How to transfer your internet service when moving homes

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.