Xfinity Remote Won’t Change Channels: 4 Steps To Fix It Fast
Xfinity offers its customers an expansive selection of TV channels with their monthly packages, but it can be hard to watch them if the remote won’t work. When it comes to setting up your home entertainment system, Xfinity is one of the best channel service providers that you can opt for. However, there have been a lot of reports from users experiencing issues with their Xfinity remotes not changing channels.
Table of Contents
- Why won’t my Xfinity remote change channels?
- How to Fix an Xfinity Remote that Won’t Change Channels
Why won’t my Xfinity remote change channels?
To fix an Xfinity remote that won’t change channels, check to see if the remote is connected to the Xfinity box, re-pair the remote, check the batteries, and make sure that the remote that you are using is the correct model for the Xfinity device.
With more than 30 million users, Xfinity is hands down the largest cable and internet provider in the country – and there is a reason for that. Xfinity has built a reputation as being one of the best TV service providers – with more channels to choose from than you will know what to do with. However, if you want to enjoy all of your favorite channels, you will naturally need to have your remote handy and operational.
With that being said, if your remote won’t change channels, that can complicate your ability to sit down and indulge in your TV time. Although Xfinity’s products are made with quality and designed for longevity, they can experience technical issues from time to time. To help you understand this further, I am going to take you through the process of fixing your Xfinity remote so that you can get back to watching TV.
Before we can dive into exactly how to fix your Xfinity remote’s channel malfunction, you should try to understand why the issue is occurring in the first place – as this can make it easier to pinpoint what needs to be resolved.
You should assess the condition and functionality of your remote before moving forward with fixing it. Test the remote by pressing its buttons and by physically evaluating it for any damage. The main issues that could cause an Xfinity remote to stop changing channels are the following:
- Dead batteries
- Connection issues
- Dirty remote (dust)
- Physical damage
After testing the remote and assessing it, you may be able to spot any that looks off so that you can target that specifically.
If you see any serious damage that looks like it could be beyond repair, you might want to accept that you are better off getting a replacement.
On the other hand, if physical damage is not behind it, then odds are that you can fix your Xfinity remote easily so that you can get back to channel surfing.
How to Fix an Xfinity Remote that Won’t Change Channels
Troubleshooting issues with your Xfinity remote can be a huge pain, but most of the time, they are not all that hard to resolve.
I find that when something like this occurs with my Xfinity remote, it’s usually not overly technical, and it can be fixed in minutes.
With that being said, there is more than one thing that could be behind your Xfinity remote’s malfunction. These devices are known for experiencing this issue due to a variety of different reasons.
Let’s break down each one to get your remote back in working order.
Check Remote Connection
The problem with your remote not changing channels may not be that the channel buttons are broken but that the remote has lost the connection with its corresponding device. In order for your remote to communicate with your Xfinity device, they need to be synced together.
You can confirm if the remote is paired by trying to use the other buttons to see if you get a response. If you are able to change the volume, power on/off the remote, and use the other functions, then you will know that it is synced correctly. If they don’t work, then you will need to re-pair the remote with the Xfinity box.
Re-Pair Xfinity Remote To Your TV
When you first buy your Xfinity device, you need to set everything up before you can start watching TV. This requires you to pair the remote with the device so that its controls function.
However, if you have already been using your Xfinity device and remote, sometimes they can lose their connection with one another. There are various reasons why this happens, but when it does, you will need to re-pair the remote with your Xfinity box.
The process can vary depending on the type of Xfinity remote that you are using. To pair an Xfinity Voice Remote, follow these steps:
- Power on Xfinity TV Box & TV
- Select the correct input
- Press and hold Xfinity and Info buttons (5 seconds)
- Enter the 3-digit pairing code
Once the process is complete, your Xfinity Voice Remote will have been successfully paired. To pair an Xfinity XR16 Voice Remote, follow these steps:
- Power on Xfinity Streaming device & TV
- Remove pull-tab (back of remote)
- Point remote at TV
- Press Microphone button
After you do this, you will be prompted with some on-screen instructions. Follow them to complete the process of pairing your remote.
Check Remote Batteries
If you were not able to get a response from your Xfinity remote and are finding that it will not pair with your Xfinity device, then you should check the batteries before moving on to another fix.
Batteries can be an easy thing to overlook when troubleshooting issues with your Xfinity remote. Swap out the batteries in your remote to see if you are able to change channels after doing so. Naturally, if this solved the issue – all you need to do is throw in a fresh pair of batteries.
If you changed the batteries recently and they are already drained, then you should consider the type that you are using. Batteries from third-rate brands are not going to give you longevity, which is why you should always rely on reputable companies.
In addition, batteries also get drained when remotes are placed in positions and in places where buttons get pressed unnecessarily. If you find yourself stacking magazines on top of your remote or are often digging it out from under the couch cushions, your batteries may be draining due to over-activity.
Confirm that Your Remote is the Correct Model
When you install an Xfinity box into your home entertainment system, you need to ensure that you are using the right remote with the device. Each Xfinity box has a specific remote model that it is compatible with.
If you try to use the wrong remote with your Xfinity box, it will not work or sync with the device. This can be a common issue with Xfinity customers who have had multiple products from Xfinity. In which case, look up the model number of your remote and ensure that it is the right model.
You can do this by running a search online – or you can find the manual for your Xfinity box, as this information will be listed.