Xfinity’s Stream app makes it so existing Xfinity customers can watch On Demand, Xfinity channels, and other programming on certain devices. You’ll love this app if you live in a household with under six people. Or if you want to take your channels on the go. Explore this Stream app guide to learn more. Show
Sometimes internet providers have hidden gems. And as a network enthusiast, I want to uncover those. Thus, I’ve created this guide on Xfinity’s streaming(ish) app. To help you master this app and to help you determine whether it’s worth downloading, I’ll cover the following:
Keep reading, and you’ll find yourself using the Stream app in no time. What Is Xfinity Stream?The Comcast Xfinity Stream app makes it so existing Comcast Xfinity subscribers can watch live TV, On Demand, and Cloud DVR recordings on multiple compatible devices. Online and offline. Five devices while at home. And three on the go. Channel availability will vary by device and whether you’re at home. I’ll cover this more in-depth in a bit. I mentioned Cloud DVR. You’ll need to pay an extra fee to use it. $10 per month for 150 hours worth of storage. Who Should Use Xfinity Stream?The Xfinity Stream app works best for households of five or fewer people who don’t want to share a TV. It also works for homes with individuals (up to three) who want to watch channels while away from home. Not anyone can use Xfinity’s streaming app. You’ll have to subscribe to a Xfinity Comcast TV or internet plan. You’ll also need compatible devices. I’ll cover those later in this guide. And since you’re using the internet to stream content, you will need sufficient internet speed. Xfinity doesn’t specify what speed you’ll need. Standard definition (720p) requires 1 Mbps download speed. And HD (1080p) requires 5 Mbps. Per device. For five devices simultaneously streaming 1080p content, you’ll need AT LEAST 25 Mbps worth of available bandwidth. Xfinity Stream App: Noteworthy FeaturesHere are the features you’ll get with the Xfinity Stream app:
Almost all these features speak for themselves. Except for channels. Read the following section to learn what you can watch with the Stream’s most crucial feature. Paid and Free Channels You Can Watch on Xfinity StreamDepending on your Comcast Xfinity television plan, you could get any of these over 200 channels:
This table shows channels you can watch on Xfinity Stream. Free channels you can get with Xfinity Stream include:
This table presents what free channels you can get with Xfinity Stream. If you’re using an Apple device, you can’t watch the following channels on the go:
Comcast doesn’t specify why this is the case. I suppose it’s hardware or software limitations. The only local channels you can stream when away from home on every other device and operating system include:
I’d usually compare channels you can and can’t use in this case. But there are over a couple of hundred channels. I believe the list above should give you an idea of what you can watch while traveling. What Devices Can Use the Xfinity Stream App?Devices you can use the Xfinity Stream app with include:
* You can’t use AirPlay with Xfinity Stream. You can only use the Xfinity Stream app Beta with some of these devices (like the Roku). That means you’ll have limited functionality. I’ll cover these in a bit. And to use Stream Beta, you’ll need an activation code. I’ll cover how to get these on specific devices in the next point. Anyway: Devices Xfinity specifies you CAN’T use with Stream include:
Let’s dive into details on what specific device models you can use with Xfinity Stream. I’m going to start with Stream-compatible Roku devices:
This table lists what Roku devices you can use with the Xfinity Stream app. How To Activate Certain Devices on Xfinity StreamThe following several sections will talk about how to activate Xfinity Stream on the following devices:
Xfinity only lets you use the Xfinity Stream Beta app on these devices. Thus, you can’t wander into an app store and download the app. And while using the Beta app, you’ll have limited features. The Xfinity Stream Beta app excludes many features such as:
* You can watch TV and movie rentals (with On Demand) on any supported Amazon Fire TV and Roku devices. You can’t rent anything through Samsung or LG Smart TVs. So if you have a Roku or Amazon TV device, you can watch Netflix and YouTube. Activating the Xfinity Stream App on a Smart TVCreate and link an LG or Samsung account to your smart TV. If you haven’t created an account yet, follow these links to each manufacturer’s website to get started:
Here are what steps you’ll need to perform on each smart TV type. Activating Xfinity Stream on a Samsung Smart TVEnsure you connected your Samsung Smart TV to the internet, then follow these steps to figure out your TV’s version:
Refer to the previous section’s required software version and Samsung Smart TV models. Find the Xfinity Stream Beta app on your TV by following these steps:
