Does Netgear Nighthawk Work With Xfinity? Step by Step Setup

Here is all you need to know about connecting your Netgear Nighthawk to your Xfinity Internet service. Despite its widespread use in the US, the xFi modem-router (containing the phone modem) from Xfinity has failed to please many, including me.

The information in this tutorial is predicated on your having an Xfinity modem/router (xFi). As professional in-home networking, using your modem and router is always the best option. You’ll save money on Comcast’s modem rental this way.

It’s a no-brainer since the rent you would have otherwise paid to Comcast will cover the cost of your modem. It’s also possible to avoid issues like packet manipulation since you have greater control over your internet (if it happens). CM1000 is the greatest modem for Xfinity and Nighthawk, according to my opinion (on Amazon).

NETGEAR Cable Modem CM1000 - Compatible with All Cable Providers Including Xfinity by Comcast,...
  • Compatible with all major cable internet providers with internet speed up to 1Gbps. Currently certified with Spectrum and Cox (up to 1Gbps), Xfinity (up to 800Mbps). Not compatible with Verizon, AT&T, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service.
  • Save monthly rental fees: Model CM1000 replaces your cable modem saving you up to dollar 168/year in equipment rental fees.
  • Works with any Wi-Fi router: Connect any Wi-Fi router to this modem's Ethernet port to support all your wireless devices.
  • Ethernet connections: 1 Gigabit Ethernet port connects to your computer or separate Wi-Fi router.

Fortunately for me (and you, too), I was able to regain complete control of my internet connection after purchasing a Nighthawk router. If you have Xfinity, you’ll be glad to learn that Netgear Nighthawk is compatible, and configuring it couldn’t be easier.

Comcast’s Xfinity service is compatible with the Netgear Nighthawk router. Enable bridge mode on the xFi by going to http://10.0.0.1 and connecting the xFi to the Netgear Nighthawk through an ethernet connection to set it up with Xfinity.

Does Netgear Nighthawk Work With Xfinity?

Does Netgear Nighthawk Work With Xfinity 1

How to Setup Netgear Nighthawk with Xfinity Internet

Step 1: Sign in to the Xfinity gateway

Use an ethernet cable to connect your PC to your xFi Gateway. Then, go to http://10.0.0.1 and input your username and password to log in to your Gateway. You may use ‘admin’ as your username and ‘password’ if you can’t remember your password and username.

Step 2: Go to ‘Gateway at a Glance’

You may access the Gateway by clicking on the left-hand side of the screen and then selecting ‘Gateway at a Glance.’

Step 3: Turn’ Bridge Mode’ on Your xFi

To use bridge mode, turn it on in the preferences. I recommend disabling the WiFi networks under Gateway> Connection > WiFi as the last step. The xFi Gateway would not interfere with the Nighthawk’s WiFi network due to this. All modifications must be approved.

Step 4: Connect xFi to Netgear Nighthawk Router

An Ethernet cable may be used to connect your Xfinity xFi to the Nighthawk’s internet port. Because Netgear Nighthawk is compatible with Xfinity, this should go without a hitch.

Step 5: Restart All Devices

“Power cycling” is a term for this procedure. Including the modem and router, everything must be restarted. Allow some time for the dust to settle.

Because the LAN ports on the Nighthawk are insufficient, I strongly advise you to get a gigabit ethernet switch (available on Amazon).

If you want to use the internet for business or play games, you’ll need to have it set up properly before you begin.

Step 6: Install the Nighthawk App

Simply download the Nighthawk app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to get started. Once you’ve installed the app, it’s time to get connected to your Nighthawk router’s WiFi.

To access the router’s default SSID and password, look at the sticker on the back of the router.

Step 7: Personalize your WiFi Network

The Nighthawk app will ask you to customize your WiFi after joining the new network.

If you pick a new network SSID and password, you’ll have to join all of your devices to the new network manually. This step is critical.

Using the same SSID and password as your previous xFi WiFi network is the most simple method to achieve this.

What are the Advantages of Using Netgear Nighthawk Instead of Xfinity Modem-Router?

Upgrade to NETGEAR Nighthawk, and you’ll get the best of both worlds. When it comes to routers, Netgear is among the best in the business. Upgrading to the Nighthawk has provided several advantages in my experience.

  • The Netgear router is the fastest for your Xfinity internet connection in terms of performance and WiFi speed. Download rates of up to 300 Mbps ensure that your internet speed remains unaffected no matter how many devices you connect.
  • If you have Xfinity service, you will pay $14/mo for your modem and router, which in rental fees for up to $168/year. However, for less than $120, Netgear’s gadgets provide a lot.
  • Netgear’s 1,500-square-foot WiFi range and MU-MIMO let many users connect simultaneously, allowing them to stream or play games simultaneously.
  • More Netgear supports WPA2 wireless security protocols and provides Guest WiFi access, DoS, Firewall, and VPN security features. In addition, Netgear offers its customers the best-in-class anti-virus, anti-malware, and data security solutions available on the internet today.

What are the Disadvantages of Using the Netgear Nighthawk Instead of the Xfinity Gateway?

If you have an internet issue and contact Xfinity customer service, they may blame your Netgear Router. There have been no issues so far with my setup.

As the number of gadgets rises, so will the number of outlets needed to power them.

Final Thoughts

Your Xfinity Nighthawk router should now be working as expected. Please use the contact form to reach out to me if you run into any issues with your setup. I would be happy to assist you.

