How to Program an Xfinity Remote to a Soundbar

If you are sitting on your couch, looking frustratingly at your coffee table that is filled with about a million different remote controls, then you might be looking at ways to get rid of a few. One way to do this is to program your TV remote to your Soundbar or Audio/Video receiver using an Xfinity remote.

To program an Xfinity remote to a Soundbar, first, pair your remote with your TV. Then, using the Setup button (or variation), press and hold it until the LED light turns green. Enter the Soundbar manufacturer’s code and after the LED light flashes twice, test the power and volume to ensure a connection.

It is important to note that there are different models of Xfinity remotes, so there can be some slight variations in the initial setup process.

Fortunately, there are plenty of guides that can tell you the specific steps for your unique remote model. Along with that, you can visit xfinity.com/remotes for detailed instructions. For now, let’s take a closer look at how to set up a few different models.

Also read: How to Make a Soundbar Turn on with the TV

Can You Program Any Xfinity Remote to a Soundbar?

Before we begin to take a look at the variations that come in programming your Xfinity remote to your Soundbar, you might be wondering if this will work with your specific device.

After all, there are many different models that continue to pop up as technology continues to advance. Fortunately, Xfinity has thought of this and is already ahead of you.

So, can you program any Xfinity remote to a Soundbar?

Yes, all Xfinity remotes can be programmed to your Soundbar or another type of audio/video receiver. Note that once you pair your Xfinity remote to your Soundbar, it will only control this speaker option with the volume controls rather than the TV volume, so be sure this receiver is set up as the preferred source.

As you look to program your specific model of Xfinity remote control to your Soundbar, be sure to review the steps that are specific to your remote.

For example, an Xfinity X1 remote will require the use of the Setup button whereas the Xfinity XR-15 will use the A and D buttons for a similar function.

How to Program an Xfinity Remote to a Soundbar

Ok, so now that you are aware that yes, you should be able to program just about any Xfinity remote to your Soundbar, we are going to take a look at how to do this with two different models: the Xfinity X1 and the Xfinity XR-15 models.

Keep in mind that these are just a few of the various Xfinity remote models that are available today. So, if you are using an Xfinity remote that is not listed here, be sure to check the specifications for your specific device.

With that said, let’s take a closer look at how to program various Xfinity remotes to your Soundbar.

Programming an Xfinity X1 Remote to Your Soundbar

If you are using the Xfinity X1 remote, then you will likely be pleased with how simple it can be to pair this device to your Soundbar. Of course, you can follow these steps for most Audio/Video Receivers, but you will just need to know the manufacturer’s code for that device.

To program an Xfinity X1 remote to your Soundbar, consider the following steps:

1. Make the Soundbar the receiver output

Before you pair the remote to your Soundbar, you will want to ensure that the Soundbar is the default output receiver for your sound. Otherwise, your TV will likely default to using internal speakers, so programming your remote to your Soundbar will be pointless.

Along with this, ensure that there is a stable connection between your Soundbar and the TV. This will likely either be with an Optical Cable connection or through an HDMI ARC Cable connection depending on your model of Soundbar and setup preferences.

2. Press the Setup button on your Xfinity X1 remote

Now that you are sure that the Soundbar is connected to your TV, and it is the preferred output receiver, you can begin the programming process with your Xfinity X1 remote and Soundbar. Using this remote, look for the Setup button. Press it down for a few seconds.

3. Wait until the LED light at the top turns green

You might have to hold the Setup button down for a few seconds, but once it begins to register that it is initializing the setup process, the LED light should turn from red to green.

This light will be a small light found at the top of your remote- usually a small sliver of light that shows up when various buttons are pressed.

4. Enter the Soundbar’s manufacturer code

If you are not familiar with the 5-digit manufacturer’s code for your Soundbar, you can either look at the device’s specifications, or you can review the list of manufacturer codes online. This can be found by searching xfinity.com/remotes or by searching for your specific Soundbar’s model and manufacturer.

5. Wait for the LED light to flash twice (in green)

Once you have entered the 5-digit manufacturer’s code using the numbered keys on your remote, the LED light at the top of the remote will flash twice. This should indicate that the remote has been programmed.

6. Test the remote

Now that the remote has flashed twice in green at the top of your remote, you will want to test it out. Be sure to check for power and volume changes.

Note that your TV volume will now require a different remote or manual adjustment since the Soundbar is set as the preferred speaker outsource, and the Xfinity remote is paired with your Soundbar by default.

Programming an Xfinity XR-15 Remote to Your Soundbar

When working with an Xfinity XR-15 remote, you will follow relatively similar steps as if you were programming the Xfinity X1 remote. These were designed with an easy user interface, so it should not be overly complex to review these steps.

To program an Xfinity XR-15 remote to your Soundbar, follow these steps:

1. Make the Soundbar the receiver output

Again, you will want to make sure that this device is the default receiver output for your TV. See the above steps for the specific rationale on what and why you are doing this.

2. Press the A and D buttons on the remote

Following a similar pattern as the Xfinity X1 setup, you will instead press the A and D buttons to initialize programming. Hold these buttons down for a few seconds.

3. Wait until the LED light at the top turns green

You might have to hold the A and D buttons down for a few seconds, but once it begins to register that it is initializing the setup process, the LED light should turn from red to green.

This sliver of light at the top of your remote is what shows up when you press almost any button on your remote.

4. Enter the Soundbar’s manufacturer code

Again, now is the time to press the 5-digit manufacturer’s code using the number buttons on your remote. If you do not know what the manufacturer’s code is for your Soundbar, then be sure to look this up online or use the Xfinity searching feature to find this.

5. Wait for the LED light to flash twice (in green)

Once you have entered the 5-digit manufacturer’s code using the numbered keys on your remote, the LED light at the top of the remote will flash twice. This indicates the programming of the remote and means that it is now time to test that this was done correctly.

6. Test the remote

Just as you would test the connection on your Xfinity X1 remote, you would do the same with the Xfinity XR-15 remote, too. Test the TV volume and power to ensure that the remote is working. Then, you are well on your way to one fewer remotes sitting around your coffee table.

What to Do if your Xfinity Remote Programming Fails to Connect to the Soundbar?

Hopefully, you can follow these simple steps to arrive at a very easy connection between your Xfinity remote and your Soundbar (no matter the make and model on either of these. But, if you are sitting there puzzled about why this is not working for you, then there is at least one more step you can take.

What do you do if your Xfinity remote programming fails to connect to the Soundbar?

One of the first things to test if you cannot get your Xfinity remote programmed to your Soundbar is to press the code 9-9-2 and then hold the Channel Up button for up to 3 minutes until the Soundbar turns on. Then, reinitiate the programming steps.

Be aware that this method can seem like it takes forever as the remote resets to be able to recognize your Soundbar. If you have not noticed that your Soundbar has turned on when pressing the code and holding the Channel Up button for at least 3 minutes uninterrupted, then you might want to try another solution.

Hopefully, you will not have any issues in the first place. But, if you do, and you need to test out various solutions, be confident in going forward, as this one day of frustration in programming your Xfinity remote to your Soundbar will mean decreased daily frustration after you have succeeded and can use your Xfinity remote once and for all.

Also read: How to Hook Up a Soundbar to Multiple Devices

Jason is a home theater expert with over 10 years of experience in setting up home cinema rooms and systems. What started out as a hobby soon transformed him into an authority in the audio-visual field. He is passionate about providing readers with accurate and up-to-date information on the latest audiovisual technologies and their applications for home theaters. Read more about Jason.