Frequently Asked Questions


 
 
XM Listener Care Center
 
If you have a problem that you can't resolve online, please call 1-800-XM-RADIO during the following hours:

Mon-Sat: 8 AM - 11 PM ET
Sun: 8 AM - 8 PM ET
 
 
Service & Billing Options

How do I sign up for XM service?
  • Once you purchase a radio from any of the thousands of different national, regional and local retail stores or through automobile dealers with a purchase of a new car, you will be able to sign up for our subscription service through our Listener Care Center or over the Internet.

How much does the XM Radio Service cost?
    If you are a consumer and not a business establishment, the monthly service subscription fee is $12.95 for over 170 channels. There may also be a one-time activation fee (per radio) when activating your radio on your account. Other fees and taxes may apply.

    If you are a business or commercial establishment, see FAQs for XM for Business.

Do I need to have a separate XM subscription for each radio?
  • Each radio that is activated will be charged its own set of fees.

Why have multiple subscription discounts changed?
  • We have changed our discounting structure for multiple subscriptions. As of March 11, 2009 multiple subscriptions will be discounted at the same rate as traditional primary subscriptions. For example if you purchase a 2 year multiple subscription plan you will receive 3 months free, a three year plan will get you five months free. This means that customers who chose a longer term plan will save even more than the 30% off our regular $12.95 monthly rate.

Where can I find out more about the US Music Royalty Fee?
What are my billing options?
  • XM accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover credit cards. XM also offers EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) from your checking or savings bank account, as well as invoice billing.
    Due to escalating handling and processing costs, XM charges a nominal fee of $2 per invoice to subscribers who choose invoice billing.

What are XM's service and subscription terms?
  • Please read our Customer Agreement for more information about XM's service and subscription terms and conditions.

How long before I hear XM after I activate my radio?
  • Please turn your radio on and tune to the Preview Channel, which is Channel 1. To ensure the activation process is complete, scroll through the channels in sequence (for example you will hear channels, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc.). When you hear channels 7, 9, 47 and 122 your activation is complete.
    For auto installed units, make sure that your vehicle is outside with an unobstructed view to the sky.
    If you have a home unit, please make sure the antenna is located in a south-facing window with clear glass and with no visible obstructions to the sky.
    If you do not receive over 170 XM channels after one hour, please call us at 1-800-XM-RADIO (1-800-967-2346).

Is XM Service available in Canada and Mexico?
  • XM is available in the continental U.S., its territories and adjacent waters, as well as in Canada. In Canada, the XM service is made available through XM's exclusive licensee, Canadian Satellite Radio Inc. (go to www.xmradio.ca for the Canadian channel listing, online radio offerings and to subscribe). XM provides excellent coast-to-coast signal coverage to the densely populated regions of Canada through its satellites and a robust ground repeater network installed in major metropolitan areas. Currently, XM's service is not sold in Mexico.

Is XM Service available in the waters off the coast of the United States?
  • Yes, XM is designed for marine use. In addition to domestic waterways in the continential United States, XM's signal extends off the coast into all U.S. coastal waters.

How do I report possible identity theft or unauthorized charges?
  • If you believe you have been a victim of identity theft, contact the Fraud Hotline toll free at 1-866-795-1896 or 202-459-2588 if calling from the District of Columbia.

How do I add my phone number to XM's "Do Not Call" list?
  • There are several ways to add your phone number to XM's "Do Not Call" list. Take a look at XM's Do Not Call policy to find out how.

If I make a payment via check, what happens to my check?
  • By sending your completed, signed check to us, you authorize us to copy your check and to use the account information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account [for the same amount as the check]. Funds will be withdrawn from your account within 24 hours and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution. The electronic fund transfer from your account will be on the account statement you receive from your financial institution.
 
 
 



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