Ever since Comcast introduced their TV and internet subsidiary Xfinity back in 2010, I have been a loyal customer.
But since I started using a Roku Ultra to stream Netflix and Amazon Prime on my TV, I wondered whether Roku would ever feature Xfinity support on their devices.
And then, lo and behold, Xfinity, in 2017 announced its very own streaming app for various devices, Roku devices being one among them.
Roku devices support the Xfinity streaming app natively as long as you have an Xfinity TV or Internet subscription. Also, not all Roku devices support the Xfinity Stream app, especially older models. If you encounter issues with enabling the app on your Roku, ensure the device is running on a newer firmware.
Here's how you too can avail the services of your Xfinity cable TV using the Xfinity app on your Roku:
Basic Requirements for Xfinity Stream App to Work on Roku
Before you can install and stream your favorite shows and watch live TV on your Roku through the Xfinity Stream app, there are a few requirements you need to meet:
1. Xfinity Subscription
The first and foremost requirement is that you need to have an Xfinity internet and TV subscription to access the Xfinity App.
Xfinity offers a range of subscription plans for your internet and TV needs.
Here's a brief account of the pricing structure of the current Xfinity TV and Internet plans:
Plan | Specification | Price/mo |
---|---|---|
Internet | 75 Mbps to 1200 Mbps | $20 to $70 |
TV | 10+ channels to 185+ channels | $20 to $68.50 |
With Xfinity TV, you may also have to bear additional costs of the equipment, which is necessary to complete the setup.
Xfinity offers X1 and Flex as their TV offerings. The former supports DVR capabilities while the latter supports streaming up to 4K.
You can also get Xfinity package deals that come bundled with internet and TV subscriptions along with other services.
Note: Some of the prices mentioned above may vary in accordance with the provision for a service agreement. Always check your plan details before purchasing. A plan with an agreement may have hidden charges for early termination.
2. Check for Compatibility
Not all Roku devices may be compatible with the Xfinity app.
Older devices may have problems with the app not showing in the channel store.
This is because your device may not be updated to a compatible version.
Here is the list of Roku devices that currently support the Xfinity app:
Product | Supported Model |
---|---|
Roku TV | A000x, C000x, 5000x, 6000x, 7000x, 8000x |
Roku Ultra | 4340 and later |
Roku Express | 3700 and later |
Roku Express+ | 3710 and later |
Roku Premiere | 3920 and later |
Roku Premiere+ | 3921 and later |
Roku 2 | 4210 |
Roku 3 | 4200, 4210, 4230 |
Roku 4 | 4400 |
Roku Streaming Stick | 3600 and later |
Roku Streaming Stick+ | 3810 and later |
Roku Sound Bar | 9100 and later |
Basically, all current Roku models support the Xfinity app. You needn't worry about support unless you have a legacy Roku model.
Nonetheless, you could always ensure this rather simple yet critical requirement by checking the model number of your device right from the Roku interface.
To check your Roku model number, follow these steps.
- On the Home screen, navigate and click on Settings.
- Select Systems.
- Then click on About.
It is also necessary to be operating on version 8.1 b1 or above on your Roku.
To check for updates, follow these steps:
1. From the Settings tab, click on System.
2. Select System Update.
3. Click on Check Now to check for any updates manually.
4. Select Download/install to install any updates.
It is best to update your Roku to the latest version so as to reduce any bugs and for optimal performance.
You will also require a mobile device or a computer with a browser installed for setting up the channel.
Now let's look at how you can download and use the Xfinity app on your Roku.
How to Install Xfinity Stream on Roku
Unlike its cable TV counterpart, the Xfinity Stream app on your Roku has a lot more exclusive features.
From being able to watch movies and shows on-demand to downloading your favorite shows through the cloud-based DVR, TV has never been more accessible.
Assuming you have followed the necessary requirements, here's how you too can enjoy these features on your Roku:
1. On the Home page, open the Streaming Channels section from the left side menu.
2. Click on Search channel on the channel store page.
3. Search for the Xfinity Stream app by entering “Xfinity” in the search tab.
4. From the list, select Xfinity Stream channel.
5. Click on Add channel to download and install the channel.
Now that you have installed the channel follow these steps to sign and set up the Xfinity channel.
