How Long Does Internet Setup in Apartments Take? AT&T, Spectrum, Xfinity

Loved the read? Please share or comment, and we'll deliver even better content!

Eager to set up your internet? Understandably, timing is crucial.

Our guide swiftly clarifies how long you can expect to spend on tasks like setting up Wi-Fi in your new space.

From self-installation to professional help, we’ve got you covered with practical, user-validated experience.

Comparison Table

How Long Does It Take to Install Internet/Wi-Fi in an Apartment?

How long the Wi-Fi installation process takes depends on the Wi-Fi provider.

However, please note that all of the installation times they provide are only estimates, the actual installation time could take longer.

Let’s go over the estimated installation times for a few popular North American internet providers.

AT&T 

AT&T estimates that their self-installation process will usually take customers about 30 minutes. However, they say that it could take you even less, especially if you have previous experience setting up Wi-Fi equipment. 

That said, this process may take longer if unexpected situations come up, you have to troubleshoot certain components, or find that your home is missing some cables required for the installation process. In some unfortunate cases, it may take you an entire afternoon to correctly install the router and connect all of the necessary cables. 

However, after calling AT&T and registering with them, it will only take about three days for your installation kit to come in the mail. This means that if everything goes as planned, the entire self-installation process should only take about three days.

Watch the video below, which explains how to install an AT&T router in your home by yourself. 

The professional installation process will take a little longer at about four to six hours. However, before the technician can come to your home to install your Wi-Fi, you must arrange an appointment online or at the nearest AT&T store. Depending on the availability, you may have to wait a week or two for your appointment.

If the technician is particularly skillful, they may be able to install the Wi-Fi in 30 to 60 minutes.

Wonder why professional installation takes longer than self-installation? Check out our Comparison section below.

Spectrum

The Spectrum self-installation kit is estimated to take around 30 minutes or less to install, though it could take you longer if you have any difficulties understanding the instructions and following them correctly. 

However, the self-installation package will take between two to three days to arrive in the mail once you’ve ordered it. In rare cases, it could take up to seven days to arrive if there are any delays or harsh weather conditions. 

Watch the video below demonstrating how to set up your Spectrum Wi-Fi at home. 

Spectrum’s professional installation process typically takes about one to three hours. But, before the technician can come to install your Wi-Fi, you must make an appointment online. While there could be an appointment available in the next few days, you may have to wait a week or two for the next open slot, depending on the time of year and where you live.  

Xfinity 

Like AT&T and Spectrum, Xfinity also ships their self-installation kit in the mail. When ordering the kit, you have two shipping options: standard and expedited. 

Standard shipping normally takes between three to five days. For an additional fee, you can opt for expedited shipping, which generally takes one to two days.  

Once you do receive the self-installation kit, you can expect to spend around 30 minutes setting it up if everything goes as planned. However, many users frequently encounter problems when setting up Wi-Fi for the first time. So, plan for additional time in case any problems pop up. 

Meanwhile, the professional installation can take anywhere from two to four hours once you’ve been able to successfully schedule an appointment.  

Self vs Pro Installation: Which to Choose?

Not sure which installation process is right for you? See our guide below! 

While both installation processes are subject to delays, you can make the right choice for you by assessing your home’s condition and skill levels. 

Refer to the table below to see a few things you should consider when deciding if you should up your Wi-Fi yourself or leave it to the professionals. 

Other Elements That Can Take You More Time 

In addition to the factors listed above, there are a few other elements that can determine how much time it will take for Wi-Fi to be installed in your apartment. 

Let’s learn about them! 

1. Your Apartment Building’s Condition

Some apartment buildings are over a hundred years old and have the infrastructure to match. This means that they don’t have any of the necessary cables required for Wi-Fi. 

While internet providers will often install these cables for you, the process can be time-consuming, and technicians may have to re-visit your apartment several times to ensure that it’s Wi-Fi-ready. 

So, if you live in a particularly old building, plan for the Wi-Fi installment process to take a bit longer than usual and consider using alternatives (like a 4G hotspot box ) in the meantime. 

2. Your Location

Where you live will affect the estimated shipping time, with customers living in more central areas receiving their packages sooner. If you live in a rural area or the suburbs, your package could take longer to arrive. 

However, the package should take no longer than seven days to arrive at your front door. If it takes longer than a week, contact your internet provider and inquire about any delays.  

3. Your Apartment’s Wiring

While some older apartments may have all the necessary wiring, the cables could be in poor condition. Moisture, pests, and the passage of time may have degraded them, making them unusable. 

So, your internet provider may need to replace the cables, which could take a while. 

Other Elements That Can Save Time 

Are you in a time crunch? If so, here are a few things that can speed up your Wi-Fi installation process! 

1. Your Apartment Is Pre-Wired

If your apartment was recently refurbished or is relatively new, it should be pre-wired. This will make the installation process much quicker since the technician will only have to set up the Wi-Fi equipment in your apartment, which should only take a few hours. 

If you’ve opted to install the Wi-Fi yourself, then you can connect it directly to your apartment’s ports without waiting for the internet provider to run wires to your apartment. 

2. The Technician’s Skill Level

While all professional technicians will be relatively experienced in installing Wi-Fi, others will be more skilled than others. The most skilled technicians will sometimes only take between 30 to 60 minutes to set up your Wi-Fi, while less skilled technicians may require a few hours to complete the process. 

Since internet providers rarely let you hand-pick which technician will be sent to your home, it’s the luck of the draw. 

3. Your Skill Level

If you’re installing your Wi-Fi with the provider’s self-installation kit, how long the installation process will take mostly depends on your skill level. 

We recommend watching a few tutorials online before your package arrives and very carefully reading the included instructions. Stay organized and don’t throw anything in the kit away! 

Remember, you can always contact the provider’s customer support if you run into any trouble and need a helping hand. 

Wrapping Things Up

Wi-Fi is an essential part of any modern apartment, especially if you work from home. However, the installation process can take some time, especially if you’ve opted to have a professional technician come to your home and install it for you. 

Self-installation usually takes about 30 minutes or less, though you will have to wait anywhere from one to five days for the kit to arrive. In some cases, the self-installation kit could take up to a week to ship. 

Depending on where you live and the provider’s availability, the nearest appointment for a technician to come to your home could be a week or two away. 

Remember, you can always use a 4G hotspot box or your mobile hotspot until your Wi-Fi is installed, just be wary of your data consumption if you don’t have an unlimited data plan.

How long did it take to have Wi-Fi installed in your home? Did you opt to install it yourself or have a technician install it for you? 

Let us know in the comments below! 

Loved the read? Please share or comment, and we'll deliver even better content!