FAQs
What are Xfinity WiFi Extenders and how do they work?
Xfinity WiFi Extenders are devices that can be paired with a compatible Xfinity Gateway to create a mesh WiFi network in your home. Xfinity WiFi Extenders help eliminate areas where WiFi coverage drops or is weak, also known as "dead spots." They provide extended, more consistent WiFi coverage throughout your entire home.
Xfinity WiFi Extenders are small enough to fit into the palm of your hand. Each device plugs into an electrical outlet and works as an extension of your gateway's network. As devices join your WiFi network and move around your home, they will stay seamlessly connected.
How do I know if I would benefit from purchasing Xfinity WiFi Extenders?
If you have rooms in your home with poor WiFi connectivity due to a weak or inconsistent WiFi signal, Xfinity WiFi Extenders may be a good solution. Xfinity WiFi Extenders help extend the range of WiFi coverage in your home to hard-to-reach areas or areas with poor WiFi signals. They are not intended to provide the maximum speed of your internet speed tier throughout your home.
For example, if you have a speed tier that provides download speeds up to 200 Mbps, Xfinity WiFi Extenders will not provide that speed throughout your home. Rather, the Xfinity WiFi Extenders will help you connect in areas where you could not previously connect to your in-home WiFi.
Xfinity WiFi Extenders won't exceed the maximum provisioned speed of your Xfinity Internet tier of service. The maximum throughput of Xfinity WiFi Extenders (2nd Generation) is 500 Mbps over a WiFi connection in laboratory settings. Older Xfinity WiFi Extenders have a lower maximum throughput. Other factors can affect speeds.
What is the difference between the Xfinity WiFi Extenders and the newer model?
Xfinity WiFi Extenders (2nd Generation) are more powerful and have better overall performance than the original Xfinity WiFi Extenders. Fewer Xfinity WiFi Extenders are needed to cover the same area.
The newer Xfinity WiFi Extenders have a higher maximum throughput over WiFi connections and an additional Ethernet port to hardwire your devices to the Xfinity WiFi Extenders.
Can I add Xfinity WiFi Extenders (2nd Generation) to a network with Xfinity WiFi Extenders (1st Generation)?
Yes, Xfinity WiFi Extenders (2nd Generation) and Xfinity WiFi Extenders (1st Generation) can be added to the same network. However, the newer Xfinity WiFi Extenders are much stronger and faster than the 1st Generation Xfinity WiFi Extenders.
If you purchase the newer 2nd Generation Xfinity WiFi Extender(s), you should remove your older Xfinity WiFi Extender(s) for proper activation of your new equipment and wait 48 hours for them to adapt to the coverage needs of your home. After 48 hours, if you still have poor coverage in some areas, you can readd your older Xfinity WiFi Extender(s) to extend coverage to those areas.
- Tips for using older and newer Xfinity WiFi Extenders in one network:
- The newer Xfinity WiFi Extender(s) should be placed closer to the gateway and, if required, older Xfinity WiFi Extender(s) should be placed on the edges of your network.
- Too many Xfinity WiFi Extenders can degrade your network speed/strength.
- Be sure to wait 48 hours before adding more Xfinity WiFi Extender to the network.
I already have Xfinity WiFi Extenders. How do I know if I would benefit from purchasing Xfinity WiFi Extenders (2nd Generation)?
If you’re satisfied with the coverage and performance of your Xfinity WiFi Extenders, you may not need to upgrade to Xfinity WiFi Extenders (2nd Generation). However, if you’re interested in enhancing performance and coverage, you can upgrade to Xfinity WiFi Extenders (2nd Generation).
Purchasing Xfinity WiFi Extenders
Do I have to purchase Xfinity WiFi Extenders to receive the best WiFi coverage in my home?
No, Xfinity WiFi Extenders are completely optional. In many homes, all you need is the Xfinity Gateway to deliver fast and reliable in-home WiFi speed and coverage. If you have rooms in your home with poor WiFi connectivity due to a weak or inconsistent WiFi signal, then Xfinity WiFi Extenders may be a good solution as they can help eliminate dead spots and provide better coverage.
How can I get Xfinity WiFi Extenders?
