How to Set up Spectrum Internet

Gone are the days of trying to get WiFi from public hotspots or maxing out your mobile phone’s data. These days, you can get your own internet at home with ease. You don’t even need a technician to come over to your house, you can simply do it yourself.


Gone are the days of trying to get WiFi from public hotspots or maxing out your mobile phone’s data. These days, you can get your own internet at home with ease. You don’t even need a technician to come over to your house, you can simply do it yourself.

Setting up your Spectrum Internet is fairly easy. If you need help on how to set up Spectrum Internet in your house, home office, or wherever else, check out the steps below.

Before You Start

Spectrum Internet has different packages and deals on their internet. Some are even bundled with their cable, mobile, or home phone services. Once you choose the package or internet plan, you’ll be getting a kit when you choose the self-installation option. This can be picked up at Spectrum stores or directly mailed to you.

Self-Install Spectrum Internet Kit

Once you get a hold of your self-install kit, open it up and inspect all of the parts. Make sure that you have all of the complete items to ensure a successful internet setup. Here are the items that should be in your self-install kit:

Modem with Power Cable

The modem is responsible for bringing the internet to your space. It comes with a power cable and will not work if it is not plugged in. It is usually smaller and thinner than the router. On its back is a round hole for the coax cable, which a router doesn’t have. It also has an Ethernet port and a power supply port.

Router with Power Cable

The router, on the other hand, is responsible for bringing the internet to your mobile device, tablet, or computer. It also comes with a power supply and Ethernet ports. In some Spectrum Internet kits, a combined modem and router is included instead of separate units.

Ethernet Cable

The Ethernet cable is a thick yellow cable that you will connect the modem and the router with. Ethernet cables can also be plugged directly into a device with an Ethernet port if you don’t want to use WiFi.

Coax Cable

The coax cable is usually thinner than an Ethernet cable and it has a circular end with a needle-like core. This will connect your phone or TV line to your modem.

Splitter

In case you chose a Spectrum package that includes cable service, a splitter will be used. The coax cable from the cable outlet on the wall will go to a splitter first instead of directly into the modem. The splitter will then have 2 ports for coax cables, one for the internet and the other for the TV.

router closeup

How to Set Up Spectrum Internet Guide

It’s finally time to set up your internet. Once you have identified all of the parts from the kit, you can get started.

Step 1: Cable Wall Outlet to Modem

Grab a coax cable and plug it into the cable outlet on your wall. Get the other end of the cable and plug it into the back of the modem.

Step 2: Modem to WiFi Router

The yellow Ethernet cable should be plugged into your Modem, it’s a yellow slot and should have the word Ethernet on top. On the WiFi Router, there are several slots that look alike but only one should be colored yellow. That’s where you will plug the other end of the Ethernet cable.

Step 3: Power

Plug in the individual power cables of the Modem and the WiFi Router. Both of the units should light up to indicate that they are on.

Step 4: Wireless Device to WiFi

Get your phone, laptop, or other devices that you want to connect to the internet. Turn the WiFi on and click on the appropriate Spectrum Internet. The name of the WiFi and password should be on your WiFi router.

Step 5: Equipment Activation

Finally, it’s time to activate your device. You can go to the activation website from your wireless device. Just follow the instructions on the site and a modem restart should happen. Once you are able to connect to the internet with your device, you are done.

Final Thoughts

If you are still having a hard time connecting the best laptop for seniors to the internet or your phone to recognize the WiFi, it might be time to get some help. Spectrum’s website covers a wide range of topics on WiFi or internet problems that you may encounter. You may also call Spectrum’s customer support.

If you have a friendly, techie neighbor, friend, or family member, you can also get help from them. Sometimes, even if you know how to set up Spectrum Internet theoretically, it’s not the same as the actual application.