XFINITY TV Remote Reviews

by TimDawgz

Really Comcast? What happens inside that company that prevents you from getting it right? I used to be able to schedule new recordings through XFINITYTVRemote which was extremely useful for people like me who aren't home much so we can still schedule our desired recordings while out of the house and now that functionality is gone?! I can no longer set the ability to record when viewing future TV shows in the listings section or edit recurring recording options which I used to be able to do. The red record button is simply gone. Worst part is that it would appear that this change is intentional considering I don't see any mention of an ability to set or update recordings anywhere in your description.

It's no wonder so many people are jumping ship and becoming "cable cutters". ✂️ 📺
That always sounded like more trouble than it's worth but everyday I think I'm getting closer to joining them.

by Smartashley

XFINITYTVRemote is so poorly designed. Why on earth would developers think users want to see a blank screen a keyboard when first opening XFINITYTVRemote . There’s no reason why XFINITYTVRemote can’t open up to the actual controls. You have to press the microphone just to get to the main screen that, for some reason, has 3 separate sections?? voice, directional controls, number pad. All this would literally fit on one screen.

When changing the tv you want to control, a whole screen pops up just so the device names can be tiny in the corner. XFINITYTVRemote is so crudely designed.

I don’t know who designed this or who is in charge of the maintenance, but I suggest they find another job because this is a poor attempt at good user interface. It hasn’t changed in YEARS.

The ONLY positive thing about XFINITYTVRemote is that in the event there’s an issue w the remote, I can control the TV. Wish there was power/volume controls though.

Also not sure why xfinity has a million apps. Why can’t there just be ONE app to consolidate my account, xfi, remote, home, hotspot, like this is annoying. The only separate app I can understand is the Stream app.

do better Xfinity. Customers don’t pay an arm and a leg just to be neglected.

by Gloriami1

Months of probs with remote, lots of days on end w/o tv and outages, and a phone customer service call more often than not takes 45 min . A few times it took much longer. XFINITYTVRemote does not allow you to adjust volume. XFINITYTVRemote allows me to turn tv on and off, and change channels, good, since the remote does not even turn off tv. I pay extra each month so that I don’t have to drive 18 miles to my local Xfinity store. Last time I did that the wait was abt 15 minutes. Additional costs for Comcast $5.00 gas to drive to Xfinity store and back. Time involved with this. This remote: $7.99 for 8 pack of Duracell batteries; batteries life this time was less than 2 weeks, so batteries cost for 1 month was $4.00. I tried using cheap Chinese batteries but they were too weak to work the remote. Batteries are purchased on regular grocery store shopping days. I see that Comcast
products are not reliable. They have, in my opinion, a third world attitude; there is no pride in excellence. The allegiance of this company is ONLY to the family of the managers of Comcast/Xfinity. By the way, the most common reason that a company changes name is to avoid liability.

by BadRobot2013

I am a new Xfinity customer having switched from FIOS a few days ago. So far I am very happy except for Xfinity Remote. FIOS TV app has a very good channel guide that I can view from my iPhone or iPad. After downloading Xfinity Remote and trying to get it to work I finally called Support. They answered very quickly however the 1st Tier CSR could not solve problem after directing me through several menus. I was escalated to another rep who told me XFINITYTVRemote is disabled and not functional, that it is being upgraded but no time window for that. There is no other way to view programming by day and time nor set up or cancel recordings from a mobile device.

Why is the disabled app still available for download? You would think this would be a priority. Since according to other reviews her why not just go back to a working version until the new app is available? Small bump in the road on my Xfinity journey but irritating. I would like to commend customer service for the quick response and not requiring me to spend the 10 minutes it takes to work through FIOS auto attendant process.

by J0(|{5TR4P

First, let me say I rarely write reviews. But, XFINITYTVRemote warrants 0 stars (I had to pick 1 star but I wanted 0). Comcast removed the ability to record or cancel recordings from XFINITYTVRemote . This is totally inexcusable as This was the only useful feature. Put it back or I will be switching providers. XFINITYTVRemote is worthless now! I read another review where the reviewer said Comcast removed functionality for legal reasons. Comcast needs to stop providing total BS answers. Furthermore, even in my house, I can't set recordings from XFINITYTVRemote . I can only set recordings from the remote control in my house. I know for a fact that DirectTV can set recordings remotely. I was told the functionality was removed because it was not used by many customers. This makes no sense whatsoever. Shame on you Comcast. Why don't you actually put your customers first for a change. 0 stars!!!!!!

by Alex-RG

XFINITYTVRemote worked perfectly for two years—no glitches at all. Then a couple of weeks ago, it quit. Although I could open the guide, it couldn’t download the guide data that would show what show was on which channel and when. I thought it was a slowdown and would resolve itself, but it didn’t. I tried a few times a day to access the guide, and it would give me the same error message: “Unable to load information because the server stopped responding.” I upgraded my iOS, and made no difference. I even deleted XFINITYTVRemote and reinstalled, and I get the same error. Obviously the problem is on Xfinity’s end, and they’ve had at least two weeks to fix it, but they either are unable to fix it or don’t care. Bottom line: don’t plan on using XFINITYTVRemote for its guide or remote purposes, because you’ll just get frustrated.

