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Monday, May 26th, 2025 7:23 PM

activate xb8 gateway using laptop

Replacing an old Comcast Arris gateway with a new XB8. Cellphone will not support the "new xfinity app" so I will have to activate the XB8 with my laptop. Need directions to do this, as it all seems to point to using the phone app.  Also can/should I leave the old gateway plugged in while switching over? Thanks.

Expert

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111.1K Messages

24 days ago

Connect it to the coax line / outlet and power it up. Let it fully sync up with the system. Check that the front or the top panel indicator light(s) is / are steadily lit. 


Then connect a computer to it and open up a browser. You *may* see their *Walled Garden* modem self registration page. If so, follow the screen prompts. Have your mobile telephone number, your Xfinity username and password, or the account number and telephone number associated with your Comcast account handy.


If not, try calling 1-855-652-3446. That is their self-install device activation line.


If that doesn't work for you, you can call 1-800-comcast and tell a rep that you would like to have a new modem activated / provisioned for service. Have the RF / CM / HFC MAC address and the serial number of it handy when you call.

Expert

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111.1K Messages

24 days ago

P.S. Disconnect the old gateway first.

Problem Solver

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655 Messages

24 days ago

Using you phone, call the xfinity activation line at 1-800-931-0790.

You will need to have the modem nearby, as you will have to read some numbers from it's label to the technician that activates it.  The modem will need to be plugged in to power and attached to your cable. 

Expert

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111.1K Messages

24 days ago

@NoNoBadPuppy 

Please let me ask you. Was there anything wrong with the self-activation number that I provided? It's the one that's worked for many years, and still does..

Problem Solver

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655 Messages

@EG​ No, of course not.  The number I gave goes directly to the activation department. Using the main 800 number, it will take longer to get there, as you have to wait in the queue, then speak to a rep, who will then have to look up the number and transfer you to the activation department. It can save a significant amount of time not using the 800 comcast number, especially during peak hours.  

Expert

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111.1K Messages

@NoNoBadPuppy​ 

I stated the "self activation" number: 1-855-652-3446. That not the "main number". You posted: 1-800-931-0790.  They both lead to the same thing. And yes 1800 comcast is the main line.

(edited)

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Official Employee

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2K Messages

22 days ago

user_ie4obu It might be tough to activate using the website if there is no other web access for the laptop. We can easily remotely activate the gateway from our end of things.

Could you please send our team a direct message with your full name and full address? Our team can most definitely take a further look at this issue.

To send a Direct message:
Click "Sign In" if necessary
• Click the "Direct Message" icon
• Click the "New message" (pencil and paper) icon
• Type "Xfinity Support" in the "To:" line and select "Xfinity Support" from the drop-down list which appears.

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