Order a replacement remote directly from Comcast

The fastest way to get a new Comcast remote is to order one through your Comcast account online or by phone. Comcast will ship a replacement to your address at no charge if your remote is lost, broken, or straightforward not working. The remote arrives within five to seven business days in most areas.

To order online, log into your Comcast account at xfinity.com, go to the Support section, and select "Order Equipment." Choose "Remote Control" from the list and confirm your service address. Comcast will show you which remote models are compatible with your box and let you select one. You can also call Comcast at 1-800-934-6489 and ask a representative to send a replacement — have your account number ready.

When you place the order, Comcast will ask whether you want to return the old remote. If the remote is still under warranty or part of a service agreement, they may require you to return it within 30 days. If you do not return it, Comcast may charge you a replacement fee, typically $5 to $15 depending on the remote model. Check the order confirmation email for the return shipping label and important date.

Key Takeaways

  • Comcast sends replacement remotes free of charge to your address within five to seven business days when you order through your account online or by phone.
  • You can order a replacement at xfinity.com under Support and Equipment, or by calling 1-800-934-6489 with your account number ready.
  • Comcast may require you to return the old remote within 30 days, or you could be charged a replacement fee of $5 to $15.
  • If you need a remote sooner than five to seven days, visit a local Comcast service center to pick one up the same day.
  • Before ordering a replacement, restart your cable box and try replacing the batteries in your current remote, since many problems are not actually remote failures.

Troubleshoot before ordering a replacement

Before you order a new remote, try a few quick fixes that solve most remote problems. First, replace the batteries with fresh ones — use alkaline batteries (AA or AAA depending on your remote model) and make sure they are inserted with the correct polarity. Many remotes stop responding straightforward because the batteries are dead or installed backward.

Next, restart your cable box. Unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. While the box is restarting, point the remote at it and press a button to see if it responds. If the box restarts and the remote works again, the problem was not the remote itself.

If the remote still does not work after new batteries and a box restart, check whether the remote is paired to your box. Some Comcast remotes require pairing — hold down the Setup button on the remote until the light blinks, then enter a pairing code. The code is usually printed on a sticker on the back of your cable box or in your Comcast paperwork. If you cannot find the code, Comcast support can provide it over the phone.

Pick up a remote same-day at a Comcast service center

If you need a remote today rather than waiting for shipping, visit a local Comcast service center. Most centers stock replacement remotes and can give you one on the spot. Bring your account number or a photo ID that matches the name on your account.

Find the nearest service center by going to xfinity.com, clicking "Find a Store," and entering your zip code. The website shows hours, location, and whether that center has remotes in stock. Call ahead to confirm they have the remote model you need, since smaller centers may not carry every type.

Service centers are usually open Monday through Friday during business hours and some locations have Saturday hours. Pickup is free, though you may still need to return your old remote within 30 days to avoid a replacement charge.

Understand which remote model you need

Comcast makes several remote models, and not all of them work with every cable box. The most common models are the XR11, XR15, and XR16, which work with newer Xfinity boxes. Older boxes may use the XR2 or XR5. When you order a replacement, Comcast will automatically show you which models are compatible with your box — you do not have to figure this out yourself.

If you want to check your remote model before ordering, look at the back of the remote or the battery compartment. The model number is printed there. You can also find it in your Comcast account under "My Equipment" or by calling support.

Some newer Comcast remotes have voice control and can search across apps, while older models only control the cable box. If you are replacing an older remote, you may be offered an upgrade to a newer model at no extra cost. These upgrades are worth taking if offered, since they give you more control over your TV experience.

Return the old remote if required

When Comcast sends you a replacement remote, check your order confirmation email for the return instructions. If you are required to return the old remote, Comcast will include a prepaid shipping label in the box with your new remote. Use that label to mail the old remote back within the important date shown — usually 30 days.

Drop the old remote in any mailbox or at a post office. Do not include anything else in the package, just the remote itself. Keep the tracking number from the shipping label in case you need to prove you returned it. If you miss the important date and do not return the remote, Comcast will charge your account the replacement fee.

If your old remote is damaged or you cannot locate it, contact Comcast before the return important date. Explain the situation and ask whether they will waive the return requirement or the fee. Some representatives will work with you, especially if the remote was damaged due to a Comcast service issue.

Use a universal remote as a temporary solution

If your Comcast remote is broken and you cannot wait for a replacement to arrive, a universal remote can control your cable box temporarily. Universal remotes work with most cable boxes and are sold at electronics stores, big-box retailers, and online. They cost $15 to $40 depending on the brand and features.

When you buy a universal remote, look for one that specifically lists Comcast or Xfinity compatibility. The packaging will show which brands and cable boxes it works with. You will need to program it to your box using a code — the instructions come in the box and the code is usually on a sticker on the back of your cable box.

A universal remote is not a permanent replacement, since it may not have all the buttons your Comcast remote has. But it will let you change channels and adjust volume while you wait for your new Comcast remote to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a replacement Comcast remote cost?

Comcast sends replacement remotes free of charge. You only pay a fee if you do not return the old remote within 30 days — that fee is typically $5 to $15 depending on the remote model. Check your order confirmation to see whether return is required for your specific replacement.

Can I get a different remote model than the one I have?

Yes. When you order a replacement, Comcast shows you all compatible models and lets you choose. Newer models like the XR15 or XR16 have more features than older ones. If you want to upgrade, ask during the order process or call support to see if an upgrade is available at no charge.

What if my remote stops working after I get the replacement?

Try new batteries and a cable box restart first. If that does not work, the replacement remote may be defective. Contact Comcast and explain that the new remote is not working. They will usually send another one or let you exchange it at a service center without charging you again.

Do I need to do anything to set up a new Comcast remote?

Most new Comcast remotes work right out of the box after you install batteries. Some models require pairing — if yours does, hold the Setup button until the light blinks, then enter the pairing code from your cable box. The instructions that come with the remote will tell you if pairing is needed.

Can I order a remote for someone else's Comcast account?

No. You must order a replacement using the account holder's name and account number. If you are not the account holder, ask them to place the order, or call Comcast with the account holder's permission and have them verify the account during the call.