How to Activate an XM Radio

People continually subscribe to satellite radio providers, such as XM radio, for the variety of programming and the wide-range reception that is available. Setting up your XM radio so that it can receive satellite radio service requires that you follow specific steps for activation.

Things You'll Need

• Computer or telephone
• Credit card

Instructions

Obtain the Identification Number

1. Press the power button to turn on your XM radio. If you are unsure of where the power button is located, consult the diagram in your owner's manual.

2. Verify that the radio is playing on channel one, which is the XM preview channel. Change the radio to channel zero.

3. Look at the radio's display. You will see an eight-digit identification number. Write the number down on a piece of paper so that you can refer to it when you activate your radio.

Call to Activate

1. Call 800-XM-RADIO and tell the customer care representative that you want to activate your XM radio.

2. Give the representative the radio's eight-digit identification number.

3. Provide the representative with the personal information requested, such as your name, address and telephone number.

4. Tell the customer service associate which service plan you would like to purchase and give your payment information (i.e., credit card number and expiration date).

5. Tune your XM radio to channel one and wait for up to one hour for activation. Wait 15 or 20 minutes and scroll through the channels to see if activation has taken place. Channels seven, nine, 47 and 122 will all need to be working before the activation process is complete.

Activate Online

1. Navigate to the XM radio link (see Resources section).

2. Enter the eight-digit radio identification number into the appropriate box and click "Submit."

3. Choose a user name and password for your account. Enter your name, address and email address in the correct spaces on the registration form.

4. Choose the service plan to which you want to subscribe and pay the fee with your credit card.

5. Tune the radio to channel one and wait for up to one hour for it to be activated. After 15 or 20 minutes, scroll through the channels. Once you receive channels seven, nine, 47 and 122, your XM radio has been completely activated.

Tips & Warnings

• If activation doesn't take place within one hour after you have registered for an account online or via phone, call the XM Listener Care Center at 800-XM-RADIO for assistance.

References

• XM Radio: Activating XM Commander
• eBay Guides: How to Activate Your XM Radio
• XM Radio: FAQs

Resources

• XM Radio: Activate Radio