Xfinity WiFi Extenders can be purchased by eligible Xfinity Internet customers with a compatible xFi Gateway at an Xfinity Retail Store or online at xfinity.com/xfipods. Cisco DP3939 Gateways do not support Xfinity WiFi Extenders. To see which model you have, view the Devices page in your account or look on the bottom of your gateway.
When purchasing Xfinity WiFi Extenders online, you must meet the eligibility requirements outlined above and place the order while signed into your account as a Primary or Manager user. Members and Viewers will not be able to place online orders for Xfinity WiFi Extenders.
Learn more about the different types of users.
Xfinity WiFi Extenders can be purchased individually or in sets of two. If you place an order online for Xfinity WiFi Extenders, a Getting Started kit will be shipped directly to the address on your account for quick and easy installation.
In some areas, agents can send you a direct shipment of Xfinity WiFi Extenders to your home. However, they can’t set up an order for you to pick up your Xfinity WiFi Extenders at a local Xfinity Retail Store.
How many Xfinity WiFi Extenders should I purchase?
One 2nd Generation Xfinity WiFi Extender is recommended for homes with three to four bedrooms and multiple stories. A set of two 2nd Generation Xfinity WiFi Extenders is more appropriate for homes with more than five bedrooms and multiple stories.
These guidelines vary depending on the size of your home, the placement of your gateway and the home construction materials used.
Please note that you should be conservative when determining the number of Xfinity WiFi Extenders that you would like to purchase. Installing more Xfinity WiFi Extenders than necessary could impact your home WiFi speeds.
How are Xfinity WiFi Extenders different from WiFi extenders?
Xfinity WiFi Extenders create a mesh WiFi network, which provides several key benefits that WiFi extenders do not, including:
- Greater range of coverage throughout the entire home.
- Simple activation and central management of your entire WiFi network using the Xfinity app.
- An adaptive WiFi network that automatically connects your devices to the best possible access point in the home
WiFi extenders help extend the WiFi signal further out from your gateway. However, due to their limited range, they will not extend WiFi coverage throughout the entire home.
- Note: The devices that are connected through your router/extender may not appear in xFi.
How much do Xfinity WiFi Extenders cost?
If you are an eligible customer, you can purchase a Xfinity WiFi Extender for $119 or two Xfinity WiFi Extenders for $199. There will also be a shipping and handling fee for online purchases. The cost will appear on your next Comcast bill as an "Xfinity WiFi Extenders" line item.
Alternative mesh WiFi systems can range from $150 to more than $500, making Xfinity WiFi Extenders an affordable option.
Why are Xfinity WiFi Extenders only offered individually or in sets of two?
Xfinity WiFi Extenders are designed to help ensure that WiFi coverage is extended to every corner of your home. The latest generation Xfinity WiFi Extender is more powerful and can extend coverage to areas in your home that would have previously required three Xfinity WiFi Extenders.
Your first Xfinity WiFi Extender should be placed in a room halfway between your gateway and an area without coverage. If you have additional areas of your home that need coverage, you can add another Xfinity WiFi Extender. Your additional Xfinity WiFi Extender(s) should also be plugged into outlets halfway between your gateway and those areas.
Can I buy or share a set of Xfinity WiFi Extenders with a friend or family member?
Yes, a set of Xfinity WiFi Extenders can be shared with others; however, please note that Xfinity Internet service and a compatible Xfinity Gateway are needed to use Xfinity WiFi Extenders.
We recommend activating the Xfinity WiFi Extenders you're keeping first. After you activate the Xfinity WiFi Extenders you plan to keep, the unused Xfinity WiFi Extenders will show as offline. To avoid confusion, you can choose to remove the offline Xfinity WiFi Extenders that you plan to share so they are no longer visible in your app. Your friend or family member will be able to activate them by signing in to the Xfinity app with their Xfinity ID.
Installation instructions and tips
How do I install and activate my Xfinity WiFi Extenders?
Xfinity WiFi Extenders are easy to install — no technician is needed. Once you order your Xfinity WiFi Extenders, you'll receive a Getting Started kit with simple instructions on how to activate your Xfinity WiFi Extenders using the Xfinity app.
