Eligibility
To use the Boost a Device feature, you need to:
- Subscribe to Xfinity Internet service
- Lease a compatible Xfinity WiFi Gateway:
- XB8 Gateway or above
- Have access to the Xfinity app
Note: The Boost a Device feature is not enabled if you’re using Bridge Mode.
Using Boost a Device
Locating Boost a Device in the Xfinity app
The Boost a Device feature is available in the Xfinity app. To navigate to the feature, follow these steps:
- Launch the Xfinity app and navigate to the WiFi tab.
- Locate and select Boost a Device.
Selecting a device
After selecting Boost a Device, you’ll see a list of available devices. Select the devices that need a smooth connection for activities like gaming, video conferencing or streaming.
You can choose how long you want the device to be boosted. When a device has been successfully boosted, you will see it on the WiFi tab in the Xfinity app. Currently, you can boost up to three WiFi-connected device at a time.
Some devices aren’t automatically categorized due to privacy settings and will appear when you scroll in the Other section. The default name of a device will be either the manufacturer-set name (like “hostname” or the device’s MAC address) or the one you gave your device when you first set it up.
Only certain devices can be boosted, like phones, computers, gaming consoles, and WiFi-connected TV Boxes. Devices that can’t be boosted include network devices, WiFi Extenders, and smart home devices (like cameras and doorbells).
If you’re using a third-party WiFi Extender, you won’t see devices connected to the extender in the list of devices to boost. Devices connected by ethernet (cable) won’t be shown in the list of devices to boost.
Smart-boost feature
Eligible customers may see an onscreen message to opt in to the smart-boost feature when watching RealTime4K content. This will boost the wireless 4K TV Box, allowing the best live viewing experience possible when watching content in RealTime 4K.
Pressing OK on the remote after you see the onscreen message, will enable smart-boost. Once enabled, another on-screen notification will appear confirming your selection.
If you miss the on-screen notification, you can also turn on this feature at any time in the Xfinity app using the above steps. After being enabled, the smart-boost feature will automatically boost the 4K TV Box anytime 4K content is watched for the next five hours.
Note: You can turn off smart-boost at any time in the Xfinity app using the steps below.
Turning off Boost a Device
If you’d like to stop boosting a device, select it from the WiFi tab in the Xfinity app and select Turn off Device Priority. You’ll be prompted to confirm your selection by selecting Turn off.
Turning off smart-boost
If you’d like to turn off the smart-boost feature, select Advanced Settings from the WiFi tab in the Xfinity app and select Smart-boost. The next screen will allow you to toggle off the feature.
Troubleshooting
General troubleshooting
Boost a Device helps your devices connect to the internet smoothly, even when lots of people are using the internet at the same time. It also keeps your internet safe from sudden spikes in traffic.
There are a few reasons you might not get the best results. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the Boost a Device feature:
- Disconnect from a virtual private network (VPN): While a VPN enhances online security, it might slow down your connection and have its own issues. Consider disconnecting from VPN.
- Restart the app or browser: Try refreshing the app or browser you're using.
- Restart your device: After restarting, make sure the device is connected to your WiFi network before trying again. If your device goes offline, don't worry; it'll be boosted when it comes back online.
- Check for website or app issues: The app or website you're trying to use could be limiting your speed or experiencing its own outage. Consider checking its status directly on its website or compare using another device that isn't being boosted.
This device has a weak connection to the gateway message
Devices need a strong connection to your gateway to be boosted properly. You can still boost a device with a weaker connection, but it may cause other devices on your network to be negatively impacted.
How to improve your device's connection to the network:
- Move closer to the Xfinity Gateway: The device may be too far from the gateway. Try moving it closer to the gateway.
- Avoid interference: Place your gateway away from large household items and other electronic equipment that may block your WiFi signal.
- Consider connecting to an Xfinity WiFi Extender: Xfinity WiFi Extenders could strengthen your connection without moving your gateway.
Something went wrong message
Something went wrong when trying to turn off device prioritization. Select Try again in the app. If that doesn’t help, you can quit and relaunch the Xfinity app and then try to turn off device boosting again.
FAQs
Will prioritizing a device cause connectivity issues for the device or other devices on my network?
It's unlikely, but there's a small chance other devices on your network could see slower speeds or more interruptions when another device is boosted.
The impact on other devices can vary depending on factors like the overall number of devices on our network, the activity on the boosted device and the overall WiFi network's load.
If you boosted a device, you can turn that off at any time by going to the WiFi tab, selecting the boosted device and selecting Turn Off.
Will prioritization result in lower latency or ping on a speed test?
While prioritization can lower latency and ping, speed tests are usually done when the network is less busy, so the test results might not show the full positive impact.
How can I disable the Boost a Device feature?
This feature can’t be disabled entirely, but if you don’t use the feature to boost a device, your WiFi network won’t be impacted.
