How to set up Wi-Fi in a new home

When you move, you’ll either need to transfer existing internet service to your new home (if your provider is still available at your new address) or choose a new provider altogether. Once you do this, it’s time to set up your service. We’ve outlined the key steps to getting your internet service set up at your new address.

1. Choose or transfer your internet service

When you move, you have two options for setting up your internet: transfer your service or choose a new provider.

If you want to transfer your existing internet service to your new address, you must ensure your internet provider is available at your new home. Internet providers’ service areas vary, so you may be out of luck if you move to a new state or region. Enter your new address, and if your provider serves your new home, you can easily transfer your internet service.

If your provider is unavailable at your new address, compare prices, connection types, speeds and features of providers that are.

2. Set up your equipment

If you transferred your internet service, you can usually bring your internet equipment to your new home. If you signed up with a new provider, you can either use your ISP’s equipment for a monthly rental fee or buy your own modem, router or gateway. Learn about the pros and cons of buying vs. renting your modem and router.

Setting up your modem

To connect your modem to your internet service, find the main internet cable and connect it to your modem, then plug the power cord into your wall outlet. If you have cable internet, this will be a coaxial cable. If you have fiber internet, your main internet line connects to an optic network terminal (ONT).

Setting up your router 

To set up your router, first connect it directly to your modem with the Ethernet cable. Turn on your router, make sure your modem is connected to the internet, and set up your Wi-Fi network.

From there, you can configure your router settings, choose your network name and password and even set up guest Wi-Fi. If you aren’t using your ISP’s app to manage your network, you can configure router settings by entering your router’s IP address into your web browser. 

Learn more about how to set up your modem and router.

3. Connect your devices

Once you have your equipment set up, you can now connect your devices to your Wi-Fi network and use the internet. 

Go to your device’s settings and click on your network name. Enter your network’s password — your ISP will set a default password that can be found on the back of your router, but you can change the password in your ISP’s mobile app.

Test your internet speed

Now that your internet connection is up and running, it’s time to test your internet speed to ensure you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for. Take our free speed test to find out what your download and upload speeds are. 

Importance of a reliable home network

A reliable home network ensures a seamless internet experience for you and others in your household. There are a few factors that play into establishing the most reliable home network: 

Choosing the right internet speed for your home 

The internet speed you need depends on how many devices you’ll have connected to the internet and the types of internet activities in your home. If it’s just you, you can get away with much less bandwidth than a family of five who each have multiple devices. Also, keep internet activities in mind. Gaming and streaming require more bandwidth than web browsing, so if you and others in your household participate in bandwidth-heavy activities, opt for a faster plan.

Understanding Wi-Fi speeds

Take a look at the image below that outlines the internet speed required for common internet activities. Keep in mind that these speeds reflect one person doing one activity at a time.

Choosing the right equipment 

Another factor to consider in establishing a reliable home network is choosing the right equipment. If you use your own equipment instead of renting from your provider, make sure the device you choose is compatible with your provider.

You can opt for a separate modem and router or a gateway, a combination of a modem and router. Some routers can handle much faster internet plans than others, so if you have a fast internet plan but your router cannot handle those speeds, you won’t get the speeds you pay for. You should also consider coverage. If you have a larger home, a long-range router or a mesh system may be a better option for you.

Explore the best routers of 2024.

How to set up Wi-Fi FAQs