After mashing the on/off button on your Xfinity remote, you may shudder at the idea of having to control your television manually. Xfinity’s remote has a way of spoiling its users with its voice-to-text commands and ability to pause live TV. But what happens when suddenly you’re facing your lazy Sunday without it?
An Xfinity remote may not work because it has run out of batteries. Alternatively, it could be too far away from the TV, or the sensors are blocked. If the Xfinity remote has suffered water damage or been dropped too many times, its internal components could also be broken.
Before resigning yourself to changing the channel by hand, here are some solutions that could get you off your feet and back to your seat.
Your Xfinity Remote May Need Batteries
You should replace your Xfinity remote’s batteries every three to five months. If you do not use your remote for weeks at a time, you should periodically change the batteries to keep them from leaking.
If you can get your remote to perform some functions, you can check its battery life by holding down on the microphone and saying, “Remote battery.” Your remote’s battery life should appear on the screen.
Your remote will require four AA batteries. If the onscreen prompt does not work, then you can remove the batteries and check their voltage using a battery checker, like the VTECHNOLOGY Battery Tester Checker. The results will let you know whether you need to replace your remote’s power source.
You Could Be Too Far Away from the TV
You can only be about 10 feet away from your TV to have the remote work––although this distance can vary depending on what type of TV you have. First, try changing the channel or giving a command up close and personal to your TV. If you find that you can get the desired result, you may need to move closer.
There is no device that you can buy to extend your remote’s range. However, on Amazon, they claim that their Xfinity remote can reach distances of up to 20 feet and still work.
Your Cable Box’s Sensor Is Obscured
Your Xfinity remote uses infrared light that sends code to your TV’s cable box. This is how you can change your TV’s volume, channel, and contrast. Your remote’s sensor will be located at the top of the device, appearing as a shiny, black rectangle.
When using the remote, make sure that your cable box is not blocked by anything. The infrared light cannot go through objects, including walls, doors, and pieces of furniture. If you can, try placing the cable box on a table. If it is directly on the floor, you could have a hard time connecting to your TV.
Your Xfinity Remote Needs a Reset
If none of the above recommendations worked, you could reset your remote. Resetting your remote will vary based on what model you have.
Resetting the XR11 Model
You can reset your XR11 Xfinity remote by:
- Press the “Setup” button at the top of the remote and wait for the LED light to flash green.
- Press 9, 8, and 1 (not at the same time).
- Wait for the LED light to blink green twice.
You will need to re-pair your remote to the TV for it to work. You can click here to learn more about how to do that.
Resetting the XR15 Model
You might have this model if your remote does not have a “setup” button. Alternatively, if you already tried the above steps with no success, the following could help you.
You can reset this remote by:
- Press the A button (triangle) and the D (diamond) button at the same time until the status light turns from red to green.
- Press 9-8-1 (again, not at the same time).
Once the remote blinks blue three times, you have successfully reset your remote. Just like we mentioned earlier, you will need to pair it with your TV.
There Could Be a Hardware Problem
Your Xfinity remote control is designed to be handled with care. It is not water-resistant, nor should it be thrown around like a toy. If it hits a hard surface, it could knock one of its internal components loose, making it difficult for it to function.
Comcast may send you a new remote upon request, although they may charge you for shipping and handling. Alternatively, you can buy an Xfinity remote through Amazon. You can even buy two at a time in case you want a backup.
In Summary
Your Xfinity remote may not be working for a variety of reasons, but whatever the cause is, you have troubleshooting options. If you have any concerns about your device or want to learn more about troubleshooting solutions, click here.