Unable to pair Xumo remote, remote doesn’t work

It's a new remote that came with the box. Very few buttons. How do I get it to work? I, too, am stuck on "Select your language". White light on... no other light lit. 

I tried holding the back and plus sign buttons simultaneously and heard a beep. Put in 981 and heard 2 beeps. Nothing changed. Since this is a new remote, should I still try to unpair. It is not paired with anything I have unless done in the factory?? 

I don't get anywhere with it... The screen goes from Hello to Select your language. I can move up and down through the 2 choices but nothing else.

Thank you for reaching out to us @DonnaMVT! If your remote isn’t working, make sure you’re standing within ten feet of your Xumo Stream Box and pointing the remote directly at the front of it. If that doesn't help, you might need to unpair your remote. If you’re unable to make a language selection, a pop-up message will direct you to this site here for instructions on resetting your remote. The Xumo box uses th XR100 remote, to unpair this remote:

Simultaneously press and hold the back (←) button and the add (+) button until you hear a beep.
Press 9, then 8, then 1.
Wait for the confirmation beeps to finish resetting your remote.
Once this is complete, you can retry pairing your XR100 Remote by pressing the voice control (microphone) button while pointing at the TV Box.
Follow the on-screen steps to complete the pairing process.

I see you have also sent direct messaged. Please be reminded that sending unsolicited Direct Messages to an Official Employee of the Xfinity Community Forum, is a violation of Forum Guidelines. In the future we ask that you please find the most appropriate public board for your question type and post it there. If needed, we may invite you to send us a Direct Message.

In our direct message thread you mentioned this issue was resolved by activating your internet services. Per the activation process overview here. Xfinity internet must be activated first before the Xumo box can be activated.