Can I Use my Own Modem with Spectrum? Quick Guide

Can I use my own modem with Spectrum? Many Spectrum subscribers look for an answer to this question as using their modem will decrease their monthly charges.

Spectrum tells its subscribers that they are giving the modem for free, but they charge a backdoor fee of $5 per month to use it.

Yes, you can replace your own modem with Spectrum and eliminate the extra charges levied on your monthly subscription. However, you will first need to know if your router or the one you’re planning to buy is compatible with Spectrum or not.

If it is under their approved list of devices, you can easily get it installed.

Spectrum has an official list of approved and recommended modems and routers, depending on your chosen speed tiers.

Can I Use my Own Modem with Spectrum?

Spectrum allows users to install their own modem as long as it fulfills the compatibility criteria and the brand/model is included in Spectrum’s authorized list of modems.

You get two options to replace the cable modem on Spectrum. Your first option is to buy a standalone router and keep using it with the Spectrum-provided modem.

The second option is to buy both modem and router to get complete control over Spectrum network and use services without incurring additional charges.

Note: Spectrum limits its approval to cable modems with DOCSIS 3.1 technology.

We recommend using a combination of modem and router as it saves you from the hassle of returning the device to Spectrum if you plan to change the ISP or move to an unserviceable location.

Checking the Compatibility

To check if a modem can be used on Spectrum, you can run a preliminary check on your own by looking for the following features:

• Certified modem model with top upload/download speeds between 60 Mbps to 1 Gbps
• Passed Spectrum’s performance certification test
• Should be at least DOCSIS 3.0 modem
• Telephone compatibility (VoIP) and Wi-Fi (wifi/router device combo)

Approved Third Party Modems

Now that you know the basic requirements of a modem for Spectrum, let us know some devices already pre-approved by the company.

Some of the modems approved for Spectrum Internet speeds up to 1Gbps & DOCSIS 3.1 include:

• Arris G and Rev series 4/5/7
• ASUS CMAX6000
• Humax HGD310
• Netgear CAX30
• CAX80
• CM1100 and more.

Modems approved for Spectrum Internet speeds up to 400Mbps include:

• Arris S-series
• ASUS CM-32 and CM-32_AC2600
• Linksys CG7500/CM3016/ CM3024
• Motorola MB7621/MG7700
• Netgear C-series
• TP-Link CR1900.

These modems should also work seamlessly for other internet speed tiers offered by Spectrum.

If you are looking for the most basic modem with Spectrum, you can consider TP-Link TC7650 and Zoom 5370. These are the minimally qualified modems by Spectrum.

How to Use a Spectrum Compatible Modem?

Once you have verified your modem’s compatibility, you can easily install it and use it on Spectrum.

If you are a new client, you have the option of hiring a professional installer or doing it yourself. However, professional installation can set you back by an additional charge of $50 or more.

To install yourself, just follow the step-by-step guide below to use your own modem with Spectrum.

Step #1: Keep Your Modem Info Handy

To activate and install your own cable modem with Spectrum, you will first need to make sure that you have the following details handy:

• Your registered phone number with Spectrum
• Your account number
• Your area ZIP code
• MAC ID of your cable modem (found on the back of the device)

Step #2: Connect The New Cable Modem

After checking the compatibility of your own modem with Spectrum services, you need to connect it to the network. Here’s how you can do it:

• Connect your modem to the cable outlet via coax cable.
• Plug in your modem into an outlet through the power cable.
• Connect the modem to the Wi-Fi router via Ethernet cable
• Finally, connect your Wi-Fi router to another power outlet and switch it on

Step #3: Activate Your Cable Modem

Now, the next step is to activate the cable modem on your Spectrum network. Here’s how you can do it:

• Open Spectrum Modem Activation Page.
• Connect and switch on your modem
• Sign up on the activation website
• Follow the onscreen instructions and activate your equipment

Note: If you find it hard to activate the device, you can reach out to Spectrum support for help with settings.

After activation, you should be able to enjoy seamless connectivity with your own modem on the Spectrum network.

But the task is not complete yet, fulfill the remaining formalities to ensure that you do not get charged in your next billing.

Step #4: Return your Rental Equipment to Spectrum

Here comes the semi-final step to complete the request: Can I use my own modem with Spectrum.

You now need to return the rental modem to Spectrum. You can do that by shipping it back to the specified address given by Spectrum, or you can visit Spectrum’s local office to return the equipment hand-to-hand.

Note: Please get the receipt if you are returning the equipment at Spectrum’s local office.

This will act as proof and can solve any probable issues with your next billing.

Step #5: Check your Next Billing Statement

Now that you have returned the rental equipment and got the receipt from Spectrum, your new bill should not have any charges for rental.

If it does, then quickly contact Spectrum’s customer support and ask them to revise the amount.

It is important to check your bill carefully because there have been many cases where Spectrum has charged the rental even when the user has been using his own cable modem.

Read Next: Can I Watch Spectrum Away from Home?

Conclusion

So, coming to our question – Can you use your own modem with Spectrum? The short answer is Yes!

Renting a cable modem is neither good nor bad. It may make sense for the short term, depending on your circumstances.

For instance, if you are in a transitory housing arrangement or just require an Internet connection for a short time. However, in the long term, purchasing a cable modem may be a better option.