You can download the Xfinity app for free on the App Store or Google Play if your gateway has been activated. Xfinity WiFi Extender activation requires a supported mobile operating system.
Please see how to get started with Xfinity xFi for details.
Once you begin activating your Xfinity WiFi Extenders using the Xfinity app, you'll be provided with easy-to-follow on-screen instructions.
For activation steps, an informational video and more, see Xfinity WiFi Extenders activation.
Notes:
- Be sure to plug your Xfinity WiFi Extenders into active electrical outlets.
- Do not connect your Xfinity WiFi Extenders directly to your compatible Xfinity Gateway using the Ethernet port on the bottom of the Xfinity WiFi Extender.
- The Xfinity WiFi Extenders connect wirelessly to the gateway.
- You won't be able to activate your Xfinity WiFi Extenders if one is connected directly to the gateway.
Can I have a Comcast technician come and install Xfinity WiFi Extenders for me?
No; however, if a technician is already scheduled for an installation or service call and you either have Xfinity WiFi Extenders or have purchased Xfinity WiFi Extenders from the technician when they arrived, then they can install them for you.
For more information on how to install your own Xfinity WiFi Extenders, see the How do I install and activate my Xfinity WiFi Extenders? question above.
Can I use Xfinity WiFi Extenders if my Xfinity Gateway is in Bridge Mode?
No. Xfinity Gateway features, including Xfinity WiFi Extenders, are only available if you rent a compatible Xfinity Gateway for internet and WiFi access and the device is not in Bridge Mode. See Using Bridge Mode on your gateway for more detail.
Can Xfinity WiFi Extenders be placed outdoors?
No. Xfinity WiFi Extenders are not meant for outdoor use and should not be placed outside of your home. To extend WiFi coverage to an outdoor location, place one of your Xfinity WiFi Extenders in an inside wall outlet that is closest to the outdoor area where you would like to extend WiFi coverage.
Other than Xfinity Internet, the Xfinity app and a compatible Xfinity Gateway, is there anything else that is required to use Xfinity WiFi Extenders?
In order to activate and use your Xfinity WiFi Extenders, your Xfinity Gateway must not be in Bridge Mode and your home network must have the following settings enabled:
- An enabled and broadcasting WiFi network (i.e., your WiFi network cannot be disabled through the gateway's Admin Tool (10.0.0.1)).
- One WiFi network name and password (i.e., you can't have a separate WiFi network name and password for your radio bands).
- Your network still has the 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz radio bands.
- This allows your gateway to sort out the best connection at any given time for your devices.
- A password to join your WiFi network (i.e., your WiFi Security Mode setting must be password-protected).
When you activate your Xfinity WiFi Extenders, you may be prompted to make any of the above changes to your settings if they are required.
Once you've activated your Xfinity WiFi Extenders, advanced settings like WiFi Mode, Channel and Channel Width will be managed automatically to provide the best coverage.
Do I have to use all of the Xfinity WiFi Extenders that come in the set?
No. Simply plug in the Xfinity WiFi Extenders that you want to use, and when activating your Xfinity WiFi Extenders using the Xfinity app, select All Xfinity WiFi Extenders Ready to Go. On the following screen, select Not Using All Xfinity WiFi Extenders.
After activation, the unused Xfinity WiFi Extenders will show as Offline on the app.
I didn't name my Xfinity WiFi Extenders when I activated them, or I would like to change the names I had previously assigned to each Xfinity WiFi Extender. How can I assign names to them now that they are already installed?
From the Xfinity app, go to WiFi, select View WiFi equipment, select the Xfinity WiFi Extender you want to name or rename, select Device Details, then select the pencil icon to edit the Xfinity WiFi Extender name.
Using your Xfinity WiFi Extenders
Do I need to manually connect my devices to each Xfinity WiFi Extender for WiFi access?
No. Once devices join your home WiFi network, they will automatically connect to the best WiFi access point, whether that is your gateway or Xfinity WiFi Extenders. You can easily see if a device is connected to your gateway or Xfinity WiFi Extender by opening the Xfinity app, navigating to WiFi and scrolling down to the Devices section, then select the device. The connection type is listed under the Device Details section.
Why do I no longer see the 2.4 and 5GHz radio band names of my network?
