Key Takeaways: How to switch broadband
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Is your broadband too slow or too expensive?
Many people stay stuck with the wrong broadband deal because they’re worried about the process.
But it doesn’t have to be like this.
This guide shows you how to switch your broadband provider easily, often at a better price.
Convinced it’s complicated? Can’t be bothered? A new switching system (One Touch Switch) has made changing providers easier than ever.
In most cases, it will take you minutes, but it could save you a fortune.
What are you waiting for?
Reasons to switch broadband providers
You should consider switching broadband if:
- Your current broadband service is slow or your service regularly drops
- You want to cut household costs
- You're moving home and need a new service
- You want faster speeds or better perks (such as adding TV bundles)
If you've been with the same provider for over two years, it's likely you're overpaying.
The easiest way to solve this is to change internet provider.
How to change broadband provider in 4 easy steps
1. Check your current contract
Check when your current contract ends. You can usually find this by logging into your account or by calling customer services.
- Contract minimum terms are typically 12, 18 or 24 months
- If you're on a 1-month rolling contract, you can switch to a new broadband provider at any time
- Leaving early may mean paying cancellation fees, so check the small print.
2. Choose a new broadband deal
Enter your postcode into our deals checker to find what's available at your address.
Filter by speed, price, or contract length. 'Most popular’ will let you view the best-selling packages available today.
How to find the best deal for you:
- Download speed:
At least 36Mb is the minimum for most households. Aim for higher average speeds if you have lots of devices or stream often. You can find more useful tips in our ultimate guide to broadband speeds.
- Price:
Don't assume slower speeds come with a cheaper monthly cost. If you can get it, full fibre broadband offers good value right now. In fact, many ultrafast broadband deals now cost under £30 per month. These often have no upfront cost.
- Bundles:
TV, home phone and broadband bundles can sometimes save money. Be certain you’ll make use of the features for the contract length.
Here’s today’s top 3 deals:
- Speed: 900Mb avg. speed
- Set-up cost: £0
- Contract: 24 months
Rewards:
£31.99 per month
£35.99 from 31st March 2027
£39.99 from 31st March 2028
- Speed: 1.6Gb avg. speed
- Set-up cost: £0
- Contract: 24 months
Rewards:
£39.99 per month
£43.99 from 31st March 2027
£47.99 from 31st March 2028
- Speed: 264Mb avg. speed
- Set-up cost: £0
- Contract: 24 months
£18.99 per month
£22.99 from 1st April 2027
£26.99 from 1st April 2028
Can you get full fibre? Check now
3. Sign up with your new provider
Click the green ‘Get deal' button to check out and complete the sign-up of our new provider.
Work through your options carefully.
Check your add-on options for services like TV or phone calls. Check if these services come with a fixed contract. They may be difficult to cancel if you find you aren’t using them.
Other things to check at this stage:
- Your estimated download speed
- Your estimated upload speed
- Any speed guarantee
- Your package costs (including price rise costs)
- Any one-off charges
4. Get ready for the switch
You’ll be kept informed every step of the way and will receive a notification of transfer. This will include an estimated date your new broadband connection will go live.
You may need to return routers, boosters, or TV boxes from your old provider.
You should receive a new router in good time for your new service start date.
How easy is it to switch broadband provider?
It’s a lot easier to switch providers now.
With the One Touch Switch process, your new provider will usually handle most of the work for you.
When you sign up for a new broadband package, your new and old provider will confirm the switch.
In most cases, you won’t need to contact your current supplier to cancel.
- Read more: 'What is One Touch Switch'?
Genie Tip: You can only use One Touch Switch if you're switching at your current address.
How long does it take?
- A broadband switch can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. If engineering work or a new line installations can make this process longer. You should receive an estimated date once you’ve completed your checkout.
- Thanks to the new switching process, downtime is minimal. Most people experience only a short interruption, typically less than one working day.
Tips to avoid problems switching broadband providers
You may be able to overlap your services
If you’re switching between certain providers. This could be a good option if you want to avoid any internet blackouts: vital if you work from home.
We suggest contacting your current provider to confirm your last day of service and overriding One Touch Switch if you would like to do this.
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Who can you overlap services with?
Any provider that doesn’t use the same network. In most cases, as long as you’re not switching between two providers that are on the Openreach network, this should be possible.
Switching from or to Virgin Media is a safe bet. So is switching to or from a smaller provider (altnet).
Check you've cancelled any TV services
If you’re currently making use of a TV package, a broadband switch may not cancel this. Read the instructions carefully. You may have to cancel TV separately to avoid extra payments.
Time your switch wisely
Although most switches run smoothly, problems do happen. Try to avoid booking switchover days that will be disruptive to your home life.
Think about a back-up plan
What will you do if you’re without internet for a few hours? Think of an emergency back-up plan, such as using your mobile phone as a temporary hotspot.
Understand your notice period
The standard notice period you have to give your broadband provider (even if you’re out of contract) is 30 days.
Timing your switch to make sure it happens when you’re out of contract will help you avoid any early exit fees.
For that reason, we recommend starting your switch around a month before your contract expiry time.
FAQs on changing internet providers
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Does it cost anything to change broadband provider?
There’s no cancellation fee if your contract has ended, but some providers do charge set-up fees. Search for deals with ‘no upfront cost’ to avoid this.
If you're still in contract, there may be a charge for leaving early - this is a typical contract term.
You may be able to get your early exit fees paid off as some broadband providers offer switching credits.
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Can I change broadband provider mid-contract?
If you need to, you can cancel your broadband mid-contract, but be prepared to pay an early termination fee.
Been having persistent speed problems? Is your provider signed up to the Ofcom Broadband Speed Code of Practice? You might be able to cancel for free.
Sky Broadband and NOW Broadband customers can leave penalty-free within 31 days of receiving a broadband price rise notification.
- Read more: ‘Can you cancel a broadband contract early?’
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Will I lose service during the switch?
Hopefully not. One Touch Switch should reduce switching issues. You should have little to no loss of service. If you still don’t have a broadband connection after a day, you may be able to claim compensation.
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Can I keep my home phone number?
Usually. Just let your new internet provider know you wish to keep your existing phone number.
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Can I keep my email address when I switch internet providers?
If you opened an email account with your provider, you may lose it when you switch.
Consider setting up a free Gmail or Outlook account to future-proof your email.
Read more: Can I keep my email address if I change provider?
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How long does it take to switch providers?
In most cases, switching broadband provider takes a few days to a couple of weeks. It may take a little longer if you need an engineer.
Your new provider will be able to provide a clearer timeline once the switch starts.
Bonus tips to make the most of switching broadband
- Look out for switching credits. Some providers will cover early exit fees.
- Be aware of any set-up costs with your new provider.
- Keep an eye on contract length. Shorter deals offer flexibility, but may cost more.
- Check for rewards or freebies like gift cards or bill credits.
Why change broadband provider with us?
For over 21 years, Broadband Genie has helped UK households find better broadband.
We offer impartial advice to help you make informed choices with confidence.
Find the deals available at your address and switch broadband provider today: