Wondering why is Xfinity Smart Resume not working correctly? Keep reading to find out!
The Smart Resume is a great feature that skips commercials and resumes your show quickly in DVR recordings.
Unfortunately, some users are encountering sync problems with Xfinity’s Smart Resume feature so that’s why we’re here, to help you get out of this trouble in minutes!
If Xfinity Smart Resume is not working correctly, then try turning it off, restart your Xfinity TV box, and then turn the feature back on. Also, enable the lightning mode to restore the functionality and if the problem persists, then troubleshoot your Xfinity TV cable box!
Let’s dive deeper to learn more!
Why is Xfinity Smart Resume Out of Sync?
Many users have reported an issue with Smart Resume, where it fails to sync with channels and resumes the recording during commercials instead of fast-forwarding.
This fault can happen due to different factors, but identifying the potential reasons will make troubleshooting much easier.
The following factors can cause the Xfinity Smart Resume problem:
Let’s now quickly start troubleshooting!
Xfinity Smart Resume Not Working Correctly – Fix in 5 Easy Steps!
Tip: Follow the troubleshooting steps below in chronological order!
1. Ensure Smart Resume is Enabled
If the Smart Resume feature is not syncing and fast-forwarding through the commercials, then maybe it’s turned off.
Therefore, the first and obvious step is to check and make sure that the “smart resume” feature is enabled to automatically sync with the commercials and TV shows.
Here is how to enable the Xfinity Smart Resume:
Enable Smart Resume from X1 Settings:
- First, hold your Xfinity remote control.
- Press the Xfinity button on the remote.
- Next, navigate to the TV Settings menu.
- Select Preferences from the very top.
- Locate and press on the General option.
- Choose Smart Resume for Recordings.
- Push the OK button to turn the toggle on.
Enable Smart Resume on Xfinity Portal or App:
- Go to Xfinity Stream Portal or App.
- Next, navigate to the Settings menu.
- Then, locate and choose Playback.
- Next, tap on the Preferences option.
- Push on the Smart Resume toggle.
When you are sure that the Smart Resume is enabled in Xfinity, then try playing any DVR recording or a show.
Then observe whether the Smart Resume fast-forwards the commercial.
Note: Test with at least 2 or more commercials!
2. Restart your Xfinity TV Box
Restarting your Xfinity cable box is a great way to address numerous issues with the Xfinity service.
This one-time fix can help resolve temporary glitches, refresh the Xfinity system, and even restore your internet connection and services with the Xfinity server.
It’s worth trying!
Here is how to restart your Xfinity TV box:
Restart Using the Power Button:
- Check and tighten the cables on the Xfinity TV box.
- Push the Power button on the front of the TV Box.
- Hold down the button for about 15 to 20 seconds.
- Your Xfinity Box will automatically restart shortly.
Alternative: Unplug your Xfinity box, wait for about 20 seconds, and plug the TV box back in!
Restart Using the Help Menu:
- Find and press the A button on your Xfinity remote.
- Scroll to access the Help menu on the TV screen.
- Press on the OK button and select the Restart tile.
- Press on the OK button and select the Restart option.
This process of restarting your Xfinity cable box may take up to 5 to 10 minutes.
Hence, when the Xfinity cable box boots up completely, play any recording and test the Smart Resume!
3. Refresh and Re-enable Smart Resume!
Sometimes features can also encounter temporary glitches and that’s why they don’t behave and won’t function correctly.
In such cases, restarting or re-enabling the feature is a great step to refresh and clear out the underlying issues with the system.
Here is how to re-enable the Xfinity Smart Resume:
Step #1 Disable the Smart Resume:
- First, hold your Xfinity remote control.
- Push the Xfinity button on the remote.
- Then, navigate to the TV Settings menu.
- Select the Preferences and then General.
- Select “Smart Resume for Recordings”.
- Verify to toggle the Smart Resume “OFF”.
Step #2 Refresh the Xfinity System:
- First, navigate to your TV Settings.
- Scroll down and choose the Help tile.
- Locate and select System Refresh.
- Press the OK to begin the process.
- Choose Refresh Now, and then OK.
- Wait for up to 10 minutes to finalize.
Info: The system refresh will not delete your preferences, settings, or DVR recordings!
Step #3 Re-Enable the Smart Resume:
- First, press the Xfinity button on the remote.
- Go to TV Settings > Preferences > General.
- Then enter “Smart Resume for Recordings”.
- Ensure to enable the Smart Resume to “ON”.
The next step is to test the Smart Resume by playing any DVR recording or show and notice if the Smart Resume fast-forward through ads.
If not, then continue reading further into this guide!
4. Test via Enabling the *Lightning Mode*
If the Xfinity Smart Resume not working correctly, then enabling the lightning mode on the Xfinity TV box will probably help.
Many users have reported that using the lightning mode helps, and will get you to where you left the show without stopping at the end of a commercial break.
How to Enable the Lightning Mode on Xfinity Box?
- First, hold your Xfinity remote control.
- Locate the fast-forward remote button.
- Press the fast-forward button 5 times.
- OR… press the rewind button 5 times.
As soon as the lightning mode is enabled on your TV box, it allows the Smart Resume to traverse the content within 12 seconds from where you left off the recording or show.
In case you notice no difference, and the function is still not working, then continue reading further!
Tip: In case the lightning mode is not enabled, repeat the above steps again!
5. Check for Smart Resume Compatibility
Unfortunately, the Xfinity Smart Resume feature is not available on all channels, recordings, and networks.
It is possible that the program or show you are watching on your Xfinity TV box is not compatible with the Smart Resume feature and that’s why it is not syncing with the commercials.
The Xfinity Smart Resume is compatible with the following shows:
- NBC
- ABC
- CBS
- FOX
- CW
- Bravo
- HGTV
- Discovery
- MTV
- TLC
If you were previously expecting the Smart Resume in an incompatible program, then try playing one of the compatible shows and enjoy the seamless experience.
Important: Keep in mind that Smart Resume is also not available for Live or SD recordings, however, it is available on all HD-recorded programs after January 1, 2019.
Are There Changes to the Smart Resume?
Note: The information below is based on user feedback and Xfinity customer discussions!
What we understand from the numerous comments and feedback of disappointed Xfinity users, is that the Smart Resume does not work as initially intended.
Whether it’s true or not, we leave it up to you to decide, since many users claim that Xfinity made changes to how it now works!
Supposedly the goal is to please advertisers, and many people claim that the Smart Resume feature started to resume the content after fast-forwarding, 30 or 40 seconds into the ad.
This inevitably makes the users see the commercials even when they want to skip the entire block.
Note: There are no updates on whether the Smart Resume feature now works as it’s supposed to or still doesn’t resume the content with good accuracy.
Need More Help?
If you continue to experience the same issue with your Xfinity Smart Resume feature even after attempting every step in this guide, then contact Xfinity Support.
This way you will be able to receive qualified support, so best of luck!
Note: Always share what you’ve already attempted in this guide to save time!
Quick Recap:
If your Xfinity Smart Resume not working correctly then simply disable and re-enable the Smart Resume feature.
If the issue persists, then restart your TV box, refresh the Xfinity system, enable the lighting mode, and verify that your TV box internet connection is fine!
Make sure to check out our blog for more easy guides on Xfinity!
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.