Xfinity Remote + Receiver/AVR: Multi-Device Setup Walkthrough
If you’re staring at your Xfinity remote, wondering how to make it talk to your TV, Receiver, and maybe even your soundbar, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Setting up a multi-device system might feel like assembling space tech—but it’s easier than you think. In this article, we’ll walk you through the whole thing, step-by-step, and even have some fun along the way!
Why Set Up Multiple Devices With Your Xfinity Remote?
Imagine this:
- One remote to control your TV, receiver, and cable box
- No more switching between three remotes
- Sound that booms from your AVR instead of tiny TV speakers
Your Xfinity remote is smarter than it looks. It’s designed to control multiple devices. You just need to teach it how!
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, gather these things:
- Your Xfinity remote (XR15 or XR11 are most common)
- Your TV
- Your AV Receiver (Yamaha, Denon, Sony, etc.)
- Your cable box (already hooked up if you’re using Xfinity service)
- A little patience and maybe a snack. Snacks help.
Step 1: Connect All Your Devices
Before programming anything, make sure your devices are physically connected the right way. Here’s a quick connection setup:
- Plug your Xfinity cable box into your AV Receiver (usually into an input like “Cable/SAT”).
- Connect your AV Receiver to your TV using HDMI (Out to TV/ARC slot is best).
- Turn everything on and switch your AV Receiver to the correct input.
You should now see your cable on the screen and hear it through your AV Receiver. If so, go grab that snack. You’re doing great!
Step 2: Pair the Xfinity Remote with Your TV
This is usually done first. Here’s how:
- Press and hold the Setup button (for XR11) until the LED turns green. On XR15, press and hold Mute + Xfinity together.
- Enter the 5-digit code for your TV brand. You can find these on the Xfinity website or user manual.
- If the TV powers off, great! You’ve got a match. If not, try another code.
Once your TV is paired, your remote can turn it on and off, and even change the volume (if your AVR isn’t doing that yet).
Step 3: Pair the Remote with Your AV Receiver
This is where the fun begins. Follow these simple steps:
- Press and hold the Setup button until the LED turns green.
- Enter the 5-digit code for your AVR brand.
- Most common brands and first codes to try:
- Yamaha – 30176
- Denon – 31360
- Sony – 31759
- Onkyo – 30135
- After entering the code, test it by adjusting the volume or muting the sound.
If it works, congrats! Your remote is in sync with your receiver.
Step 4: Test And Make It Awesome
Here’s what you want to test:
- Power: Press Power once – Should turn on TV and Receiver
- Volume: Adjust volume – Should control AV Receiver, not the TV
- Input: Make sure your AVR input is correct – CABLE/SAT or similar
- Mute: Press Mute to test AVR response (this reveals if AVR is in control)
If these work, you’ve officially created a multi-device harmony. Cue the applause!
Bonus Tips For Extra Smooth Operation
Want to go from awesome to supercharged? Try these bonus tricks:
Enable HDMI-CEC
- This lets devices talk to each other through HDMI
- Check your TV and AVR settings and enable CEC (may be called Anynet+, Bravia Sync, VIERA Link, etc.)
- Now powering one device may turn on the others
Reprogram Remote Functions
- If volume still controls the TV, reassign volume to the AVR
- To do this, hold Setup until light is green
- Then enter 993 and press the device button you want to control volume (TV or AUX)
This means you can customize what the remote’s buttons control. Power? Volume? Input? You choose!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Don’t toss the remote! Try these fixes:
Remote Not Controlling Receiver Volume?
- Double-check you entered the right code
- Try a different code for your AVR brand
- Reassign the volume control as shown above using 993
TV Turns On But Receiver Doesn’t?
- Turn on HDMI-CEC on all devices
- You may need to press Power Twice – once for TV, once for AVR
- Some universal remotes just can’t power both at once – try scene settings on your AVR instead
Remote Just Won’t Cooperate?
- Reset the remote! Hold Setup until green, then enter 981
- This wipes all pairings and lets you start fresh
Sometimes a fresh start is all you need.
You’re Now an Entertainment Jedi
If you’ve followed the steps above, your Xfinity remote should now control your:
- TV – Power On/Off
- AV Receiver – Volume, Mute, sometimes Input
- Cable Box – Channels, DVR, and all the fun stuff
And all with a single remote. Wave it like a lightsaber. You’ve earned it.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your Xfinity remote to control your TV, AV Receiver, and Cable Box isn’t as daunting as it sounds. With a few button presses and some trial and error, you’ll master your home theater like a pro.
Now, sit back, hit the power button, hear the receiver punch in, the TV light up, and stream away in cozy, hands-free style. No more hunting down three remotes like a remote control scavenger. Mission accomplished.
And that snack you grabbed earlier? Enjoy it. You deserve it.