If you haven’t activated the app on your Samsung Smart TV, you’ll see an Activation Code appear on your screen. Navigate to Xfinity.com/authorize on a SEPARATE device and type the code into the text field. You should see the text “Success!” appear on your screen. That means everything worked, and your TV will take you to the Stream menu in a moment. Activating Xfinity Stream on an LG Smart TVConnect your LG Smart TV to the internet and follow these steps:
If you don’t see the Xfinity Stream Beta app, you don’t have a compatible LG device. Activating Xfinity Stream on Roku DevicesActivate the Xfinity Stream Beta app on your Roku device by first connecting your device to the internet. Open the Roku Channel Store, find the Xfinity Channel app, and download it. Upon opening the app, log into your Xfinity account. You’ll see an Authentication Code appear on your TV. Open a browser tab on a separate device and type Xfinity.com/authorize. Upon loading the page, you’ll see a text field appear. Enter the Authentication Code on your TV into the text field and wait. Upon seeing the text “Success!” appear, the Xfinity app will automatically take you to Stream’s home page. Activating the Xfinity Stream App on a Fire TV Stick and Fire TVConnect an Amazon account to your Fire Stick or Fire TV device. Now search for the Xfinity Stream Beta app on the Amazon app store and download it. Open the app and select the ‘Get Started’ button once the text appears. You’ll see an Activation Code appear on your TV. Use a separate device and follow this link to Xfinity’s authorization page. Enter the code from your TV into the text field. You should see ‘Success!’ appear in your browser window. You activated the Stream app on your Amazon Fire Stick or Fire TV. And finally, the main menu for the streaming app should appear. How To Cast the Xfinity Stream App on ChromecastYou have two ways to cast (send content to a separate device) Xfinity Stream to your Chromecast. Through an app or in your browser. Here’s how to cast Xfinity Stream through an app:
If you’re using an Apple device, you’ll need to give your app permission to connect to other devices on your local network. Follow this sequence in your settings menu: Settings>Privacy>Local network. Tap or toggle the Xfinity Stream app. Moving on: To cast Xfinity Stream from your browser, you’ll need to follow these steps:
Alternatively, you’ll see a Cast icon on the left side adjacent to the search bar. Click it and connect your device. Once connected, the text “Ready to Cast” will appear on your screen. How Do I Find the Xfinity Stream?Here are the app store links where you’ll find Xfinity Stream:
You can watch Xfinity Stream with your browser by logging into your Comcast account. If you don’t see the Stream app in your app store, you may have a device that doesn’t support it. Or you may need to update your phone’s operating system. For Android devices, type ‘Software Update’ into your device’s search bar. Or search for the setting in your Settings menu. Search for the same setting on Apple devices to update your iOS version. To use the Xfinity Stream Beta app, you’ll need to open the Xfinity Channel app on certain devices and watch as an activation code appears on your screen. Visit Xfinity.com/authorize and enter the code. Wrapping UpXfinity gives households of up to five people a means to watch Comcast channels without fighting over who gets the TV. It’s also an excellent means for someone to watch channels while traveling (in the US). Accessing the app requires a bit of work, depending on the device. In most cases, you visit an app store and download it. Meanwhile, some devices need you to enter an activation code on a dedicated Xfinity web page. Don’t know whether you want to use Xfinity Stream? Read through my Stream app review. I tear this app apart and give an honest opinion on whether it’s worth it. Is Xfinity Stream app available on Samsung TV?Learn more about navigating and using the Xfinity Stream app on LG and Samsung Smart TVs. For information on the Xfinity Stream app on Amazon Fire TV, see Watch Xfinity Stream on Amazon Fire TV.
Why can't I get Xfinity Stream on my Samsung TV?If Xfinity Stream app is not working on Samsung TV, reinstall the Xfinity stream app on your Samsung TV. If that does not work, updating the TV to the latest firmware should get Xfinity stream app working again.
Why can't I get Xfinity Stream on my TV?Make sure WiFi is On in your device settings. Make sure your device is connected to your in-home Xfinity network and not the Xfinity WiFi network or another wireless network by accident. Restart your device, open the Xfinity Stream app and see if the app recognizes that you're now connected to your in-home network.
Can I download Xfinity Stream on my TV?Simply download the Xfinity Stream app or visit the Xfinity Stream portal and log in with your Xfinity ID and password. See what you'll need to get started with the Xfinity Stream app or portal for more details. You can also use Xfinity Stream on select connected TV devices.
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