Xfinity customers can get two levels of home protection - here’s how they work

The internet is a wonderful thing. It forms the backbone of modern life, but you can never be too careful. And while many service providers offer their own suites of protection for families hopping online, Xfinity goes beyond that.

Xfinity’s WiFi Shield, which is included with all of its plans, regardless of speed tier, offers a robust array of features to help keep you and those you live with safe beyond just digital security. And, for those looking for additional peace of mind, Xfinity Shield Select is available as an optional extra that adds even more safety features for your home beyond cybersecurity.

What is Xfinity WiFi Shield?

If you have Xfinity WiFi, then great news: You have WiFi Shield as standard. There’s no monthly fee or additional settings to configure; you can just open the Xfinity app and take control.

WiFi Shield is made up of four pieces that, when combined, help you feel safe while browsing the web — and even while you're away from home.

CyberSecure: Always-on network protection that blocks suspicious activity without you lifting a finger.

WiFi Motion: Camera-free motion detection that uses your connected devices and gateway to sense movement in your home.

Dark Watch: Nighttime monitoring that flags unusual activity after dark and sends notifications to your selected devices.

Family Settings: Parental controls that let you configure screen time limits, create custom profiles, and manage access for users in your home.

The first layer is CyberSecure. Formerly known as Advanced Security, CyberSecure is enabled on compatible Xfinity gateway hardware by default. That makes it an always-on layer of network protection designed to block suspicious activity on your network without you lifting a finger.

Requirements

To use WiFi Shield, you'll need:

• An active Xfinity Internet subscription
• A compatible Xfinity Gateway
• Gateway not set to Bridge mode

Note: WiFi Shield only works with an Xfinity Gateway. If you're using your own equipment rather than one you rent from Xfinity, you'll need to switch to a standard gateway first but good news - all Xfinity internet plans include a Gateway free of charge.

Up next is WiFi Motion. This clever system uses your connected devices and a compatible Xfinity WiFi gateway to detect movement in your home — even when you’re not there. This means someone traveling regularly can know when something's amiss without a camera or specialist door sensors (more on those in a moment).

Next up is Dark Watch, a nighttime monitoring mode that ties into your bedtime routine and flags anything that looks unusual after dark, while also sending notifications to the devices you select.

Finally, rounding out WiFi Shield is Family Settings, which allows you to use the Xfinity app to configure screen time limits for your kids, create custom profiles for users in the home, or set parental controls.

This is all combined with geofencing so your setup knows when you’re at home versus when you’re away, and switches modes accordingly.

What about Shield Select?

Shield Select takes the features of WiFi Shield and layers additional physical protection on top. For only $15 per month, subscribers get an indoor camera and a window/door sensor to use in their home.

While it’s not a full security system à la Xfinity Home Security, it’s ideal for frequent flyers, those leaving their pet at home during the workday, or new homeowners who have just moved in and want peace of mind you can count on.

All WiFi Shield features are included, as well as continuous video recording and seven-day storage. You’ll also get 24/7 urgent response coverage, which isn’t the same as professional monitoring but still helps you feel safer knowing that your home is being protected.

With WiFi Shield included in all plans, and additional physical protection with Shield Select for just $15 per month, Xfinity goes above and beyond a standard online protection layer for your home — and won’t break the bank in doing so.

WiFi Shield vs. Shield Select

WiFi Shield is free and included with your Xfinity Internet plan; Shield Select costs $15/month and adds an indoor camera, door/window sensor, 24/7 urgent response, and seven-day cloud video storage.

FAQs

Is Shield Select the same as WiFi Shield? WiFi Shield is included with your Xfinity internet plan, while Shield Select is a paid tier that also incorporates physical cameras with video recording, window/door sensors, 24/7 urgent response, and more.

Is WiFi Shield included with Xfinity Internet? If you're an Xfinity Internet member with a compatible gateway, WiFi Shield is included at no extra cost.

What features are included with WiFi Shield? WiFi Shield incorporates four key areas of security. CyberSecure offers always-on network protection, WiFi Motion can detect motion without using cameras, Dark Watch monitors your home at night, and Family Settings allows for parental controls. All are managed from within the Xfinity app.

Does WiFi Shield require cameras? WiFi Shield doesn’t use cameras to detect motion. Instead, it uses connected devices and the Xfinity Gateway. Shield Select adds a camera.

What is WiFi Motion? WiFi Motion uses your WiFi signal and the connected devices to detect motion in your home without requiring a camera. This capability must be turned on via the Xfinity app.

What is Dark Watch? Dark Watch is WiFi Shield's overnight mode, and it kicks in with your bedtime routine. It uses motion, security signals, and device activity to flag anything that looks unusual while you sleep, with notifications sent to whichever devices you select.

What is CyberSecure? Formerly known as Advanced Security, WiFi Shield’s CyberSecure is an always-on layer of network protection to block suspicious activity on your network without you needing to do anything.

What equipment comes with Shield Select? One indoor camera and one window/door sensor are included in the plan.

Does Shield Select include professional monitoring? No. While Shield Select gives you 24/7 urgent response support, continuous video recording, and seven-day storage, it doesn't include the professional monitoring you'd get with a full security system like Xfinity Home Security.

How much is Shield Select? Shield Select costs $15 a month, on top of your existing Xfinity internet plan.

Who is Shield Select good for? If you want more awareness of what’s going on in your home but don’t want to spend a lot on a full security setup, Shield Select could be ideal for you. Movers settling into a new home, pet owners checking in while they’re away, and parents keeping an eye on kids in another room will all find plenty of use for Shield Select.