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Simple Steps to Turn On a New Comcast Cable Box Download Article Use your Xfinity Cable Box immediately with this beginner's guide Co-authored by Adam Paris and Darlene Antonelli, MA
Last Updated: June 20, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
Activating the Cable Box
|
Troubleshooting
|
Installing the New Cable Box
|
Video
|
Expert Interview
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Q&A
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Adam Paris and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Adam Paris is an AV Expert and the Owner of Bat City TV in Austin, Texas. With over five years of professional experience, Adam specializes in installing audio and visual equipment such as TVs and sound systems. Adam received his degree from Austin Community College. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 663,222 times.
Did you purchase a new cable box from Comcast and need to activate it? The newer X1 box can be set up without you having to contact Comcast at all! You can activate your cable box through your TV. Comcast will not activate cable boxes purchased used. This wikiHow article teaches you how to set up and activate a Comcast Xfinity cable box.
Things You Should Know
Install the new cable box with the cables that came in the package so you can hook the box up to your TV and wall outlet.
Turn on your TV and cable box, then enter your phone number to activate it.
Once your number is confirmed, your box is active and you can watch Xfinity channels!
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Activating the Cable Box
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1 Make sure your box is on. It might turn on as soon as you connect it to power, but if not, press the Power button on top of the case to turn it on. You'll see a blue light on the corner of the box when it's on.
If you don't see the setup process on the screen, press the "Input" button until you find the right source.
You should see a "Welcome" screen. That screen will stay up for a while as your box is connecting to Comcast's cloud services. Older boxes may show an "Updating" screen as they are updating the firmware to provide you with the best experience possible.[1]XResearch source
2 Select your language. Using the remote that came in the package, select your language.[2]XResearch source
If you accidentally select the wrong language, press the "Power" button on top of the box for about 10 seconds to restart it.[3]XResearch source
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3 Choose if you want Voice Guided Instructions. Use the remote and select No or Yes. If you pick Yes, all the following screens and instructions will be spoken to you.[4]XResearch source
4 Enter the last four digits of any phone number associated with your Xfinity account. You can use the number keys or directional pad on your remote to do this.[5]XResearch source
If you don't have a phone number associated with your account or don't have your phone with you, press Verify another way to use a text message or by confirming your account information instead.
If your account can't be verified, you need to contact customer support.
For most boxes, this will be an instant process. Other boxes may take 10 minutes or more.
Once verified, you're done! You will see a "Downloading your Main Menu" screen along with some tips on how to use the box and remote.
If you don't see the setup guide this way, try using the Xfinity app.[6]XResearch source
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Troubleshooting
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1 Avoid purchasing used cable boxes. All Comcast cable boxes are the property of Comcast, and none are authorized for sale by other people. If you purchased a cable box from eBay, Craigslist, or any other re-seller, Comcast will not activate it because it is actually an un-returned rental. You should only get cable boxes directly from Comcast for new services, replacements, or additions.
Don't believe any listing or review claiming to have Comcast TV cable boxes for sale. They will not activate and are most likely stolen.
2 Check your connections. A weak connection to your wall coax outlet or to the box itself could be causing your activation issues. Make sure the coax cable is tightened snugly at both ends.
3 Schedule a service visit. Sometimes bad or old wiring may be causing a failure to activate or receive a signal. Old equipment like amplifiers, boosters, and splitters from previous installations may also be causing the problem. If this is the case, you'll need a Comcast technician to come to inspect and fix the lines. Visit the https://www.xfinity.com/support/contact-us contact customer support page to set that up.
If the problem is with your Comcast equipment or the lines leading to your house or apartment, you likely won't need to pay. If the problem is with the wiring in your home, you may need to pay to have it rewired.
4 Activate your new equipment quickly. Comcast recommends activating equipment within seven days of the date of the order. Waiting too long may cause the order processing system to interfere with the activation.[7]XResearch source
5 Contact Comcast if you receive error code RDK-03007. This error code is related to your account billing, and you'll need to contact Comcast to verify your billing information and payment status.[8]XResearch source
Check out How to Fix a TV With Picture But No Sound if you've connected all the cables correctly, but still lack sound.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Installing the New Cable Box
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1 Connect the "Cable In/RF In" connection to the cable wall outlet.[9]X Expert Source Adam ParisAudio & Visual Installation ExpertExpert Interview Use a coaxial cable to make this connection, and ensure that there is a little slack in the cable so that there is no tension on the connectors. This cable should be included with your purchase from Comcast.[10]XResearch source
2 Connect the "HDMI to TV" port on the cable box to the HDMI port on your TV. You can use the HDMI cable that came with the box, or any other HDMI cable. Make note of the HDMI port that you use on your TV so that you can easily switch to it later.
Many Comcast cable boxes have multiple HDMI ports. Make sure you're using the "HDMI Out" port on the box and not the HDMI Input ports.
If you don't have an HDMI port on your TV, you can use a coax cable to connect the "To TV/RF Out" port to your TV's coax port. This will not result in high definition image. In fact, if you didn't subscribe to the HD package, you won't get HDMI cables in your box but will get an extra coax cable instead.
3 Connect the power adapter to the wall outlet. Plug it into the Power connector on the back of the box.
4 Switch your TV to the correct input. If you connected the box to an HDMI port on your TV, switch to the HDMI input that matches that port. If you connected the box using a coax cable, switch to channel 3 or 4.