Xfinity WiFi Extenders require that you only have one WiFi network name and password. Your network still has both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz radio bands, but now your gateway will sort out the best connection at any given time for your devices. Keep in mind, you may need to reconnect devices to your WiFi name and password, if they were previously connected to a name designated for a single radio band.
How can I tell if my Xfinity WiFi Extenders are working?
You can check the status of your Xfinity WiFi Extenders by going to the WiFi tab of the Xfinity app and then selecting View WiFi equipment. If a Xfinity WiFi Extender is offline, it will be indicated here and you can follow troubleshooting steps. If the Xfinity WiFi Extender is online and working, it will have a green status.
If I swap out my Xfinity Gateway for a new Xfinity Gateway or if I move and transfer my Xfinity Internet service to a new address, do I need to reactivate my Xfinity WiFi Extenders?
No, you should not have to reactivate your Xfinity WiFi Extenders. After activating your new compatible gateway, your Xfinity WiFi Extenders should automatically reconnect once your new gateway is online. Be sure to keep/transfer your previous settings if prompted during the activation process.
If you have any issues during activation, or if you cannot reconnect your Xfinity WiFi Extenders, please contact us. If your Xfinity WiFi Extenders appear in the Xfinity app once your gateway is activated at the new address, and you want to re-identify and re-name each Xfinity WiFi Extender, open the Xfinity app and navigate to WiFi and select View WiFi equipment. Next, select each Xfinity WiFi Extender, then Device Details to rename them.
Note: Your Xfinity WiFi Extenders must be online in order to rename them.
What is the Ethernet port on the Xfinity WiFi Extender used for?
Once your Xfinity WiFi Extenders are installed and online, you can hardwire your Xfinity Gateway and/or your devices to your Xfinity WiFi Extenders using an Ethernet cable if you so choose. Hardwiring your Xfinity Gateway to a Xfinity WiFi Extender gives you faster speeds and the connection is not impacted by distance or WiFi interference.
Connecting your Xfinity WiFi Extender to your Xfinity Gateway using an Ethernet cable is especially helpful when:
- A home has Ethernet wiring to different rooms.
- The home is very large or has construction that may block WiFi signals (concrete or stone interior walls, metal or metal mesh in or on the interior walls).
Note: Not all Xfinity Gateway can be connected to your Xfinity WiFi Extenders. For a list of compatible Xfinity Gateway, see I’ve hardwired my Xfinity WiFi Extender to my gateway, so why is the Connection Type still set to WiFi?.
Hardwiring your device to a Xfinity WiFi Extender would give you slightly faster speeds than connecting the device to the network over WiFi.
How do I know if my Xfinity WiFi Extenders are connected through Ethernet or WiFi?
When you connect your Xfinity Gateway to your Xfinity WiFi Extender using an Ethernet cable, the Xfinity Gateway will start blinking. When the light on the Xfinity Gateway goes out, it's connected to the wireless gateway.
You can then go to the Xfinity app and confirm whether the Connection Type is Ethernet or WiFi. In the Xfinity app, select WiFi > View WiFi equipment > Select Xfinity WiFi Extender > Device Details. If the Connection Type is still set to WiFi, see I’ve hardwired my Xfinity WiFi Extender to my gateway, so why is the Connection Type still set to WiFi?.
Troubleshooting
Why did some of my devices lose connection to my home WiFi network once I activated my Xfinity WiFi Extenders?
You may have previously had a separate WiFi network name and password for your 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi networks. Xfinity WiFi Extenders require that each of your network names and passwords be the same, so that all of your devices can seamlessly connect to the network that will provide the best WiFi signal at any given time.
You should have been notified if your network names and passwords were different when you activated your Xfinity WiFi Extenders. The WiFi network name and password previously used for the 2.4GHz WiFi network should now be the WiFi network name and password used for all of your devices, unless you changed it. Make sure all of your devices are connected using the current WiFi name and password for your home network.
Why can I no longer have different WiFi network names and passwords for my 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi networks?
Xfinity WiFi Extenders require that you only have one WiFi network name and password; this is so all your devices can seamlessly connect to the network that will provide the best WiFi signal at any given time.
What can I do if all my Xfinity WiFi Extenders are online, but I'm still having WiFi issues?
