmed by Sky, but the reshuffle is expected to affect entertainment and factual sections significantly.
Not every channel available on Sky Q in the UK is available in Ireland. The list of channels on Sky Q (UK & Ireland) provides a detailed breakdown with country-specific notes.
How do I find new channel numbers after the Sky Q reshuffle?
After any channel move, the Sky Q electronic programme guide (EPG) usually updates automatically. However, if you have customised your Favourites list, you will need to manually update it to reflect new numbers. The easiest way to locate a channel is to press the “Guide” button and scroll through the appropriate category (Entertainment, Documentaries, etc.).
Updating your Favourites list
Press the “Services” button on your Sky Q remote, select “Settings”, then “Favourites”. You can add or remove channels based on the new numbers. Sky also provides a weekly updated list of changes on its Sky Q TV Guide changes forum.
Using the channel search function
If you know the channel name but not its new number, use the voice search or text search on Sky Q. Say the channel name into the remote or type it using the on-screen keyboard.
Recordings scheduled for a channel that moves or closes may not record. Sky usually updates the EPG automatically, but you may need to re-schedule recordings on the new channel number to ensure they work.
Timeline of Sky Q channel changes (2025-2026)
- June 2025 – Ongoing weekly TV guide updates begin; forum posts track changes.
- September 2025 – Sky announces SD box closure details (if not already).
- October 2025 – SD box TV services cancelled for customers who haven’t upgraded.
- January 2026 – Warner Bros Discovery channel reshuffle reported; MTV, POP, HGTV closures effective.
- February 2026 – Sky One rebrand to Sky Entertainment; channel moves for Comedy, Documentaries, Crime, Arts.
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| SD box customers will lose TV service by October 2025 (official Sky.com help article). | Exact timing of Warner Bros Discovery channel reshuffle – reported as early 2026 but not officially confirmed by Sky. |
| Sky One will return as Sky Entertainment in February 2026 (official Sky Group press release). | Whether additional channels will close or be removed beyond those announced. |
| Sky Comedy, Documentaries, Crime, Arts will move to new channel numbers in February 2026 (same source). | Impact on Sky Glass/Stream channel numbers – most changes announced for Sky Q and Sky+. |
Why is Sky changing its channel lineup?
Sky is modernising its lineup by retiring older SD technology and rebranding flagship channels to better reflect content. The changes align with a broader industry shift toward HD/4K broadcasting and content consolidation. The SD box shutdown affects legacy customers, while the rebrand of Sky One (after its 2021 closure) signals a new entertainment strategy. The Warner reshuffle indicates ongoing negotiations with content partners. These channel changes are part of Sky’s long-term strategy to move all customers to IP-based platforms (Sky Glass/Stream) while simplifying the TV guide. According to RXTV Info, under 30 channels closed in 2025 compared to over 70 in 2024, and HD channels were withdrawn from satellite for the first time in 2025.
What do official sources say?
“SD box customers’ TV services will be cancelled down by October.”
– Sky Help article: Sky TV services closing for SD boxes (sky.com)
“For Sky Q: Sky Comedy moves to channel 113, Sky Documentaries moves to channel 114, Sky Crime moves to channel 121, Sky Arts moves to channel 122.”
– Sky Group press release: Sky One is coming back as the new home of Sky’s unmissable entertainment (skygroup.sky)
“Changes to some of Warner Bros Discovery’s channels on Sky will trigger a reshuffle of services across Sky’s TV platforms.”
– RXTV Info article: Sky confirms dozens of channel changes in major update (rxtvinfo.com)
What should Sky Q users do next?
If you currently use an SD box, order a Sky Q or Sky Glass/Stream upgrade before September 2025 to avoid interruption. Bookmark the official Sky help page for channel upgrades. Prepare for February 2026 by updating your Favourites list after the Sky One/Comedy/Documentaries/Crime/Arts move. Watch for official Sky announcements about the Warner Bros Discovery reshuffle. The broader shift toward internet delivery means Sky Q being phased out as Sky shifts to internet delivery, but Sky Q customers to get access to reimagined Sky Go app later in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Sky Q subscription cost change because of channel changes?
There is no official announcement of price changes due to channel moves or rebrands. The SD box shutdown may require a hardware upgrade, which could involve new contracts or fees.
What happens if I don’t upgrade my SD box by October 2025?
Your TV services will be cancelled. Sky advises upgrading to Sky Q or Sky Glass/Stream to continue watching.
Do channel changes affect recordings?
Recordings scheduled for a channel that moves or closes may fail. Sky usually updates the EPG automatically, but you may need to re-schedule recordings on the new channel number.
Are all Sky Q channels available in Ireland?
No. The list on tvchannellists.com notes that some channels are not available in Ireland. Check your local EPG.
How often does the Sky Q TV guide update?
The guide is updated weekly. The Sky Help Forum provides a running list of changes.
Does the Warner Bros Discovery reshuffle affect Sky Glass and Stream?
All HD variants of affected channels remain available on Sky Glass and Sky Stream. Specific new channel numbers are expected to be confirmed by Sky.
Can I still watch MTV channels after they closed?
MTV Music, Club MTV, and MTV 90s are no longer available on the Sky TV guide. No official replacement has been announced for these slots.
What is replacing Sky One on channel 106?
Sky One does not return to channel 106. It will become Sky Entertainment on channel 101 in February 2026.
Will I lose access to Sky Q features after the phase-out?
Sky Q will continue to work for existing customers, but Sky Store no longer sells new Sky Q packages. The reimagined Sky Go app will remain available for Sky Q users.
How do I check if my box is an SD model?
Look for an “HD” or “Q” label on the front of the box. If neither is present, it is likely an SD receiver and will be affected by the October 2025 shutdown.
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Kieran Doherty covers councils, planning and local transport across Edinburgh and Scotland.