Xfinity WiFi Shield and Shield Select keep families safe online and at home.
How to Add Home Security and Wi-Fi Protection to Your Internet Plan (2026 Guide)
Quick Answer
WiFi Shield is free with eligible Xfinity Internet plans and provides digital security features. Shield Select adds physical home security hardware — including an Indoor Camera, Door/Window sensor, and 24/7 Urgent Response — for $15/month.
5 min read
Edited ByKelly Huh
This piece is sponsored by Xfinity
Threats can enter your home physically or electronically. To build the strongest protection for your family, you need Wi-Fi safeguards, plus home security.
Unlike a physical break-in, a cyber assault may not make itself known immediately. A Comcast-commissioned market research survey of 1,000 adults found that 95% of people underestimate home network threats.
Any home with connected devices, like computers or cell phones, can fall victim to a cyber attack. Smart homes with multiple entry points, such as connected thermostats, lighting, and doorbell cameras are particularly vulnerable. No one wants to experience the trauma of a burglary or cyber break-in.
Adding Wi-Fi protection and home security to your internet plan can reduce these risks. Xfinity WiFi Shield is a protection layer that’s included for free in every Xfinity Internet plan. Xfinity Shield Select takes this one step further, by providing physical home protection for an additional monthly fee.
Key Takeaways
- Common types of cyber threats include malware, ransomware, spam, and phishing schemes
- Americans lose $119 billion to online scams annually
- Adults aged 60+ suffer the highest financial losses from internet crime
- Gen Z and young millennial adults are the groups most likely to fall victim when targeted
- Clear, time-stamped in-home video footage, like that produced by Xfinity Shield Select, supports criminal prosecution, and speeds up insurance claims
- Xfinity Shield Select’s cloud-based security engine can’t be disabled by Wi-Fi jammers
On this page:
- What are Xfinity WiFi Shield and Xfinity Shield Select? ↓
- How does Xfinity WiFi Shield and Xfinity Shield Select protect your family? ↓
- What is Xfinity Home Security? ↓
- Which is best for your household: Xfinity WiFi Shield or Xfinity Shield Select? ↓
- How to add home security or Wi-Fi protection to your Xfinity internet plan ↓
- How does Xfinity WiFi Shield compare to competitors? ↓
- Key definitions ↓
- FAQ ↓
Meet the expert
Corey Whelan is a writer with over 10+ years of experience covering health, science, and consumer tech. Her product recommendations are shaped by extensive research, hands-on testing, trustworthy data, and trends analysis.
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What are Xfinity WiFi Shield and Xfinity Shield Select?
Xfinity has two distinct options that enhance security. You’ll need a compatible Xfinity gateway to access the most benefits from either system.
What is Xfinity WiFi Shield?
Xfinity WiFi Shield is a multi-layered security system that protects your connected home. It’s included in every Xfinity internet plan. You won’t pay extra for Xfinity WiFi Shield, or any of its components. Xfinity WiFi Shield doesn’t require installation, cameras, or add-on equipment.
Xfinity WiFi Shield uses AI learning to intuit your home’s typical rhythms. This enables the system to alert you to abnormal activity.
Xfinity WiFi Shield is comprised of four significant protection layers:
- Xfinity CyberSecure (formerly Advanced Security) is always-on, 24/7 network protection of the devices in your home that are connected to an Xfinity WiFi Gateway. CyberSecure blocks online threats before they reach computers, smart TVs, baby monitors, and other devices. CyberSecure also keeps your personal information and online activity private.
- WiFi Motion is an opt-in feature you enable in the Xfinity app. WiFi Motion works by sensing motion-based changes in WiFi signals between a gateway, Wi-Fi extenders, and connected devices. If unusual physical activity is detected, it sends you push notifications through the app. If you have pets, like cats or small dogs under 40 pounds, you can adjust your settings to exclude their activity. WiFi Motion doesn’t rely on cameras, or record video.
- Family Settings is a tool parents use through the Xfinity app. With Family Settings, you can set up profiles for every member of your household. Family Settings lets you pause Wi-Fi, set screen time limits, review your children’s online activity, and more.
- Dark Watch is Xfinity WiFi Shield’s overnight protection. Through the Xfinity app, Dark Watch works in conjunction with WiFi Shield’s other components to monitor your home for unusual activity.
What is Xfinity Shield Select?
