
Does your Xfinity cable box display a “No Signal” message?
Or perhaps the box itself won’t turn on?
Regardless of which, troubleshooting the device is a no-brainer!
You can easily fix it in just several minutes.
And some solutions won’t even require you to stand from your seat. So…
Continue reading to learn:
- 11 effective ways to fix an Xfinity cable box that isn’t working.
- 6 different ways to restart an Xfinity cable box to fix glitches and bugs.
- 3 simple steps to do a system refresh to resolve signals and channel issues.
- How to do a “system refresh” if the main and companion boxes aren’t working.
- And much, much more…
Why is my Xfinity cable box not working?
Your Xfinity cable box isn’t working due to power-related issues and incorrect or faulty cable connection. Electronic glitches, software bugs, hardware defects, and poor signals can also cause the problem. Selecting the wrong input setting, late payments, and unpaired remote control are also likely.
Xfinity cable box not working: 11 fixes
#1: Check its power connection
Before you try any other troubleshooting methods…
It’s always best to check the power supply of your device.
Why?
For once, Xfinity cable boxes require electricity to operate.
So, when it’s disconnected from the power source. Or perhaps it doesn’t receive enough power charge…
Your device won’t turn on and send cable signals to your TV.
That being said, check whether the:
- Power cord has no visible signs of damage.
- Power cord is connected to an outlet and your device.
- Outlet is working and has enough voltage to run your device.
Note: A standard outlet should have a 120 V. You can use a multimeter to check your outlet’s voltage.
Suppose the power cord is damaged, replace it.
And suppose the outlet isn’t working, plug your device into another outlet.
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#2: Switch ON the devices
Next, ensure that your TV and cable box are switched ON.
An Xfinity cable box has a dedicated POWER button on the device itself.
Depending on your device model, it’s located at the:
- Right corner of the front surface.
- Bottom-right corner of the top surface.
It’s usually black and has a standard power icon. Which is a circle-with-a-line-on-top.
In the case of your TV…
You’d have to switch it ON either by pressing the:
- Physical POWER button on the unit.
- POWER key button on the TV remote.
Note: Your devices are switched ON once their indicator lights glow up.
#3: Adjust the TV input source
If you’re getting a black screen or “No Signal” message on your TV…
Then, your TV input source setting must be incorrect.
The reason:
To run your Xfinity cable box on your TV, you must adjust your TV input source.
Otherwise, your TV won’t receive cable signals from your device. And so, it won’t display cable channels on your unit.
So, make sure to change it into “HDMI.”
To do that:
Note: Some steps may vary depending on your TV brand and model.
- Press the INPUT/SOURCE button on the remote.
- Then, select “HDMI” from the options.
Or, if your remote doesn’t have an “INPUT/SOURCE” button…
- Go to the TV settings.
- Select “Source.”
- Then, choose “HDMI.”
#4: Plug the cables into the correct ports
If the above didn’t work…
Then, your cable box must not be plugged into the correct port.
Note: Most TVs today have several HDMI ports.
And there are 2 types of it – output and input.
HDMI output ports send out signals from the TV to the connected device (e.g., soundbar).
While HDMI input ports receive signals from the connected device (e.g., cable box) to the TV.
Given that…
You must plug your cable box into the TV’s HDMI input port.
Look for a port with an “HDMI (IN)” label or similar. Then, plug the HDMI cable into it.
#5: Reseat the cable
Sometimes, your TV won’t recognize your Xfinity cable box due to HDMI handshake failure.
Note: HDMI handshake refers to the device’s ability to communicate. And it can fail due to incorrect setup or glitches.
To resolve it, just reseat the HDMI cable into the ports.
Here’s how to do it:
- Remove one end of the cable from the TV.
- Remove the other end from the cable box.
- Wait for a few seconds.
- Reconnect one end of the cable into the cable box.
- Reconnect the other end to the TV.
Then, make sure to adjust the TV input source settings again.
#6: Replace the HDMI cable

Still not working?
Then, inspect your HDMI cable for damages.
Use this checklist as your guide:
- Is it cut in any way?
- Are there any bite marks?
- Are the ends bent or burnt?
- Do you see exposed wires?
If you answer “Yes” to any of these questions, consider your cable damaged.
