Mini Connectors and Powerline Adapters help connect your BT TV Box to your BT Hub using your home's electrical wiring.
They're a great alternative if your TV box is too far away from your hub for an Ethernet cable, or if your Wi-Fi signal isn't strong enough where your TV box is.
For support with older versions of Mini Connectors/Powerlines see the full list of Adaptors that can be used with BT TV.
Before you start
For the best connection:
- Plug Mini Connectors and Powerline Adapters directly into a wall socket.
- Don't plug them into extension leads, surge protectors or multi-socket adapters.
- Use the Ethernet cables supplied with your equipment.
- Make sure your BT Hub and BT TV Box are switched on.
- Keep both adapters on the same electrical circuit where possible.
Connecting the first Mini Connector
- Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into an available Ethernet port on your BT Hub.
- Plug the other end into one of the Ethernet ports on the first Mini Connector.
- Plug the Mini Connector directly into a wall socket and switch it on.
- The Power and Ethernet lights should come on.

Connect the second Mini Connector
- Plug one end of the other Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on your TV box
- Plug the other end into one of the Ethernet ports on the second Mini Connector
- Plug the second Mini Connector directly into a wall socket and switch it on.
- The Power and Ethernet lights should come on.
- After a few moments, the Data light should appear on both Mini Connectors.

Once connected, your BT TV Box should automatically detect the broadband connection.
Only connect one Ethernet cable between each device and Mini Connector. Multiple Ethernet connections won't improve performance and may stop the connection from working correctly.
Using extension leads

The lights on your Mini Connectors can help identify connection issues.

Power light
| Light status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Solid blue | Working normally. |
| Flashing blue | Resetting, synchronising or in sleep mode. |
| Off | No power detected. |
Ethernet light
| Light status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Solid blue | Connected and transferring data. |
| Off | No Ethernet connection detected. |
Data light
| Light status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Blue | Excellent connection. |
| Orange | Good connection. |
| Red | Poor connection. |
| Off | No connection between connectors or the connector is sleeping. |
No lights showing
- Check the wall socket is switched on.
- Try a different wall socket.
- Check all Ethernet cables are firmly connected.
- Restart the Mini Connector by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
- Test the socket with another electrical device.
If the socket works but the Mini Connector still shows no lights, the device may be faulty.
The Power light is flashing
A flashing blue Power light usually means the Mini Connector is:
- Starting up
- Synchronising with another connector
- Resetting
- In power-saving mode
Wait a few minutes to see if the light becomes solid blue.
The Data light is orange or red
An orange or red Data light indicates a slower connection between the adapters.
To improve performance:
- Check both adapters are plugged directly into wall sockets.
- Remove any extension leads or surge-protected adaptors.
- Try moving the connectors to different sockets.
- Check all Ethernet cables are connected securely.
- Restart both Mini Connectors.
If your TV service is working normally, a red or orange light isn't always a cause for concern.
The adapters aren't connecting
- Plug both adapters into wall sockets near each other.
- Wait up to a minute for them to pair.
- Restart both adapters.
- Reset the adapters and set them up again if necessary.
If they're working next to each other but not in their normal locations, the electrical wiring in your home may be affecting the connection.
If a Mini Connector stops working or loses connection, you can reset it to factory settings.
- Make sure the Mini Connector is plugged in and switched on.
- Press and hold the + (Add) button for at least 15 seconds.
- Release the button and wait a few minutes.
- The Power and Data lights should come back on once the reset is complete.
You'll then need to reconnect the Mini Connector to your network.

You can extend your network by adding more Mini Connectors to your existing setup.
- Plug the new Mini Connector into a wall socket near an existing Mini Connector.
- Switch it on.
- Press and hold the + (Add) button for 5 to 8 seconds, then release it.
- Press the + (Add) button again for 1 second.
- Wait for the Power light to flash while pairing takes place.
- Once the Power and Data lights are showing, the pairing is complete.
- Move the Mini Connector to the room where you'd like to use it.

BT TV supports selected Powerline Adapters and Mini Connectors, including:
- Mini Connectors
- Broadband Extender 600
- TP-Link TL-PA7017P
For support with older versions of Mini Connectors/Powerlines see the full list of Adaptors that can be used with BT TV.
Can I use Powerline Adapters with BT TV?
Yes. Powerline Adapters and Mini Connectors can be used with BT TV to provide a wired connection between your BT TV Box and BT Hub.
Where possible, a direct Ethernet connection remains the preferred option.
Can I leave Mini Connectors switched on all the time?
Yes. BT Mini Connectors are designed to remain plugged in permanently and are safe for continuous use.
They may feel slightly warm during operation, which is normal.
Why is my TV buffering when using Mini Connectors?
Buffering can occur if the connection speed between adapters is low. Check the Data light colour and follow the troubleshooting steps above to improve performance.
What should I do if my Mini Connector is faulty?
Try restarting and resetting the device first. If there are still no lights after testing different sockets, you'll need to contact BT TV support.
Do I lose a plug socket when using Mini Connectors?
No. BT Mini Connectors include a pass-through power socket, allowing you to continue using the wall socket for other devices.
How much power do Mini Connectors use?
| Model | Power usage | Standby usage |
|---|---|---|
| BT Mini Connectors | 5.2W | 0.5W |
| Broadband Extender 200 | 1.6W | 0.30W |
| Broadband Extender 500 | 2.7W | 0.34W |
| Broadband Extender 500 Flex | 2.7W | 0.34W |
| Multiport Extender 500 | 3.24W | 0.57W |