Arsenal take on Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon but something else may appear on screen for Sky Sports viewers
Sky Sports viewers may notice a nine-digit number appear on screen during the Arsenal vs Manchester United game on Sunday afternoon. However, there’s no reason to panic as this number is related to security and is known to disappear.
League leaders Arsenal will take on a confident United at 4.30pm on Sunday after their 3-1 away win at Inter Milan in the Champions League. The Red Devils are also coming off a win after securing a rare derby day triumph at Old Trafford, beating Manchester City 2-0.
As Premier League fans settle in for the afternoon to take in the action, they may be distracted by a nine-digit number appearing in the top-right-hand corner of the screen. This number has appeared on various broadcasts in the past, including many other live sporting events.
Sky have explained the reason for this number on their help page, insisting it means nothing to viewers and is just part of a security arrangement.
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The broadcasters said: “As part of our Domestic Broadcast Security arrangements, a nine digit number may appear in the corner of the screen periodically for up to five minutes during live football broadcasts or sporting events.
“This is not related to your individual subscription and is generated automatically as part of the broadcast. It will not affect your viewing experience in any way. The nine-digit number appears on other channels.”
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The reasoning for the security arrangement is to stop illegal use of home Sky accounts in public settings, such as pubs or other paid venues. Commercial places shouldn’t have this nine-digit number, instead a pint glass should appear on screen to signal a business account.
Sky uses this to identify genuine, legal broadcasts and catch businesses using personal subscriptions for commercial purposes.
Sky also provided instructions if this number fails to disappear throughout the broadcast for Sky Q viewers, as they will need to perform a “box restart to remove it.”
First, press standby on your Sky Q remote and switch off the box at the mains. You could also unplug it.
Then, check that there are no lights on the front panel of your Sky Q box and all cables are securely connected. Once you have done this, plug in or switch your Sky Q box back on at the main power source.
Finally, wait for on-screen instructions to disappear then press home on your remote. The number should have disappeared, leaving your viewing unobstructed for the rest of the game.
Sky added that “some features may take up to five minutes to return,” but the box should be fully functioning after a hard reset.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
