How to transfer internet to your new home

There’s nothing worse than moving into your new home only to be reminded that the internet won’t be set up for another week. To make sure you have your favorite show to stream at the end of a long moving day, you’ll need to plan ahead to transfer internet to your new address or switch providers before you move.

If you’re happy with your current internet provider and want to stay on the same plan, your first step will be to find out if they have service at your new place. If they do, the process for transferring service is usually pretty simple, and doesn’t typically require scheduling an appointment with a technician. 

Here’s our step-by-step guide to moving internet to your new house. 

How to transfer internet service

These days, most internet service providers allow you to transfer your service to a new address entirely online, so the entire process can be done in a few minutes. That said, you’ll want to do this a couple weeks before your move to give yourself some time if you need professional installation. 

Step 1: Check your address

Before you can transfer your service, you’ll need to find out if it’s available at your new place. You can do this in a few ways: enter your address in the location bar above, on your provider’s website, or on the FCC’s website. 

The area each provider services is incredibly specific — the house across the street might have different options than you — so there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to move your internet with you. But in general, you can usually stick with the same provider if you’re moving within the same area. 

Step 2: Look for discounts

While the best deals are usually reserved for new customers, you can often take advantage of them if you’re willing to do a little extra legwork. Poke around on your provider’s website to see what kind of promotions they’re offering customers who switch, and call them directly to see if you can get the discounted pricing when you transfer your service. It’s also possible that your new address will have different plans available altogether. 

Step 3: Set up an installation date

Once you’ve established that your provider has service at your new address, it’s time to pick a date to transfer your service. You can do this by calling your provider directly, or by filling out a transfer form online. (Jump down the page to find a link to your provider’s transfer form.)

If the provider tells you that you’ll need a professional to set up service at your new address, this is where you’ll pick a time for them to come out. 

Step 4: Activate your service

In most cases, you’ll simply be able to pack up your equipment at your old house and plug it in at your new one. If you’ve transferred your service ahead of time, you should be able to get online as soon as you plug in your modem and router. 

If your new home hasn’t been wired for service from your provider, a technician will need to come out to run the cable to your home. 

MYMOVE pro tip

If you’re stuck without internet for a few days in your new home, you can get by for many tasks by using your cellphone’s mobile hotspot. 

Step 5: Check the speed in your new home

Once you’re all set up, it’s a good idea to audit how much speed you’re really getting. When you’re connected to Wi-Fi, take a free internet speed test to compare your actual speed to the plan  you’re paying for. If there’s a big discrepancy, you may want to call your provider to see if they’ll upgrade your equipment or discount your plan. 

Transfer process for top providers

Transferring internet service looks a little different for each provider, but almost all of them let you do it online or over the phone, and it usually only takes a few minutes. Here’s what you need to know for every major provider: 

• AT&T: The only way to transfer your AT&T internet service is to call them at 800.288.2020. You can typically activate service yourself, and AT&T waives activation fees for transfers. 
• CenturyLink: You can transfer your CenturyLink internet plan online by signing in to your account, or by calling 866.963.6665. In most cases, you can activate your existing equipment yourself. 
• Cox: Check your new address and transfer service in a few minutes using Cox’s online portal. In most cases, you’ll bring over your old equipment and install it yourself, but Cox also offers a professional installation option. 
• Frontier: You’ll have to chat with a Frontier agent online or call them up at 1.866.786.6693 to transfer service to your new address. 
• Google Fiber: After confirming that Google Fiber is available at your new address, you’ll need to contact customer support to have your service transferred. You can set up service yourself or make an appointment with a technician. 
• HughesNet: Because HughesNet is available almost everywhere, you should have no problem transferring your service by calling 855.460.6683. You’ll leave your satellite dish at the old house, but bring your modem with you. 
• Mediacom: You’ll have to contact Mediacom through their online chat or by calling them to transfer your service, but there is no fee for changing your address. 
• Spectrum: To transfer internet to your new home, you’ll need to call Spectrum at 888.692.8635 to set up your service. 
• Verizon Fios: If Verizon Fios is available at your new address, you can take it with you by signing in to your account online.
• Windstream: You’ll need to call 855.894.8681 to transfer your Windstream service to a new address.
• Xfinity: Xfinity makes it easy to move your internet by offering an online option to set your move-in date and make any changes to your plan. 

What else to consider when moving

Moving your internet isn’t always as easy as packing it up and plugging it in once you get there. Here are some other considerations to keep in mind during the process.

Consider switching providers

If you haven’t compared your internet options in a while, moving is the perfect time to do an audit of what’s out there. Plug in your address in the box at the top of the page to compare what plans are available to you. 

Not sure what to look for? Check out our guide to picking the right internet provider for your needs. 

Return old equipment

If you do decide to make the switch to a new provider, you’ll need to drop off your old equipment before you move (if you’ve been renting it). Of course, you’ll probably need to have internet at your house right up until your move, so it’s a good idea to wait until the day or two after your move to drop it off if you’re moving locally. 

Pay any outstanding balances

To avoid being handed off to a collection agency, it’s essential that you remember to pay off any remaining bills from your old internet provider. Usually this is as simple as logging in to your account and checking your balance, but you can also call your internet provider directly to settle up before your move.