How to Set Up Internet at Your New Home

At a glance

There's nothing like flopping down on the couch and turning on your favorite show. But before you can start catching up on the latest episode, you'll need to set up internet in your new place.

Fortunately, it’s never been easier to get a home Wi-Fi network up and running. There are four main steps to getting your new home online:

1. Find an internet service provider (ISP)
2. Install your equipment
3. Set up your wireless network
4. Connect your devices

These steps are pretty straightforward, but each one has its potential pitfalls. Let’s take a closer look to make sure you check all the boxes.

4 steps to set up your new internet connection

1. Find an internet service provider

The most important factors in choosing your internet provider are the following:

• Availability
• Speed
• Reliability
• Price
• Customer service

Availability
Some ISPs have a wider service areas than others. Rural areas tend to have fewer choices than suburban and urban areas.

If you aren't sure what's available in your new area, our guide to finding internet for your new home can help you quickly get the best options available near you.

Speed
Nobody wants slow internet, but speed isn't everything when it comes to choosing an internet plan. Normal activity like streaming, video calling, and popular apps requires around 25Mbps.

Reliability
Fast internet isn't worth much if it isn't reliable. Connections like fiber have grown in popularity and availability but have a more expensive baseline.

Price
Price isn't always as straightforward as it should be. There's upfront costs like installation and equipment fees, which can be a big deal during an expensive move. But even after you've settled into your new home, hidden fees and price hikes are worth paying attention to.

Customer service
When there’s a problem, you want it resolved fast. This is especially important with less reliable types of connections.

Compare internet companies

| Company | Internet type options | Price range | Download speeds | Learn more | | T-Mobile | 5G Cellular, fixed wireless | $50–$70/mo.* | 72–245 Mbps | Check availability | | Xfinity | Cable | $40.00–$55.00/mo.** | Up to 2,000 Mbps | Check availability | | AT&T | Fiber, fixed wireless | $55.00–$250.00/mo.*** | 225–5,000 Mbps | Check availability | | Spectrum | Cable, fiber | $24.99–$79.99/mo.† | 50–1,000 Mbps | Check availability | | Cox | Cable, fiber | $50.00–$150.00/mo.‡ | 100–2,000 Mbps | Check availability | | Breezeline | Cable, fiber | $20.00–$45.00/mo.§ | 100–1,000 Mbps | Check availability |

Data as of publish date.

• Lowest rates for T-Mobile customers. All quotes based on enrollment in autopay; $5 more per month without autopay.
  ** For 12 mos., plus taxes & equip fee. $10/mo. equip. fee applies. Incl. 1TB data/mo.; overage charges apply. Ltd avail./areas.
  *** Excludes AT&T Internet 2000 and AT&T Internet 5000 plans. For 12 mos., plus taxes & equip fee.
  † For the first 12 months.
  ‡ For the first 12 months with a 1-year agreement.
  § This Monthly Price is an introductory rate. This monthly price expires after 24 months and will revert to Regular Price. This Monthly Price does not require a contract.

2. Install your equipment

Once you've chosen a new ISP and plan, you'll need to get your equipment up and running. Depending on your provider and your new home's setup, you may be able to install your equipment yourself.

However, some ISPs require pro installation for top-tier plans or infrastructure like buried fiber cables or utility poles. Thankfully, you won't need any tools for self-installation. This process usually just requires some basic technical skills and outlets.

Professional installation

Pros

• Lets you focus on moving in
• Doesn’t require technical skill
• Will handle unexpected problems

Cons

• Can be expensive
• Can get in the way of moving in
• Must be scheduled in advance

Professional installation requires much less planning and effort on your end, especially if you're busy unpacking and settling into your new home. Depending on the type of internet and the infrastructure already in your home, the process can take a few minutes to a few hours.

Self-installation

Pros

• Usually requires no additional fees
• Works around your moving schedule

Cons

• Requires basic technical skills
• Forces you to resolve problems yourself

Self-installation can seem daunting, especially for those without a technical background, but it’s usually pretty straightforward.

There are a few steps to self-installation:

1. Order your self-installation kit.
2. Set up your modem and plug it in to your internet connection.
3. Connect your power cable.

Most ISPs give you a single device to serve as both modem and router, but if you have a separate router, connect it to your modem with an Ethernet cable.

3. Set up your wireless network

Most devices in your home connect to your home network wirelessly. Setting up your network can be divided into two parts: connecting to your router and setting up your network security.

Connecting to your router

Many modern routers have apps that allow you to control them from your phone. If your router doesn’t have an app, you can still set it up using a normal web browser and your router’s IP address.

Following the necessary steps, you can connect your router securely.

Set up your network security

Once you have your username and password, setting up your network security is easy:

1. Log in using your username and password.
2. Change your network name (SSID).
3. Set your security protocol to WPA2.
4. Set your new password.

4. Connect your devices

Once your wireless network is up and running, it’s time to start connecting your devices.

To finish up, grab a phone or laptop to test your connection. Your wireless network should appear with the name you set and you should be able to log on with your new password.

If everything’s working, you’re all set! Your devices should now connect seamlessly.