How to self-install internet to save money

If you’ve ever signed up for a new internet service, you may have grappled with the decision to have a technician come out and install your internet for you. Yes, it costs more — but the money is worth avoiding the hassle, right?

Well, not necessarily. Self-installation has become a popular way to set up internet services, and it’s so easy you may regret even considering forking up a hefty professional installation fee. Not to mention, it’s often free, depending on your provider. Here’s everything you need to know about self-installing your internet service.

Why you should self-install your own internet 

When you sign up for internet service, you can often install it yourself (if your provider offers a self-install internet option) or schedule a technician to come out and do it for you.

Self-installation is often free, with clear step-by-step instructions that make it quick and easy. Barring any technical issues, it can be done in less than 20 minutes.

If you can self-install your service, you could save over $100 in some cases and avoid the sometimes frustrating process of scheduling and waiting for a technician to come to your home.

Why you may want professional installation

Self-installation isn’t always the best, or even possible, option for internet installation. If your home isn’t already wired for your internet service type, e.g., fiber, then you will need a technician to come to your home and install the necessary wiring and equipment.

Certain internet types, like satellite internet, may also require a specific installation process that needs a professional. Satellite providers like Hughesnet and Viasat require a technician to install a satellite dish at your residence, so they don’t offer self-installation.

Consider your overall knowledge and familiarity with your service. If you think you will encounter technical issues, it’s best to schedule a professional installation appointment from the beginning to avoid extra fees and hassle.

How to self-install internet

Self-installing your internet service may differ slightly based on your internet provider, but the general steps are as follows:

1. Sign up for self-installation
2. Once you receive your self-installation kit, locate the instructions for self-installation. This can be found in the kit itself, on the provider’s website or on your provider’s network management app
3. Choose an area to place your modem, router or gateway
4. Connect your equipment according to your self-installation instructions
5. Activate your service according to your self-installation instructions
6. Set up your Wi-Fi network
7. Change your Wi-Fi network name and password
8. Connect your devices to your network

What internet equipment do I need to self-install my internet?

If you’re self-installing your internet service, your equipment varies depending on your service.

Fiber optic internet requires an optical network terminal (ONT), while cable internet requires coaxial wiring. In order to self-install your service, you must have these requirements in place beforehand, or your provider won’t allow self-installation.

If you are already wired for fiber, your provider will send you a gateway device and any necessary wiring in your self-installation kit. Cable internet requires a modem, router or a gateway device (a modem-router combo). Your provider will supply the necessary equipment for service unless you own your equipment.

You’ll also need the necessary cables and instructions to connect your equipment, which will also be included in your self-installation kit from your provider. Some providers have an app that walks you through the installation process step by step.

Read more about modems, routers and gateways.

Internet installation general tips

While self-installation is easy, there are a few tips that can ensure a seamless activation:

• Pick an optimal location for your internet equipment. The best location is a central area near an outlet and away from walls
• Make sure you have all necessary equipment (modem, router, gateway, power cord, Ethernet cable, coaxial cable, ONT)
• If your provider has an app, download it to make the self-installation process easier
• Update your network name and password from the default when setting up your service

Internet installation provider tips

Self-installation processes are fairly similar across internet providers, but details could vary depending on the type of internet you have and the provider you signed up for. Here are some self-installation tips for top providers like AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity and Spectrum.

Self-installation FAQs