If you're getting WiFi coverage in areas of your home where there was once no or limited connectivity and none of the Xfinity WiFi Extenders are showing as offline, then the Xfinity WiFi Extenders are doing their job. If you're experiencing connectivity issues that are limiting your ability to perform specific functions (i.e., streaming video), you may benefit from the following:
- Connecting your device through Ethernet to a Xfinity WiFi Extender or the gateway.
- Moving Xfinity WiFi Extender(s) closer to the gateway or another Xfinity WiFi Extender.
- Purchasing additional Xfinity WiFi Extenders.
- Disconnecting your device from your in-home WiFi network and reconnecting.
My device is right next to a Xfinity WiFi Extender, so why is it connecting to a different Xfinity WiFi Extender in another room?
In a WiFi mesh network, the best connection point for a device may not always be the one that's closest to it. Xfinity WiFi Extenders communicate with each other and the gateway to monitor the number of devices connected in the home, their location, and the type of WiFi connection that each device needs. This ensures that your device is operating with the best signal. Think of it the same way that your GPS directs you to an alternate route to get you to your destination faster when there's too much traffic on the main road.
I did not activate all of the Xfinity WiFi Extenders that came in the set. Is there a way I can remove the Xfinity WiFi Extenders from xFi so that they are not showing as offline?
From the Xfinity app, navigate to WiFi, select View WiFi equipment, select the Xfinity WiFi Extender that you'd like to remove, select Device Details then Remove Xfinity WiFi Extender.
How can I fix an offline Xfinity WiFi Extender?
If a Xfinity WiFi Extender is offline, it will be indicated on the My Network page that is accessible by selecting your network from the WiFi tab of the Xfinity app. To troubleshoot, select the Xfinity WiFi Extender from the list, then select Help Me Fix It for tips on how to bring the Xfinity WiFi Extender online or improve its connection.
Keep in mind that while troubleshooting, it may take up to two minutes for the Xfinity WiFi Extender status to update.
If you have a Xfinity WiFi Extender that you are not using, remove it so it does not appear as Offline.
I’ve hardwired my Xfinity WiFi Extender to my gateway, so why is the Connection Type still set to WiFi?
The Connection Type might not switch to Ethernet for several reasons. Your gateway or Xfinity WiFi Extender might not have the minimum firmware required. Keep your Xfinity Gateway and Xfinity WiFi Extender(s) plugged in and online to automatically install the latest firmware.
Xfinity Gateway minimum firmware
Technicolor CGM4981COM (XB8): 5.2+
Technicolor CGM4331COM (XB7): 4.10+
CommScope TG4482A (XB7): 5.2+
Technicolor CGM4140COM (XB6): 5.2+
Arris TG3482G (XB6): 5.2+
Arris X5001 (XF3): 5.2+
Arris TG1682 (XB3): Feature not available
Cisco DPC3941 (XB3): Feature not available
In the Xfinity app, go to WiFi > View WiFi equipment > Gateway > Gateway Details to check your gateway’s firmware.
Xfinity WiFi Extender minimum firmware: 3.4.1.9+
In the Xfinity app, go to WiFi > View WiFi equipment > Select a Xfinity WiFi Extender > Device Details to check your Xfinity WiFi Extender's firmware.
If you’re using an Ethernet switch, some managed Ethernet switches can block the signals necessary to hardwire your gateway to your Xfinity WiFi Extender. If you think your switch might be blocking the signals to your Xfinity WiFi Extender(s), try the following steps:
- Connect the Xfinity WiFi Extender directly to the xFi Gateway using an Ethernet cable.
- Check the Connection Type in the Xfinity app.
- In the Xfinity app, go to WiFi > View WiFi equipment > Select a Xfinity WiFi Extender > Device Details > Connection Type.
- If the Connection Type switched to Ethernet when connected directly to the gateway, the switch is causing the issue.
- To resolve this, you can replace your switch with an unmanaged Ethernet switch.
Why is my Xfinity WiFi Extender blinking and dropping WiFi connectivity intermittently?
If your Xfinity WiFi Extender is blinking when your WiFi connectivity drops, your Xfinity WiFi Extender/gateway may have lost internet connectivity or your network may be optimizing.
