Free TV viewers outraged after grim change to telly service and blast swap as ‘completely and utterly useless'
The change rolled out across the UK in June 2025 with a slick new app design, but viewers quickly noticed the remote control option had quietly disappeared.
The update follows last year's axing of remote recording, leaving many wondering what's actually left in the app.
The subscription-free satellite TV service, used in around 1 million homes across Britain, has faced mounting backlash from long-time users — especially those with older Humax boxes, which were the only models that supported the app's remote control in the first place.
'This was a great app at one time,' one user wrote.
'Now, it just shows you what's on, which isn't totally useless.'
Another vented: 'Now utterly and completely useless.
"Last year they took away the remote connect and record, and now with the new version you can't even connect to the TV to allow you to select channels.'
A year of feature losses
The frustration isn't new.
Back in June 2024, Freesat removed the ability to set recordings remotely via the app, blaming 'a change to our internal systems' after it scrapped Freesat ID accounts.
Virgin Media Launches Two Free Rakuten TV Channels
That feature had been part of the app for years and was a key tool for users wanting to schedule recordings while out and about.
Its removal forced people to go back to recording shows the old-school way — using the physical remote control at home.
Now, a year on, the virtual remote has also gone, taking another chunk of convenience with it.
Unlike a typical tech announcement, Freesat didn't put out a flashy blog post or press release to explain the changes.
The company made no mention of the missing remote feature in its marketing materials.
It was only when users raised the issue on social media that Freesat quietly replied: 'The new app doesn't have the remote control feature anymore and serves as a guide to what's available on Freesat, with quick access to on demand services as well as what's currently live.'
That's done little to calm users, some of whom are now advising others to avoid updating the app in order to keep the older version alive — although this risks missing out on security fixes and performance updates.
While the refreshed app still includes the TV guide, links to on-demand apps like BBC iPlayer and ITVX, and the ability to set reminders, it no longer connects to your Freesat box in any meaningful way.
For many, the app has gone from useful tool to glorified TV listings guide.
'It's barely more useful than looking at what's on in the newspaper,' one user wrote on Facebook.
'At this rate, I might as well just uninstall it.'
Freesat's blunder follows a trend of digital downgrades that leave users scratching their heads.
In 2023, Samsung sparked outrage after a software update removed a popular motion sensor feature from some of its smart TVs — with no option to roll it back.
Get more quality TV for free
By Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Reporter
f you're tired of paying out on several streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ then there are a growing number of free alternatives around.
While many of these alternatives have been filled with obscure content, more big names like Sky have got on board in recent years offering some quality stuff, which is largely archive but still entertaining.
As well as UKTV, Sony and Channel 5 are among the other players getting involved.
If you haven't already, give Pluto TV a go, it's available on pretty much all devices including Fire TV Sticks.
On there you'll find channels from MTV, with Catfish and Geordie Shore.
Some of the classics are real gems too - I found myself watching long-forgotten episodes of Sabrina the Teenage Witch the other day.
Users branded it a 'betrayal', and forums lit up with hacks to try and restore the function.
Apple faced similar heat last year when it redesigned the iOS Podcast app, confusing long-time listeners by hiding the download button and changing how episodes played.
Many claimed it broke what wasn't broken.
Even Freeview faced backlash earlier this year when it restructured its channel lineup — moving certain favourites to new numbers, which threw off viewers relying on muscle memory.
The app update comes at a tricky time for Freesat, now owned by Everyone TV (the same group that runs Freeview and new streaming service Freely).
Though Sky extended its satellite contract until 2029 — temporarily securing the infrastructure Freesat relies on — experts warn the writing may still be on the wall.
As more Brits switch to streaming services and ditch dishes, satellite platforms are under growing pressure to modernise or risk becoming obsolete.
An Ofcom report has suggested that key decisions about Freesat's future should be made by 2025 or 2026.
That could include turning Freesat into a slimmed-down 'nightlight' service for essential channels, or phasing it out entirely in favour of internet-based delivery.
For now, Freesat users are left adjusting once again — this time, to an app that no longer records or controls their box.
And while change is part of tech, many feel these updates are a step backward, not forward.
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