I also have DirectTV, and its app works perfectly, so I’m abandoning this Xfinity app in favor of DirectTV.

by Mark326

This goes out to both Xfinity "and" the ITunes Store. Before I usually install any updates, I typically like to see the reviews of the updates after a few days, so I don't do an update of a "bomb" or a problematic update. Now, it appears with all the apps in the ITunes Store, the reviews are literally all not in chronological order by date, but from dates all over the place. It's making me hesitant to install any updates ever since I noticed the change. Remote app I have really isn't anything like my home remote with the menus so it's pretty difficult to give any kind of review, except for this one where I can't tell if any recent updates are even available and that the remote doesn't appear like the XR1 remote for X1 which isn't a plus.

by Wolfchild59

No longer able to view anything at all on the On Demand tab. I’ve tried closing XFINITYTVRemote fully down, restarting the phone, and deleting and reinstalling, but nothing will make it work again.

“Best” part is that the same day it stopped working, I got an email shortly after where they were stating their commitment to keeping all of their stuff running smoothly knowing many folks were going to be home a lot more the next few weeks.

I keep checking a few times each day to see if it’s working again, or if they’ve released an update which may fix it, but still nothing. At least On Demand on the box itself is still working, for now. Since that was down for almost two weeks not long ago.

by Hyemart

The ability—from the xfinity TV remote app—to set recordings, has recently been removed. DUMB MOVE!! This was one of the best features of XFINITYTVRemote . Now, recordings can only be set when at the location where a customer’s TV service is provided. A person can no longer set recordings when traveling or otherwise away from the service location. When I called Comcast to complain, I was told it is “a legal issue.” Comcast owes its customers a complete explanation and a time estimate when the feature will be restored, if ever. I’ve been a Comcast customer for many years and have rejected many solicitations from other companies over the years, but now may be the time to change my service provider. Satellite or internet companies may be the answer.

by Firecaptainrich

Just like all of Comcast / xfinity, this is garbage. Worst of all is xfinity customer service. HORRIBLE customer service. How about the constant glitches in my service. How about my set top boxes saying I'm not authorized to receive the service when I pay $200 a month. How about repair technicians who don't show up, which had happened to me 5 different times after waiting all day. How about the cable line that is running through my yard for 2 months now and the guy who buries the line hasn't showed up yet. I could go on and on because I'm only scratching the surface. Xfinity is garbage not worthy of garbage and so are their employees. Beware if you think of signing up for this service or leaving your current provider.

Here’s an updated review since my last review above. Since I have switched to the X1 service (2 years ago) I’ve had much better luck with my service. I haven’t had to call customer service, even though Xfinity customer service is still rated at the bottom of the barrel. The WiFi is very fast too. The xfinity tv remote app WAS really good, right up until you can no longer record your programs away from home. WHY WHY WHY would you get rid of that feature???

by BadBrain13

My physical xfinity remote broke and Comcast customer service wanted to charge me to have a new one sent out, or drive 30 min (one way) in the rain, then stand in line, just to get a replacement. For what I pay each month I expected better help but shame on me. So now I have to use the xfinity app to navigate my comcast cable. It’s not too bad but has the potential to be much, much better. I finally realized after a few months of use that tapping the microphone icon within the remote app also brings up the arrow navigation and keypad, and that makes my life so much easier. It’s not very intuitive but at least the functionality exists. I would love a way to go to a channel directly from the guide, instead of going to a page description first. Also it is too easy to click/unclick the “favorites” stars on the guide page. Hopefully XFINITYTVRemote will get better over time. It serves its purpose for me until I dump xfinity for charging too much, frequent outages and providing total crap for customer service.

