Wondering how to get Sky Go working on a Chromebook? Here's how to – no HDMI cable required!
Pretty sure I think the answer is no to being able to watch Sky Go on a Chromebook, but I'm not 100% sure. Monday 30th July 2018. Depends what you mean by supported. Works on some Chromebooks (like this one - an Acer) but not others. Does not work on Chromebox. Seems random but no doubt that behind it is is Sky paranoia re anyone watching it on a large screen for 'free' (even though we are subscribers).
- Then go to Roaming and delete the Sky and Sky Go folders. Download the Sky Go app from the official Sky website. Then open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the app. B) If you're on Mac. On your desktop, click Go and click Applications. Remove the Sky Go app. Go back to your desktop, then click Go and click.
- Sky Go (Android app on Chromebooks) I searched high and low for an answer to this question with no success so as I've done the tests myself I thought I would post results here in case it helps someone else out in the future. It might be in part because Sky Go is only of interest to UK users, but for my fellow Brits, here you are.
A Chromebook is a great alternative to a regular laptop and they often come at much more reasonable prices. Light, compact and easy to transport, the Chromebook is a great device for anyone on the move.
Sky Go is a fantastic app which provides Sky TV customers the ability to watch all their favourite shows on the move. Multiple devices can also be in use under the same roof – that way everyone's happy.
So, here's a look at whether it's possible to get Sky Go working on a Chromebook.
Sky Go On Chromebook 2019
Does Sky Go work with HDMI cables?
Unfortunately, Sky Go subscribers can't plug an HDMI cable into a laptop or mobile device and hook it up to a bigger screen.
This is similar to the fact that when watching Sky Go, viewers are unable to take screenshots of a show. Overall, it seems that unless the Sky Go app is installed on the device screen you're watching, you can't view the content.
Sky Go Chromebook HDMI
Thankfully, for anyone with Sky Go and a Chromebook, things are quite straightforward.
The Chromebook is compatible with apps from the Google Play Store. So, head to the Google Play Store to download the Sky Go app. Once installed, log into your Sky Go account and you should be able to watch Sky Go content without a hitch.
The only downside is that an HDMI cable cannot be plugged into the Chromebook to watch on a bigger screen.
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What about Sky Go and a Google Chromecast?
Based on the fact that Sky Go is incompatible with HDMI cables and doesn't allow screenshotting, many would assume that the app wouldn't work with casting devices, either. Atomic no of oxygen. But, there is a workaround for Chromecast users.
- Firstly, open the Sky Go app on your computer.
- Ensure that Google Chrome is installed on your computer and that the Sky Go launcher is up to date.
- To cast to a Chromecast, pick something to watch on your Sky Go via the app.
- Open Google Chrome and select the ‘Google Cast' option (this is in the top right-hand corner of the browser page) which should show a drop-down of the available devices in your home.
- Select the option under ‘sources' to cast the ‘entire desktop' which is the option to go for rather than just casting your current tab.
Which other devices can I watch Sky Go on?
Sky Go is a great app which comes along with any Sky TV subscription package. The app can be downloaded on both iOS and Android mobile devices.
Bigger devices such as an Android TV support the Sky Go app as well as laptops, PCs and Chromebooks.
The main issue that Sky Go customers have had is getting the content onto a bigger screen. Without HDMI capabilities, for now, viewers will have to watch on smaller screens.
Alternatively, see our guide on getting Sky Go up and running on an Amazon Fire TV Stick. With a Firestick, Sky subscribers can enjoy content on the big screen.
This is because Sky Go requires a plugin called Microsoft Silverlight in order to work, and Google recently stopped supporting Silverlight as a way of displaying online interactive content, switching to the far more popular HTML 5.
As a result, Sky Go no longer works in the desktop version of the Chrome browser. Sky's current stance on the matter is that it has no intention of changing Sky Go, meaning that for the foreseeable future it will stay inaccessible on Chrome. We've reached out to Sky for a comment and some clarification, but have yet to receive a response.