And make sure to get an HDMI replacement immediately.
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#7: Restart the box
If your cable box isn’t responding to your commands or won’t turn on…
Try to restart it.
Note: Doing this helps resolve minor issues by refreshing the device’s system. This can take about 5 minutes.
You can restart your Xfinity cable box in 6 ways:
- Via the Xfinity website.
- Through the Xfinity app.
- Through the help menu.
- Through the settings page.
- Unplugging the device power cord.
- Using the TV’s physical power button.
See the guides below for instructions:
Way 1: Via the Xfinity website
- Visit the Xfinity customer website.
- Log in with your Xfinity ID credentials.
- Select Manage TV > Troubleshoot > Continue.
- Choose “Restart Device.”
- Then, click “Start Troubleshooting.”
Way 2: Through the Xfinity app
- Launch the Xfinity app.
- Select TV > Troubleshoot.
- Click “Restart Device.”
- Then, press “Start Troubleshooting.”
Way 3: Through the help menu
- On the remote, press “A” to access the help menu.
- Under the troubleshooting tab, select “Restart.”
- Then, click “Restart” again.
Way 4: Through the settings page
- On the remote, press “Xfinity.”
- Click “Settings” on the screen.
- Select Device Settings > Power Preferences > Restart.
- Then, tap “Restart” again.
Way 5: Unplugging the device power cord
- Unplug the cable box’s power cord from the outlet.
- Wait for 10 seconds.
- Then, replug it.
Way 6: Using the TV’s physical power button
- Locate the POWER button on your TV.
- Then, press and hold it for 10 seconds.
You can also watch this video to learn more about this specific method:
#8: Perform a system refresh
Or, if a restart didn’t help resolve anything, perform a system refresh.
Note: A system refresh resolves errors related to signals and channels. This can take about 15 minutes.
Here’s how to do it:
- Press the “A” button on the Xfinity remote.
- Select “System Refresh” on the screen.
- Click “Refresh Now” to confirm the action.
The process is complete once your cable box displays a live TV.
#9: Update your payments
Did you receive a late payment notice from Xfinity more than 5 days ago?
If so, then that’s why your Xfinity cable box isn’t working.
Once you’ve received a notice from them, you’d have to pay your dues within 4 days. Otherwise, they’ll cancel your plan. Which will cause service interruption.
So, make sure to update your payments as soon as you can.
To do that:
- Open the late payment notice they’ve sent via email.
- Click “Make a payment.”
- Then, follow the on-screen instructions.
#10: Replace the remote batteries
If your problem is that you can’t control your Xfinity cable box using a remote…
Then, the issue might be with the remote itself.
What you need to do is to check whether the remote is working.
Here’s how to test it:
- Open the rear camera of your smartphone.
- Point the front of the remote into the camera. Where the IR light is.
- Press any keys on the remote.
If you don’t see a red or purple light coming from the IR sensor, its batteries are empty.
Or you can check it through the settings:
- Press the “Xfinity” button on the remote.
- Select the gear icon to go to settings.
- Then, tap “Remote Settings” to check its battery level.
To fix that, replace your remote batteries. Get 2 pieces of AA batteries, and insert them into the remote.
#11: Re-pair the Xfinity remote
“I’ve replaced the batteries already. But the cable box still won’t work!”
Have you tried re-pairing your Xfinity remote to your cable box?
Due to connection or system errors…
Your remote can sometimes lose connection with your device.
When that happens, you won’t be able to control your cable box with it.
To fix that, re-pair your remote to your cable box.
Here’s how to do it:
If your remote has a “Setup” button
- Press and hold “Setup” on the remote until the indicator light turns red to green.
- Press “Xfinity” on the remote once.
- Then, enter the 3-digit code displayed on the screen.
If your remote has no “Setup” button
- Press and hold the “Xfinity” and “info” buttons for 5 seconds.
- Then, enter the 3-digit code shown on the screen.
BONUS: Replace the unit
If all things fail, then your cable box might have a hardware defect. May it be a:
- Faulty HDMI, coaxial, or power port.
- Defective motherboard or circuit board.
This is highly possible if your device is brand-new and you can’t troubleshoot it.
Suppose that’s your case. Your best option is to contact Xfinity support and request a device replacement.
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