by Easydoesit421

XFINITYTVRemote is ok but favorites need to be fixed. I have favorited channels in the 1800s that do not show up on my TV when I select favorites in the X1 guide. They are showing up in the lower numbers below 1000 in X1 “favorites” guide view. The only way I can see them is if I select “few to me” as my X1 guide view. This adds hundreds of channels I don’t want to run through to my TV guide. I realize they are not HD but they should still be in the favorites view under the higher numbers. Then when I go back to XFINITYTVRemote the lower numbered channels are now starred as favorites along with their counterparts up in the 1800s. For what it costs for Comcast cable I would think this could be easily fixed. Better yet let’s get a custom channel guide view with the ability to put any channel anywhere you want. Come on Comcast do something for your customers besides take note and more of their money every month.

by Madmonu

My remote broke while in the midst of stay-at-home orders in March. The stores are closed and I can’t get a replacement remote. For the past two months I’d had to rely on XFINITYTVRemote to work with my streaming box.

It works, but suffers from huge lags. You press a button and then wait for about 3 seconds for it to reflect on TV. Its not such a big issue when doing a voice search, but this delay in changing volume, switching channels or typing something in Netflix search (xfinity doesn’t support voice search in Netflix) is extremely frustrating. I wish they fixed this soon (or opened their stores soon)!

Also- it has no power button or volume button! I need to use another app on my old galaxy S5 with an IR blaster to double up as TV remote now 🤯

by Nutella Bear

XFINITYTVRemote has the potential for being a real value added perk for Xfinity and my main wish is that Comcast invest the money in XFINITYTVRemote to bring it to full functionality. It needs to have all the functionality of the X1 Remote with a full set of tools to manage program guides and schedules. XFINITYTVRemote is about half way there and is screaming for greater investment. I would rather use something like this than any of the on-screen guides.

One feature I would really like to have is the ability to construct my own channel lineup. Right now I have more than 300 channels but my actual viewing is typically a list of about 50 channels. I would like to have the ability to put together my own list of channels that displays only the channels I typically watch and be able to group and order the channels the way I want them displayed in a guide. This feature would be more important to me than the ability to "jump" in the channel listings. Jump is important now because there are so many channels I don't watch cluttering up my display.

Update v3.7 — I hate the new way you mark Favorite channels. The old pull out tab was great. Now, with the star always showing, as I move through the listings I frequently end up unmarking the station as a favorite.

by Midnightstar81

I love XFINITYTVRemote for iPhone & iPad. It's voiceover and Zoom friendly for those who are blind and visually impaired. However I have large print enabled on both of my devices and XFINITYTVRemote wont cater to that. So while large print enabled on my devices it'll show is very small print for XFINITYTVRemote . That definitely needs to be changed.

Also, several of my friends in the Linus community have noticed that the remote feature and XFINITYTVRemote does not include buttons for power on/off and volume/mute as well as channel up/down. It has every other button available. This too needs to be changed. There also needs to be a way to toggle accessibility settings on and off through XFINITYTVRemote like an actual remote.

Other than that it's a really great app.

by Nikups

I read a lot of reviews that say their app just stopped working. I don’t have this problem. Mine works perfectly. Maybe it’s the box itself and not XFINITYTVRemote . Xfinity is constantly upgrading their boxes and routers. They don’t inform the customers though. They will let you go years with the same box and router. You can call and request a new box and router or go to service center and pick them up. Luckily I have a service center near me. I take mine in for an upgrade every year, no charge. This has solved a lot of problems with performance. You’re paying good money for Xfinity, make sure you have the latest equipment.

by ColsonThePhotographer

XFINITYTVRemote works really great as a TV guide and an internet-powered TV remote. There are complaints that XFINITYTVRemote can’t change the TV volume; Iphones don’t have Infrared LEDs necessary to control the TV screen’s volume, so XFINITYTVRemote can’t do that for hardware reasons.
What’s really cool is that XFINITYTVRemote controls the TV directly through the cable. You can control the home TV from your kitchen, your workplace, your car, your local Amusment park, and practically anywhere with internet access. Great way to prank family and friends; you can change the channel on them or hit the “last” button on your Iphone remote and leave them wondering how your TV is changing channels by itself!

by Cwordy

I researched for a couple of months before switching from antennae to Comcast a few months ago. The top two features that made me go with them was the voice remote and that I could view guide and set recordings from my iPad which I used every day. I could look ahead at schedule and set things I wanted to record without disrupting my husband watching TV. I could also use it when not home. Now the record from the iPad has been removed - a major feature that I’m paying for. This isn’t what I agreed to when I signed up. Are our bills going to be reduced? I see Dish now has a voice remote and you can record from phone etc. Now I think I made the wrong choice.

