Does Alexa work with Xfinity?

Alexa is a smart speaker and is now a fixture on the tech scene; due to the more than 70,000 commands it can do. It aims to make people’s lives easier, including adding Xfinity compatibility.

Comcast intends to give users innovative solutions to their problems, and adding Alexa compatibility to Xfinity devices seems to be the next step. Whether you want to stream content or watch your favorite downloaded videos, you can easily access them in the Xfinity Stream app using your credentials.

Xfinity and Alexa do not have a native integration system, so direct integration of the two systems is impossible. However, you can use the Harmony smart hub to perform some limited integration, though you can only use it for few functions like accessing your favorite channels and switching your Xfinity on and off.

How to set up your Harmony Smart Hub

Since there is no direct integration between Xfinity and Alexa, the process of linking them through a Harmony Smart hub is not easy – but it is possible. It does not come free either, as you will need one of a specific set of Logitech Harmony universal remote controls to start things off – and they are expensive.

Some functions you can apply include pausing your videos, switching TV channels, and adjusting the volume. The steps we will outline will help you integrate your Xfinity with Alexa through the Hub.

Acquiring a Harmony Hub

You will need a gadget with Amazon Alexa built-in, such as an Amazon Echo device. However, the gadget does not control your Xfinity device, so you will need to also get a Logitech Harmony Smart Hub – this will serve as the intermediary between your Xfinity device and Alexa.

Alongside the Smart Hub, you will also get a compatible Logitech remote. These function as wireless bridges and remove the need to constantly point your remote at the Xfinity device, giving freedom to control your TV through your phone as well. They include the Ultimate Hub, Ultimate Home, Ultimate, Harmony Elite, Smart Control, Smart Keyboard, Companion, and Home Control.

Position the smart hub close to the entertainment center and ensure no obstacles block the infrared light signals it receives and sends to your devices. On the other hand, you may need a wired IR blaster (included in the smart hub packaging) if your devices are inside a closed cabinet.

Program the Harmony

By default, Alexa does not know your Xfinity device exists until the Harmony knows it, so this step allows you to tell the Hub to control the system.

To do this, you download the Harmony app (available for Android and iOS) and follow the prompts to set up your account and add your devices. You should note that Harmony will direct the activities your Xfinity will do, rather than controlling the Xfinity device itself. This is why its functionality is limited – it can easily get confused because it is using a one-way infrared signal like a traditional remote, and it gets even slower when you add Alexa.

Prepare the Amazon device

This involves several adjustments: moving your Amazon device towards your sitting position and away from your speakers and TV, as Alexa cannot hear your commands when the volume is loud. You also need to upgrade the Harmony firmware.

On your phone, install the Alexa app and then the Harmony skill inside it. To do this, open the Alexa app, tap on the ‘Skills’ menu, scroll to ‘Harmony’ and select it. Log in with the same credentials you used for the Harmony account. While you are on your skill settings, ensure you set up the names you want (ensure Alexa can recognize them quickly) for your favorite channels and devices you want to control, because it will not allow you to change them later.

Once you do this, you are done and can test the system voice control. Some commands you can issue include:

Conclusion

It is no secret that the process of setting up your Xfinity and Alexa is complicated, and requires extra equipment you may not be ready for. However, it is worth the try, because it will add convenience to your viewing experience.

FAQs

Is Alexa compatible with Xfinity TV?

Yes, it is – particularly with the Infinity X1. Once you pair them, Alexa allows you to control Xfinity X1 Security, Sound, and Lighting.

Can I use Alexa to change channels on Comcast?

Yes, you can. With the Comcast X1, you only need to speak into the remote to change the channel and organize your favorites for greater convenience.