How long does it take to switch internet providers?

Switching home internet providers can seem like a daunting task, even when you know you’d save a ton of money from making the switch. Fortunately, it’s actually much simpler than you might think, so if you’re thinking of ditching your current internet provider and saving some moolah, here’s everything you need to know.

How long should it take to switch internet providers?

How long it takes to switch providers can depend on what kind of installation experience works best for you, as well as the type of internet service you’ll be switching to. Some internet service providers even offer same-day installation, if they have all of the equipment in stock and a technician available.

If your internet provider offers a self-install, you don’t even need to bother with someone else’s schedule. You can be up and running (not literally) as soon as the equipment arrives in the mail.

How to minimize downtime while switching internet providers

Let’s be real: you don’t want to miss a moment of internet. How else will you stay on top of all the latest memes? With that in mind, here’s how to minimize the time between your two internet providers.

• Start early: Start considering when you might want to switch, especially if it’s within the next month. Hey, you can even let this article be the inspiration. If you try to rush switching at the last minute, you may encounter roadblocks that could cause you to lose service for a while, whether you’ve cancelled your old service already or not.
• Overlap service if possible: To avoid missing a moment of internet, you’ll want to schedule your installation before canceling your old plan and have the two providers overlap, even if it’s just for a day.
• Test your new connection before returning old equipment: To minimize downtime, get your new equipment and make sure it all works before you cancel your old service, because not all routers work with every type of connection.Test your new connection before returning old equipment: To minimize downtime, get your new equipment and make sure it all works before you cancel your old service, because not all routers work with every type of connection.

Pro Tip: While many cable companies charge for equipment, some newer providers (like cough cough Mint Mobile’s 5G Home MINTernet) include the necessary gateway equipment for free as part of the plan.

Now you’re ready to make the home internet switch

If you’re ready to ditch complicated contracts, overpriced internet and waiting all day for the cable guy who said he’d show up at 1 p.m., it’s time to learn how to switch internet providers and take a look at 5G home internet services for an easy-to-install set-up… like Home MINTernet.

Powered by T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network, all plans come with unlimited data and start at $30/mo with a Mint phone plan.* There are no wires to run and no technicians to schedule. You simply get your gateway in the mail, plug it in and you’re online in no time.

_{*Upfront payment of $90 for 3-mo. plan (equiv. to $30/mo.) & eligible voice plan required; taxes & fees extra. Intro offer for first 3 months only; then full-price plan options available. Delivered via 5G cellular network; speeds vary due to factors affecting cellular networks. Over 1TB/mo. may slow when network is busy. Not available in all areas. Loaned Gateway device subject to non-return fee. See terms.}