How to Turn On Xfinity Cable Box Without Remote? – Complete Guide!

We have you covered if you want to know how to turn on Xfinity cable box without remote. You don’t need to get a replacement to use your device. 

While you are so used to using a physical remote to control your devices, there are many reasons why you should skip it.

You may find it hard if you lose your remote or it runs out of batteries. Thus, you need an alternative to power your Xfinity box without a remote.

To turn on your Xfinity box without a remote, set up the Xfinity TV Remote app on your mobile device. Download and install the app from the App Store or Google Play and use your phone as you would a remote. You may also use a different universal remote.

Before discussing the other ways to control your Xfinity cable box, let us first examine why you should not rely on a physical remote.  

Why Not Use a Remote to Control Your Xfinity Box

Relying on a physical remote to control your Xfinity box can pose problems if you encounter hardware issues and signal receiver malfunctions.

But, for the most part, misplacing the remote is the number one reason you should look for other ways to control your device.

1. Lost Your Remote

The problem with a physical remote is you tend to lose it. It may fall deep in your sofas or get misplaced. 

2. Remote Has No Batteries

If you depend solely on a physical remote to control your Xfinity cable box, you will be in trouble when it runs out of batteries. Plus, it requires you to keep extras all the time.

3. Remote Hardware Issue

A hardware issue requires reprogramming and resetting the device. You also need to troubleshoot the unresponsive buttons.

4. Signal Receiver Malfunction

It is likely for the IR receiver to fail. Ambient light can overload or desensitize the remote, causing your Xfinity cable box to miss signals.

If you encounter issues with your Xfinity box remote, there are many ways to solve the problem.

Let us proceed with ways to turn on your device without a physical remote.

How to Turn On Xfinity Cable Box Without Remote

Before proceeding to the main issue, let us talk about how to turn on Comcast cable box without remote in the simplest way – through the power button.

If your Xfinity cable box has a power button, locate and press the button to turn on your device. The power button is most likely in front of it.

If you do not want to use the power button, you can use the rest of the solutions to settle the problem.

Step #1: Use the Xfinity TV Remote App on Your Smartphone

The best way to control your Xfinity cable box without a remote is by downloading the app on your smartphone.

Once the Xfinity TV Remote App is set, you can use your mobile device just like a physical remote.

Here’s how to set up the app:

1. Download and install the Xfinity TV Remote app.
2. Tap the icon on your mobile device and select Get Started.
3. Sign in with your Xfinity username and password.
4. Choose your preferred TV box and enter a name.
5. If you have multiple eligible devices, repeat the same process.

Note: You can start using your phone to turn on your Xfinity cable box, change channels, schedule a recording, and utilize voice remote functionality.

Step #2: Use a Different Universal Remote

When you get the Xfinity cable box, you will be given a physical remote to control it.

But, if you are facing issues with that, there are other options that will work just as well with your device.

Third-party universal remotes can offer a robust platform that will allow you to control your Xfinity cable box.

Here’s how to pair and program a different universal remote with your Xfinity box:

1. Turn ON your TV.
2. Press and hold Set Up until the light on the remote turns green.
3. Enter code 9-9-1. The light should flash green twice.
4. Keep pressing CH^ (channel up) until your TV turns off.
5. Press Set Up to lock the code.

Alert: If the TV turns on when you press the power button on your remote, you are all set!

Tip: Check out Logitech’s Harmony remote, as it’s one of the more complete universal remote systems out there.

Step #3: Use a Third-Party Universal Remote App on Your Phone

You may also use a third-party universal remote app to control your Xfinity cable box.

They can help you manage your streaming devices using your Android and iOS-powered smartphone or tablet.

Here are a few standout universal remote apps that can make you shelve out your chunky remote:

1. Peel Smart Remote
2. AnyMote Universal Remote
3. CetusPlay
4. Universal TV Remote Control App

Note: Universal remote apps allow you to control your Xfinity cable box and other devices in your home entertainment equipment.

Step #4: Perform a System Refresh

If you have problems with your Xfinity cable box, you may fix them with a system refresh.

Doing this will interrupt all your boxes and saved recordings in your home but will not remove your preferred settings.

Here’s how to perform a system refresh on X1:

1. Press the A button on your remote control.
2. Highlight System Refresh and press OK.
3. Select Refresh Now. Then, select OK.
4. Don’t turn off or unplug your TV box.
5. It will automatically restart once the process is complete.

Note: You can only use the System Refresh option once within 24 hours. If you continue to experience issues, call a specialist for troubleshooting.

Pro Tip: If your attempt to trigger the System refresh fails, wait a few minutes and try again. 

Step #5: Reset Your Xfinity Cable Box

You may need to reset your Xfinity cable box when troubleshooting an issue.

Use this method only if you don’t mind losing saved data, such as preferred settings and recorded programs.

The easiest way to reset your device is through the Xfinity My Account app. But, if you want to perform a factory reset without using the app, you can do so with the help of your Xfinity remote.

Resetting your box via the Xfinity My Account app:

1. Open the application installed on your smartphone.
2. Find the TV option under the Overview Menu.
3. Select the device you want to troubleshoot.
4. Choose Troubleshoot and tap Continue.
5. Select System Refresh to reset your device.

Tip: The My Account app is available on iOS and Android devices. Download it to perform a reset easily.

Using the remote:

1. Hold the Power button of your Xfinity device until the light flashes green.
2. Press the Power and Menu buttons on your remote to open User Settings.
3. Press Up and Down arrows together to find the Restore Defaults option.
4. Click the Right button and press OK to start the resetting process.

Note: Go with the reset option only after trying the other troubleshooting methods.

If you are still unable to solve the issues with your Xfinity cable box, you need expert help.

Call Comcast tech support during work hours and tell the technician about your problem.

Read Next: Xfinity Mobile Return Policy

Bottom Line

Now, you know how to turn on Xfinity cable box without remote. These are simple methods that you can perform on your own.

You will be able to control your device even if you lose your remote, run out of batteries, or encounter issues with it.