Xfinity no picture but sound could be a frightening sight, but it’s actually easy to solve!
Not being able to view the video output on your Xfinity receiver indicates a power or HDMI issue.
Producing a working resolution to the problem requires reviewing all the fundamental causes that could result in the Xfinity receiver losing its video output, so let’s continue ahead.
To fix “no picture but sound” issue on Xfinity, the first step is to inspect the HDMI link and verify that all cables are connected securely. If you cannot view the picture, connect the Xfinity receiver to an alternative TV or monitor to test and use the disaster recovery!
Let’s keep digging further!
Xfinity Sound But No Picture – Explained!
If you can only hear the audio output of the Xfinity receiver, but no video is available, this could often signify an underlying issue with the HDMI connection.
To properly diagnose the issue, the next step is to review the underlying causes of the black Xfinity screen and why the audio work!
Here’s what could cause the video output to disappear on your Xfinity box:
Xfinity On Demand Sound But No Picture?
On-demand content is only available through the Xfinity STREAM application.
For that matter, video issues on Xfinity STREAM could be caused by outdated app firmware, connectivity WiFi issues, overfilled app cache, or software problems with the Xfinity app.
About Xfinity Audio Alone?
The fact that your Xfinity TV box audio is still there means that the machine is working.
So the reason why only the picture is missing could be due to numerous factors that we’re addressing!
How to Fix Xfinity No Picture But Sound Problem?
Tip: Follow our troubleshooting instructions in consecutive order!
1. Switch the Xfinity Broadcast
If this is an issue you’ve only encountered on a handful of the available Xfinity channels, it’s time to switch to a different stream to justify the video output.
Some channels could be temporarily unavailable or deal with technical issues, resulting in the disappearance of the video output.
To switch the Xfinity channel without seeing it, press “CH+/-” on the remote!
If you hear the sound, your Xfinity works, so you can still operate the receiver only using the remote control, even without seeing the screen.
All actions sent through the remote control should ultimately interact with the TV box, so try to determine whether the picture is missing on all channels.
Tip: Test the Xfinity receiver on as many broadcasts as possible!
2. Reconnect the HDMI Cable Link!
The video fault of the Xfinity receiver could be originating from a loose HDMI connection!
To identify issues with the video/audio transfer through the HDMI, it is best to unplug the cable and thoroughly examine the connectors and ports for any damage or obstruction.
How to Uninstall the Xfinity HDMI Cable?
Unplug the HDMI adapter from the Xfinity receiver first, and then unplug the other end of the cable from the back of the TV.
The audio of the Xfinity broadcast will also become unavailable while the HDMI cable is disconnected so that the output monitor will be pitch-black and silent.
How to Inspect HDMI Cable for Faults?
The next task is to inspect the HDMI cable thoroughly while unplugged.
Any visual hardware damage inflicted on the cable could provide more information about the issue’s origin.
So, the best action would be to clean the connectors and inspect the HDMI TV ports for obstructions!
Test with Another HDMI and Another Port!
You should connect an alternative HDMI cable to a different HDMI port on your TV to test if the picture will return.
This method will address two possibilities at once, and if you can now see the picture of your Xfinity receiver, then it’s either the HDMI cable fault or the TV port is defective!
Reminder: When switching from one HDMI port to another on your TV, you must also switch the input source from the TV “Sources” menu!
3. Soft-Reset Your Xfinity Receiver
Another possibility for your Xfinity receiver to only produce sound but not picture is a temporary system bug.
To address system complications with the overall functionality of the TV box, you should conduct a power cycle, which only discharges your device and refreshes all OS services!
Note: No data will be lost after the power cycle!
Follow these instructions to power cycle the Xfinity receiver:
- Press the power button on the front of the receiver.
- Next, wait until the Xfinity receiver box powers off.
- After that, unplug the TV box from the power outlet.
- Wait for 60 seconds while the receiver is discharging.
- Reconnect the power adapter of the box to an outlet.
- Wait until the Xfinity TV box starts and test the video.
Tip: The power cycle is effective against underlying hardware or overheating TV box issues!
4. Test on a Different TV or Monitor!
By the looks of the issue, the TV might be to blame in this situation!
To determine whether the videos are missing because of the TV, you should install the Xfinity receiver’s HDMI cable into an alternative output device for testing purposes.
Follow these instructions to test the Xfinity receiver on a different TV/monitor:
- Place an HDMI-compatible TV or monitor next to the receiver.
- Unplug the HDMI cable from the back of the current TV device.
- Connect the HDMI cable of the Xfinity TV box to the new TV.
- Select the correct source on the testing TV and wait for a picture.
- If the box does work on another TV, the issue is caused by the previous TV.
- If the box doesn’t work on another TV, the issue is likely with the receiver.
Note: If the testing TV/monitor has multiple HDMI ports, test the Xfinity box on each one!
5. Renew Your Xfinity Subscription!
One of the potential causes of the black screen issue on your Xfinity equipment is an outdated subscription.
If your contract is no longer up-to-date, you may notice that all the channels in your lineup are unavailable, typically showing only a black screen when you attempt to access them!
Follow these instructions to renew the Xfinity subscription:
- Navigate to the official Xfinity website.
- Sign in to the platform with your details.
- Next, navigate to the account settings.
- After that, locate the “TV Packages” tab.
- Pick your ongoing subscription plan.
- Finally, follow the on-screen instructions.
Reminder: Ensure the associated payment source is credited and the payment info is correct!
6. Access the Xfinity User Settings Menu
If you still hear audio, then your Xfinity TV box is working.
This is enough to provide you with a step-by-step guide on resetting the box without seeing anything.
The first step is to try to access the “User Settings,” which might be the most challenging part.
How to Access User Settings On Standard Xfinity Box?
- Press the “Power” button on the front panel of the receiver.
- Wait for the green LED lights on the TV box to flicker once.
- Press the “Power” and “Menu” keys on the remote control.
- Wait until the “User Settings” menu appears on the screen.
To factory reset, an Xfinity box without seeing the screen, access the user settings and press “DOWN” > “DOWN” > “OK” > “OK.”
How to Access “Disaster Recovery” On XiOne/Xfinity Flex
A designated “Disaster Recovery” menu is available for XiOne and Xfinity Flex TV boxes to help users overcome system bugs.
Accessing the menu will provide plenty of user settings, including a total wipe of the software files and all settings.
The menu is reached differently compared to standard Xfinity boxes.
Here’s how to access “Disaster Recovery” on XiOne/Xfinity Flex:
- Make sure that the TV box is plugged into power.
- Disconnect the power cable out of the receiver.
- Connect the box and hold the frontal “WPS” button.
- Wait until the LED light of the TV box turns amber.
- Check if the “Disaster Recovery” screen will appear.
If the TV display remains black, press “OK” three times.
If you’re on an older firmware version of the TV box, this should access the factory reset page and confirm the process.
Info: After the process starts, the TV box will be factory reset for 2-3 minutes!
Quick Recap:
The reason why Xfinity no picture but sound issue occurs could be due to a technical fault with the broadcast you’re viewing.
If the picture is missing on all channels, power cycle the Xfinity TV box, inspect the cable configuration, and factory reset the device.
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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.