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Cox Installation Guide

Self-installation can save you time and money. Find out how to install Cox internet and cable TV services on your own.

Want faster, more reliable internet? While Cox has some affordable cable internet plans, direct competitors like AT&T and Earthlink offer faster, more reliable fiber internet at a reasonable price. See if AT&T or Earthlink are available in your area.

To use your Cox cable TV and internet services, connections need to happen. For a long time, you had to use its Pro Connect service—where a technician comes to hook you up, so to speak.

Fortunately, now self-installation with Cox Easy Connect can save you both time and money. You don’t even need any experience to connect your Cox internet service and cable TV products—we’ll show you just how easy it is.

What is Cox Easy Connect?

Easy Connect is Cox’s self-installation plan.

As a subscriber who chooses to take the do-it-yourself (DIY) route, Easy Connect gets you a kit of the materials you need to set up your internet or cable TV service, along with a handy guide that makes the process pretty simple. The guide lays out the process step by step, in easy-to-follow language that helps everything flow smoothly.

I gave it a try—the first time I’ve ever installed my own cable and internet—and was happy and surprised about just how easy it was.

What is Cox Pro Connect?

Pro Connect is the service provided by Cox where a technician comes to your home to install your services. There is a charge associated with Pro Connect.

Cox installation kit

What’s inside my kit?

Cox internet self-installation kit:

  • Instruction guide
  • Coax cable
  • Power cord
  • Ethernet cable
  • Panoramic Wifi Gateway

You’ll need:

Smartphone, tablet, or computer

Cox Contour TV self-installation kit:

  • Power cord
  • Coax cable
  • HDMI cable
  • Contour box
  • Voice or non-voice remote control

You’ll need:

TV, and the original remote control that came with your television

Locating your Cox device type

When you receive your Cox installation kit in the mail, take a look at the box for needed information. The device type is to the right of the handle—as seen in the picture.

Cox self install box example

Installing a Cox Panoramic Wifi Gateway

Identify a coax—or cable—outlet in your home. Grab the coax cable in your kit and connect it to both the Gateway and that active cable outlet.

The Gateway should power on in about ten minutes. Once that happens, open the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Next, you will connect to the network using the network name—or SSID—and the password from the label on the bottom of the Gateway.

Once it’s connected to the network, open your browser of choice and start searching, surfing, or doing whatever web activity your newly connected heart desires.

Installing a Cox Contour TV 1 DVR box

To install your Cox Contour TV 1 DVR box, connect the coax cable to an active cable outlet and the “Cable from Wall” port located on the Contour box. Once that’s done, connect the HDMI cord to your TV and to the Contour box.

Now you’re connected, and you can start watching and recording all your favorite shows and movies.

Activating a Cox Contour TV 1, 2, 6, or third-party DVR box

The process for activating any of the Contour TV DVRs (1-6) and a third-party DVR box—like TiVO—is the same. To activate the box of your choice, start by turning on the TV. Using your original remote control, press the source or input button and select the correct HDMI connection.

Next, go to Cox.com/install or give the provider a ring at 1-800-234-3993 from a phone associated with your account, and a representative will help finish the activation process. For a more comprehensive guide, visit our page on how to program your Cox remote.

Setting up a Cox Contour TV 1, 2, 6, or DVR remote

Press and hold the mute and select buttons at the same time until one of the top buttons—cable, TV, AUX, or DVD—blinks twice. When you see that double blink, press and release the TV button.

Next, point the remote at the TV while pressing the Select button until the TV turns off. Release the button, and voila, you’re done.

Pro tip: If you run into any trouble while self-installing your Cox internet or cable TV services, you can call 1-866-867-7644 for tech support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is also a chat feature on the Cox website where you can connect with help.

Installing a Cox Wireless 4K Contour Stream player

Start by double-checking that your Panoramic Wifi Gateway is properly installed—you’ll know if it isn’t because your Wi-Fi won’t work. The internet connection is the important part of the equation here since streaming devices use the internet to play content. Once you’re sure you can access the internet, connect the HDMI cord to the Contour Stream player and to your TV.

Next, connect the Contour Stream player’s power cord to an electrical outlet, which will power the device on. Once you see the light go on, you’re ready to move on to activation.

Activating a Cox Wireless 4K Contour Stream player

To activate the Contour Stream player, start by turning on the TV. Next, grab your TV remote, press the source or input button, and select the correct HDMI connection.

You’ll get a prompt to follow on-screen instructions. Then, you can just relax for a few minutes while the activation completes.

Setting up the voice remote for the Wireless 4K Contour Stream player

Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your new voice remote. When you’re done, the words “All Set” will appear on the screen. Press OK, and you’ll be good to go. Now just let your words dictate what you want to watch.

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FAQ

What is the difference between Cox Easy Connect and Cox Pro Connect?

Easy Connect is Cox’s free self-installation service for internet and cable TV.

Does Cox charge for installation?

Easy Connect is completely free. Pro Connect requires you to schedule a technician to come to your house to handle the installation of your services, and Cox will charge you a fee for this type of installation.

How long does Cox installation take?

When you select Pro Connect, Cox reps generally schedule a two-hour window to install your internet or cable TV services. Before a technician comes over and gets the process started, Cox will give you the rundown on how you can prepare. Once the technician is there, they can let you know how long it will take to get everything up and running.

Cox mails out self-installation kits immediately after your order is placed, so if you’re going that route, expect the kit within a day or two.

How is Cox internet installed?

A Cox technician will deliver the products needed for the services you signed up for. As part of the process, they’ll connect all the required cables and equipment. They’ll even install cable outlets in the home if you need them.

Does Cox install a new cable outlet?

If a cable outlet is needed to activate your services, Cox can install a new coax—or cable—outlet. An extra fee is charged for that service, so be sure to ask about that pricing upfront.

Does Cox do same-day installation?

When you sign up for your Cox services, a representative will discuss scheduling a technician’s visit with you, if you are doing Pro Connect. A technician doesn’t come the same day.

Self-installation takes only a few minutes and might take the pain out of waiting for an appointment.

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