ANSWERED: How to activate and troubleshoot your Xfinity Storm-Ready WiFi

This document provides step-by-step instructions on how you can activate or remove your Storm-Ready WiFi in less than 15 minutes using the Xfinity app.

If you have additional questions about Storm-Ready WiFi, please refer to our FAQs.

Before you begin

1. Download the Xfinity app on the Apple Store or Google Play.
2. Enable Bluetooth on your phone.
3. Ensure that your Xfinity Gateway is not in Bridge Mode.
   • Note: If you are using separate SSIDs for your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, this activation process will merge these into a single SSID and password across both bands for a stronger, more efficient and reliable connection.
4. If you aren't protecting your network with a password, update the security mode of your home WiFi network from open to one that is protected.
5. Remove any 1st Generation WiFi Boost Pods from your network. These devices are not compatible with Storm-Ready WiFi.
   • To remove your 1st Generation WiFi Boost Pods:
     • From the Xfinity app, go to the WiFi tab, and select View WiFi equipment.
     • Choose the 1st Gen Pod you want to remove.
     • Select Device Details, then select Remove Pod.
     • Repeat as needed.
   • 2nd Generation WiFi Boost Pods can remain connected.

Use the Xfinity app to activate your Storm-Ready WiFi

The Xfinity app will walk you through the entire setup and activation process which includes device placement, connecting the device and activation. If you haven’t already done so, download the Xfinity app to get started.

1. Sign in to the Xfinity app using your Xfinity ID and password.
2. Select the Account tab in the bottom right corner of the app.
3. Under the Devices section, select Activate Xfinity Storm-Ready WiFi.
4. Select the Get Started button.
   
   
   
   
5. When the app requests access to Bluetooth, select OK.
   • If you don't grant permission, another page will load with options to adjust Bluetooth setting or to set up manually.
   • Note: Setup with Bluetooth is quicker.
     
     
     
     
6. The app will check for the latest firmware version.
   • If you don't have the current firmware version, the app will guide you through instructions to update.
   • When you're done, return to continue with activation.
7. The app will check to confirm you aren't in Bridge Mode and that your SSID are combined.
   • If not, you'll be presented an option to update your settings.
8. The app will check to confirm that your home network is password protected.
   • If not, you'll be asked to update your security mode from open to one that is password protected and create a new password.
9. You'll be prompted to unplug any older 1st Generation WiFi Boost Pods if they're connected on your network. The app will handle the rest.
   
   
   
   
10. Find an outlet near a window and place your Storm-Ready WiFi device that's:
    • Out in the open.
    • At least five feet away from the gateway.
    • Not more than 30 feet from the gateway.
      
      
      
      
11. Take the cord that is attached to the Battery Backup and plug it into the round, red port on the back of the Storm-Ready WiFi device.
    
    
    
    
12. Insert the power adapter into the round, red port on the back of the Battery Backup, then insert the plug into a power outlet. The Storm-Ready WiFi device will power on.
    
    
    
    
13. Check the light on the front of the Storm-Ready WiFi device, and select the option that describes the current light sequence.
    • Flashing white: You can continue with setup.
    • Flashing red or no light: Follow the prompts in the app to reset the device and continue with activation.
    • Still no flashing white light: Contact us for assistance.
      
      
      
      
14. Bluetooth Activation: If you’re using Bluetooth activation, hold your phone within a few inches of the Storm-Ready WiFi device.
    • This could take few minutes.
    • Don’t leave the app, or you'll need to start over.
      
      
      
      
    • If you didn't enable Bluetooth and selected Manual Activation, you'll be prompted to enter the device serial number found on the bottom of the Storm-Ready WiFi device.
    • If activation is unsuccessful, you will be presented with an option to try again.
      • After a second activation attempt, if unsuccessful you can ask for additional assistance by selecting the I need help with this button.
15. Select Run a Test to test your cellular and WiFi signal to make sure you have a strong backup connection if there is an outage.
    
    
    
    
16. All set.

Use the Xfinity app to remove your Storm-Ready WiFi

Follow the steps below to remove Storm-Ready WiFi from your account. This process will delete Storm-Ready WiFi from your network device list and erase its history from your home network.

After the Storm-Ready WiFi device has been removed, it can be reactivated on the same account or activated on another eligible Xfinity Internet account using the Xfinity app.

You should remove Storm-Ready WiFi from your account:

• If you no longer want to use it.
• Before:
  • Replacing your Xfinity Gateway.
  • Moving or transferring service.
  • Gifting your device to someone else.
  • Upgrading to X-Class speeds X-500 or above.

To remove Storm-Ready WiFi:

1. Sign in to the Xfinity app with your Xfinity ID and password.
2. Go to the WiFi tab.
3. Select View WiFi Equipment.
4. Select Storm-Ready WiFi.
5. Scroll down, and select Device details.
6. Scroll down, and select the Remove Storm-Ready WiFi button.
   
   
   
   
7. When prompted, select Remove.
   
   
   
   
   • Note: The Storm-Ready WiFi may still broadcast a signal for about 15 minutes before it completely removes itself from your network.
     • If you’d like to cease the broadcast immediately, follow steps 8 and 9.
8. Remove the cord attached to the Battery Backup and unplug it from the round, red port on the back of the Storm-Ready WiFi device.
9. Unplug the power adapter from the Battery Backup port, then unplug from a power outlet. 

Activation troubleshooting

If you're having issues activating your Storm-Ready WiFi device, restart the gateway:

1. Go to the Overview tab in the Xfinity app.
2. Scroll to the Gateway Restart card.
3. Choose Restart Gateway.
4. When the gateway is fully restarted, repeat the above steps to activate your Storm-Ready WiFi device.

 Xfinity Storm-Ready WiFi Troubleshooting

Additional Resources

Xfinity Storm Ready WiFi - Internet Backup for Network & Power Outages

Activate Xfinity Storm-Ready WiFi

Xfinity Storm-Ready WiFi Troubleshooting

What the Lights on Your Storm-Ready WiFi Mean

‎ANSWERED: How can I stay online during network and power outages?