How to transfer your internet service when moving homes

Camryn Smith

Aug 28, 2024 — 4 min read

Take your current internet service to your new home with our step-by-step guide.

Young woman on laptop with moving boxes around her

More than 40 million people move each year in the U.S., with 80% of these moves occurring between April 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 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.

Steps to moving your internet service

  1. Check with your current ISP to find out if service is available at your new home
  2. Check for available special offers and deals
  3. Schedule an installation appointment at your new address
  4. Bring your equipment with you when you move
  5. Activate your service
  6. Check your internet speed

Check with your ISP

First, check with your current 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.

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Check for available special offers and deals

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

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

When you transfer your 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.

Activate your service

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). 

Check the speed in your new home

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 can’t transfer 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.

Does transferring internet service cost anything?

It depends on the provider. Some ISPs allow you to transfer your service to your new home at no extra cost, while others may charge a transfer fee. 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.

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.

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. 

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. 

If you’re transferring your service from your current provider, then you can also just bring your equipment to your new home. 

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.

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.

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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Camryn Smith

Written by:

Camryn Smith

Cammy is a writer with Allconnect, growing her broadband industry knowledge for over a year on the internet marketplace. Her expertise lies in home internet and broadband service with a focus on providers, plans… Read more