Xfinity Remote Not Working | Reasons and DIY Fixes

If the Xfinity remote is not working unexpectedly, it might be challenging to control your Xfinity cable box. These problems might occur due to man-made errors or technical bugs. When the remote stops working, you won’t be able to configure settings in the Xfinity box, or fail to adjust the Xfinity remote volume, etc. In such situations, you can avoid replacing the remote. Instead, follow these diagnosing methods to fix the issue and prevent it from happening again.

Why is My Xfinity Remote Not Working

If the Xfinity remote had stopped working, it would have been affected by the following reasons.

SCENARIO	REASONS
1	Due to weak or worn-out batteries, the remote may stop working at any time
2	Xfinity box won’t receive signals due to obstructions between the path
3	If the Xfinity box is not properly paired with the remote, it won’t work
4	The Xfinity remote may become defective due to physical damage
5	If the Xfinity box encounters a technical error, the remote may not work
6	If you are too far from the Xfinity box, the remote won’t work properly
7	If the Xfinity remote buttons are jammed due to the accumulation of dirt

DIY Fixes for Xfinity Remote Not Working

If the Xfinity remote stops working or any buttons not responding, such as Volume, Power, Microphone, etc., you should try the following methods to fix it.

Replace Old Batteries

The main reason for the Xfinity remote issue is weak or dead batteries. You should check whether the batteries have an adequate charge to make the remote work. This can be checked by inserting the battery into other electronic devices and testing them. If the test fails, it is recommended to replace the batteries.

• Remove the batteries from the battery compartment.
• Insert a pair of fresh new batteries based on their positive and negative terminals.
• Close the battery cover and test if your remote is working or not.

Note: Because of drained batteries, the Xfinity remote may flash green and then red. It is an indication that the Xfinity box is not programmed with the remote.

Check IR Sensor

Xfinity remote works by sending IR signals to the Xfinity box. You can perform a camera test to see where it can send IR signals properly. Here’s how to test the remote.

• Open the camera app on your smartphone and aim the Xfinity remote head toward the camera.
• Press the remote buttons one by one.
• If you can see a red indicator light on the camera, then the Xfinity remote is completely fine.

Note: If the indicator light doesn’t blink, the remote may be defective, or the batteries are discharged.

Use Remote in a Closer Range

You can operate Xfinity remotes only from a distance of fewer than 20 feet. It is impossible to operate the remote if you are too far away from the Xfinity box. Also, operate the remote in a direct line of sight to the Xfinity box. Test the remote within this range and check if it works without problems.

Remove the Obstructions

If you keep any objects in front of the Xfinity box, it won’t be able to receive signals from the remote. Therefore, the remote will not work even if you press the button multiple times.

• Relocate the objects like furniture, soundbars, or other electronic devices.
• Next, aim the remote at the Xfinity box and press the buttons of your wish.
• If the Xfinity box responds to the remote input, you have fixed the issue.

Note: Likewise, if the DirecTV remote is not working, you need to check whether there are obstructions.

Release Stuck Buttons

Sometimes, the Xfinity remote buttons may get stuck and make the remote unresponsive. This is mainly due to a speck of dirt on the edges of the buttons. To fix this, follow the instructions given below.

• Remove the dust particles on the buttons by wiping them with a clean cotton cloth.
• You can use a 99% isopropyl alcohol cleaner to remove the smudge.
• If the buttons are still stuck, disassemble the remote and rectify the issue.

Check Whether the Remote is Programmed

The steps to program your Xfinity remote vary depending on the TV model. Incorrect programs might lead to remote not working issues and it can be really frustrating. If your Xfinity remote isn’t working, try to program the remote by following the trusted source available offline or online. Programming the remote won’t require much time if you follow reliable sources.

Reset the Xfinity Remote

You can also fix the Xfinity remote not working issue by unpairing and pairing the remote. It will reset the Xfinity remote to factory defaults, so it will work without any problems. However, the reset procedure will vary for each remote model.

How to Reset XR11 Remote

• Press and hold the Setup button for 5-10 seconds.
• Release the Setup button if the indicator light stays idle and turns from red to green.
• Press the 9-8-1 buttons in sequence.
• The green LED light will blink twice to indicate that the reset is completed.

Reset XR15 Remote

• Press the A (triangle) and D (diamond) keys and hold them for about 5-10 seconds.
• Release both buttons if the indicator light switches from red to green.
• If the indicator light stays idle, press the 9-8-1 buttons consequently.
• Lastly, the indicator light will blink blue three times to mention that the reset is successful.

Reset XR2 and XR5 Remote

• Press and hold the Setup button for about 5-10 seconds.
• Release the Setup button if the indicator light switches from red to green.
• Further, press the 9-8-1 buttons one by one.
• The remote reset is completed if the indicator light flashes twice.

How to Reset XRA Voice Remote

• Press and hold the Home and Page Up buttons at the same time.
• Release both buttons if the indicator light flashes green.
• After that, press the buttons 9-8-1 in sequence.

Note: Resetting will unpair the Xfinity remote from the box. So you need to program the remote again to use it.

Power Cycle Xfinity Box

If resetting and reprogramming the Xfinity remote doesn’t favor you, we suggest you power cycle the Xfinity box. Refer to the below steps to perform the power cycle.

• Turn off your Smart TV and the Xfinity box.
• Unplug the power cable of the Xfinity cable box from the power source.
• Hold back for a few seconds.
• Now, plug the cable back again into the power source.
• Turn on your Xfinity box and TV.
• Press the buttons on the Xfinity remote to check whether the issue is fixed.

Reset the Xfinity Box

You should reset the Xfinity box if the remote doesn’t work after the reset. It will help to fix unexpected errors that occur within the box. Follow the instructions given below to do so.

• The reset button is located on the backside of the Xfinity box.
•  Click the reset button and hold for at least 5-10 seconds.
• Lastly, test whether the remote is working without any issues.

Contact Xfinity Support

If none of the methods fix the issue, you can seek assistance by reaching out to Xfinity Customer Service. You can chat 24/7 with the Xfinity team regarding your queries. If required, you can click the Status Center to check for local outages. You can talk to customer support via 📞 800-934-6489 and explain the issue clearly.

Buy a New Remote

If the Xfinity remote has been lost or broken, you can buy a new remote. So, you need to visit the Xfinity Store and find the nearby store by entering your exact location. Moreover, you can also purchase an Xfinity remote online via Amazon. If you want, you can buy non-branded remotes that are cheaper than the original remotes.

For more convenience, we recommend users use the Xfinity TV remote app as a remote control. It is available on the Play Store and App Store so you can download it for free.

Frequently Asked Questions