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).


Why is there a difference in cost between a commercial and regular consumer account?
A consumer account is established when customers listen to XM programming for personal use in their vehicle or home. In a commercial or business setting, such as a doctor's office, dentist's office, restaurant/bar, retail stores, hair salons, malls, greyhound buses, airlines, river cruise boats, etc. many customers and/or employees are listening to XM programming as background music. With an XM Commercial Service package for your business, XM reports and pays all commercial licensing and royalty obligations to the artists, unless you operate an establishment that charges an admissions or membership fee (e.g. a theme park, skating rink, dance club, health club, etc.) or use music sources other than XM (e.g. CDs, DJs, live music or terrestrial radio, etc.), in which case you are responsible for payment of any copyright royalties to ASCAP, BMI, SESAC or for any sound recordings.

How much does the XM Radio Service cost?
If you are a consumer, you will pay a $14.99 activation fee plus monthly service fee of $14.49 for over 170 channels. You can also activate on our E-care website http://activation.xmradio.com.

If you are a business, you must be set up as a commercial account. Commercial accounts are $29.95 with a one-time activation fee of $14.99. At this time, you cannot activate or manage a commercial account on the web. Please call us at 888-689-2300 for your commercial activation.

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

Do I have to sign a contract for XM service?
There is no contract, it is subscription based and you may cancel your service at any time.

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.

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.

How do I sign up for 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. XM Radio Gift Cards are also available.