Are you wondering why the Xfinity third-party apps not working? We have the answer!
Not being able to stream popular platforms such as Netflix, HBO, or Disney could be a bummer if you’re not a channel TV fan.
What most often causes third-party apps to stop working on your Xfinity is a discrepancy in the software settings or outdated firmware of your equipment.
To fix unfunctional third-party applications installed on your Xfinity box, reset all apps and update the firmware of the TV box. After that, clear the locally stored cache data (Xfinity Flex/X1), then perform a *System Refresh*.
Keep reading because there is much more to discuss!
Why Are My 3rd Party Apps Not Working On Xfinity?
The following reasons could result in denied access to third-party Xfinity apps:
What Do I Need to View Xfinity Third-Party Apps?
To clear out any inconveniences, it’s best to clarify the set requirements by Xfinity for viewing third-party applications through your service.
A small list of requirements must be met in order for users to enhance their streaming experience and view butter-smooth third-party streams.
To use third-party Xfinity apps, you will need the following:
- An alleged Xfinity streaming box is included in your service.
- An Xfinity internet service, any compatibility is approved.
- A subscription to the application you wish to use on Xfinity.
To understand more about the third-party Xfinity apps, let’s start reviewing the resolutions!
Xfinity Third-Party Apps Not Working – 6 Proven Solutions!
1. Reset the Problematic Application!
If you’re experiencing issues with a single third-party application or multiple platforms, there is a way to “Reset” apps on Xfinity.
The “Reset” function reverts the factory settings of the platform along with any changes to the software files that could have caused the hurdle.
Here’s how to reset an application installed on Xfinity:
- First, press the “A” button on the Xfinity remote control.
- Then, scroll to the right and pick the problematic app.
- Access the settings of the application with the remote.
- Highlight the “Reset” option and press the “OK” button.
- Exit the application settings and return to the home page.
- Pick the app you’ve just reset and attempt to re-access it.
Tip: Repeat the steps above for all applications that won’t load up on your Xfinity box!
2. Power Cycle the Streaming Equipment
A temporal malfunction with the Xfinity cable box could prevent the device from accessing the online platform.
The power cycle is recommended to address non-lasting functionality bugs with the cable box since this method entirely refreshes all tasks and services!
Here’s how to conduct a power cycle on the Xfinity box you have:
- Press the “Power” button on the front of the TV box.
- Wait until the streaming device completely shuts off.
- Unplug the power cable from the back of the device.
- Wait for 60 seconds while the TV box is unplugged.
- Connect your Xfinity receiver directly to the outlet.
- Finally, test some third-party apps to see if they work!
Info: Power cycling a device can help reduce internal temperatures during overheating!
3. Reconnect the Xfinity Box to the Internet
You need a reliable and robust internet connection to stream most online platforms available as third-party Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex applications.
None of the subscribed applications will be available if the box fails to connect with the Wi-Fi, so this is one of the most important steps!
Press the “WPS” button on the receiver and router to connect an Xfinity box to Wi-Fi.
Alert: Ensure the “WPS” button on the router is pressed within 60 seconds of pressing the “WPS” button on the cable box!
How to Connect Xfinity Box to Ethernet (Xi5/Xi6)
Only the Xi5 and Xi6 cable boxes can connect to the internet via Ethernet.
Even if your box has an installed Ethernet adapter, the confusing part is that the port is used to transmit data and not accept data from an external network device (router).
To connect Xi5/Xi6 via Ethernet, go to Settings > Wired.
There should be a “Wired” option in the connectivity configuration of the cable box, allowing you to set up a connection over an Ethernet cable.
Otherwise, the internet connection will not work!
Tip: Plug the Ethernet of the Xi5/Xi6 box into a yellow router port of your router!
4. Erase the Locally Stored Xfinity Data!
A software conflict with the third-party application caused by uncleared local cache data could be preventing your access to any of the platforms.
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to delete all of the local data from the Xfinity box and restore the functionality of all installed applications.
Warning: Clearing the locally stored data will sign you out from the accounts associated with the third-party apps.
Follow these steps to clear the local cache data on Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex:
- First, press the “Xfinity” on the X1/Flex remote control.
- Press the right/left arrow to navigate to the gear icon.
- Press “OK” and then access the cable box “Settings.”
- After that, scroll down and navigate to the “Privacy” tab.
- Next, choose“Locally Stored Data” and then press “OK.”
- Finally, follow the on-screen steps to erase the data.
Tip: For optimization of your Xfinity receive, we recommend clearing the locally stored data as frequently as possible.
5. Troubleshoot Aspect Ratio & Resolution!
Perhaps the third-party application’s resolution and aspect ratio setting do not comply with the broadcast of the HDMI cable.
To correct underlying resolution and picture quality issues, you should first test the Xfinity box on each available HDMI input on the TV.
How to Test Xfinity Box on Different HDMI Inputs?
To determine if there’s a fault with the current HDMI port, unplug the HDMI cable of the Xfinity box from the back of the TV and connect it to another input.
If, for example, the box was, until now, connected to “HDMI 1”, test the box on “HDMI 2”, “HDMI 3,” or “HDMI SIDE” TV inputs!
Reminder: Don’t forget that you must also switch the TV HDMI input from the sources menu!
How to Test Xfinity Box with a Different HDMI Cable?
The aspect ratio problem could also originate from a defective HDMI cable.
To test this theory out, connect an alternative HDMI cable to the Xfinity box and connect the other end of the cable to the TV.
Wait for at least 30 seconds and test a few of the available third-party applications.
Note: Some third-party apps on your Xfinity might provide the users with the option to change the aspect ratio, so set the ratio to “16:9”.
6. Reset Xfinity Box to Factory Defaults!
The factory reset is the only authentic way to address issues when third-party apps not working on Xfinity.
This is the strongest solution so far, and based on the model of your box, it’s different!
The factory reset will erase all content and data on the Xfinity box!
How to Factory Reset Xfinity X1/Flex Streaming Box?
- Unplug the power cable of the Xfinity X1/Flex streaming box.
- Next, reconnect the power cable and hold the “power” button.
- While holding the “power,” press the “WPS” simultaneously.
- Wait for the “Disaster Recovery” image to appear on-screen.
- Wait for the Xfinity box to start the firmware upgrade process.
- Then, follow the on-screen setup instructions after the reset.
Note: Xfinity X1 and Flex streaming boxes are reset through the “Disaster Recovery” prompt.
How to Factory Reset Standard Xfinity Streaming Box?
Note: Older Xfinity boxes are reset by simultaneously holding buttons on the remote!
- Make sure that the Xfinity cable box is powered on.
- Hold the “POWER” and “MENU” buttons on the remote.
- Next, hold both “UP” and “DOWN” on the remote control.
- Wait for the user menu to appear on the output screen.
- Use the arrows to highlight the “Restore Defaults” option.
- Press “OK” on the remote control and follow the steps.
Info: The Xfinity box may take 2-3 minutes to complete the factory reset, so remain patient!
Quick Recap:
Hence, Xfinity third-party apps not working due to firmware or subscription issues.
To resolve the hurdle, reset all unfunctional apps, update the firmware of the TV box, and clear the locally stored cache data files on X1/Flex before performing a factory reset.
Follow our blog for more Xfinity receiver troubleshooting!
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.