ANSWERED: What is the ESPN+ app on Xfinity X1 & Flex?

***Updated 7/13/2026***

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The ESPN app on Xfinity X1 TV Boxes and Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity offers ESPN original content and shows, along with live and On Demand content from:

• ESPN
• ESPN2
• ESPNU
• ESPNEWS
• ESPN Deportes
• SEC Network
• ACC Network
• ESPN on ABC (but not local ABC content)
• ESPN+
• SECN+
• ACCNX, depending on the ESPN app plan you subscribe to

ESPN offers two plans: ESPN Select (previously ESPN+) and ESPN Unlimited (launched on August 21, 2025).

Effective February 26, 2026, Xfinity subscribers to any TV tier that includes the ESPN channel will have access to ESPN Unlimited. 

Note: The ESPN Unlimited plan isn’t available to purchase separately through Xfinity at this time.

If you aren’t subscribed to a TV tier with the ESPN channel included, you can subscribe to ESPN Select separately in the ESPN app. ESPN Select gives you access to limited content, including the ESPN+ streaming service and select live events, On Demand replays, and studio shows.

Access the ESPN app

To access the ESPN app on your TV, you’ll need:

• A compatible X1 TV Box or Xumo Stream Box,
• Xfinity Internet service (any level)
  • Note: ESPN content is limited if you don’t have ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited. For full access, you will need ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited.

The app isn’t compatible with RNG150, Pace Xi3, Samsung XG2v2, and Arris and Pace XG1v1 X1 TV Boxes.

ESPN app plans

Once within the ESPN app, access to specific content will be based on the Xfinity TV tier you’re subscribed to and/or an existing ESPN app subscription:

• ESPN Unlimited: If you’re subscribed to an Xfinity TV tier that includes ESPN, in addition to the ESPN channels you can watch on X1 (which may include ESPN, ESPN News, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes), you have access to ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost (activation required). The ESPN Unlimited plan includes access to all content available in the ESPN app.
  • Note: The ESPN Unlimited plan is not available to purchase separately through Xfinity at this time.
• ESPN Select: If you’re subscribed to ESPN Select, you’ll have access to limited content in the ESPN app including the ESPN+ streaming service and limited live events, On Demand replays, and studio shows. As an ESPN Select subscriber, you'll also be able to purchase select Pay Per View content offered through ESPN Select.
  • Note: On August 21, 2025, ESPN automatically updated ESPN+ subscribers to ESPN Select. Neither login information nor content availability changed for customers who were previously subscribed to ESPN+. In addition, some programming within the app may still be labeled as “ESPN+."
  • Free content: Select On Demand clips are free and don’t require a subscription or ESPN TV service.

If you’re subscribed to an Xfinity TV tier that includes ESPN, you can also use your Xfinity ID and password when prompted for TV provider credentials to access ESPN Select content. However, activating the ESPN Unlimited plan (available to you at no additional cost) will give you access to all content available in the ESPN app, while ESPN Select access is limited. 

Watch within the ESPN app

Select Apps from the Home screen. Go to the ESPN tile and choose it.

• Once in the app, if you choose certain ESPN, ESPN2, or other content, you may see a message to visit a URL on-screen and/or sign in with your TV Provider credentials.
• Note: If ESPN is included in your lineup, do not click on either option. Please go to the StreamStore to activate your services first.

If you’re subscribed to a video TV tier that includes the ESPN channel

You have access to ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost. Follow the activation instructions below to activate your account and watch in the ESPN app.

1. Complete the activation steps, then open the ESPN app on your TV or mobile device.
2. Go to the Settings (gear icon) or select a program to watch.
3. Select Log In with MyDisney account.
4. Enter your MyDisney account email address used from the activation process.
5. Click Continue and follow the on-screen prompts.
   • Note: When connected to your Xfinity Internet in-home WiFi, your Xfinity credentials will be automatically recognized once you sign in to the ESPN app with your MyDisney sign in.

If you’re subscribed to a video TV tier that does not include the ESPN channel

1. Open the ESPN app.
2. Choose Browse Plans or Log in.
   • Once logged in or newly subscribed, you can start watching your favorite sports!

Watch ESPN Unlimited

In addition to the ESPN channels available to watch on X1 — ESPN, ESPN News, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes — ESPN Unlimited access may include the following:

• Linear networks
  • ESPN on ABC*
  • SEC Network
  • SEC Network+
  • ACC Network
  • ACC Network Extra
    *Availability may depend on TV tier
• WWE Premium Live Events, Grand Slam tennis feeds, Live events, On Demand replays, studio shows, original programming, and premium events.
• Personalized features — Real-time stats, alerts, and “SportsCenter for You” — a daily, AI-powered, personalized video highlights package tailored to individual fan preferences.
• Multi-platform viewing — Watch on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
• Simultaneous streaming on up to three devices.

Eligibility

Xfinity members who subscribe to any video TV tier that includes the ESPN channel will have access to ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost.

The following TV tiers include ESPN:

• TV Premium, Ultimate TV, Digital Preferred
• TV Plus, Popular TV, Digital Starter
• Sports & News TV
• World Soccer Ticket
• Sports & News genre pack

If you are not subscribed to an Xfinity TV tier that includes ESPN, you may subscribe to ESPN Unlimited directly through ESPN. Visit plus.espn.com for current pricing.

Activation

To access ESPN Unlimited, you will need to activate your subscription through xfinity.com/yoursubscriptions first.

