Activating your XM Radio

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Activating your new XM Radio is easy. You can activate on the XM website for a reduced activation fee of $9.99 per radio or even by calling our Listener Care Representatives for an activation fee charge of $14.99 per radio. For a list of XM Services, please click here to learn more.

Online Activation Process

First, please make sure your XM equipment is working properly by tuning to the XM Preview channel (#1). If you can hear XM Preview, your equipment is ready.

Next, make sure you have a credit card and your XM Radio ID handy. (You can display your ID by tuning your XM Radio to channel 0, one down from XM Preview.)

Please check your ID code carefully. There is no "I" (eye), "o" (oh), "S" or "F" used. You may wish to double-check your ID code on the outside of your tuner box.

Let's get started.

If you have any questions or would prefer to activate on the phone, please call XM Radio at: 1-800-852-9696.

It will take about 15 minutes for XM's system to process your order and begin to send the activation signal. Turn your radio on and tune to XM Channel 1 to verify whether or not you can hear the Preview Channel. Make sure that the antenna has a clear line of sight to the sky. The radio should activate within 15-30 minutes. You can verify that the activation is complete once you are able to change channels on the XM Band. If your radio has been on for 15-30 consecutive minutes and it has not received the activation signal, tune to XM Channel 1 to verify whether or not you can hear the Preview Channel and give XM a call at 1-800-852-9696.

If you have a home unit, we recommend that the antenna be placed in a south facing, clear glass window and away from any devices that generate microwaves. If you cannot hear Channel 1, you may need to move your antenna to another window.