How to Use a Comcast Xfinity Hotspot

By Easton Smith

Aug 22, 2024

3 min read

Using a Comcast or Xfinity hotspot is easy to do. If you’re on a cell phone, just download the Xfinity WiFi Hotspots app and follow the instructions in the app. If you’re on a laptop, then you’ll need to connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot and sign in using Xfinity ID and password.

Most Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots are only available to Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile customers (Comcast customers may also be eligible, since it owns Xfinity). However, there are certain “featured hotspots” that are free to all users.

If you want to learn more details about setting up and using Comcast Xfinity hotspots, read on.

Wi-Fi hotspots vs. personal hotspots

Before we dive deeper, let’s make sure we’re on the same page. What do we mean when we say Xfinity hotspots?

Well, there are actually two kinds. There are Wi-Fi hotspots, which Xfinity has set up all across the country at coffee shops, airports, parks, and other frequented public spaces. These hotspots allow people to access a high-speed internet network with their phone, computer, or other Wi-Fi enabled device.

The other kind of Xfinity hotspot would be the kind that you create with your own smartphone using the Xfinity Mobile cell phone service. We’ll talk about that kind of network at the end of this article.

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How to find and connect to Comcast Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots

One of the ways that Xfinity internet and phone service sets itself apart is by giving customers access to millions of Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the world.

The easiest way to find out where all of these Wi-Fi hotspots are is by using the interactive map on Xfinity’s website or by downloading the Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspot app on your phone.

How do I access Xfinity Hotspots?

If you’re already within range of an Xfinity Wi-Fi network, here’s how you can connect using different devices.

Connecting to an Xfinity hotspot with an Apple or Android phone

Enable Wi-Fi access in your settings menu.
Download the Xfinity Hotspots app from the app store.
Use your Xfinity ID and password (the same one you use to manage your internet or phone account) to sign in to the app.
The app should automatically prompt you to join any nearby Wi-Fi networks. Accept the connection and you should be online!
Your device should automatically connect to Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots in the future.

Connecting to an Xfinity hotspot with an Apple computer

Go to your settings and select Wi-Fi.
Select the XFINITY network and enter your Xfinity ID and password to connect.
If prompted, re-enter your ID and password. You will also be prompted to enter your computer passcode.
Now you should be connected to the internet!

Connecting to an Xfinity hotspot with a Windows computer

Go to your system settings and select Network & Internet
Select XFINITY as your Wi-Fi network
Enter your Xfinity ID and password, then click connect.
That’s it! You’re online.

How to create a personal hotspot using your Xfinity Mobile phone

Xfinity Mobile is one of our favorite cell phone carriers because it offers great prices when you bundle TV and phone service together. But we also like that lets you use your phone as a mobile hotspot at no additional cost.

When you have the simplest and cheapest option, your hotspot data speeds will be throttled at 600 Kbps, which is pretty slow. But if you upgrade to the Unlimited Premium data option you’ll get 15 GB of full-speed hotspot data.

To use your Xfinity Mobile phone as a hotspot, you can follow these simple steps.

How to make an Xfinity hotspot on your iPhone

Go to your settings menu and select Cellular.
Toggle the Personal Hotspot option to the on position.
Connect using the name and password that is provided.

How to make an Xfinity hotspot on a Samsung phone

Go to your Apps on your homescreen.
Select Settings.
Select Connections and then Mobile hotspot and tethering.
Tap Mobile hotspot and turn it on.
Connect to your hotspot using the information provided on the screen.

There are many different types of Android phones, but the process for setting up a hotspot will probably be very similar to these steps for Samsung devices.

A screenshot of the mobile hotspot switch on an Android phone

Can I pay for Xfinity hotspot only?

All Xfinity Mobile customers and select customers on Xfinity internet plans will get free access to these hotspots. Some hotspots are free to the public, even those who aren’t customers.

But if you’re an Xfinity customer who’s on a non-qualifying internet plan (like a prepaid plan) you can buy hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly access to Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots with an On Demand Pass. You can learn more by contacting Xfinity customer service.

Written by

Easton Smith

Easton has worked as a freelance writer and researcher for several years, reviewing health, lifestyle, and technology products. He has probably read more Terms of Use contracts than any human alive. When he’s not sitting in front of a computer, Easton spends his time camping, climbing, and volunteering with humanitarian aid organizations.