Do I Have To Return Cables To Xfinity

A coaxial cable in a space that recently had a cable box removed.A coaxial cable in a space that recently had a cable box removed.

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Xfinity is the largest cable and internet service provider in the United States, with over 33 million customers, but some are unhappy. When you return your equipment to Xfinity, do you need to return all of the cables also?

You only need to return the power cable the device you’re returning needs when returning your equipment to Xfinity. You don’t need to return the ethernet or coax cables.

The ethernet and coax cables included with your Xfinity equipment are inexpensive, especially at the quantity Xfinity purchases. It is cheaper for them to let you keep them. 

Do I Have to Return Cables to Xfinity?

So you’ve decided that Xfinity is so bad, and you’ve canceled your plan. You have to return your equipment, but do the cords count? 

The cost of the ethernet and coax cables included in your Xfinity install is so low for Xfinity that it is cheaper to let you keep them. The shipping costs would add up with so many customers.

You don’t need to return the ethernet or coax cables to Xfinity. The only cable to include when returning your equipment is the power cord of the device you are returning.

The ethernet cable looks like a phone cable with a large end termination. The coax cables are the standard cables used with cable television. These can be kept when returning equipment.

Also, note that if you’re canceling your Xfinity plan early, you might run into some fees.

Returning Equipment to Xfinity

There are numerous reasons you may want to return your equipment to Xfinity. Upgrading or replacing equipment is a common one. It is also possible that you have discontinued service.

Remember that if you use your own modem with Xfinity, you don’t have to give them that.

The first step in the return process, no matter the reason, is to log in to your Xfinity account and start the return process. Here’s how you can do that:

Start the Xfinity Return Process

  1. Go to the Xfinity Returns page and log in to your Xfinity Account
  2. You should see a list of your devices – check the box on the ones you would like to return
  3. Select a reason for the equipment return
  4. Select a method of return

There are two different methods of returning your equipment to Xfinity, dropping the equipment off at a UPS or an Xfinity Store or Comcast Service Center.

Note: It is important to get a receipt that you have dropped your equipment off. You should also get a tracking number so you can keep track if Xfinity has received your equipment. 

Many report having to pay for lost equipment because they didn’t have their receipt proving they had dropped it off. Keep the receipt so Comcast can’t charge you for the equipment.

Methods of Returning your Equipment to Xfinity

There are two methods of returning your equipment to Xfinity once you have started the return process in the previous section. 

You can bring the equipment to a UPS office, Xfinity Store, or Comcast Service Center. No matter what you choose, get a receipt and a tracking number. 

Don’t lose the receipt or tracking number. You will need this if Comcast tries to charge you for not dropping off the equipment.

Dropping Off Your Equipment at a Local UPS Store

If you drop your equipment off at a local UPS store, you will need to pack the equipment yourself into a box. They do not provide a box for you. 

Choose a sturdy box so it won’t get damaged, or Comcast will charge you for damaging their equipment. The UPS store will provide you will a shipping label and pack it for you.

If you are unable or do not wish to travel to the UPS store, you can schedule a UPS delivery driver to pick up the equipment from your residence. 

When giving UPS the equipment you are returning to Xfinity, you should be given a receipt and a tracking number to ensure that Xfinity receives their equipment. Do not lose your receipt. 

You can find more detailed information about the UPS Store return process on the Xfinity Returning Your Equipment Support page.

Dropping Off Your Equipment at an Xfinity Store or Comcast Service Center

You can find a nearby Xfinity Store or Comcast Service Center by going to the Find An Xfinity Store page on the main Xfinity website.

Once you find a local Xfinity Store or Comcast Service Center, you must book an appointment to drop off your equipment. 

  1. Go to the Find A Store and find the store you want to drop your equipment off at
  2. Enter your city and zip code to find nearby eligible locations
  3. Click View Store Details to set up an appointment
  4. Click the Book Appointment button
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts
  6. Log in to your Xfinity account
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up an appointment to return your equipment to your local Xfinity Store or Comcast Service Center

Once you have dropped off the equipment, it will be immediately removed from your account. They should also provide you with a receipt and tracking number. Do not lose these.

Conclusion

When you decide to return your equipment to Xfinity for any reason, the only cable they need is the power cable that powers the device you are returning. 

You can keep the ethernet cables (the standard internet cable) and the coax cables (standard cable television cables). It costs Xfinity more in shipping than to give you the cables for free.

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