For more information and frequently asked questions about CableCARDs, learn about CableCARDs. For details on how you can get a CableCARD to activate your Xfinity TV service on CableCARD-compatible retail devices, read about obtaining a CableCARD.
CableCARD Self-Install Setup Instructions
To complete activation, the CableCARD will need to be paired to your new device. In order to pair the CableCARD to your device and activate Xfinity TV services, you will need the following information:
Device Host ID (for both Cisco and Motorola cards)
Device Data ID (for Motorola cards only)
You may also need to verify:
CableCARD Serial Number
CableCARD Unit Address (for Motorola cards only)
CableCARD MAC Address (for Cisco cards only)
If you are pairing your CableCARD to a TiVo, see the CableCARDs Self Install Setup Instructions - TiVo for specific pairing instructions. For Ceton InfiniTV, please refer to the device's manual or instructional guide. For all other devices, follow these steps to pair the CableCARD to your device and activate Xfinity TV services:
Confirm that the coaxial cable from your cable wall outlet is plugged directly into the Cable input on your device, which is usually located on the back of the device.
Write down the CableCARD serial number that is printed on the CableCARD label. Motorola serial numbers begin with MA or MT, and Cisco serial numbers begin with PK. Note: You must use the proper CableCARD type for your cable TV market. (i.e., You live in a Motorola market or a Cisco market. Call Comcast’s CableCARD department at 1-877-405-2298 to confirm.)
Insert the CableCARD into the CableCARD slot located on your device.
Each retail CableCARD device has its own setup process. Please consult your device's User Manual/Guide or the manufacturer's website to find the steps to access your device's CableCARD Pairing or Host ID screen.
Write down the following numbers from the CableCARD Pairing or Host ID screen:
Host ID (13 digits)
Data (11 digits - Motorola cards only)
Unit Address (13 digits - if displayed)
To activate your Xfinity TV services, go to www.xfinity.com/activatecablecard. You will need your account number, the phone number on your account and the numbers from Step 5. If you need assistance, call 1-877-405-2298 and request CableCARD Activation.
Once www.xfinity.com/activatecablecard or a Comcast agent has confirmed the CableCARD is activated, proceed with the completion of your device's pairing process, as described in the User Manual/Guide or manufacturer's website.
After exiting the CableCARD Pairing/Host ID screen, confirm that you are receiving all channels to which you currently subscribe.
Channel activation may take up to 45 minutes.
If you do not see all of the channels to which you currently subscribe to after 45 minutes, contact 1-877-405-2298 and request CableCARD Repair.
CableCARD Self-Install Setup Instructions - TiVo
Set up your TiVo by following the instructions on your TiVo's Start Here poster.
Confirm that the coaxial cable from your cable wall outlet is plugged directly into the CABLE IN connection on the back of your TiVo.
Write down the CableCARD serial number that is printed on the CableCARD label. Note: You must use the proper CableCARD type for your cable TV market. (i.e., You live in a Motorola market or a Cisco market. Call Comcast’s CableCARD department at 1-877-405-2298 to confirm.)
Insert the card, then plug in the TiVo to the power source. Once the TiVo powers up, you will see a Welcome Screen. The TiVo Guided setup will then begin.
Begin the TiVo on-screen Guided Setup. Follow the Guided Setup instructions.
Once you arrive at the CableCARD Decoder screen, select CableCARD Installation or Options for Installers. Then select CableCARD Menu. Then select the CableCARD Pairing or Host ID screen.
Write down the following numbers from the CableCARD Pairing or Host ID screen:
Host ID (13 digits)
Data (11 digits - Motorola cards only)
Unit Address (13 digits, if displayed)
To activate your Xfinity TV services, go to www.xfinity.com/activatecablecard. You will need your account number, the phone number on your account and the numbers from Step 7. If you need assistance, call 1-877-405-2298 and request CableCARD activation.
Once www.xfinity.com/activatecablecard or a Comcast agent has confirmed the CableCARD is activated, proceed to Step 10.
Press CLEAR to exit the CableCARD Pairing or Host ID screen and return to the CableCARD Decoder screen.
Proceed with completing of the Guided Setup by selecting Continue Guided Setup on the CableCARD Decoder screen.
The Guided Setup will help your verify that you're receiving all of the channels to which you have subscribed. For a list of channels, please login to your account at www.xfinity.com, or download the Xfinity My Account app.
Channel activation may take up to 45 minutes.
If you subscribe to HD programming and/or premium channels, ensure that you are receiving these channels.
If you have Xfinity TV service that includes Xfinity On Demand and you have a TiVo Roamio (all models), TiVo Premiere (all models) or TiVo BOLT (all models), you should also verify you can access your Xfinity On Demand service through the Xfinity app provided by TiVo in the Apps Menu. (Restrictions may apply.)
Complete the Guided Setup and you're finished!
Notes:
If after Guided Setup you have waited 45 minutes and still do not see all of the channels to which you currently subscribe, call 1-877-405-2298 to request CableCARD repair.
If you need to return to the CableCARD Setup screen for any reason:
Select Messages & Settings from the TiVo Central screen.
Select Settings.
Select Remote, CableCARD & Devices.
Select CableCARD Decoder.
Select CableCARD Installation/Options for Installers.
Select CableCARD Menu.
For a Motorola card, select CableCARD Pairing.
For a Cisco card, select CableCARD Diagnostic Screen.
Additional Resources:
https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/about-cablecards
https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/how-to-get-a-cablecard
https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/pair-activate-cablecard
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