Xfinity Remote Not Working? (Reasons & Easy Fixes)

Xfinity Remote Not Working

If you’ve noticed your Xfinity remote not working, you shouldn’t worry as the issue can be quickly fixed.

Generally, when the remote is not working or you can see a blinking red light, it means that the remote batteries have died and require replacing.

However, there can be other reasons why your remote isn’t working, these could include jammed buttons, objects obstructing the remote signal, or faulty hardware.

Thankfully, the solutions to fix a broken Xfinity remote are easy to implement. You can consider options such as replacing the remote batteries, restarting, or resetting your Xfinity box.

If none of these fixes work, you may consider contacting Xfinity customer support for further technical assistance.

In this article, we will briefly outline the reasons behind performance issues with an Xfinity remote, and the easy steps you can take to resolve the issue. Read on to learn more!

Key Causes of Xfinity Remote Performance Issues

Here are some frequently encountered causes for the Xfinity remote not functioning properly:

  1. Buttons are jammed or physically impaired.
  2. Obstructions are blocking the remote’s signals.
  3. The remote’s hardware is damaged or faulty.
  4. Problems with the batteries, such as low power or incorrect placement.

Steps For Fixing a Faulty Xfinity Remote

Fixing Xfinity Remote Control

1. Clean Infrared LED & Remove Obstructions

Possible obstructions may interfere with the communication between your remote and the Xfinity box. These obstructions can include walls, doors, furniture, or other objects in the line of sight.

To address this issue and improve the remote’s performance, follow these steps:

  • Examine the area and check for any physical obstacles between the remote and the Xfinity box.
  • If the obstruction is movable, try repositioning or removing it to create a clearer path for the remote’s signals.
  • In cases where the obstruction cannot be moved, consider relocating the Xfinity box to a different position that allows for better signal transmission.
  • After making adjustments, test the remote again to see if the issue is resolved.

2. Power Cycle Equipment

Continuous usage of hardware and software can lead to technical glitches, sometimes resulting in issues like the Xfinity remote failing to change channels.

To resolve such problems, power cycling can be an effective troubleshooting method. Power cycling involves disconnecting all devices and connections briefly, allowing them to rest.

Follow these steps to power cycle your equipment:

  1. Turn off the TV and the Xfinity box.
  2. Unplug the Xfinity box from the power source.
  3. Wait for a few minutes to ensure all residual power is discharged.
  4. Reconnect the Xfinity box and TV to the power source.
  5. Wait until the TV is fully ready to function.
  6. Now, test if the remote has started working properly.

If the issue persists, you can try the alternative methods provided below.

3. Reset Your Xfinity Remote

Depending on your connection’s time/region, you might have received one of the following remotes.

  1. The XR11 remote including a Setup button
  2. The XR15 remote without a Setup button
  3. The XR5 or XR2 including a Setup button

Below we outline the steps required to reset each remote.

How to Reset the XR11 Remote

Step 1: Locate and hold down the Setup button for around 10 seconds and wait for the LED light to become solid and change from red to green.

Step 2: Once the top LED turns solid green, enter the code 9-8-1 on your remote. The green LED light will blink twice, indicating that you have entered the correct code, and the remote will be reset.

How to Reset the XR15 Remote

Step 1: Locate the A and D buttons on your Xfinity remote.

Step 2: Press and hold the A and D buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds until the power button changes from red to solid green.

Step 3: Once the LED light turns green, enter code 9-8-1. If the LED light blinks three times in blue, the remote has been successfully reset.

How to Reset the XR5 or XR2 Remote

Step 1: Press and hold the Setup button for 5-10 seconds until the LED light turns solid, changing from red to green.

Step 2: When the LED light is solid green, press 9-8-1 on your remote. The green LED light will blink twice, indicating that you have entered the correct code, and the remote will be reset.

4. Re-program the Xfinity Remote

After resetting the remote, the next step is to pair the Xfinity remote with your TV. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Steps To Re-Program Remote with Setup Button

Step 1: Press and hold the setup button for a few seconds, up to a maximum of five, until the status light changes from red to green.

Step 2: After that, press the Xfinity button until the green light begins flashing. Note that for XR2 and XR5 remotes, the button may require around five separate presses to advance to the next stage.

Step 3: The screen will request you enter the “9-9-7” code. Once entered, your remote will be successfully paired once the process is complete.

Steps To Re-Program Remote Without Setup Button

Step 1: Press and hold the “info” and “Xfinity” buttons simultaneously for a few seconds, up to a maximum of ten, until the status light turns green.

Step 2: Once the status light is green, enter the on-screen pairing code “9-9-7”.

Steps To Re-Program Remote Without Setup Button & Numbers

Step 1: Point the remote towards the TV and press the microphone button.

Step 2: Follow the instructions provided to complete the repair process.

If the pairing problem persists, proceed with the other troubleshooting methods mentioned below.

5. Reset the Xfinity Box

If you’re still having issues with the performance of your Xfinity remote, you shouldn’t worry. The problem might be related to your Xfinity box, and a reset could help resolve it.

Here are the steps to reset the Xfinity box:

Option 1:

  1. Locate the reset button on your Xfinity box.
  2. Press and hold the reset button for five seconds to perform the reset.

Option 2:

  • Use the Xfinity My Account app on your mobile device.
  • Download and install the app if you haven’t already.
  • Open the app and look for the option to perform a “long reset.”
  • Tap on the long reset option to initiate the Xfinity box reset.

6. Contact Customer Support

Lastly, if any of the above-mentioned steps do not work, you need to contact customer support for help.

You can do so via Email, Text, or Call. Visit the Xfinity support page and choose your preferred mode and ask for your query.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when your Xfinity remote doesn’t operate?

When your Xfinity remote stops functioning, it will render you unable to control your TV with it. Start by checking the batteries, buttons, and LED light on the remote.

If your Xfinity remote blinks red: It indicates that your batteries are running low.

If your Xfinity remote flashes blue: It suggests that the pairing has been turned off.

Why is my TV not responding to the Xfinity remote?

If you encounter issues with your Xfinity remote not working, it could be related to problems with the remote hardware or dead batteries. Fortunately, once you identify the issue, it is generally straightforward to fix, allowing you to get your Xfinity remote working again.

How do I get my Xfinity remote to work?

To resolve the problem with your Xfinity remote, it’s essential to diagnose the root cause first. Determine whether the issue lies with the batteries, the remote’s hardware, or if there is any other underlying problem.

Once you have identified the source of the issue, you can take appropriate steps to fix it and get your Xfinity remote working again.

Final Words

Hopefully, you’re now clear on the causes and fixes of the Xfinity remote. You should be reassured that this issue is fairly common and could be caused by a variety of factors including dead batteries, jammed buttons, or faulty remote hardware.

Potential fixes are straightforward and include replacing the batteries, power cycling your devices, or re-programming your remote to your Xfinity box.

Daniele Besana

Daniele Besana

Daniele is a freelancer consultant with 15 years of experience in network security, customer support, Linux and Salsa. He worked for Juniper Networks in Netherlands, providing support and consultancy on security projects across Europe and Middle-East.

What do you think about this article?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About us

RouterFreak is a blog dedicated to professional network engineers. We
focus on network fundamentals, product/service reviews, and career advancements.

Disclaimer

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

RouterFreak is supported by its audience. We may receive a small commission from the affiliate links in this post, at no extra cost to our readers.

Topics

Recommended

NFA