Typically, you’ll need your Xfinity remote control to perform basic actions on your cable box like adjusting the volume and changing channels. It’s possible to experience an issue where your Xfinity remote won’t change channels. This can be caused by connection problems, damage to the remote’s components, and much more.
In this guide, we’ll go through the most common reasons why you can’t change channel on Xfinity and how to fix them. Read on to learn more.
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“My Xfinity Remote Won’t Change Channels” — Most Common Reasons
Before reviewing the fixes for the Xfinity remote not changing channels problem, it’s essential to evaluate why this happens in the first place. Here are some factors that can cause problems on your Xfinity remote:
- Faulty Batteries – The most common reason why your Xfinity remote malfunctions is due to dead or defective batteries. Your remote needs to have enough power to emit signals to and control your Xfinity cable box.
- Bugs – Your Xfinity remote can sometimes experience bugs that might affect its connection to the cable box. This can lead to incorrect commands and slow responses from your cable box. Re-pairing your Xfinity remote to your cable box can potentially solve this problem.
- Physical Damage – Your Xfinity remote can have trouble transmitting commands to your cable box if it’s physically damaged. When you cannot control the channel, try checking if the channel buttons are stuck or if there’s dust or debris inside.If it was dropped from high enough or exposed to water, you might have to buy a new Xfinity remote. But, if it has out-of-the-box defects, try contacting Xfinity Technical Support to ask for a free replacement.
How to Fix Xfinity Remote Not Changing Channels
Remote issues are a common experience for Xfinity users. Fortunately, this can usually be solved with simple troubleshooting methods. Review each fix below and see which one is the most effective for your Xfinity remote.
Fix #1: Change the Batteries in Your Xfinity Remote
The first thing you can try is to change the remote’s batteries. Battery problems can easily go unnoticed, but if your remote is working well and suddenly malfunctions, it may be caused by a lack of power.
However, you must drain its residual power before trying a new pair of batteries. To do this, follow these steps:
- Remove the old batteries from the remote. Then, press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds.
- Try pressing the channel buttons on the remote and check if there’s dust stuck inside. Hit the remote gently with your hand to dislodge more dust.
- Insert a new set of batteries into the compartment, following the correct orientation as labeled on the slots.
- Check if your Xfinity remote works normally.
Fix #2: Re-pair Your Xfinity Remote
If only some buttons on your Xfinity remote work, you can try re-pairing it to your Xfinity cable box.
The process for re-syncing your Xfinity remote can vary depending on the kind of Xfinity remote that you own. To unpair various Xfinity remote models, refer to the steps below:
For Xfinity Remotes with a Setup Button
- With your Xfinity cable box switched on, press and hold the Setup button on the remote and wait for the LED indicator to show a green light.
- Input the code 9-8-1. Your remote will now be unpaired from the cable box.
For Xfinity Remotes without a Setup Button
- Press and hold the A (triangle) and D (diamond) buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds until the LED indicator shows a green light.
- Enter the code 9-8-1. The remote will now be unpaired from your Xfinity cable box.
For the Xfinity XR16 Remote
- Press and hold the (i) Info and Home buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds until the indicator light flashes.
- Press the following buttons: Power, (<) Last Arrow, and Volume Down.
- Your Xfinity XR16 remote will now be unpaired from your cable box.
After unpairing, you’ll need to sync your Xfinity remote back to your cable box. To pair an Xfinity Remote (with a Setup button), proceed to these steps:
- Switch on your Xfinity cable box and TV.
- Make sure the TV is tuned to the input for your cable box. Then, press the Setup button until the LED changes from red to green.
- Next, press the Xfinity button on the remote until it shows a flashing green light.
- Enter the three-digit pairing code shown on the screen to complete the pairing process.
To pair an Xfinity Voice Remote (without a Setup button), proceed to the steps below:
- With your Xfinity cable box and TV turned on, make sure the TV is tuned to the input for your cable box.
- Press and hold the Xfinity and (i) Info buttons on the remote for 5 seconds or until the LED light changes from red to green.
- Input the three-digit pairing code shown on the TV screen to pair your Xfinity Voice Remote.
To pair an Xfinity XR16 Voice Remote, do the following:
- Switch on your Xfinity cable box and TV. Make sure the TV is tuned to the input for your cable box.
- Point the remote at your TV and press the Microphone button.
- Finish the pairing process by following the on-screen steps on the TV display.
Once you have successfully fixed this issue, then you can learn How to Program Your Xfinity Remote.
Final Thoughts
Your Xfinity remote can sometimes have issues with its buttons, like the remote’s channel keys. This can be caused by various factors, including pairing problems, bugs, or faulty remote batteries.
Hopefully, this guide helps you to fix any issues where your Xfinity remote won’t change channels. If the methods above were ineffective, try contacting Xfinity Technical Support for more help.