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X1 TV Box activation overview

Follow these important steps to activate Xfinity X1 TV Box if you received a Getting Started Kit.

Start-up screens

When you turn on the X1 TV Box, it connects to cloud services and shows the Welcome screen.

Second Welcome screen, the TV Box is connecting

Firmware update

If the TV Box needs an update, it will download and install it. Please allow time for the TV Box to update. It'll restart automatically, then you'll be taken to the activation process.

X1 mandatory update screen with messaging and progress bar

If there's a problem, you'll see a message asking you to call support. Please contact us.

Error message screen requesting customer call.

Choose language

After the update, you can pick your preferred language (English, Spanish, or French). This sets the language for the activation screens and menus.

X1 Select your language screen directing you to use the arrows on your remote, then press the center button to choose your desired language, with options for English US, Espanol, English Canada, and Francais Canada. TV screenshot.

Choose Voice Guidance

You’ll be asked if you want to use Voice Guidance. If you choose Yes, the activation instructions will be spoken to you. If you choose No, you’ll see the instructions on the screen.

Screenshot asking if you want to use Voice Guidance with a button for No on the left and a Yes button on the right.

Activation process

  1. Use the number keys or directional pad on your remote to enter the last four digits of any phone number listed on your Xfinity account. Make sure you're pointing the remote directly at the TV Box and are less than ten feet away.
    Screen requesting to verify the last four digits of your phone number
    • If you have trouble, select Verify another way to verify via text message or by entering your account information and phone number.
      Verify your account by getting a text with a code or entering your account information
    • Verify via text message and verification code.
      Enter your mobile number screen for text message
      Enter your code screen for text message option
    • Verify with account information and phone number.
      Enter your account information and phone number TV screenshot.
  2. Once your account information is verified, you'll move to the next step. If you've already activated one X1 box in your home, you might not need to verify again. Visit the X1 device single authentication section below.
    • Note: If we can't validate your information, a message will appear and you'll need to contact us.
  3. Some TV Box types activate quickly, while others may take up to 10 minutes. Once activation is complete, press the Xfinity button on your remote to find your Guide, DVR, On Demand, and more.
    Downloading your main menu TV screenshot.

After activation, you'll be asked to set up your device and remote. If you run into trouble, contact us.

Additional configuration

  1. 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 custom name. Select the option you want, then press OK.
    Device name screen in X1. TV screenshot.
    Confirmation screen that the device was successfully named
  2. Video and Audio Optimization: After naming your device, we'll optimize your video and audio experience.
    Optimizing for surround sound. TV screenshot.
    Optimizing for HD video. TV screenshot.
  3. Once your TV Box is configured, you'll see the Xfinity logo.
    Xfinity logo on a dark background.

Remote control setup and pairing

  1. Follow the remote pairing instructions to pair your Xfinity Voice Remote with your TV Box.
  2. After activation, the TV will go directly to live TV programming.
    Connecting to live TV message with three dots below. TV screenshot.

X1 device single authentication

If you've already installed at least one other X1 device in your home, you won't need to authenticate again during the activation process. This doesn't apply to RNG150s, which require authentication as outlined above.

Other scenarios

  • After a power outage, you might 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.
    Live TV example with the One moment please message in the upper right corner. TV screenshot.

Additional information

Visit our Online Support Center to find common solutions.

QR code

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.

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