Xfinity Instant TV - FAQs

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Xfinity Instant TV.

Note: Xfinity Instant TV is only available online to current Xfinity Internet customers in certain areas at this time. See if it's available in your area at xfinity.com/instant-tv.

Frequently Asked Questions about Xfinity Instant TV

What is Xfinity Instant TV?
Xfinity Instant TV is a cable TV streaming service that lets you watch live TV from broadcast and popular cable networks on your compatible smart TV, computer, tablet, smartphone or Roku Streaming Player.
  • Enjoy local and national live sports, news and the most popular shows as they air.
  • Add premium channels and channel packs to make sure you get all your favorites.
  • Record up to 20 hours of your favorites and watch them at home or download them and take them on the go.
  • Access thousands of hours of Xfinity On Demand movies and shows anytime on your favorite device.
  • Stream TV Go content on any wireless or WiFi network anywhere in the U.S.
You can sample Xfinity Instant TV with a 30-day free trial if you're not already an Instant TV customer. Want to learn more? See how to start using your Xfinity Instant TV.

How do I get Xfinity Instant TV?
You can visit xfinity.com/instant-tv to see if it's available in your area and sign up for a 30-day free trial of Xfinity Instant TV.

What happens at the end of the Xfinity Instant TV free month?
At the end of your free month trial, regular charges apply. These are currently $20 (which includes a Broadcast TV Fee). If you'd like to cancel before the end of your free month, you can do so online by going to TV Service tab in My Account (you may be asked to sign in using your Xfinity ID and password first).

Additional channel packs and/or premium channels can't be previewed during the free trial. Customers who purchase channel packs or premium channels will be charged monthly for those additional packages until Xfinity Instant TV service is canceled, or the channel pack or premium channel is cancelled via the TV Service tab in My Account (you may be asked to sign in using your Xfinity ID and password first).

Note: The one-month free offer is only available for a limited time to new Xfinity Instant TV residential customers. Pricing is subject to change.

What channels are included with Xfinity Instant TV?
Available channels vary by region, but at the basic level (we call it Limited Basic), all Xfinity TV lineups include popular broadcast channels like ABC, CBS, the CW, FOX, NBC and PBS - and public, educational and government channels. Plus, most include Univision and Telemundo.

To see the channels in your Xfinity Instant TV lineup, please see the Limited Basic package on the Xfinity TV Channels page.

Can I get any premium channels with Xfinity Instant TV?
Yes. You can add them at any time through My Account. Standard rates will apply.

What Latino channels are available to Xfinity Instant TV customers?
In addition to local broadcast channels, including Univision and Telemundo, Deportes and Latino channel packs are offered in most areas.

What equipment do I need for Xfinity Instant TV?
If you're a current Xfinity Internet customer, you don't need any additional equipment to use Xfinity Instant TV. Customers can use their compatible gateway. Verify your modem compatibility. No TV Box is required to watch Xfinity Instant TV. You can also watch using the Xfinity Stream app on your compatible smart TV, smartphone, tablet or Roku device. You can even go to the Xfinity Stream portal on your computer.

Will Xfinity Instant TV use data from my Xfinity Internet monthly data usage allowance?
No. Xfinity Instant TV is an in-home cable service through our private, managed cable system, not over the Internet. Therefore, Xfinity Instant TV data usage will not count towards your Xfinity Internet monthly data usage. If you watch any TV through network websites and apps that are included with your Xfinity Instant TV subscription, that would count towards your Internet usage.

What happens after I place an Xfinity Instant TV order?
Once you've signed up for Xfinity Instant TV, your cable modem will automatically reboot to load the service to your account. The modem may take up to 15 minutes to reboot, and you won't be able to access the Internet through your modem during that time.

Any subsequent changes to your Xfinity Instant TV service, such as adding or removing channel packs or premium channels (or service cancellation), will also reboot your cable modem to load them to your account. You can manage your Xfinity Instant TV service online via the TV Service tab in My Account (you may be asked to sign in using your Xfinity ID and password first).

What's the video resolution streamed through Xfinity Instant TV?
Xfinity Instant TV delivers video streams in up to 1080p. Resolution for individual programs may vary.

Which networks are available for live streaming and which offer shows available for streaming On Demand?
When connected to your in-home Xfinity Internet, all of the networks included in your package are available for live streaming and most of the popular shows and movies on those networks are available to stream On Demand. When you're away from home or using an Internet or mobile connection, you can also watch certain TV Go programs using the Xfinity Stream app or portal or an app from a channel provider (e.g., ABC).

Does Xfinity Instant TV include Pay Per View?
No, not at this time.

Can I rent or purchase TV shows or movies with Xfinity Instant TV?
Yes, you can rent and purchase movies and TV episodes from the Xfinity Stream portal (available in both desktop and mobile browsers), and the Xfinity Stream app for Android and Roku. You can watch your purchases and rentals on the Xfinity Stream portal (desktop only), and the Xfinity Stream app for iOS, Android, Roku and Samsung smart TVs. You can download your purchases and rentals to watch offline from the Xfinity Stream app for iOS and Android.

Why can't I stream certain live TV channels or Xfinity On Demand programs when I'm away from home?
We work with each content provider to deliver as many great viewing options as possible. Our TV network websites' and apps' rights vary by network and include delivery of some or all of a network's programming to our customers when they're away from home.

Why am I missing networks that are included with my Xfinity Instant TV order?
It may take up to two hours before your order is completed and certain networks are available to watch.

How do I add or remove Xfinity Instant TV or additional channel packs?
You can add or remove Xfinity Instant TV or channel packs by going to the Services tab in My Account.

Is there a contract requirement or fee for cancellation?
No. You can easily subscribe, manage and cancel your service at any time without a contract or cancellation fees.

What type of connection do I need for Xfinity Instant TV?
You'll need to connect to your in-home Xfinity network. Please note that, when you're connected to another network, such as a neighbor's, a public Xfinity WiFi hotspot, or a mobile network, you can only watch DVR recordings and TV Go content. Using a mobile wireless network to download or use the Xfinity Stream app may incur data charges; check your wireless provider's rate plan for details.

Can I watch Xfinity Instant TV content on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes. You can watch on up to two devices simultaneously.

How many programs can I record to my cloud-based DVR at the same time?
Xfinity Instant TV customers can record up to two shows at once. Learn more about recording using Xfinity Stream.

How many programs will my cloud-based DVR hold?
Your cloud-based DVR allows you to record up to 20 hours of programming (HD or SD).

Can I watch Xfinity Instant TV on my television?
Yes. You can use the Xfinity Stream app on compatible smart TVs or Roku devices to enjoy Xfinity Instant TV. We are working hard to bring the Xfinity Stream app to additional smart TVs and streaming devices through our Xfinity TV Partner program, so check back periodically for updates.

Can I use my Xfinity Instant TV credentials to access network websites and apps?
Yes. As an Xfinity Instant TV subscriber, you can use your username and password to access many network websites and mobile apps. See our current list of participating programmers who offer content through their websites and apps.

Can Xfinity Instant TV customers take existing cloud recordings with them when they move and/or transfer service?
At this time, you cannot transfer existing DVR recordings to a new service address.

Disclaimer

Restrictions apply. Xfinity Instant TV is only available in select areas. Offer currently available to Xfinity Internet-only customers. Requires an Xfinity-compatible cable modem or wireless gateway. Service allows for up to two simultaneous streams per account. May not be combined with other video services. Not all programming available in all areas. Using a mobile wireless network to download or use apps may incur data charges; check your wireless provider's rate plan for details.