Key takeaways
- You will need to transfer your current service or start new service when you move
- Check your ZIP code to see if your current ISP is available at your new home
- Moving service is an opportunity to make sure your internet speed is adequate
More than 40 million people move each year in the U.S., with 80% of these moves occurring between May and September. With the moving season well underway, your internet service is the last thing you want to worry about.
Luckily, most providers make transferring your internet service pretty simple as long as your new address is within their service location. We’ve outlined the steps to seamlessly transfer your internet service to either your new address or newly built home.
- Every year, over 40 million individuals in the U.S. move on average
- Peak season, between May and September, accounts for 80% of all moves
- The demand for moving services reaches its peak in June, July and August. Around 37% of Americans feel they did not allocate their moving expenses efficiently
Steps to moving your internet service
- Check your plan
- Check with your current ISP to find out if service is available at your new home
- Check for available special offers and deals
- Schedule an installation appointment at your new address
- Bring your equipment with you when you move
- Activate your service
- Check your internet speed
- The cost of moving your internet connection
Check your plan
Moving is an excellent time to check your internet plan.
When you are moving to a new home, check your internet plan to ensure you are getting the best speed and connectivity for your needs. If you need to switch providers, you can pick a better plan.
If you are staying with your current provider, check out their plans and compare them to what you are using before you move. You may find a better offer or faster speeds by switching plans with your original provider.
Research your internet options.
If you are moving, you’ll need to research your options for an internet provider since not all providers or types of internet connections are available at all addresses. Allconnect’s price savings calculator can also show you if you can save any money by switching providers.
Changing your internet provider might be smart if your new address has fiber available, which is the fastest way to connect. However, if your internet use doesn’t go beyond checking social media or sending emails, you might be able to save money by signing up for a slower plan for a cheaper price.
Check with your ISP
Before moving, verify internet service availability at your new address and contact your ISP several weeks in advance to allow time for setting up new service if needed.
First, check with your current internet service provider (ISP) to see if internet service is available at your new address. Enter your address on our site, your provider’s website or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website.
This is important because ISPs’ service locations vary, even down to a specific household. You could be moving across town or even just across the street and your current ISP may not service that specific address.
Make sure to contact your ISP at least a few weeks before you move to ensure you have enough time to set up your internet service just in case you need to subscribe to a new provider.
Check for available special offers and deals
A new ISP customer may be eligible for discount offers.
Check for any available special offers or deals if you have to switch to a new provider. Usually, the deals are reserved for new customers, but sometimes providers offer promotions when you switch to a new provider and can include covering a termination fee or reward cards in some cases.
Even if you’re sticking with your current provider, it wouldn’t hurt to talk with them directly to find out if you can get any promotional deals.
Schedule an installation date
Remember to schedule an installation date for your new service as soon as possible.
If your current provider is available at your new address, the next step is to schedule a transfer date. The easiest way to do this is by calling your provider. You can always do it online, too.
If you’re switching to a new provider, you’ll need to schedule an installation appointment. This usually involves a technician coming to your home to set up your new equipment and activate your service or self-installation.
Bring your equipment with you when you move
You can use the same equipment if you own it or are keeping your ISP.
When you transfer your internet service from a current provider to your new address, you can usually pack up your equipment (if you rent from your current ISP) and plug it into your new home. This is common for transfers since you’re using the same account and just switching your service address.
If your current ISP is not available at your new address, or you decide to switch for other reasons, you must return all rented equipment to your previous ISP. Otherwise, you could be hit with some hefty charges. If you own your equipment and are switching providers, make sure it’s compatible with your new provider.
If you are staying with your current provider, you should be able to move the internet equipment like the modem, router or gateway device. Check with your provider about cabling or other connection equipment. Upgrading may improve your internet connection.
Moving is also a good time to replace any equipment that requires it. You can exchange your rentals with your current provider or even purchase your router.
Activate your service
Activating new provider service can be as easy as plugging in your equipment, but if you have a new service, you’ll need to schedule installation.
