XFINITY TV Remote app pulled from Apple App Store and Google Play Store

Update 20/12/24: In an unexpected twist, the Xfinity TV remote app has been reinstated. According to an Xfinity subreddit community manager, users can continue to use the app as long as it remains installed on their devices. However, the app is still unavailable on the Apple App Store and Google Play, meaning new downloads are off the table for now. Users encountering issues are advised to quit and relaunch the app to restore functionality.

Addressing concerns from business customers about remote.xfinity.com access, the community manager added, “Of course! 🙂 I haven’t been advised of any plans to alter access, however, it was brought up in our discussion as a potential accessibility concern, so the product teams are now aware.”

Original article follows:

If you’re one of the countless XFINITY TV Remote app users, you might have noticed something odd—the app that seamlessly turned your phone into a remote control is suddenly missing. That’s right, Comcast’s XFINITY TV Remote app has been officially discontinued as of December 16, 2024, and it’s not coming back anytime soon (if ever).

For many users, the first clue that something was wrong came in the form of an error: “Guide Data Missing. We tried and failed to get the most recent listing information.” Naturally, the next step was to delete and reinstall the app… only to find it gone from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

I decided to investigate further. Using the Wayback Machine, I dug up the app’s now-deleted support page, complete with download links to the app stores. Clicking on those links today? Error messages confirming the app has been yanked. It’s as if Comcast wants us to forget the app ever existed. Nice try, but users have memories like elephants.

Amid the chaos, a community specialist on the Xfinity subreddit confirmed the bad news. “As of 12/16, the Xfinity Remote app will no longer be available on iOS and Android,” they said. As for why the app was shelved? No details were shared, leaving us to speculate. However, they did suggest a couple of alternatives:

• Xfinity web remote: Accessible via this link, it turns your browser into a makeshift remote. Convenient? Sure, but it’s not quite the same as having an app in your pocket.
• Physical remotes: You can pick up a new one free of charge at your nearest Xfinity Store. Because nothing says “2024” like needing a physical remote for your smart devices.
• Xfinity Stream App: This app lets you browse the channel guide and stream content. Handy? Maybe. A true replacement for the remote app? Not even close.

The sudden discontinuation has left a trail of disgruntled users. Many relied on the app for daily convenience, like changing channels before getting home or managing TV settings for loved ones with special needs. The consensus? The suggested alternatives just don’t cut it. From accessibility concerns to the lack of true remote functionality, it’s clear that the app’s disappearance has created more problems than solutions.

With no plans to reinstate the app, Comcast’s decision feels like a step backward. The Xfinity TV Remote app wasn’t just a luxury; for some, it was a necessity. While the web-based alternative is functional, it’s far from ideal. And the Xfinity Stream app? Great for streaming, but not so much for turning your phone into a remote.

There are no plans to reinstate the app, however; that can always change. Our help documentation is in the process of being updated, and I appreciate the feedback. There isn’t any available details I can share at this time regarding the reasoning behind the discontinuation.

If you’re still holding out hope for a revival, don’t hold your breath. Comcast’s silence on the reasoning behind this move suggests this chapter might be permanently closed. For now, we’ll have to make do with what’s left — or start exploring other service providers. Just saying.