Xfinity Shield Select is a paid upgrade that adds physical home protection to the security features included in WiFi Shield. Shield Select’s next-level protection can be added to Xfinity Internet plans for $15 a month. Starter equipment that includes an indoor camera, window/door sensor, and 24/7 urgent response support are included in the cost of Xfinity Shield Select. Professional monitoring is not part of this package.
Shield Select protects you and your family when you’re home. Shield Select also lets you see inside your home, via a live video feed, when you’re not there. This can be comforting for people who work or travel outside the home, as well as snowbirds, and those with multiple dwellings. It can also be helpful for keeping an eye on your pets and plants when you’re away.
With Xfinity Shield Select, you get:
- Xfinity CyberSecure
- WiFi Motion
- Family Settings
- Dark Watch
- Indoor camera
- Window/door sensor
- 24/7 urgent response
- Cloud video recording with seven-day storage
Learn more about Xfinity’s home solutions, including Shield Select, here.
Shield Select vs. WiFi Shield
Xfinity WiFi Shield is a free component of Xfinity internet. WiFi Shield includes parental controls, in-home motion-detection, and network security.
Xfinity Shield Select is an upgrade that adds physical home security to the protections provided by WiFi Shield. Xfinity Shield Select costs $15 a month.
How do live video feeds protect your pets and home?
When you’re not home, your pet may indulge in dangerous activities like chewing electrical cords, or jumping up on stoves. Close to 1,000 fires are set accidentally by pets each year. A video feed won’t stop your pet from bad behavior, but will give you a chance to respond quickly.
How does Xfinity WiFi Shield and Xfinity Shield Select protect your family?
Xfinity WiFi Shield and Xfinity Shield Select protect your home and family with these safeguards:
- CyberSecure is 24/7 network protection that stops cyber attacks at the gateway
- WiFi Motion senses motion based changes in your home, that could indicate an intruder
- Family Settings contains parental controls, plus lets you set up personalized profiles for every member of your household
- Dark Watch is overnight protection that syncs with your bedtime routine
In addition to these features, Xfinity Shield Select takes protection one step further with these additional safeguards:
- An indoor camera records activity within your home, whether you’re on your premises, or away
- A window/door sensor alerts you if your home’s barrier is breached, and prompts you to contact urgent response through the app
What is Xfinity Home Security?
Xfinity Home Security is next-level, professional protection your family can access for $55 a month. Xfinity Home Security protects your family and home with these services:
- Professional installation
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Secure network and reliable WiFi
- Onsite and offsite monitoring and response you control from your phone
- Cellular and battery emergency backup in case of an outage
- 24/7 live and recorded video feed
Find out if Xfinity Home Security is available at your address here.
How to add home security or Wi-Fi protection to your Xfinity internet plan
1
Download or log into the Xfinity app
Install or update the latest app version
2
Check your gateway’s compatibility
Check your leased gateway’s compatibility in the equipment section. Compatible gateways include technicolor XB7, XB8, XB9, XB10, MXB1, and XER10
3
Go to the Home tab
In the app’s Home section you’ll find activation prompts for both WiFi Shield, and Shield Select
4
Order and set up Shield Select equipment
Once activated, you can order Shield Select equipment in the app. When it arrives, use the app’s step–by-step instructions for setting up the camera and door/window sensor
How does Xfinity WiFi Shield compare to competitors?
Xfinity’s security systems are either low or no cost. Unlike some competitors, Xfinity includes everything you need to get started, including Family Settings, and overnight Dark Watch controls.
Self monitoring home internet and security plans
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is Wifi Shield included in Xfinity Internet plans?
Yes. Xfinity WiFi Shield is included in all eligible Xfinity internet plans, provided that you use a compatible leased Xfinity Gateway.
Can I install Shield Select myself?
Yes. Xfinity Shield Select can be set up at home by following step-by-step instructions in the Xfinity app.
Can I turn off my child’s internet access with WiFi Shield?
Yes. WiFi Shield and Shield Select both give you the option of setting personalized time limits and schedules for every internet user in your household.
Do I need an Xfinity Gateway to use WiFi Shield or Shield Select?
Yes. You need an Xfinity Gateway to use WiFi Shield or Shield Select. These services are not compatible with third-party gateways/routers. However, Xfinity includes its gateway free of charge with your internet plan.
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