WiFi QR Code Questions

Test-User · 2025-07-08T22:57:59+00:00

Considered for a bit on where to post this one, as it applies to way more than just Xfinity. But since I’m testing it with both an iPhone and an Android, and it’s possible the situation is unique to Xfinity and an XB8, I’m hoping that this is a decent starting point. What are the potential differences between joining a WiFi network by simply tapping the WiFi SSID on the device, and entering the password, vs. manually adding the WiFi network by inputting the SSID and password, vs. scanning the QR code provided in the Xfinity app? While iPhones display far less info about the connection, than does Android, I’m thinking the primary differences would be setting Security mode for the connection, but I’m uncertain as to what else. Also, for the purposes of this thread, I’m talking about all three bands on the XB8 being combined into a single SSID and password (not split bands), and the Security mode for the XB8 is set to WPA3-Personal-Transition, in the Xfinity app (covers all three bands, although the 6GHz is WPA3-Personal since that’s the minimum for that band).

Test-User

hex0101 are you still using an XB7? If so, any particular reason why?

hex0101

Test-User I was testing Wi-Fi motion. Not sure how this works behind the scenes but it detects motion between the gateway and connected devices and it actually works lol. XB7/XB8 are supported, but from what I can tell there is not any special hardware required so other vendors could also do the same thing?

Just think what would happen if the enterprise vendors could turn the AP’s around the office into motion sensors in addition to working as AP’s. Ubiquiti could integrate that into Unifi Protect for example.

badtlc4

hex0101 The better question is when you dont want to use wifi motion, is it still sending all the monitoring data to Xfinity and being sold?

hex0101

badtlc4 Opt-in feature, you have to read and accept the Xfinity Residential Service Agreement and Privacy Policy to turn it on. https://www.xfinity.com/privacy/policy They will turn it over to the authorities if subpoenaed however. (But so will every cloud vendor ever, security cameras that sync to cloud, etc).

Wi-Fi Motion requires devices to be connected directly to the XB7/XB8. You can choose up to 3 devices, and they must be stationary (no phones, tablets, laptops, etc) and not enter power saving mode. You also cannot have any xFi Pods or Storm Ready Wi-Fi units on the account. If you use your own router/AP, then Wi-Fi motion will not work. So there are ways to maintain 100% privacy for those that believe that Xfinity is tracking their movements.

telcodad

hex0101 I was testing Wi-Fi motion. Not sure how this works behind the scenes but it detects motion between the gateway and connected devices and it actually works lol.

badtlc4 The better question is when you dont want to use wifi motion, is it still sending all the monitoring data to Xfinity and being sold?

hex0101 Opt-in feature, you have to read and accept the Xfinity Residential Service Agreement and Privacy Policy to turn it on. https://www.xfinity.com/privacy/policy They will turn it over to the authorities if subpoenaed however. (But so will every cloud vendor ever, security cameras that sync to cloud, etc).

See:

New Xfinity router motion-detecting feature stokes privacy fears — feature powered by Wi-Fi signals
By Hassam Nasir, Tom’s Hardware - July 5, 2025
https://www.tomshardware.com/networking/routers/new-xfinity-router-motion-detecting-feature-stokes-privacy-fears-feature-powered-by-wi-fi-signals

badtlc4

hex0101 Dont be naive. It is cheaper to take the data, sell it illegally and pay the fine later than to not collect it. Those gateways wont stop collecting data once the ability is in the firmware.

lesmikesell

badtlc4 Dont be naive. It is cheaper to take the data, sell it illegally and pay the fine later than to not collect it. Those gateways wont stop collecting data once the ability is in the firmware.

If somebody wants to know when I walk to the fridge for a snack, that’s fine with me. Don’t think they’ll get much for selling it, though.

Devious

badtlc4 It is cheaper to take the data, sell it illegally and pay the fine later than to not collect it.

Depends how big the fine is I guess.
Avast was fined 16.5 million for selling user data.

badtlc4

Devious The fines are always in the low millions while the revenue generated is in the hundreds of millions. All the companies that get busted harvesting private data never stop and get busted again. They dont try to hide how to scheme the system.

Test-User

lesmikesell unless, of course, Alexa heard you leave the room to go the fridge when an ad for some “settlement” company played on your smart TV, and you finished the jingle, as you cracked open a cold drink. That might have monetary value. I jest… perhaps I’m just paranoid.

badtlc4

Test-User It isn’t paranoia. This is all fully public informaton on how they can use smart TVs, remotes, smart phones, alexa devices, etc. to listen and watch everything you do and they save the data. They claim to only use it for marketing so that companies can provide highly targeted advertisements. The only place paranoia can come in is if you think they are using the data for more than that. And based on the past and known incidents, we know the data is definitely used for more than just marketing.

Test-User

badtlc4 Spot on! That was said, tongue in cheek. How does that saying go?… just because you’re paranoid, doesn’t mean they’re not after you. Once you know that there are ads that play on radio/TV/other, that include a little bit of extra sound, that those smart devices can recognize and act upon, hopefully you’ll toss them in the recycling. But hey, what do I know.

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