If your home is already wired for internet service, just plug in your modem and router if you’re using the same service provider. If you switched, schedule an installation appointment and follow your new ISP’s installation guidelines (self-install or professional).
If you can self-install your new service, you might save an installation fee. If self-activation is available, your provider will send a kit with everything you need, and usually an installation app to follow.
Check the speed in your new home
Use a speed test to ensure you are getting the internet speed you are paying for.
When you’ve finished setting up your internet in your new home, check your connection speed to ensure everything is working smoothly. The speed you need depends on the number of devices connected to your network and the types of internet activities you participate in. If you’re a heavy gamer, work from home or stream on multiple devices, you’ll need a faster speed than someone who lives alone and only has one or two connected devices at a time.
Use our speed test to compare the speeds you’re getting to the speeds you’re paying for. If you notice you aren’t getting enough internet speed, you can try a few things to boost your connection, like moving your equipment to a better location, adding a Wi-Fi extender to your home network or optimizing your router.
The cost of moving your internet connection
Some ISPs charge a transfer fee for moving your current internet connection.
If you require professional installation, there will most likely be a fee for this as well.
Something else to keep in mind is that all plans and speeds aren’t always available, even if you are just moving a few streets away. If your current plan isn’t available at the new address, you may have to pay a termination fee and pick another plan.
When you have a moving date, it’s best to contact your ISP immediately to find out the costs of keeping and moving your service.
If you can’t transfer your service …
Not all internet service providers are available at every address, so you may not be able to keep your current one.
If your current ISP is unavailable at your new address, you won’t be able to transfer your internet service. In this case, check out what providers are available in your new area and choose the plan that works for you.
Need help transferring service from your provider?
Find your ISP below and let them know you’re moving. If their service is available at your new address, then they can help you out.
Learn more about transferring service with top ISPs
Provider | What you should know |
---|---|
Transfer your Spectrum service | You can transfer both your internet and TV with Spectrum |
Transfer your Cox service | You can install your equipment in your new home yourself |
Transfer your Xfinity service | Check your new address for Xfinity service before filling out your moving form |
Transfer your Verizon service | You will have to disconnect service at your old address and place an order for a new plan at your next home |
Transfer your Frontier service | If you are moving within the Frontier service area, simply move your service without the need for a new account number |
How to transfer internet FAQs
Can I relocate my internet service?
Yes, you can transfer your internet service if your new address is within your current ISP’s coverage area. If it’s not, you’ll need to subscribe to a new internet provider available at your new home.
Do you have to pay to transfer your internet?
Depending on your ISP, transferring your internet could include some fees. If you have to switch to a new provider before you move and you have a binding contract, you may have to pay an early termination fee (ETF).
Keep in mind that some ISPs, like Xfinity, have different pricing based on the region of service, so your plan could be more expensive in your new location.
Can I set up my internet service before I move?
Yes! Whether you order new service or transfer existing service, you can set up the service before you move into your new home, just keep in mind that your ISP will require your physical presence at the new property when they come to set up your internet. If you’re installing your internet yourself, just make sure your ISP sends you what you need before you move in.
How fast can internet get installed?
If your new property needs to be wired, this will take more time then setting up your connection. Schedule your installation well in advance so you don’t get stuck without internet when you arrive at your new property. Many ISPs will get a technician to your property within a few weeks of you scheduling the appointment. Self-installing your internet equipment in your pre-wired home is a quick process that could take less than 10 minutes.
How long does it take to transfer internet to another house?
If you are staying with your current provider when you move houses, transferring your service is a very quick and easy process. First, make sure it’s available at your new address, then transfer your service through your account with your ISP, either online or by phone.
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Written by:
Camryn Smith
As one of Allconnect’s writers, Camryn Smith helps consumers navigate complex home internet services and broadband technology through her helpful content. Using her expertise in the broadband space, Camryn edu…
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Edited by:
Anine SusEditor I
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