View important steps of the activation process for Xfinity X1 if you received your equipment in a Getting Started kit.
X1 activation start-up screens
While the Welcome screens are displayed, the TV Box is connecting to cloud services that include the activation applications.
Mandatory firmware download screens
X1 TV Boxes with older firmware versions may show the following message: "We’re updating your TV Box to the best experience possible," along with a progress bar.
When you see this screen, please allow time for the TV Box to update. It'll restart automatically when the download completes. Then, you'll be taken to the Activation Process.
If the TV Box is unable to complete the download, you'll see the following message: "Give us a call. Looks like we've run into a problem - sorry about that." If this happens, please contact us.
Choose language preference
After the TV Box has started up and any required firmware has been downloaded and installed, you can select your preferred language (English, Spanish or French). After selecting your language, the remaining activation screens will be shown in that language. Your On-Screen Guide and menus will also appear in the language.
Notes:
- If you selected the wrong language, you can exit the activation process by pressing and holding the power button (on the front of the TV Box) for 10 seconds to restart.
- If you happen to get stuck on the language selection, a pop-up message will direct you to xfinity.com/unpair for instructions on resetting your remote.
- Please be sure you’re pointing your remote directly at the TV Box and are less than ten feet away during the activation set-up flow.
Choose to hear voice guided instructions
You’ll be asked if you’d like to continue using Voice Guidance. If you choose Yes, all the following activation instructions will be spoken to you. If you choose No, you’ll go through the visuals shown below.
Activation process
- Enter the last four digits of any phone number listed on your Xfinity account. Use the number keys or directional pad on your remote to enter numbers.
If you’re having trouble using the last four digits of a phone number, you can select the Verify another way button to verify via text message or by entering your account information and phone number.
Use the number keys or directional pad on your remote to enter numbers. Please be sure you’re pointing your remote directly at the TV Box and are less than ten feet away.
Verify via text message and verification code.
Verify with account information and phone number.
- You’ll automatically be taken to the next step of the set-up process once your account information has been verified. Please note that if you’ve already activated one X1 box in your home, you may not need to verify your information again. See the X1 device single authentication section below.
- Note: If we're unable to validate your device and account information, a message will appear and you'll need to contact us to complete the activation process.
- For some TV Box types, X1 service will activate quickly; however, other TV Box types may take up to 10 minutes. You'll see similar messages to the one below providing helpful tips while using X1.
- “Downloading your Main Menu. Once activation is complete, press the Xfinity button on your remote to find your Guide, DVR, On Demand and more.”
Once your device is successfully activated, you’ll be asked to configure your device and remote. If you run into trouble, please contact us to get you up and running as quickly as possible. - “Downloading your Main Menu. Once activation is complete, press the Xfinity button on your remote to find your Guide, DVR, On Demand and more.”
Additional configuration
- On the Name Your Device screen, use the up and down arrow buttons on your remote to choose a preset device name or create a customer name. Select the desired option, then press OK.
- Video and Audio Optimization - After your device has been named, we'll optimize your video and audio experience.
- After your TV Box has been configured, you'll see the Xfinity logo.
Remote control setup and pairing
- The next step to set up your X1 TV Box is to pair your Xfinity Voice Remote with your TV Box. To do this, see our remote pairing instructions.
- Once activation is complete, the TV will go directly to live TV programming.
X1 device single authentication
If you're installing a new X1 device and already installed at least one other X1 device in your home, you won't need to authenticate yourself again during the activation process. Please note that this does not apply to RNG150s. If you're installing one of these devices, you'll need to authenticate yourself per the process outlined above.
Other scenarios using the boot up and welcome screens
- In certain scenarios (e.g., after a power outage), you may see the boot up, welcome, and connecting to live TV screens again.
- A One moment please notification appears when live TV is playing and you try to use your remote, but the On-Screen Guide hasn't fully loaded yet.
Additional information
Visit our Online Support Center to find common solutions.
The easiest way to activate, manage, and troubleshoot your Xfinity experience is with the Xfinity app! Get 24/7 real-time support, pay your bill, view plan details, get outage updates, and more. Download the free Xfinity app, or scan the QR code with your smartphone.
Need additional support? Ask Xfinity Assistant.