Best Seller List of Netgear Routers:

SaleBestseller No. 1
NETGEAR 4-Stream WiFi 6 Router (R6700AX) – AX1800 Wireless Speed (Up to 1.8 Gbps) | Coverage up to...
  • Coverage up to 1,500 sq. ft. for 20 devices.
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  • Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL
  • Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 x 1G Ethernet ports
  • NETGEAR Armor software provides an automatic shield of security for your WiFi and connected devices for real-time protection against hackers and added privacy with VPN. 30-day trial included
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NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX54S) 6-Stream AX5400 5.4 Gbps - Dual Band Gigabit Wireless...
  • Coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. for up to 25 devices
  • Fast AX5400 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
  • Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL
  • 4 x 1 Gig Ethernet ports and 1 USB 3.0 port for computers, game consoles, streaming players, storage drive, and other wired devices
  • NETGEAR Armor software provides an automatic shield of security for your WiFi and connected devices for real-time protection against hackers and added privacy with VPN. 1-year subscription included
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NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6 Router (RAX43) 5-Stream Dual-Band Gigabit Router, AX4200 Wireless Speed (Up...
  • Coverage up to 2,000 sq. ft. for up to 25 devices
  • Fast AX4200 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
  • Connects to your existing cable modem and replaces your WiFi router. Compatible with any internet service provider up to 1Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, and DSL
  • Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and more with 4 x 1G Ethernet ports
  • Share a storage drive with any connected device and create a personal cloud storage to access from anywhere using the 1 x 3.0 USB port
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NETGEAR Nighthawk Pro Gaming WiFi 6 Router (XR1000) 6-Stream AX5400 Wireless Speed (up to 5.4Gbps) |...
  • Powered by DumaOS 3.0. Reduce ping rates up to 93% and enjoy faster, lag-free online gaming and smoother streaming with this Router OS built especially for gamers.
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  • Plug in computers, game consoles, streaming players, and other nearby wired devices with 4 x 1 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
SaleBestseller No. 5
NETGEAR Nighthawk 5-Stream AX5 WiFi 6 Router (RAX43) AX4200 Wireless Speed (Up to 4.2 Gbps) | 2,000...
  • WIFI 6 – STREAM EVERYTHING AT FASTER SPEED: Simultaneously stream uninterrupted movies, games, video calls or download/transfer files at 4.2Gbps WiFi speed. Works with existing and new WiFi 6 devices like iPhone 11, Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10
  • WORKS WITH ALL INTERNET PROVIDERS: Replace your existing WiFi Router (separate modem or gateway required). Compatible with any Internet Service Provider up to 1Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, DSL and more
  • EASY TO SET-UP AND MANAGE: Connects to your existing cable modem and sets up and customizes in minutes with the Nighthawk app – easily manage your WiFi settings at the device and network level, test your Internet speed, view speed history and monitor data usage
  • USB CONNECTIONS: Share a storage drive with any connected device and create a personal cloud storage to access from anywhere using the 1 x 3.0 USB port
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SaleBestseller No. 6
NETGEAR Nighthawk Modem Router Combo C7000-Compatible with Cable Providers Including Xfinity by...
  • Compatible with major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more. NOT compatible with Verizon, AT andT, CenturyLink, DSL providers, DirecTV, DISH and any bundled voice service. Best for cable provider plans up to 800Mbps
  • Coverage up to 1,800 sq. ft. and 30 devices with WiFi 5 AC1900 speed (up to 1900Mbps)
  • Replaces your cable modem and WiFi router. Save up to $168/yr in equipment rental fees
  • 4 X 1 Gig Ethernet ports and 1 USB 2.0 port for computers, game consoles, streaming players, storage drive, and other wired devices
  • Supports WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols
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TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router V4 (Archer AX21) – Dual Band Wireless Internet Router, Gigabit...
  • VPN Server: Archer AX21 V4 Supports both Open VPN Server and PPTP VPN Server
  • Dual-Band WiFi 6 Internet Router: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous generation
  • Next-Gen 1.8 Gbps Speeds: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading and more with WiFi speeds up to 1.8 Gbps (1200 Mbps on 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz band)
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  • Extensive Coverage: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
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  • WiFi 7 delivers 2.4x faster speeds than WiFi 6 to maximize performance across all devices
  • Sleek new body with smaller footprint and high-performance antennas for up to 2,500 sq. ft. of WiFi coverage
  • 2.5 Gig internet port enables multi-gig speeds with the latest cable or fiber internet service plans
  • 2 x 2.5 Gig and 2 x 1 Gig Ethernet LAN ports for fast wired connections
Bestseller No. 9
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SaleBestseller No. 10
Netgear RAX70-100NAR Nighthawk AX6600 Tri-Band WIFI 6 Router (Renewed)
  • Coverage up to 2,500 sq. ft. and 40 devices.Beamforming : Beamforming — Boosts speed, reliability and range of WiFi connections for 2.4 and 5GHz.
  • Fast AX6600 Gigabit speed with WiFi 6 technology for uninterrupted streaming, HD video gaming, and web conferencing
  • Replace your existing WiFi Router (separate modem or modem router required). Compatible with any Internet Service Provider up to 2Gbps including cable, satellite, fiber, DSL and more
  • 4 x 1 Gig Ethernet ports and 1 USB 3.0 port for computers, game consoles, streaming players, storage drive, and other wired devices
  • Sets up in minutes with the Nighthawk app – easily manage WiFi settings at the device and network level, test internet speed and monitor data usage

Last update on 2024-09-18

Lance Ulanoff is a renowned tech journalist, commentator, and on-air expert with over 36 years of experience. He has held esteemed positions including Editor in Chief of Lifewire and Mashable, where he delved into the impact of technology on daily life. Lance's expertise has been featured on major news programs globally, and he has made appearances on Fox News, CNBC, and the BBC.