Knowing how to fix Xfinity streaming not working on Mac can be very useful. The Xfinity Stream app is riddled with errors, and you wouldn’t want just to unsubscribe when you face one.
Luckily, we know what to do!
Issues with your Xfinity Stream service can be traced back to your browser. Either your current browser is not compatible or needs updating.
If you are using the app, there may be minor bugs and glitches. Also, check the streaming settings on your Mac.
We’ve got you covered if you want to know how to fix Xfinity streaming issues!
To get your Xfinity Stream working again, update your browser to the latest version and make sure you enable Auto-play. Also, remove cookies and cache. They may be full of corrupted files. If your current browser is the problem, try changing it.
Before we discuss how to troubleshoot your streaming issues, here is a list of why your Xfinity service stopped working.
Why Won’t Xfinity Stream Work on My Mac
The Xfinity Stream lets you watch anything you want. However, it has its drawbacks.
For one, it has some known issues with Mac’s default browser, Safari. You’re going to need to tweak a few settings to get it working.
It’s not impossible, but you’re going to need to do a bit of work. If your Xfinity Stream service stops working, the culprit is generally the browser that you’re using.
1. Streaming Settings on your Mac
You need to set your computer up that optimizes for video streaming. You want to make sure that settings like Autoplay are enabled, so the content is not blocked.
2. Browser Compatibility Issues
To use the Xfinity streaming service, your Safari browser should be the latest version.
Since Safari still uses Flash for video playback, you also want to ensure you have the latest version of it.
3. Outdated Browser and App
Typically, the most up-to-date version of Safari is included with the latest version of macOS. Make sure you update your browser and app for improved performance.
4. Minor Bugs and Glitches
Bugs and glitches cause video playback issues. Updating your browser and app does not only result in a better user experience.
It also comes with bug fixes and reinforces its security.
Now that you know why your Xfinity Stream doesn’t work on your Mac, let’s fix the issue!
How to Fix Xfinity Stream Not Working on Mac?
If you know how to fix Xfinity streaming not working on Mac, you can get back to watching your favorite shows in no time.
Since there are many possible fixes, it’s best to start with the simplest.
Issues with the browser are the most common cause of Xfinity not working.
So, the first thing you should do is update your Safari browser to the latest version. Updating Safari can resolve playback issues and improve the browser’s security.
If this doesn’t work, proceed to the more advanced solutions below.
Solution #1: Enable Auto-Play on Safari
The Safari browser suffers from numerous compatibility issues with Xfinity Stream.
It’s not always evident, as it doesn’t manifest all of the time. However, when it does, it’s going to affect its streaming capabilities.
One of the possible reasons that your stream doesn’t play right away is Safari’s Autoplay feature. Turning it off can cause your browser’s video player not to work properly.
The player won’t load, and the content is not going to show up. You’ll want to go into Safari’s settings and turn on auto-play to address this issue.
Here’s how to switch on auto-play on Safari:
- On your Safari browser, click on the Safari menu item.
- Select Preferences.
- Go to the Websites tab.
- On the left column, click on AutoPlay.
Note: You'll need to restart Safari for the setting to take effect.
Solution #2: Use a Different Browser on Your Mac
Xfinity and Safari are simply two things that don’t mix well together. Don’t get me wrong, they will work.
However, there are instances when they don’t play well with each other. It could be certain incompatibilities with the settings or bugs that can cause the problem.
The best way to get Xfinity Stream to work on Mac is to change your browser entirely.
For Macs, there are dedicated streaming browsers that are perfect to use for services like Xfinity Stream.
Here’s how to get a streaming browser for your Mac:
- Open the App Store app on your Mac.
- Search for “Friendly Streaming” on the search bar.
- Select the app from the list.
- Click on the Get button.
- Wait for the download to finish and the app to install.
Note: The Friendly Streaming browser comes with a native video player, which prevents most of the issues you're going to face with Safari.
Solution #3: Remove Safari Browser Cookies and Cache Storage
Safari saves related information to make its operation faster.
If you’re streaming, your browser saves a few seconds of the content you’re watching in advance.
This is to ensure that you’re going to have a seamless viewing experience.
Sometimes this system can malfunction. One of the primary reasons this happens is whenever your storage space is full.
To fix this, you’re going to need to clear out Safari’s storage.
Here’s how you can clear Safari’s cookies and cache storage:
- Open the Safari app on your Mac.
- In the menu bar, select History.
- Click on Clear History.
- Pick All History.
- Select Clear History again.
Note: This step will also delete your browser's cookies and cache.
Solution #4: If Using a VPN, Change Your VPN Connection Settings
Are you using a VPN whenever you’re watching with Xfinity Stream? If not, you want to explore VPN use for streaming.
Although there is no problem with using a VPN, it can cause some issues as streaming activities uses a lot of bandwidth and data.
You want to make sure that you’re using the optimum settings with your VPN for an uninterrupted streaming experience.
You want to use the configuration that will give you the fastest possible connection. There are specific protocols that you can use that will make Xfinity Stream load faster.
Here’s how to configure your VPN settings:
- Open your VPN app on your Mac.
- Go to Settings.
- For the Transmission Protocol, use UDP.
- Change the VPN Protocol to 3DES, Blowfish, CAST-128, or AES.
- Reconnect to the server for the settings to take effect.
Note: For a better overall experience, you want to connect using a wired internet connection.
Solution #5: Enable the VP9 Decoder on Your Safari Browser
Whenever your Safari suffers from streaming issues, you want to look at some more advanced settings.
Your cue is when you start to experience freezes or a blank screen as you’re streaming with Xfinity Stream.
Safari uses the VP9 decoder, which is used by most streaming platforms. There are instances when this is not enabled by default, so you’ll have to check to make sure it’s switched on.
Here’s how to enable the VP9 encoder on your browser:
- Go to Safari’s menu, then select Preferences.
- Go to the Advanced section, check the Show Develop box.
- Click on Develop on the menu.
- Select Experimental Features.
- Enable VP9 Decoder.
Note: For this change to fully take effect, you're going to need to restart your browser.
Solution #6: Reset Your Mac’s NVRAM
It’s also possible that the issue causing your Xfinity Stream not working properly on your Mac is not from your browser.
There is a chance that it’s a hardware problem that’s giving you a hard time streaming.
To address this, you can look at resetting your Mac’s NVRAM or non-volatile random access memory.
This is a type of storage on your computer where default settings are stored.
Your computer’s display settings are usually stored here, so resetting this should resolve your streaming issues.
Here’s how to reset your Mac’s NVRAM:
- Switch off your Mac.
- Hold the Command, P, R, and Option keys while powering your Mac On.
- Wait for the Apple logo to appear.
- Release the buttons once you see the logo.
Note: If you have the firmware password feature activated, you're going to need to disable it and repeat the steps.
If none of these solutions help you, you also want to ensure your Mac is running the latest software.
This will eliminate any issues with your browser and streaming settings. You can contact Xfinity customer support for additional assistance.
Bottom Line
These solutions should help you on how to fix Xfinity streaming not working on Mac.
Follow these steps, and you should be able to enjoy watching your favorite content on Xfinity.
Read Next: How to Fix Xfinity Stream Error -1?
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.