ANSWERED: Xfinity CableCARD Activation and Pairing Self-Installation Setup

This article lists the steps to pair or activate your CableCARD.

For more information and FAQs 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. To pair the CableCARD to your device and activate Xfinity TV services, you'll 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're pairing your CableCARD to a TiVo, see 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:

1. Confirm the coaxial cable from your cable wall outlet is plugged directly into the Cable input on your device.
   • This is usually located on the back of the device.
2. 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. (E.g., You live in a Motorola market or a Cisco market. Call Comcast’s CableCARD department at 877-405-2298 to confirm.)
3. Insert the CableCARD into the CableCARD slot located on your device.
4. Each retail CableCARD device has its own setup process. 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.
5. 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)
     
     
6. To activate your Xfinity TV services, go to cablecardactivation.xsp.comcast.net.
   • You'll need your:
     • Account number.
     • Phone number on your account.
     • Numbers from Step 5.
   • If you need assistance, call 877-405-2298 and request CableCARD Activation.
7. Once cablecardactivation.xsp.comcast.net 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.
8. After exiting the CableCARD Pairing/Host ID screen, confirm you're receiving all channels to which you currently subscribe.
   • Channel activation may take up to 45 minutes.
   • If you don't see all of the channels to which you currently subscribe to after 45 minutes, contact 877-405-2298 and request CableCARD Repair.

CableCARD self-install setup instructions — TiVo

1. Set up your TiVo by following the instructions on your TiVo's Start Here poster.
2. Confirm the coaxial cable from your cable wall outlet is plugged directly into the CABLE IN connection on the back of your TiVo.
3. Write down the CableCARD serial number from the CableCARD label.
   
   
   • Note: You must use the proper CableCARD type for your cable TV market. (E.g., You live in a Motorola market or a Cisco market. Call Comcast’s CableCARD department at 877-405-2298 to confirm.)
4. Insert the card and plug in the TiVo to the power source.
   • Once the TiVo powers up, you'll see a Welcome Screen.
   • The TiVo Guided setup will begin.
5. Begin the TiVo on-screen Guided Setup and follow the Guided Setup instructions.
6. 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.
7. 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)
     
     
8. To activate your Xfinity TV services, go to cablecardactivation.xsp.comcast.net.
   • You'll need your:
     • Account number.
     • Phone number on your account.
     • Numbers from Step 7.
   • If you need assistance, call 877-405-2298 and request CableCARD activation.
9. Once cablecardactivation.xsp.comcast.net or a Comcast agent has confirmed the CableCARD is activated, proceed to Step 10.
10. Press CLEAR to exit the CableCARD Pairing or Host ID screen and return to the CableCARD Decoder screen.
11. Proceed with completing of the Guided Setup by selecting Continue Guided Setup on the CableCARD Decoder screen.
    • The Guided Setup will help you verify you're receiving all of the channels to which you've subscribed.
      • For a list of channels, please log in to your account at xfinity.com.
    • Channel activation may take up to 45 minutes.
    • If you subscribe to HD programming and/or premium channels, ensure you're 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.)
12. Complete the Guided Setup and you're finished!

Notes:

• If you've waited 45 minutes after Guided Setup and still don't see all of the channels to which you currently subscribe, call 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.