by DomiNATE20

Idk why this has such a low rating? It Connected with all my boxes instantly after signing in and works just like my normal remote does. Even could use the voice command function and opened up HBO max with it. Perfect for when your laying in bed and can’t find the remote lol 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Edit
After reading reviews and seeing peoples complaints it’s obvious that no one takes the time to look through XFINITYTVRemote and find everything that you’re complaining XFINITYTVRemote doesn’t have.. it’s all there… arrow and enter buttons being able to look through the guide being able to set to record… it’s all there except a volume function but honestly not that big of a deal… anyways before posting a bogus bad review take the time to learn how to use XFINITYTVRemote .. honestly not that complicated 🤪

by Bythebay10

All of the reviewers here are leaving 1 star because they don’t understand XFINITYTVRemote and how it works. For starters, this is only available if you use an X1 box as explained on the description and support doc. Secondly, you can’t use it until you set up your box first. It does not replace the remote that comes with your X1 box. Third: you just realize that the technology used to adjust your TV volume is infrared beams. This isn’t possible with a smartphone because your smartphone doesn’t have an IR beam like a physical remote does. You’re able to control the cable box playback, navigation etc because XFINITYTVRemote communicates with your box over WiFi (or really app-to-cloud-to-cablebox, for the tech savvy reading) to control it. this isn’t possible with your tv or soundbar etc. Hopefully this helps people and saves you from wasting time on the phone with tech support who also doesn’t understand XFINITYTVRemote or how it works. I have no affiliation for Comcast but XFINITYTVRemote works perfectly for me and it’s sad to see such dumb reviews from people who complain it doesn’t work and can’t even read the description.

by Shellberr83

My remote stopped working and have to use XFINITYTVRemote exclusively until the new remote arrives and it is impossible to continue watching anything after one recording or one on demand show. There is always a pop up box (to watch next episode or delete, etc) after each episode or recording that I have no way to get rid of on XFINITYTVRemote without the arrow and enter function. It stays there no matter how many new recordings I choose or channels I change. I have to unplug the box and let it reset. It’s so frustrating. Of course rewind, fast forward, pause and play would be super helpful too and seem to be no brainers, but to not have the other arrow functions doesn’t make sense for customer service to suggest using it as a substitute for the actual remote because it doesn’t function properly. Very disappointing!

by Bullitt685

Dear Comcast,
I’ve been a customer of yours for many years. I deleted my app for the xfinity remote as I was under the impression that I would be able to record my shows as well as streaming them while away using the xfinity streaming app. That does not seem to be the case...so I decided to upload the xfinity remote app back to my tablet however I’m unable to sign in to my account which I’m a secondary user on. I’ve selected the blue area to chat with customer service to reset my password. However that doesn’t seem to be working. So I called the Comcast to reset my Password and was in touch with a recording, which needless to say was not helpful in resetting my password it gave me a link to go to in order for me to reset my password which indeed didn’t work. Now I need to set a reminder to remind myself to record my upcoming shows. Are you able to help me?

Disappointed!

by Shmurah

I don’t see why you can’t somehow make it so the customer can set up the remote to show only the channels in their plan. It’s irritating to scroll through all those channels only to find a show and it’s not in my plan. And what good shows am I missing because I don’t know where my channels stop?
Also to would be nice to have volume control: so after I find a show I don’t have to grab another remote for the sound. You do know that sound levels vary from station to station and from show to show. You call it a remote; so why do I have to keep grabbing an actual remote? Maybe you should have called it Comcast General Channel Listings.

by Twins Man

Until about early December, 2017, I was always able to use XFINITYTVRemote on my iPad or iPhone to schedule a recording. Since then, this capability has disappeared. This was easily the most useful part of XFINITYTVRemote . It allowed me to program a recording when away from home and suddenly remembered I had forgotten to do so before leaving. It allowed me to program a recording while someone else was using the TV without disrupting his or her viewing. Now, for no good reason this capability has disappeared. I called CS at Xfinity after a ew days and complained. I was told technicians were aware of the problem and working on it. Here it is, six weeks later, and nothing has changed. This is unacceptable.

by Brice60

Count me as a big Comcast fan. I’ve been a subscriber for 18 years (I think) and eat up all of your new gadgets (mobile apps, new home devices, etc.). I’m a pretty satisfied customer and brag to others quite often. But when you remove a feature, like the ability to record a show while not at home, tell us why. It used to be a slick feature when my wife would ask “can you record XYZ show...I don’t want to miss it” and I could quickly pop up the TV Remote app and say “done...you’re all set”. The feature used to exist, but has evaporated for some reason (I’m guessing lawyers were involved).