One beloved feature of XM Radio is that the channels span a wide range of musical tastes and interests. As subscriptions change, so does the channel lineup at any XM provider, which means the channel set on your XM receiver needs to be refreshed and updated at times. If the receiver doesn't update correctly, you may hear the wrong content streaming from several channels.
When channels are added, removed or moved on an XM Radio system, your receiver needs to be updated to pick up the new listings. To update your radio, switch it on and let it update itself. It's entirely normal for the audio to not match the text description of the song and channel while it's updating. Do not try to tune your XM device while it's updating, as doing so with interfere with its progress and the process will take more time.
A conventional AM/FM radio is ready to go as soon as you turn the dial, but that isn't always the case with XM Radio. Be prepared to wait between two and five minutes, according to SiriusXM Radio. During that time, the receiver is setting up a connection with the satellite and downloading the channel lineup.
One error experienced by some XM receivers is that the updating process attempts to continue even after a successful update is complete. If your receiver isn't working properly and the audio doesn't match your channel, turn it off, wait five minutes and then switch it back on to correct the problem.
If your radio still isn't updating, call your XM Radio provider to refresh your signal. Make sure you have your radio identification number, as you will need it to reset the signal. Follow the prompts on the phone to reset the signal. Some XM Radio companies also offer a radio activation signal that can be sent from a Web browser. You need to be at the radio when performing the reset process and the antenna that receives the satellite signal must have an unobstructed view of the sky. If the update still isn't working properly, contact your XM provider. Some car models and radio models require special steps to update successfully.