1. Click Activate now from the email you receive or visit xfinity.com/yoursubscriptions.
2. Enter your Xfinity ID and password, then click Let’s go to sign in to your Xfinity account.
3. Click Activate next to the subscription.
   • If an activate option doesn’t appear next to the streaming service, your service has already been activated, and you’ll just need to sign in to the ESPN app using your MyDisney credentials to start streaming.
   • Note: Activating the ESPN app will automatically activate all Disney apps you are subscribed to. This would include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited access.
4. You’ll get a confirmation message that you’re leaving Xfinity to activate your subscription.
   • Confirm you want to activate, then follow the steps below.

If you already have an ESPN app subscription

1. Enter your existing MyDisney account email address.
2. Click Continue and follow the on-screen prompts.
   • Note: This will allow you to bring over watch history and user settings. 

If you’re new to the ESPN app

1. Enter the email address you’d like to use for your ESPN account.
2. Click Continue and follow the on-screen prompts.

Once you activate your subscription you can access ESPN Unlimited through the ESPN app at home or on the go.

• You can activate your subscription at any time. 

Watch ESPN Select content

1. Once in the app, choose an ESPN Select show or event within the ESPN Select tab.
2. Choose Subscribe or Log in.
3. From here, you can:
   • Log in with your ESPN Select username and password.
   • Create an account. If you don’t have an account, you’ll see a message to visit an on-screen URL.
     • Follow the prompts on your computer, laptop, or mobile device to sign up for an ESPN Select subscription service.
     • Please note that you'll have the option to sign up for ESPN Select as an individual subscription, or for the Disney+, ESPN Select, and Hulu bundle.

FAQs

Why can't I access the ESPN app on my X1 TV Box?

The app isn’t compatible with RNG150, Pace Xi3, Samsung XG2v2, and Arris and Pace XG1v1 X1 TV Boxes. If you have one of these, you’ll be able to exchange it on X1 by choosing the ESPN app tile and following the prompts to swap out your TV Box. Please note that you also need a subscription to ESPN to access content within the app.

I don’t have Xfinity TV but I have Xfinity Internet. Can I access the ESPN app?

Yes, but only if you have a Xumo Stream Box or an Xfinity Flex streaming TV Box. Please note that some content in the ESPN app requires either an ESPN Select subscription or for ESPN to be part of your TV service.

Is the ESPN app in HD?

Yes.

Is the ESPN app in 4K?

No.

What is ESPN Select? 

ESPN Select is a separate subscription service offered by ESPN. It was formerly known as ESPN+.

Do I need to sign up or sign in to use ESPN Select?

Yes, if you want to access ESPN Select content within the ESPN app on your TV.

Start a new ESPN Select subscription by signing up directly in the ESPN app. The app will give you an activation code to enter along with an on-screen URL to complete the activation process.

Can I order ESPN Select through Xfinity? What about ESPN Unlimited?

Yes, you can subscribe to ESPN Select right on the ESPN app! Learn how from our ESPN Select billing FAQs.

ESPN Unlimited access is included at no additional cost for Xfinity subscribers to any video TV tier that includes the ESPN channel. Activation in the StreamStore is required to access the content. TV Core/Choice TV video packages are excluded from eligibility.

I want to have the ESPN Unlimited access that is now included. How do I manage my existing ESPN Select subscription?

If billed through Xfinity for ESPN Select, your existing plan will be cancelled and transitioned to the new ESPN Unlimited entitlement when you activate.  

If billed directly through ESPN, you will need to cancel/manage your subscription directly through ESPN. 

How do I manage my existing ESPN Select subscription?

For customers subscribed to a TV tier that does not include ESPN who signed up for ESPN Select, see our ESPN Select billing FAQs.

How much does ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited cost?

ESPN has various plans and bundling options available at plus.espn.com. If you want to subscribe to ESPN Select, you can purchase with Xfinity through the app. 

I forgot my ESPN Select username or password. How do I find my username or reset my password?

Please visit the ESPN Help Center.

Does watching content in the ESPN app, including ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited, count against my monthly internet data usage?

Yes, content is streamed over the internet, and will count toward your monthly data usage.

How do I block access to the ESPN app (includes ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited)?

There are two ways you can set parental controls for the ESPN app:

• Lock TV-MA content under Settings > Parental Controls > TV Rating Locks. Once locked, a parental control PIN is required before you can access the app.
• You can block access to the ESPN app using App Locks.

If I already have ESPN Unlimited or Select and I am on an annual plan, do I get a credit for the remainder of the year?

Annual subscribers will maintain access throughout the end of the ESPN billing period paid for. There will be no refunds for the annual plans since subscribers will not lose access to the content they subscribed to. 

If I change my Xfinity TV package, will I lose access to ESPN Unlimited? Do I have to sign in again?

If the ESPN channel is included in your new TV package, you will still have access to ESPN Unlimited and will keep your current credentials.  

I had a Disney+/Hulu bundle that includes ESPN access, what happens when I activate my new ESPN Unlimited entitlement?

If you purchased the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Bundle via Disney+ in app purchase, and you activate ESPN Unlimited, the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Bundle will not be cancelled automatically. You should contact Disney to manage your account and avoid double billing.

If you purchased the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Bundle via ESPN in-app purchase, and you activate ESPN Unlimited, the Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Bundle will be cancelled automatically, and you will need to purchase Disney+ and Hulu separately. 

Disney+ and Hulu can be purchased on your TV box, at the StreamStore or directly through Disney. 

​​​​Additional Resources​​​​

​​​​​​​​https://support.espn.com/hc/en-us?linkId=121619199​​​​

​​​​https://help.espnplus.com/espnplus_hc?id=espnplus_article_content&sys_kb_id=f0db1f75db48bc903f2ec58a1396191d&linkId=121619204​​​​