Are you planning to switch to Xfinity? Great choice! You can’t go wrong with joining one of America’s largest and most reliable broadband networks. To top it off, Xfinity offers a diverse range of affordable internet plans – there’s one for everyone!
Another great thing about choosing Xfinity as your internet service provider (ISP) is that you get to pick between professional and self-installation. I must add that Xfinity Internet self-installation is as easy as it gets – don’t even get me started on how much time and money it saves you.
Never set up an internet connection by yourself before? Nothing to worry about! Our step-by-step guide will have you configure Xfinity Internet for your home like a pro in no time!
Equipment Required for DIY Xfinity Internet Setup
Everything you need to set up Xfinity Internet yourself at home will be provided in the self-installation kit, also known as the Xfinity Internet Getting Started kit.
Here’s what you’ll receive in the installation kit:
- Customer Privacy Notice and Agreement for Residential Services
- A manual or guide
- Rented gateway (modem + router in one device)
- Coaxial cable
- Power cord
Note: Xfinity’s self-installation kit will be shipped to your address for $15. It’s free if you can pick it yourself at the nearest Xfinity store.
Step 1: Unboxing and Preparing the Equipment
When you’ve received or picked up your Xfinity Internet Getting Started kit, make sure it contains all the items listed above. Setting up the equipment will hardly take a few minutes and your home network should be functional within half an hour.
After you unbox the self-installation kit, we suggest installing the to make the process even breezier.
Step 2: Set Up the Gateway
To ensure sound connectivity in all parts of your home, find a central location for the placement of your Xfinity gateway device (modem & router combo). The spot you choose for the gateway must be easily accessible and unobstructed – this enables better WiFi transmission and offers convenience for using an ethernet cable.
Note: Confined spaces (within thick walls/surfaces) and proximity to electrical appliances may cause signal interference, resulting in poor wireless connectivity.
Now let’s get to connecting your gateway to the internet. A coaxial cable from the ISP should be running down your wall and entering your home through a socket – same as that for a cable TV connection. To connect your gateway to the connection outlet, you’ll be making use of the coaxial cable in the self-installation kit.
One end of the provided coaxial cable is screwed into the gateway device and the other goes into the connection outlet; make sure both ends are tightly secured. Finally, it’s time to power up the gateway by attaching it to the supplied power cord and then plugging it into an electric socket in your home.
Step 3: Activating Your Xfinity Internet
Once the gateway is powered on, you can proceed by activating your internet service via . Sign in using your Xfinity ID and password, and select “Get Started” to begin the configuration of your gateway device.
The app will automatically navigate you through the procedure of activating your gateway, which may reboot multiple times before your home network is launched. This process takes approximately 20 minutes; you just need to ensure that the gateway device remains plugged in, and wait for its light to become stable.
Step 4: Testing & Personalizing the Internet Connection
Select the “Check Connection” option on the app to confirm that your cable outlet is active and the gateway is internet-ready. Assuming your connection is good to go, you can start personalizing your home WiFi network.
Give your WiFi network a nice name that is easy to distinguish among other visible WiFi networks in the area. Choose a user-friendly WiFi key or password, as you’ll be using it to connect all your devices.
After the gateway has been activated and you have saved your WiFi network name and password, start using Xfinity Internet. To assess your connection’s performance, we recommend running a speed test.
Common Installation Problems and Solutions
| PROBLEM | SOLUTION |
|---|---|
| The cable outlet is detected as inactive. | Try connecting the gateway to a different cable outlet. If you don’t have another outlet, select I Don’t Have Another Outlet to schedule a technician visit |
| Spotty WiFi/WiFi dead zones around the house. | Relocate the gateway at least a few feet above ground level. |
| You cannot access the Xfinity App. | Login to your account from a browser through Xfinity’s website. |
Note: You will be connected with an agent for help via text message or call if any other error is encountered during self-installation.
Tips for Optimizing Your Xfinity Internet
Before you go, here are a few things you can do to improve the connectivity, speeds, and overall performance of your in-home WiFi network:
- Position your gateway at a central, elevated, and unhindered site.
- Use ethernet cables to connect high-bandwidth devices, such as gaming PCs/consoles, 4K Smart TVs, etc.
- Change your WiFi password if you suspect unauthorized or excessive bandwidth usage.
- Keep your gateway and devices up-to-date.
- Utilize alternative WiFi bands to evenly distribute the network traffic.
- Reboot your gateway and devices once in a while.
- Review your Xfinity internet plan and consider an upgrade for better speeds/more bandwidth.
FAQs
How can I get the Xfinity self-install kit?
You will be given the option to order your self-installation kit at the time you sign up for an Xfinity Internet plan.
Is Xfinity’s self-installation option free of charge?
Self-installation is technically free, but customers have to pay shipping and handling charges to receive the Xfinity Internet Getting Started kit. You can avoid paying this fee by picking the kit from your nearest Xfinity store.
Can I use my own modem and router instead of Xfinity gateway?
Yes, you can use your own equipment if you seek more advanced features or wish to avoid rentals. However, Xfinity gateway is recommended as it seamlessly integrates with the network and its app; you can also avail free tech support and replacement.
Why I cannot install Xfinity Internet by myself?
You may not be eligible for the self-install kit if your address has never had Xfinity service or it’s been over a year since the service was inactive.