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

You have two options when it comes to setting up your internet when you move: Transfer your service or choose a new provider. 

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

If your provider is not available at your new address, you’ll need to pick a new one. Enter your address to find a list of providers available at your new home and compare prices, connection types, speeds and features. Fiber internet provides the fastest and most reliable service, but cable and 5G home internet are great alternatives. Satellite internet is a solid option if you live in a rural area.  

2. Set up your equipment

Once you purchase or transfer your internet service, it’s time to set up your equipment. If you transferred your internet service to a new address, you can usually just bring your internet equipment with you.

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

Your modem is the device that brings the internet signal from your ISP into your home. You won’t be able to connect your devices to the internet without it. 

To connect your modem to your internet connection, find the main internet cable and connect it to your modem, then plug in 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). 

Once your modem is connected and plugged in, you can move on to your router. 

Setting up your router 

Your router is what enables you to connect your devices to your home Wi-Fi network wirelessly. 

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. Most ISPs have mobile apps you can use to 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. 

Pro Tip: For best results, use an Ethernet cord to connect your router or modem directly to your device before you run the test.

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

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