5 Connect any additional digital adapters. If you have multiple TVs and active coax outlets, you can use digital adapters to connect your cable to additional TVs. Each adapter will need its own coax wall outlet.
Connecting a digital adapter is pretty much the same as a regular cable box. Use a coax cable to attach it to the wall outlet, and HDMI or coax cable to connect the adapter to the TV, and then connect the power adapter.
Make sure all of your digital adapters are connected and powered on before starting the activation process.
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Community Q&A
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Question I would like captions on the screen. How do I do it? Community Answer Press the menu button on your remote, then go to Set Up. Click the Captions tab and click CC or Closed Captioning. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 9
Question How do I connect to the internet? Community Answer Go to your settings and select the "WiFi" tab. Then select your network and enter your password. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 12
Question When I move, should I take my cable boxes to the new house? Community Answer Contact your service provider. They need to activate your new house and may want to install the old cable boxes or give you new ones. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 7
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Warnings
Comcast will not activate used cable TV boxes. All cable boxes are the property of Comcast, and all used cable boxes available for sale are unauthorized. You should only receive cable TV boxes directly from Comcast. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about fixing your tv, check out our in-depth interview with Adam Paris.
Co-authored by: Adam Paris Audio & Visual Installation Expert This article was co-authored by Adam Paris and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Adam Paris is an AV Expert and the Owner of Bat City TV in Austin, Texas. With over five years of professional experience, Adam specializes in installing audio and visual equipment such as TVs and sound systems. Adam received his degree from Austin Community College. This article has been viewed 663,222 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 19Updated: June 20, 2025 Views: 663,222 Categories: Television
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Adam Paris Audio & Visual Installation Expert Click a star to vote Co-authors: 19Updated: June 20, 2025 Views: 663,222
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Download Article Use your Xfinity Cable Box immediately with this beginner's guide Co-authored by Adam Paris and Darlene Antonelli, MA 
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Co-authored by: Adam Paris Audio & Visual Installation Expert This article was co-authored by Adam Paris and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Adam Paris is an AV Expert and the Owner of Bat City TV in Austin, Texas. With over five years of professional experience, Adam specializes in installing audio and visual equipment such as TVs and sound systems. Adam received his degree from Austin Community College. This article has been viewed 663,222 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 19 Updated: June 20, 2025 Views: 663,222 Categories: Television 
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1 Make sure your box is on. It might turn on as soon as you connect it to power, but if not, press the Power button on top of the case to turn it on. You'll see a blue light on the corner of the box when it's on. 
2 Select your language. Using the remote that came in the package, select your language.[2] 
3 Choose if you want Voice Guided Instructions. Use the remote and select No or Yes. If you pick Yes, all the following screens and instructions will be spoken to you.[4] 
4 Enter the last four digits of any phone number associated with your Xfinity account. You can use the number keys or directional pad on your remote to do this.[5] 
1 Avoid purchasing used cable boxes. All Comcast cable boxes are the property of Comcast, and none are authorized for sale by other people. If you purchased a cable box from eBay, Craigslist, or any other re-seller, Comcast will not activate it because it is actually an un-returned rental. You should only get cable boxes directly from Comcast for new services, replacements, or additions. 
2 Check your connections. A weak connection to your wall coax outlet or to the box itself could be causing your activation issues. Make sure the coax cable is tightened snugly at both ends. 
3 Schedule a service visit. Sometimes bad or old wiring may be causing a failure to activate or receive a signal. Old equipment like amplifiers, boosters, and splitters from previous installations may also be causing the problem. If this is the case, you'll need a Comcast technician to come to inspect and fix the lines. Visit the https://www.xfinity.com/support/contact-us contact customer support page to set that up. 
4 Activate your new equipment quickly. Comcast recommends activating equipment within seven days of the date of the order. Waiting too long may cause the order processing system to interfere with the activation.[7] 
5 Contact Comcast if you receive error code RDK-03007. This error code is related to your account billing, and you'll need to contact Comcast to verify your billing information and payment status.[8] 
1 Connect the "Cable In/RF In" connection to the cable wall outlet.[9] Use a coaxial cable to make this connection, and ensure that there is a little slack in the cable so that there is no tension on the connectors. This cable should be included with your purchase from Comcast.[10] 
2 Connect the "HDMI to TV" port on the cable box to the HDMI port on your TV. You can use the HDMI cable that came with the box, or any other HDMI cable. Make note of the HDMI port that you use on your TV so that you can easily switch to it later. 
3 Connect the power adapter to the wall outlet. Plug it into the Power connector on the back of the box. 
4 Switch your TV to the correct input. If you connected the box to an HDMI port on your TV, switch to the HDMI input that matches that port. If you connected the box using a coax cable, switch to channel 3 or 4. 
5 Connect any additional digital adapters. If you have multiple TVs and active coax outlets, you can use digital adapters to connect your cable to additional TVs. Each adapter will need its own coax wall outlet. 
Community Answer Press the menu button on your remote, then go to Set Up. Click the Captions tab and click CC or Closed Captioning. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 9 
Community Answer Contact your service provider. They need to activate your new house and may want to install the old cable boxes or give you new ones. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 7