What you need to do first

A Comcast remote works out of the box with your Comcast box or TV service, but you will need to set it up to control other devices like your TV, soundbar, or streaming player. The remote uses infrared signals, so it needs a clear line of sight to the device you want to control — no obstructions between the remote and the device.

Before you start, gather the model number of each device you want to control. You will find it on the back or bottom of the device, or in the device's manual. You will also need the remote's model number, which is printed on the back of the remote itself. Comcast remotes come in several versions — the most common are the XR11, XR15, and XR16 — and the setup steps differ slightly between them.

Make sure your Comcast box is powered on and connected to your TV. Point the remote at the Comcast box from about 6 feet away with nothing blocking the signal. If the remote does not respond at all, replace the batteries with fresh AA batteries and try again.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Comcast remotes pair automatically with your Comcast box but need manual setup to control your TV or other devices.
  • You can program your remote using the device code method (fastest) or the auto-search method (works when you do not know the code).
  • The setup menu is accessed by holding the Setup button for three seconds until the light blinks twice, then entering a four-digit code.
  • If your remote stops responding, check the batteries first, then restart your Comcast box by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Finding and entering your device code

The fastest way to program your remote is to use the device code for your TV or other device. Comcast publishes a searchable code list on their website and in the remote's manual. Go to the Comcast support page, search for "remote codes," and enter your device brand and model number. You will get a list of four-digit codes to try.

To enter a code, hold the Setup button on the remote for three seconds until the light at the top blinks twice. Release the button. The remote is now in programming mode. Type the four-digit code using the number pad. The light will blink twice again when the code is accepted. Point the remote at your TV and press the Power button. If your TV turns off, the code worked. If nothing happens, try the next code on the list.

Write down which code worked for each device so you can reprogram the remote later if needed. Keep this list near your remote or in your phone.

Using auto-search when you do not have a code

If you cannot find a code for your device, or the codes on the list do not work, use the auto-search method. This takes longer but works with almost any infrared device. Hold the Setup button for three seconds until the light blinks twice. Type 9-9-1. The light will blink twice to confirm you are in auto-search mode.

Point the remote at your TV. Press the Power button repeatedly. The remote will cycle through codes automatically, sending one code every few seconds. When your TV turns off, stop pressing the Power button. Press the Power button one more time to confirm the code works. The light will blink twice to save it.

Auto-search can take several minutes because the remote tests many codes. If your TV turns off by accident during the search, press the Power button once to turn it back on and continue. You can also press the Setup button to stop the search and start over.

Programming multiple devices on one remote

Comcast remotes can control up to four devices: your Comcast box, TV, soundbar or receiver, and a streaming device. Each device gets its own mode button. The remote comes with buttons labeled TV, AUX, and sometimes CBL (for cable box). The CBL button controls your Comcast box and is already set up.

To program the TV button, hold Setup for three seconds, type 9-6-1, then enter your TV code. The light will blink twice when done. To program the AUX button, hold Setup for three seconds, type 9-6-2, then enter the code for your soundbar or other device. Some Comcast remotes have a fourth button for a second AUX device; use 9-6-3 for that one.

After you program each button, test it by pressing that button, then pressing Power. The correct device should respond. If it does not, reprogram that button with a different code from the list. You can reprogram any button at any time by repeating these steps.

Fixing a remote that stops working

If your remote suddenly stops responding, start with the batteries. Remove the battery cover on the back, take out the old batteries, and wait 10 seconds. Insert two fresh AA batteries with the positive end facing up. Close the cover and test the remote on your Comcast box.

If the remote still does not work, restart your Comcast box. Unplug the power cable from the back of the box. Wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in and wait two minutes for it to fully restart. Try the remote again. This clears temporary errors that can block communication between the remote and the box.

If the remote works with your Comcast box but not with your TV, the TV code may have been lost. Reprogram the TV button using the steps above. If the remote does not work with anything, the remote itself may be damaged. Contact Comcast to request a replacement.

Clearing and resetting your remote

If you want to erase all your programmed codes and start fresh, hold the Setup button for three seconds until the light blinks twice. Type 9-8-1. The light will blink four times to confirm the reset. All device codes are now erased, and only the CBL button will work.

You might reset your remote if you are moving to a new home and want to reprogram it for different devices, or if the remote is behaving unpredictably. After a reset, reprogram each device button using the code method or auto-search as described above.

Controlling your TV volume with Comcast remote

By default, the Volume and Mute buttons on your Comcast remote control your Comcast box, not your TV. To make them control your TV instead, press and hold the TV button for three seconds until the light blinks twice. Now the Volume and Mute buttons will control your TV volume. Press the CBL button to switch back to controlling your Comcast box volume.

This is useful if you watch TV through your Comcast box most of the time but want quick access to TV volume. You can switch between controlling the box and the TV by pressing the appropriate mode button. The remote remembers which device's volume you controlled last, so you may need to switch modes if you use multiple devices in one session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my remote work with the Comcast box but not my TV?

The TV code may not be programmed or may be incorrect. Reprogram the TV button by holding Setup for three seconds, typing 9-6-1, then entering a code from the Comcast code list for your TV brand and model. Test with the Power button. If it does not work, try the next code on the list.

Can I use my Comcast remote to control my soundbar?

Yes. Program the AUX button by holding Setup for three seconds, typing 9-6-2, then entering the code for your soundbar. The AUX button will then control the soundbar's power and volume. You can also set the Volume buttons to control the soundbar by pressing and holding the AUX button for three seconds.

What if the Comcast code list does not have my TV model?

Use the auto-search method. Hold Setup for three seconds, type 9-9-1, then press Power repeatedly while pointing at your TV. The remote will cycle through codes until your TV responds. This works for older or less common TV models that may not be on the published code list.

Do I need to reprogram my remote if I get a new Comcast box?

No. The remote pairs with your Comcast box automatically. When you connect the new box, the remote will work with it right away. Your programmed TV and AUX codes will still be saved and will not need to be re-entered.

How far away can I be from my TV for the remote to work?

Comcast remotes use infrared and work best within 20 to 30 feet of the device, with a clear line of sight. If you are farther away or there are obstacles between the remote and the device, the signal may not reach. Walls and furniture block infrared signals, so you need a direct path from the remote to the device.