Simple Steps to Turn On a New Comcast Cable Box

PDF download Download Article
Use your Xfinity Cable Box immediately with this beginner's guide
PDF download Download Article

Did you purchase a new cable box from Comcast and need to activate it? The newer X1 box can be set up without you having to contact Comcast at all! You can activate your cable box through your TV. Comcast will not activate cable boxes purchased used. This wikiHow article teaches you how to set up and activate a Comcast Xfinity cable box.

Things You Should Know

  • Install the new cable box with the cables that came in the package so you can hook the box up to your TV and wall outlet.
  • Turn on your TV and cable box, then enter your phone number to activate it.
  • Once your number is confirmed, your box is active and you can watch Xfinity channels!
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Activating the Cable Box

PDF download Download Article
  1. It might turn on as soon as you connect it to power, but if not, press the Power button on top of the case to turn it on. You'll see a blue light on the corner of the box when it's on.
    • If you don't see the setup process on the screen, press the "Input" button until you find the right source.
    • You should see a "Welcome" screen. That screen will stay up for a while as your box is connecting to Comcast's cloud services. Older boxes may show an "Updating" screen as they are updating the firmware to provide you with the best experience possible. [1]
  2. Using the remote that came in the package, select your language.
    • If you accidentally select the wrong language, press the "Power" button on top of the box for about 10 seconds to restart it. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. Use the remote and select No or Yes. If you pick Yes, all the following screens and instructions will be spoken to you.
  4. You can use the number keys or directional pad on your remote to do this.
    • If you don't have a phone number associated with your account or don't have your phone with you, press Verify another way to use a text message or by confirming your account information instead.
    • If your account can't be verified, you need to contact customer support .
    • For most boxes, this will be an instant process. Other boxes may take 10 minutes or more.
    • Once verified, you're done! You will see a "Downloading your Main Menu" screen along with some tips on how to use the box and remote.
    • If you don't see the setup guide this way, try using the Xfinity app. [3]
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Troubleshooting

PDF download Download Article
  1. All Comcast cable boxes are the property of Comcast, and none are authorized for sale by other people. If you purchased a cable box from eBay, Craigslist, or any other re-seller, Comcast will not activate it because it is actually an un-returned rental. You should only get cable boxes directly from Comcast for new services, replacements, or additions.
    • Don't believe any listing or review claiming to have Comcast TV cable boxes for sale. They will not activate and are most likely stolen.
  2. A weak connection to your wall coax outlet or to the box itself could be causing your activation issues. Make sure the coax cable is tightened snugly at both ends.
  3. Sometimes bad or old wiring may be causing a failure to activate or receive a signal. Old equipment like amplifiers, boosters, and splitters from previous installations may also be causing the problem. If this is the case, you'll need a Comcast technician to come to inspect and fix the lines. Visit the https://www.xfinity.com/support/contact-us contact customer support page to set that up. [4]
    • If the problem is with your Comcast equipment or the lines leading to your house or apartment, you likely won't need to pay. If the problem is with the wiring in your home, you may need to pay to have it rewired.
  4. Comcast recommends activating equipment within seven days of the date of the order. Waiting too long may cause the order processing system to interfere with the activation. [5]
  5. This error code is related to your account billing, and you'll need to contact Comcast to verify your billing information and payment status. [6]
    6. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Installing the New Cable Box

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use a coaxial cable to make this connection, and ensure that there is a little slack in the cable so that there is no tension on the connectors. This cable should be included with your purchase from Comcast. [7]
  2. You can use the HDMI cable that came with the box, or any other HDMI cable. Make note of the HDMI port that you use on your TV so that you can easily switch to it later.
    • Many Comcast cable boxes have multiple HDMI ports. Make sure you're using the "HDMI Out" port on the box and not the HDMI Input ports.
    • If you don't have an HDMI port on your TV, you can use a coax cable to connect the "To TV/RF Out" port to your TV's coax port. This will not result in high definition image. In fact, if you didn't subscribe to the HD package, you won't get HDMI cables in your box but will get an extra coax cable instead.
  3. Plug it into the Power connector on the back of the box.
  4. If you connected the box to an HDMI port on your TV, switch to the HDMI input that matches that port. If you connected the box using a coax cable, switch to channel 3 or 4.
  5. If you have multiple TVs and active coax outlets, you can use digital adapters to connect your cable to additional TVs. Each adapter will need its own coax wall outlet.
    • Connecting a digital adapter is pretty much the same as a regular cable box. Use a coax cable to attach it to the wall outlet, and HDMI or coax cable to connect the adapter to the TV, and then connect the power adapter.
    • Make sure all of your digital adapters are connected and powered on before starting the activation process.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I would like captions on the screen. How do I do it?
    Community Answer
    Press the menu button on your remote, then go to Set Up. Click the Captions tab and click CC or Closed Captioning.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 9
  • Question
    How do I connect to the internet?
    Community Answer
    Go to your settings and select the "WiFi" tab. Then select your network and enter your password.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 11
  • Question
    When I move, should I take my cable boxes to the new house?
    Community Answer
    Contact your service provider. They need to activate your new house and may want to install the old cable boxes or give you new ones.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 7
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Comcast will not activate used cable TV boxes. All cable boxes are the property of Comcast, and all used cable boxes available for sale are unauthorized. You should only receive cable TV boxes directly from Comcast.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      17 Easy Ways to Speed up Your WiFi or Internet Connection
      4 Easy Ways to Turn Off TV Narration and Audio Descriptions
      Restart an LG TV With or Without a Remote: Easy Reboot Tips
      3 Easy Ways to Stream Fox Nation on Your TV
      Easy Ways to Fix Audio Lag & Sound Delay on Any TV
      Simple Troubleshooting Steps for a Samsung TV with the Black Screen of Death
      4 Easy Ways to Properly Measure Your TV Screen
      Easy Ways to Factory Reset Your Samsung Smart TV
      Why Is My TV Freezing and Pixelating? 12 Easy Solutions
      Why Is a Red Light Flashing on My Samsung TV? Causes & Fixes
      Fix a Samsung TV No Sound Problem Yourself
      How to
      Fix a Hisense TV’s Black or Blank Screen: Easy Guide
      3 Ways to Change the Language on HBO Max
      Blue Tint on Your TV? Here's What the Problem Could Be
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about fixing your tv, check out our in-depth interview with Adam Paris .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/x1-stb-activation
      2. ↑ https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/x1-stb-activation
      3. ↑ contact customer support .
      4. ↑ http://forums.xfinity.com/t5/X1/X1-mini-cable-box-won-t-connect/td-p/2500935
      5. ↑ http://customer.xfinity.com/help-and-support/phone/self-install-basic-troubleshooting/
      6. ↑ http://customer.xfinity.com/help-and-support/cable-tv/x1-errorcode-rdk-03007-unable-to-connect-to-xfinity-tv
      7. ↑ https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/what-is-included-in-an-x1-self-install-kit

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 652,674 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement