Why Your Xfinity Remote is not Working And How to Fix It
You grab your Xfinity remote to turn on the TV, but… nothing. No lights, no clicks, no response. Whether it’s a frozen button, blinking red light, or total silence, it’s frustrating—especially when you’re just trying to relax.
Don’t worry. Most Xfinity remote issues are super fixable, and you don’t need tech skills to sort them out. Let’s walk through what’s going wrong and how to fix it step-by-step.
Common Xfinity Remote Problems
Here’s what might be going wrong:
- Remote not responding at all
- Power or volume buttons not working
- Red or blue light blinking repeatedly
- Delayed response from the TV
- Can’t pair the remote to the cable box
- Only some buttons work
Sound familiar? Good news—almost all of these can be fixed with a simple trick.
How to Fix Your Xfinity Remote – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Start With the Batteries
- Remove the back cover
- Replace with two fresh AA batteries
- Make sure they’re aligned correctly (positive and negative ends)
If you see a red light flash once when you press a button, your remote is getting power. If not, it’s likely the batteries—or the remote itself is dead.
Step 2: Try a Soft Reset
Sometimes the remote just needs a little refresh.
- Remove the batteries
- Wait 30 seconds
- Put them back in and try again
If this doesn’t work, move on to the next fix.
Step 3: Re-Pair the Remote With the Xfinity Box
Your remote might have lost its connection to your TV box. Here’s how to repair it:
For XR15 (voice remote without Setup button):
- Press and hold the Xfinity and Info buttons together until the light turns green
- When prompted, enter the 3-digit pairing code on screen
- Wait for a confirmation message
For XR11 (voice remote with Setup button):
- Hold down Setup until the light turns green
- Press the Xfinity button
- Follow the on-screen pairing instructions
Step 4: Reset the Remote to Factory Settings
If the remote is still acting up:
XR15 reset:
- Hold down A + D until the light turns green
- Type 9-8-1 – The remote will blink blue three times
XR11 reset:
- Hold Setup until the light turns green
- Enter 9-8-1 – The light will flash to confirm reset
Step 5: Clean the Remote
This might sound silly, but dust, crumbs, or spills can block the buttons.
- Use a soft cloth or cotton swab with a bit of rubbing alcohol
- Gently clean between and under the buttons
Step 6: Use the Xfinity Remote App
If your physical remote is totally busted, download the Xfinity Stream or Remote App on your phone to control your TV in the meantime. It works just like the physical remote!
Still Not Working? Here’s What Else You Can Do
- Test on another Xfinity box if you have one—this helps isolate the issue
- Try a different remote (borrow or buy one)
- Check the TV sensor—make sure it’s not blocked by furniture or dust
Pro Tips to Prevent Future Remote Issues
- Change batteries every 3–6 months
- Keep your remote in a clean, dry place
- Avoid dropping it on hard surfaces
- Don’t let drinks or snacks near the buttons
Xfinity Remote Troubleshooting FAQs
Q1: My remote keeps blinking red—what does it mean?
Usually, this means low battery power. Replace both batteries with new ones and try again.
Q2: Why won’t my Xfinity remote control my TV volume?
You probably need to reprogram it for your specific TV. Go to Xfinity.com/remotes, pick your remote model, and follow the on-screen steps to pair with your TV.
Q3: Can I pair one Xfinity remote to multiple TVs?
Nope—each remote can only be paired with one Xfinity box and TV at a time. You’ll need separate remotes for each setup.
Q4: My remote only works for some buttons—what’s wrong?
Could be worn-out buttons, dirt under the keys, or partial syncing issues. Try resetting or cleaning it.
Q5: Can I exchange my remote for a new one?
Yes! If your remote is faulty, Xfinity will often replace it for free. Visit your nearest Xfinity store or request a new one online.
Final Thoughts
An Xfinity remote has quite a few features that allow you to control your system but does not need help often. Most issues with remotes tend to stem from a lag or blinking light, along with unresponsive buttons which are rarely problems that need help in fixing.
With this information, you now have all the tools to troubleshoot instructing like an expert even if you run into ‘what if’ problems/post problems that don’t have straightforward answers.