Activate an Xfinity Gateway or third-party modem with the Xfinity app

Find out how you can activate an Xfinity Gateway or an approved customer-owned (third-party) modem using the Xfinity app.

Note: For members in communities with internet delivered to the units over fiber, you are responsible for connecting, installing, and activating your own third-party Ethernet router or device. You can’t use the Xfinity app for activation. For more, see Member-owned and managed Ethernet router options for fiber internet service.

Activation instructions using Xfinity app

You can activate a device using the Xfinity app.

Not on a smartphone? Scan this QR code with your mobile device to activate a device in the Xfinity app now.

1. Launch the Xfinity app or scan the QR code.
2. Sign in using your Xfinity ID and password. You must be the Primary user or a Manager to activate the device.
3. Tap Get Started.
   • Activation should take about 20 minutes.
   • If you're replacing an existing gateway, you may not be asked to start the activation right when you sign in to the app.
     • To start activation:
       • Tap the Account tab at the bottom.
       • Scroll to Set up equipment or devices.
       • Tap Xfinity Gateway or Modem under the Internet section.
4. Follow the steps to set up your gateway and to start getting Xfinity Internet and/or Voice service.
   • To get started, find an active cable outlet in your home.
     • An active cable outlet is often in a living room or office. It has, most likely, provided service before.
   • WiFi Ready Apartment:
     • If you live in an WiFi Ready Apartment and rent the Xfinity Gateway:
       • You won't need to physically install it.
       • It will already be installed in a media panel and connected to a cable outlet.
     • You can check the device by making sure:
       • The coaxial cable is connected to the Cable In/RF In input in the back of the device.
       • The lights are lit on the front.
5. Avoid cramped spaces and make sure your gateway is placed at least a few feet off the floor. This maximizes your WiFi coverage.
6. Follow the steps to connect the coaxial cable to your gateway and active cable outlet.
   • Make sure this connection is finger tight.
   • Check if your device is ready to activate. It is ready to activate when:
     • The light turns white for a device with one light. It should either be solid or blinking.
     • The top three lights are solid for a device with multiple lights.
   • Select Ready to Go! to continue.
7. Tap Check Connection to check if your cable outlet is active.
8. Personalize your home WiFi network name and password if an active outlet is found.
   • Enter a WiFi name and password that is easy to remember and secure.
     • This is what you'll use to connect personal devices to your network. Tap Next.
   • If the cable outlet isn't active, you can tap Try Another Outlet. Then, repeat steps 5 and 6 with a different outlet in your home.
     • If there are no other outlets to try, tap I Don’t Have Another Outlet. You can then schedule a technician visit.
     • Notes:
       • If any other error occurs, you'll be connected with an agent through text messaging for help.
       • If an agent is unavailable to chat by text, we'll call you.
9. Confirm the WiFi name and password you entered.
   • If you need to make changes, tap the back arrow at the top of the screen.
   • If you're also activating Xfinity Voice, you'll see your phone number on this screen.
10. Tap Confirm and Finish Up.
    • If you’re upgrading an existing Xfinity Gateway with a new one or moving your service to a new address, you should be able to keep your settings. This includes the WiFi name and password.
    • Remember, if you change the WiFi information, you need to reconnect all your devices using the new WiFi name and password.
    • Your home network setup will now begin and can take up to 10 minutes to complete.
    • You can turn on push notifications so you can be alerted when your activation is complete
11. Connect to your new WiFi network. Choose to either automatically or manually connect the mobile device you’re using.
    • Automatically connect:
      • Depending on your device’s operating system, you may get a message asking you to join the new network.
      • If your device can’t automatically connect, you can still do it manually.
    • Connect manually:
      • Copy your WiFi password to your clipboard by selecting Copy. Then, Go to Settings.
      • From there, go to your WiFi settings on your phone.
      • Wait for your new WiFi name to show in the list of available networks and join the network by pasting your password.
      • Remember, you need to connect all your other WiFi-enabled devices, too.

You can now use the Xfinity app to:

• Access your home network settings.
• See who's most active on your network.
• Pause devices.
• Troubleshoot connection issues.
• Block inappropriate content and network threats.

Learn more about the Xfinity app.

Note: If you're a customer who upgrades to an Xfinity Gateway and previously used your own modem, the Activate xFi and Activate Xfinity Camera buttons won't be available right away in the Account tab. These buttons become available 24 hours after activating the Xfinity Gateway.

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.