1. After you have opened the channel, click on the Sign-in option on the top left.
2. An Activation code will appear on the screen.
3. Open your phone or computer and open your browser.
4. Go to xfinity.com/authorize.
5. Enter the 6-digit code from your TV onto the website.
6. Now login to your account by filling in your Xfinity ID and password.
7. If you did everything right, a Success! Page appears on the browser and the Roku screen soon updates.
8. On the Terms And Conditions screen, scroll down to read and select Yes.
9. Proceed to Name your device and select confirm
Now you are all set and ready to use your Xfinity Stream app to watch live TV or to stream your previously saved shows and movies on your Roku device.
Common Problems When Using Roku with Xfinity
As with many internet-based applications, things might get a bit bumpy as you progress. You are bound to some form of issue one way or the other.
From connectivity issues to login denials, there are a few problems that can pop up.
Let's look at some of the problems that could run into and how to fix them.
1. Network Connectivity Problems
This is the most common problem you may experience with the Xfinity app, especially with TCL Roku TVs.
The reasons for unstable connectivity can be several, from high latency due to increased traffic to simple power-related issues.
Here are the most probable fixes for the most common problems.
Cannot see your WiFi network:
This issue is one of the more common ones.
Here's how it goes - users cannot connect to their home WiFi or hot spots to their Roku while they are able to connect to other gadgets.
This is because Comcast has shut down the 2.4 GHz band on their WiFi hot spots and gateways and only the 5 GHz is now accessible.
A clear reason for this unannounced shutdown is still unclear.
It could have been to reduce high latency development while multiple users connect to the same band.
Many older Roku devices only support single-band networks meaning they cannot support the 5 GHz band but only the 2.4 GHz band.
As a result, home network users may have to change their router settings to enable the 2.4 GHz band.
In the case of hotspot users, unfortunately, there is nothing you can do as of now other than to upgrade to a newer Roku device.
Cannot load the app:
The most common troubleshooting step to ensure proper connectivity is to check whether your internet is stable.
Check your internet speed with a speed-testing website on your phone or PC.
Proper speeds are essential for seamless streaming.
If the speeds are irregular and unstable, try refreshing your router.
Unplug the router and plug it back in after a few minutes. Try the same for your Roku by disconnecting the power and connecting back after a few minutes.
If the issue still persists check the next solution below.
2. Login Issues
If you are facing issues with logging in to the Xfinity Stream app, here are some fixes to consider.
Right from when you download the app, you may not be able to open the channel. You may even see an Error code like this - Error TVAPP-00101.
If your screen is showing said error code, it is because multiple devices have already been linked to your Xfinity account.
You will have to select your Xfinity-linked account as the Primary account.
To do this simply follow these steps:
1. Go to customer.xfinity.com on your mobile/PC.
2. log in to your account.
3. Open settings and select Account.
4. From the Linked Devices choose the app-linked account.
5. Select Make this Primary.
If you are getting the error code-Error TVAPP-00500, it's an authentication error.
According to Xfinity, a system refresh can sync your account with the app. Just forward a request to them to initiate the refresh.
Alternatively, users have pointed out that removing and re-adding the channel could also be a probable fix.
Here is how you can do it:
1. In the home screen, navigate to the Xfinity stream channel tile.
2. Access the channel menu by pressing the * button on your remote.
3. Select the Remove Channel.
4. Turn off and unplug your Roku and plug it back in after a few minutes.
5. Once the system starts, follow the aforementioned steps to install the Xfinity app and log in to your account.
These are the most common issues you could face while connecting the Xfinity app and a Roku device.
Final Thoughts
Cable TV has always been the primary mode of watching TV ever since TV became a thing.
With uninterrupted connection at an acceptable cost, cable TV has always championed over its rivals like Satellite transmission.
With the Xfinity Stream app, now we can integrate traditional cable TV with modern digital streaming services all in one place, on Roku.
With cloud DVR services enabled, you can now download your favorite shows without big box recorders.
Watching TV has now become much more fun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Xfinity Stream free on Roku?
As of now, the Xfinity Stream app is free to use. Only ensure that you have an Xfinity TV subscription to use the app.
What channels are included with Xfinity Stream?
Xfinity Stream supports all the channels that come with Xfinity TV. Over 180 channels are available on Xfinity TV. ABC, NBC, HBO, ESP, MTV, Nat Geo, etc. being some of the examples.
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