If your Comcast channels switched to Spanish, it can be very irritating. It can also be frustrating trying to find the right setting to switch it back to English.
The reason it switched languages in the first place is typically a configuration accident, though software errors could also be the cause.
Comcast offers programming from networks in multiple languages, and the default Comcast cable box audio output settings may have been manually or automatically changed.
Be aware that the default setting for Comcast cable boxes is English.
Working Solutions for Comcast Channels Switched to Spanish Issue
Solution #1: Manually Change the Audio Settings
The root cause could be that a child or user inadvertently changed the audio output manually.
The simplest way to change the Comcast default language back to English is to use your remote to navigate through the settings. The option you are looking for is the Audio Accessibility Settings.
To manually change the audio settings and change the language back to English, use the following steps:
- Click the Xfinity button.
- Visit the Settings menu.
- Select Audio Language.
- Select Audio Language Reset.
Note: After changing the audio settings, if your Comcast channels are still in Spanish, you may need to reboot your cable box.
Solution #2: Resetting the Xfinity Box by Power Cycling
Sometimes, bugs and glitches in the software may cause an accidental switch of the audio settings, causing channels to be broadcast in Spanish.
It could be a simple software error, which you can resolve by resetting your cable box.
One way to reboot your Xfinity or Comcast cable box to reset it is to use a method called power cycling.
What power cycling does is completely resetting the cable box by removing its power and then reinserting it.
To power cycle your cable box, use the following steps:
- Unplug the cable box’s power source.
- Wait for up to one minute.
- Reconnect the power cable.
- Wait for one minute.
- Test the cable box’s language by viewing a program.
Note: If a simple restart of your cable box by removing its power doesn’t fix the language setting issue, you may need to use the box’s reset button.
Solution #3: Resetting the Comcast Xfinity Box with the Reset Button
There is also a second more powerful way to reset your cable box. The vast majority of cable boxes have a reset button on the back of the device, which isn’t easily pressed with your finger.
Instead, you’ll need a tool to depress the button, such as a screwdriver, pin, pen, or paperclip. For most cable boxes, this reset button performs a hard factory reset.
Performing this reset procedure completely wipes out the device’s current configuration and wipes it clean.
If your Comcast cable box had its audio settings changed to Spanish, a factory reset will return the audio settings to the default of English.
To perform a hard factory reset, use the following steps:
- Leave the power cable connected.
- Use a pin to depress the reset button.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds.
- Wait for the cable box to reboot.
- Test the audio by viewing a program.
If the cable box doesn’t display programming immediately, be patient. It may still be automatically acquiring a connection with the Comcast network. Also, be sure to leave the power cable connected.
Note: Removing the power cable during the reset process could not only interrupt its ability to re-establish a connection, but it could also damage the device.
Solution #4: Changing Comcast Xfinity Connect Language Settings
The reason your Comcast account switched to Spanish may be tied to your overall account settings.
If you use the Xfinity Connect app, you may have noticed an accidental change in its default language.
Furthermore, note that when you are changing the language configuration settings, Xfinity Connect displays words as per the settings in your web browser.
However, changing the language settings in Xfinity Connect trumps the language settings of your web browser.
To change the language settings in Xfinity Connect from Spanish to English, use the following steps:
- Log in to Xfinity Connect.
- Select the Mail tab.
- Select the Email Settings option.
- Select the Basic Settings option.
- Select the Language drop-down option.
- Change the language setting to English.
Solution #5: Changing the Playback Controls
Comcast and Xfinity customers can change the settings via the audio menu. To view the playback control settings, press the down arrow on your remote.
Using the arrows on your remote control to scroll down, simply find the Audio Options/SAP selection.
When you select the Audio Options/SAP selection, the menu will present you with different language options. You can use this setting to toggle between different languages, including English and Spanish.
However, not all programming is offered in multiple languages.
Even if you change this setting, individual programming may still offer audio content in Spanish only. The issue may not be that your cable box has an incorrect language setting.
Instead, it could just be that the program you are watching is only available in Spanish. If that’s the case, changing the playback controls won’t change the programming to English.
Solution #6: Contact the Support Department
It’s probably the last thing you want to do, but if all else fails, you can always contact the support department.
The support department has several contact options and support-help articles on social media, including Reddit, Twitter, Comcast Xfinity support forums, and Messenger.
You can also get 24/7 support to change your language settings via chatting via the website. However, it doesn’t seem that the chat system connects you to a live representative.
Instead, it seems to be a chatbot system that provides recommendations and will ultimately lead you to the support number. To call the support department, dial 1-800-XFINITY to speak with a live representative.
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Bottom Line
When your Comcast channels switched to Spanish, there are several troubleshooting methods that don’t require you to engage the support department.
Firstly, you can attempt to manually change the language settings on your cable box through the settings menu.
Secondly, you can try a simple power cycle of your cable box by removing and reinserting the power cable. Thirdly, if that doesn’t work, you can attempt a hard factory reset to completely restore the cable box to its default settings.
Finally, as a last resort, you can reach out to the support department for help troubleshooting its settings.
Bugs and glitches in the software could be the root cause, and a support representative will help guide you through further troubleshooting methods.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.