Optimization is the process of balancing out the network and connection points for optimal performance. Your network typically optimizes when Xfinity WiFi Extenders are added/removed from your network and during an overnight scheduled optimization. However, if you see repeated instances of optimization, it may indicate that:
- Your gateway might not be centrally located within your house.
- Learn more about how to position your gateway to improve WiFi network performance.
- Your Xfinity WiFi Extenders or gateway might be blocked by furniture/large objects.
- Your Xfinity WiFi Extenders are too far from your gateway and should be relocated.
For the best signal and performance, place your Xfinity WiFi Extender in a room halfway between your gateway and an area without coverage. Simply installing a Xfinity WiFi Extender in an area without coverage will most likely not address the coverage issues.
Xfinity WiFi Extenders perform better when they are directly connected to the gateway. If you have more than one Xfinity WiFi Extender, keep the remaining Xfinity WiFi Extenders halfway between your gateway and other areas without coverage around your home to avoid a connection hop (Xfinity WiFi Extenders that are connected to the gateway through another Xfinity WiFi Extender).
Use the Xfinity app to determine if a Xfinity WiFi Extender is connected to the gateway or to another Xfinity WiFi Extender. Go to the WiFi tab, select View WiFi equipment, select the Xfinity WiFi Extender you want to check, and then select Device Details. The Connection Point will detail if the Xfinity WiFi Extender is connected to the gateway or to another Xfinity WiFi Extender on your network.
Returning Xfinity WiFi Extenders
How can I return my Xfinity WiFi Extenders?
To get a full refund, you'll need to return your Xfinity WiFi Extenders within 30 days. Xfinity WiFi Extenders can be exchanged within one year under the hardware warranty. Older Xfinity WiFi Extenders can’t be exchanged for the new model (2nd Generation).
To initiate a return or exchange, visit xfinity.com/xfipodsreturns.
Do Xfinity WiFi Extenders come with a warranty?
Yes, all Xfinity WiFi Extenders come with a 30-day money back guarantee and a one-year hardware warranty.
Learn more about the Xfinity WiFi Extenders Limited Warranty.
Xfinity WiFi Extenders and internet speeds
Will Xfinity WiFi Extenders provide maximum internet speeds throughout my home?
Xfinity WiFi Extenders are not intended to provide the maximum speed of your internet speed tier throughout your home. For example, if you have a speed tier that provides download speeds up to 200 Mbps, Xfinity WiFi Extenders will not provide that speed throughout your home. Rather, Xfinity WiFi Extenders will allow you to connect in areas where you could not previously connect to your in-home WiFi.
Xfinity WiFi Extenders will not exceed the maximum provisioned speed of your Xfinity Internet tier of service. In a laboratory setting, Xfinity WiFi Extenders (1st Generation) and (2nd Generation) have a maximum throughput of 200 and 500 Mbps over a WiFi Connection, respectively. Other factors can affect speeds.
What factors can impact WiFi speeds when using Xfinity WiFi Extenders?
In order to help extend your WiFi connection, Xfinity WiFi Extenders need to communicate or connect wirelessly to the Xfinity Gateway and, depending on their location, they may 'hop' through other Xfinity WiFi Extenders on their path to get there. The number of 'hops' the Xfinity WiFi Extender needs to make to the gateway will impact the speed.
Regardless of whether you are using Xfinity WiFi Extenders, your internet speed is limited to your speed tier, and Xfinity WiFi Extenders will not increase that speed. In addition, a number of other factors affect internet speed, including your connection type (Ethernet vs. WiFi), the number of devices in use, the age of your device, site traffic, content provider server capacity and internal network factors.
Get more tips for optimizing WiFi speeds in your home.
Open source information
Want to learn more about Xfinity WiFi Extenders’ open source software? See a list of open source software components used in these devices.
Additional information
Visit our Online Support Center to find common solutions.
The easiest way to activate, manage, and troubleshoot your Xfinity experience is with the Xfinity app! Get 24/7 real-time support, pay your bill, view plan details, get outage updates, and more. Download the free Xfinity app, or scan the QR code with your smartphone.
Need additional support? Ask Xfinity Assistant.