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Xfinity Remote Not Working (Troubleshooting Guide)

If your Xfinity remote is not responding, it may be caused by any of the following:

  • Drained remote batteries
  • Glitched/Buggy Xfinity box
  • Obstructed remote sensors

Should that fall short, try pairing your remote to the Xfinity remote again. Make sure your Xfinity remote is using the latest firmware version available.

If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to fall back on a factory reset of your remote – and if even that doesn’t work, get in touch with Xfinity’s support team ASAP!

Troubleshooting Basic Issues

Checking Remote Batteries

The most frequent cause of remote-control issues is depleted batteries. You can test for this issue by swapping them out with another pair of batteries on hand.

After replacing the batteries, test the remote to see if it’s working now.

Rebooting the Xfinity Box

Sometimes, the issue may not be with the remote itself but with the Xfinity box.

Here’s how to perform a reboot to refresh the system:

  1. Locate the Reset button on your Xfinity box (often found on the back).
  2. Press and hold the Reset button for about 10 seconds.
  3. Wait for the box to reboot and then try using the remote again.

Examining Remote Sensors

Remote controls use sensors to communicate with the TV box. For optimal performance, it’s important to ensure that these sensors are not obstructed:

  • Clear the path between your remote and the Xfinity box, removing any objects that may be blocking the signal.
  • Clean the sensor on both the remote and the box with a soft, dry cloth to remove any potential dust or residue.

Pairing and Unpairing the Xfinity Remote

Pairing to the Xfinity Box

To pair your Xfinity remote with your Xfinity box:

  1. XR15 Voice Remote:
    • Press and hold the Xfinity and Info buttons for five seconds.
    • Wait until the light changes from red to green.
    • Enter the three-digit codedisplayed on your screen.
  2. Non-Voice Remotes:
    • Press and hold the Setup button until the LED status light turns green.
    • Enter the pairing code from your TV screen.

After entering the code, your remote should be paired with the Xfinity box.

Unpairing from Other Devices

If you need to unpair your remote from other devices:

  • For remotes without a Setup button (XR15):
    • Press and hold the A (triangle) and D (diamond) buttons simultaneously for three seconds until the light shifts from red to green.
    • Enter 9-8-1.
  • Standard remotes with a Setup button:
    • Press and hold the Setup button until the LED turns green.
    • Press 9-8-1.

Your remote should now be unpaired from all other devices.

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

Updating Remote Firmware

To ensure your Xfinity remote operates smoothly, the firmware should be up to date.

Depending on your remote model, the process may vary slightly, but generally, updates happen automatically when the remote is left idle.

You can facilitate this process by:

  1. Placing the remote near the TV box: It should be within range to receive any updates.
  2. Keeping the remote idle: Do not use the remote for a few minutes to allow any pending updates to install.

If updates do not install automatically, try taking the batteries out of your remote and placing them back in – a cold boot could get the connection back and running!

Factory Resetting the Xfinity Remote

If updating the firmware does not solve the problem, a factory reset may be necessary.

This will revert your remote to its original settings, and you will need to pair it with your devices again.

Here’s how to perform a factory reset:

  1. Identify your remote model: Different models have different reset procedures.
  2. For example, for the XR15 remote:
    • Hold the A(triangle) and D (diamond) buttons simultaneously until the light changes from red to green.
    • Enter the code 9-8-1.
  3. Reset the Remote: For most models, you can reset the remote by:
    • Press and hold the Setupbutton until the LED turns green.
    • Type in the code 9-8-1.

Seeking Further Assistance

Contacting Xfinity Support

When you contact Xfinity Support, you have several points of contact usable – that said, we’d strongly recommend sticking with live chat due to their 24/7 availability.

Go to the Xfinity Support page and look for the live chat option. This service allows you to converse in real-time with a support agent.

Be prepared to describe your issue and any troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken, as they’ll need that information to troubleshoot what you’re dealing with.

If you’re lucky, you may even fall under warranty coverage for your remote, saving you the expense of paying for a new one – or at minimum, severely slashing its cost!


Faith

I'm Faith, the creator of Smart Device Guru. My goal with this platform is to provide straightforward, practical advice on smart devices, VR, and Android tech, with a strong focus on inclusivity and LGBTQ+ activism. Let's make technology accessible and empowering for everyone.

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