So, you need to know how to get Internet in new apartment. We’ll give you all the details for a worry-free installation process.
Preparing all of these weeks before your move is the most essential part of the process.
We’ll let you know the exact steps you need to take so you can have internet access just a couple of hours after arriving.
Don’t know how to get the Internet to your new apartment? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
To get internet installed in your apartment, check if your building has a primary provider. If none, you can look for Internet providers yourself. Next, compare the plans, choose a date for moving and set up your internet.
We created a guide to help you install WiFi in your new apartment. But first, let’s discuss a few important things about getting your new place an Internet connection.
Considerations on How to Get WiFi New Apartment
If you want to learn how to get internet in new apartment, there are a few things you need to consider.
Most apartment buildings don’t include WiFi, so you’ll have to shop around and select a provider that fits your needs.
✅ 1. Pre-wired Internet
See if the building has been pre-wired for the Internet. If your homeowner has their own wireless network system, you can access the Internet to its full capacity.
✅ 2. Internet Connection Options
You may choose between a fiber or satellite connection. A fiber connection offers high speed and low latency, while a satellite connection is perfect if you live in remote areas. A cable is still a good option if the two aren’t available.
✅ 3. Internet Plans for You
The Internet speed you need in your apartment depends on how many people live with you, how many devices you’ll connect, and how you intend to use your Internet.
✅ 4. Professional or Self-installation
Each provider is different. Some send a technician to connect your modem and router.
If this is the case, get in touch with your ISP as early as possible. There are also cases where you have to handle that part yourself.
Setting up the Internet in your new apartment is a pretty straightforward process.
If you have already decided on the above factors, you can proceed to the steps below.
Full Guide on How to Get Internet Installed in Your Apartment
One of the more important aspects of your daily life that will not be included in the lease of your new apartment is the internet.
Yes, there are a lot of conveniences included in getting an apartment, but you’re going to be in charge of setting up utilities like your internet connection.
If you find an apartment with an internet connection or an option to connect to their provider, you’re one lucky guy.
However, if your apartment doesn’t come with that option, don’t worry. We have it all figured out for you!
Step #1: Check If Your Apartment Has a Primary Provider
Most apartments nowadays do come with a primary provider of their own.
It could be an ISP they partnered with or one that offers internet service in the area.
Some apartments can have WiFi included with your rent. If that’s the case, then you might want to try it out to see if it’s the right fit for your internet needs.
Here’s how to know if your apartment has internet or a primary provider:
- Go to your apartment’s leasing office or property manager.
- Ask if they have WiFi available that’s included with your rent.
- If they don’t have it, ask for service providers you can use.
- Ask them for the type of internet infrastructure they’re using.
Pro Tip: Some apartment buildings are wired for a type of internet like cable or fiber, so you want to know what they use so you can choose a provider.
Step #2: Look for Available Internet Providers
After knowing your internet provider options, you want to check out available ISPs in the area that can provide you access.
You want to compare these providers with the internet infrastructure your new apartment is going to have.
It needs to match, or else they won’t be able to connect to your unit and provide you with internet access.
Most internet companies do have a wired cable option, the top internet available in urban buildings.
However, there are other choices as well, like mobile and 5G, if wired connections are not possible.
Here’s how to compare available internet providers for your apartment:
- Verify the internet infrastructure of your building.
- Find providers that can use your building’s existing connections.
- Check with Xfinity, Spectrum, or Mediacom if your building uses cable internet.
- For fiber connections, check with AT&T, Verizon, and CenturyLink.
Note: You also want to consider satellite internet services or 5G home internet if you don’t want to use your building manager’s approval.
Step #3: Compare Plans That Fit Your Internet Needs
The previous two steps are usually the most time-consuming as you’ll need a lot of research and back and forth with the property manager.
Once you have those details ironed out, the rest of these steps are going to come rather quickly.
Now that you’ve chosen a provider and selected the type of connection you want, it’s time to get a plan based on your needs.
If you’re working from home and doing a lot of video conferencing, you want a stable and fast connection.
Here’s how to find internet plans based on your needs:
- Cable internet: Fast download speeds of up to 1.2Gbps.
- Fiber optic: Download speeds of up to 5Gbps.
- Fixed wireless: Speeds of up to 1Gbps.
- Satellite: Speeds of up to 250Mbps, but with high equipment costs.
- 5G internet: Speeds of up to 900Mbps, not as reliable as wired connections.
Note: If you’re living solo, a recommended bandwidth is about 100Mbps which should be enough for work, gaming, and video streaming.
Step #4: Schedule Your Move-Out and Move-In Dates
As someone that’s moving into an apartment, you want to have an internet connection as soon as you arrive.
You might have to work after settling in or simply to entertain yourself while unpacking your belongings.
It’s important that you communicate your move-out and move-in dates with your internet provider so they can install your internet on time.
Here’s how to schedule your move-out and move-in dates:
- For your existing internet provider, call their customer support hotline.
- Let them know you’re moving out and ending your contract.
- Call your new internet provider and schedule a move-in date.
- Confirm with their technician so they can help you set up.
- You can choose between a professional installation or do-it-yourself.
Note: Coordinate closely with your previous internet provider to know if you need to return any of their equipment or settle any termination fees.
Step #5: Prepare Your Equipment for Moving or Returning
Apart from your provider’s equipment, you may have network equipment that you want to use in your new place. Modems will usually come with your internet plan.
However, for other gear like routers and mesh networks, you’ll need to bring it along with you.
You want to pack these up carefully so you can use them in your new apartment.
Here’s how to prepare your network equipment for moving:
- On the day of your move, turn off all equipment and unplug them.
- Remove all the cables and cords connected to them.
- Get your equipment’s box and pack them back into it.
- For network cables, roll them up and pack them securely.
- Separate the equipment you’re bringing with you or returning to your provider.
Note: To return the equipment, contact your provider and ask for return shipping labels so you can simply drop them off at their partner locations.
Step #6: Set Up Your Network in Your New Apartment
If you did all of these steps right, you should have an active internet connection a couple of hours after you arrive.
One of the first things you need to know is to keep your network secure.
In an apartment, you’re essentially sharing walls with your neighbors, which means they can also see your WiFi network.
You want to set it up in a way that prevents unauthorized access to your WiFi and disconnects anyone you don’t recognize.
Here’s how to set up your network and keep it secure:
- Create a strong password for your WiFi.
- Use your router’s app to keep tabs on connected devices.
- Disconnect anyone you don’t recognize.
- Add unknown devices to your router’s blacklist.
- Set up a guest network to grant access to friends and family.
Tip: We recommend changing your WiFi password every couple of months to keep unwanted users out of your network.
This is everything you need to know if you want to get internet access to your new apartment.
It takes a bit of preparation, but doing it right means you don’t have to wait for weeks before you get internet. This way, your activities will not be affected right after you move.
Bottom Line
Do you now know how to get internet in new apartment? Hopefully, this guide has helped you out and taken all the guesswork out of the process.
This way, you get the best internet that’s an excellent fit for your needs without compromising on stability and speed.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.