Why does the Xfinity box says SI ST? Well, you’re not the only one wondering about this!
The “SI ST” on the Xfinity TV box error message is often associated with startup issues with the receiver.
Whenever the Xfinity box encounters this error, the behavior typically translates into a boot loop, which resembles a constant restarting, disallowing the use of the Xfinity receiver.
To approach the Xfinity “SI ST” error, perform a power cycle on the TV box first and check if the signal supply from the coax is intact. Next, visit the Xfinity Status Center, check for outages reported in your area, and in case nothing helps, factory reset the Xfinity TV box.
Let’s completely unwrap the “SI ST” Xfinity error!
Why Does Xfinity Cable Box Says SI ST?
The “SI ST” error code shown by the Xfinity cable box is often a result of a failed boot cycle.
Hence, the error code indicates the complication, and shortly after the code is displayed on the connected TV screen, the cable box tends to shut down and repeat, resulting in a boot loop.
Often, the “SI ST” code is accompanied by other similar error codes such as “BOOT,” “CAST,” and “IPST.”
The key to troubleshooting this error is understanding why they occur and what could potentially cause the Xfinity TV box to fail the startup process.
Top 5 Causes for Error “SI ST” On Xfinity!
It’s worth mentioning that the “SI ST,” “CAST,” and “IPST” error codes tend to start occurring after a recent power outage primarily.
So, considering the number of users who reported this error after the power went out, we can conclude that the error could be power or HW-related.
Keep reading to uncover the best-working solutions against the “SI ST” error!
How to Fix When Xfinity Box Says SI ST?
Tip: Follow our steps in chronological order!
1. Identify Local Xfinity Outages
Ideally, the “SI ST” error code could be caused by an ongoing Xfinity outage in your area of residence.
Luckily, there’s an online Xfinity tool that allows for identifying local outages simply by entering your current location to match the service map of the provider.
You must access the Xfinity Status Center to view pending and report outages!
Follow these instructions to check if current Xfinity outages are happening:
- Open a web browser on an internet-connected device.
- Navigate to xfinity.com and then sign in with your info.
- Navigate to the “Support” page and press on “Status”.
- Once in the status center, input your current location.
- Press on the magnifying lens icon to start the search.
- Wait until the status center displays the locational info.
If there are no current outages in your area, the outage identification will be negative and show results for that area reported in the last 24 hours.
If there’s an outage currently happening, the outage map will be colored as to where the service is unavailable, perhaps affecting your area.
Notice: Xfinity outages typically take up to 3 hours to be addressed!
2. Reset the Power of the Xfinity Box!
The easiest way to resolve temporal functionality issues with the receiver is to conduct a power cycle or hard reset.
This practical approach will not target sensitive content and TV box data but will be highly effective against errors such as “SI ST,” especially if they are power-related.
Follow these instructions to perform a power reset on the Xfinity cable box:
- Disconnect the power cable from the back of the TV box.
- Unplug the other end of the power adapter from the outlet.
- Wait for 60 seconds while the Xfinity box power cycles.
- Reinstall the power adapter into the electrical wall outlet.
- Connect the other end of the adapter to the Xfinity box.
- Turn on the streaming unit and check if the error is there.
How to Restart Xfinity via Voice Command (X1 & Flex)
On Xfinity X1 and all Flex streaming devices, holding the “Microphone” button and pronouncing “Restart TV Box” will cause the device to reboot.
This is helpful if the power reset didn’t resolve the “SI ST” error since now you will initiate a software reset, which works differently.
- Hold the microphone button on the Xfinity remote and say, “Reboot the TV box!”
This is also a great way to uncover if the interface of the Xfinity box still responds to remove inputs and voice commands.
Info: The voice operation will not work if the cable box is shut down!
3. Reinstall the Xfinity Cable Box Service
Xfinity box says cast SI ST IPST, even after a power reset? Well, no need to worry!
In most situations, when the “SI ST” Xfinity error code doesn’t go away after a power cycle, the complication is related to the service installation of the TV box.
There could be an issue with the signal’s conversion from the coax cable, so it is recommended to reinstall the service cable.
Here’s how to reinstall the service of the Xfinity cable box in easy steps:
- Locate the coaxial connector on the back of the TV box.
- Unplug the service cable from the back of the TV receiver.
- Unplug the other end of the cable from the service outlet.
- Maintain and clean the outlet and TV box connector/port.
- Connect one end to the box’s port and the other to an outlet.
- Then, reboot the Xfinity box and check if “SI ST” remains.
Tip: Inspect the coaxial cable for visual hardware damages while it is unplugged!
4. Test the Xfinity TV Box Power Supply!
The failed startup could occur from an underlying issue with the electrical supply of the cable box.
When diagnosing the power income of a device, multiple factors must be considered, as any influence from the outlet or cables could be responsible for the “SI ST” Xfinity error code!
The following things could be responsible for issues with the box’s power supply:
- Unidentified third-party outlet equipment.
- A defective power cable and/or equipment.
- An issue with the cable box’s power outlet.
- A defective power port on the TV cable box.
Working Ways to Restore Xfinity Cable Box Power Supply?
Follow these steps to test and restore the power supply of the Xfinity TV box:
- Connect the TV box to an alternative power outlet.
- Disconnect the power adapter and clean the ports.
- Uninstall third-party equipment in the Xfinity setup.
- Inspect the power adapter cable for visual damage.
Any damage inflicted to the Xfinity equipment should be acted against, as these components’ defectiveness could lead to more severe issues with the receiver.
Info: If any of the equipment delivered by Xfinity is damaged, contact customer support!
5. Factory Reset Your Xfinity Receiver
As mentioned earlier, there’s a high chance that the failed boot sequence is related to an underlying software fault with the box.
Hence, if nothing helped, erasing all information from the Xfinity box and setting the receiver up from scratch is the best option when the Xfinity box is saying SI ST.
Follow these simple steps to conduct a factory reset on the Xfinity box:
- Unplug the power cable from the back of the Xfinity box.
- Locate the “power” or “WPS” button on the front panel.
- While connecting the adapter, hold the “WPS”/”power.”
- Keep holding the button for 15-20 seconds after that.
- Release the button once the Xfinity box’ screen changes.
The Aftermath of the Factory Reset!
Since while receiving the “SI ST” error code, the software of the Xfinity box is inaccessible, the instructions above are the only possible way to conduct a factory reset.
Unlike the power cycle, this reset will erase all stored content from the streaming device, so you must set it up cleanly.
Hence, once the Xfinity cable box re-launches after the factory reset, you will complete the Setup” part of the setup.
You must establish the basic settings configuration of the streaming unit before you can use it again, hopefully without the error code “SI ST.”
Need More Help?
If the “SI ST” error is still there, the problem seems like a matter for Xfinity to handle.
Contact the 24/7 Xfinity support at /ask Xfinity on their “Xfinity Contact Us” page or at 1-800-XFINITY.
Note: In case 1-800-XFINITY doesn’t work, attempt dialing 800-934-6489!
Quick Recap:
Hence, the best solution when the Xfinity box says SI ST, is to perform a power cycle on the Xfinity receiver and check for local Xfinity outages.
If the error code persists, reinstall the service cable of the streaming box and conduct a factory reset on the Xfinity TV box.
Follow our blog for more Xfinity guides and solutions!
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.