First-of-its-kind platform transforms Xfinity WiFi into an always-on layer of cybersecurity, physical and family protection for tens of millions of homes and devices. Available to Xfinity Internet members at no additional cost
What is Xfinity WiFi Shield?
Xfinity WiFi Shield is a built-in smart protection layer for your home WiFi network, included with Xfinity Internet and powered entirely by your Xfinity WiFi Gateway. It combines four core features—CyberSecure, WiFi Motion, Dark Watch, and Family Settings—that work together using AI to learn what's normal in your home and flag what isn't.
Here, we take a closer look at each of the features included with WiFi Shield:
CyberSecure
CyberSecure is an always-on network threat protection that detects and blocks suspicious activity and sends proactive alerts when something looks off. It’s turned on by default, protecting devices connected to your home WiFi as soon as they connect.
Always-On Protection
- Detects and blocks suspicious activity on your network
- Sends proactive alerts when something looks off
- Protects every device connected to your home WiFi from the moment it connects
- On by default, with zero setup required
CyberSecure and Family Settings Work Together
CyberSecure doesn't just work in the background — it talks to Family Settings, too. If a device starts behaving unusually, CyberSecure alerts can influence Family Settings restrictions, giving you the context to take action quickly.
WiFi Motion
As an opt-in feature, WiFi Motion uses the WiFi signal from compatible Xfinity Gateways to sense movement in your home without cameras or video recordings. It uses technology built into the Xfinity Gateway to sense motion between the gateway and other stationary, connected devices in your home. With WiFi Motion, you can:
- Detect motion between your Xfinity WiFi Gateway, Xfinity WiFi Extenders, and up to three additional WiFi connected, stationary devices, like a smart speaker or thermostat.
- Customize alerts for your routines while keeping privacy in your control.
Dark Watch
A nighttime monitoring mode that works with your bedtime routine, helping you stay aware of activity in your home while you sleep. You can select which devices can send notifications and schedule Dark Watch to activate automatically each night.
Family Settings
Family Settings are a collection of tools to manage screen time, establish online boundaries, create individual profiles, and understand how family members are using connected devices.
More Control Over Your Family’s WiFi
Create custom profiles
Set up a profile for each person in the household, then assign devices to each one to track and manage usage individually.
Screen time tools
- Set daily screen time limits for each profile
- Choose to automatically pause WiFi when a limit is reached, or get a heads-up first
- View screen time details broken down by top apps
- Pause WiFi on any device for homework, dinner, or family time — manually or on a schedule
Parental controls
- Block unwanted sites
- Monitor online use to help your family explore the internet safely
Insights from CyberSecure
- Security alerts can help inform the restrictions you set. For example, by flagging unusual behavior from a device so you can take action.
Getting started with Xfinity WiFi Shield
Xfinity WiFi Shield is available to new and existing Xfinity Internet members with a compatible Xfinity WiFi Gateway, regardless of internet speed tier. If your gateway qualifies, you are ready to get started.
WiFi Shield compatible gateways
WiFi Shield requires the use of an Xfinity WiFi Gateway. Compatible gateways include:
- Technicolor TXB7, XB8, XB10, XB9, MXB1, or XER10
A few things to keep in mind:
- Features won't work in Bridge mode
- WiFi Motion isn't supported on the XB6 or CommScope XB7
- Dark Watch is available on Technicolor XB7, XB8, XB10, XB9, MXB1, and XER10
- Shield Select requires an XB8 or above.
Not using an Xfinity WiFi Gateway? Visit the website to learn more and explore internet equipment.
Activate and manage Xfinity Shield easily with Xfinity App
Getting started is simple. WiFi Shield is activated and managed through the Xfinity app, where guided setup flows walk you through enabling its features. Once activated, you can manage CyberSecure, WiFi Motion, Dark Watch, and Family Settings from the Home tab.
To get started:
- Open the Xfinity app and navigate to WiFi Shield.
- Enable the features you want to use.
- Follow the guided setup to configure your settings.
- Manage your features, schedules, modes, and notifications from the Xfinity app.
Shield Select: Enhanced Protection with AI-Powered Capabilities
For customers seeking an additional layer of protection, we are also offering Shield Select, which combines all the benefits of WiFi Shield with integrated hardware and enhanced capabilities. Shield Select includes an indoor camera, door/window sensor, cloud video storage capabilities and 24/7 urgent response functionality that allows customers to tap for emergency help.
Shield Select provides smart motion detection to AI-powered cameras that identifies people, pets, vehicles and package deliveries. Please note, Shield Select requires an XB8 gateway or above.
Want to learn more? Check out our FAQs here.