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How to get Sky Go working on your computer again
So, what can you do about it? Sadly, you're powerless to get it working in Chrome again. It's simply not going to happen until Sky decides to change something. That leaves you with two options.
1) Use a different web browser
Sky Go On Chromebook 2020
It's a pain, we know, particularly if you only ever use Chrome, but it's a simple enough solution. Just go to go.sky.com as you normally would, but use a browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera or Safari. If you're using Windows 10, be warned that the new Edge browser doesn't support Silverlight either (yes, Microsoft's own browser doesn't support Microsoft's own plugin).
2) Download Sky Go Desktop
Sky Go Chromebook Hdmi
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---|---|---|
Amazon Music | View on Amazon | |
Sky Go Chromebook HDMI
Thankfully, for anyone with Sky Go and a Chromebook, things are quite straightforward.
The Chromebook is compatible with apps from the Google Play Store. So, head to the Google Play Store to download the Sky Go app. Once installed, log into your Sky Go account and you should be able to watch Sky Go content without a hitch.
The only downside is that an HDMI cable cannot be plugged into the Chromebook to watch on a bigger screen.
Prime Video – 30 Day Free Trial- Award-winning Amazon original series
- Unlimited streaming of Movies and TV shows
- Watch anywhere
- Cancel any time
- Start your 30-day free trial
What about Sky Go and a Google Chromecast?
Based on the fact that Sky Go is incompatible with HDMI cables and doesn't allow screenshotting, many would assume that the app wouldn't work with casting devices, either. Atomic no of oxygen. But, there is a workaround for Chromecast users.
- Firstly, open the Sky Go app on your computer.
- Ensure that Google Chrome is installed on your computer and that the Sky Go launcher is up to date.
- To cast to a Chromecast, pick something to watch on your Sky Go via the app.
- Open Google Chrome and select the ‘Google Cast' option (this is in the top right-hand corner of the browser page) which should show a drop-down of the available devices in your home.
- Select the option under ‘sources' to cast the ‘entire desktop' which is the option to go for rather than just casting your current tab.
Which other devices can I watch Sky Go on?
Sky Go is a great app which comes along with any Sky TV subscription package. The app can be downloaded on both iOS and Android mobile devices.
Bigger devices such as an Android TV support the Sky Go app as well as laptops, PCs and Chromebooks.
The main issue that Sky Go customers have had is getting the content onto a bigger screen. Without HDMI capabilities, for now, viewers will have to watch on smaller screens.
Alternatively, see our guide on getting Sky Go up and running on an Amazon Fire TV Stick. With a Firestick, Sky subscribers can enjoy content on the big screen.
This is because Sky Go requires a plugin called Microsoft Silverlight in order to work, and Google recently stopped supporting Silverlight as a way of displaying online interactive content, switching to the far more popular HTML 5.
As a result, Sky Go no longer works in the desktop version of the Chrome browser. Sky's current stance on the matter is that it has no intention of changing Sky Go, meaning that for the foreseeable future it will stay inaccessible on Chrome. We've reached out to Sky for a comment and some clarification, but have yet to receive a response.
Laptop Best Buys– see the top-scoring laptops
How to get Sky Go working on your computer again
So, what can you do about it? Sadly, you're powerless to get it working in Chrome again. It's simply not going to happen until Sky decides to change something. That leaves you with two options.
1) Use a different web browser
Sky Go On Chromebook 2020
It's a pain, we know, particularly if you only ever use Chrome, but it's a simple enough solution. Just go to go.sky.com as you normally would, but use a browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera or Safari. If you're using Windows 10, be warned that the new Edge browser doesn't support Silverlight either (yes, Microsoft's own browser doesn't support Microsoft's own plugin).
2) Download Sky Go Desktop
Sky Go Chromebook Hdmi
Sky Go On Acer Chromebook
Your other alternative is to download the dedicated desktop app. It offers largely the same functionality as the Sky Go web page with a couple of additional features. It allows you to save programmes to watch offline, and you can also access it via another internet-capable device (like your smartphone) to download programmes when you're out and about.
Image | Product | Buy |
---|---|---|
Amazon Music | View on Amazon | |