AT&T Internet Self-Installation Guide

You can save up to $99 on expert installation by opting for AT&T Internet’s self-installation kit. It may sound like a challenging do-it-yourself (DIY) project, especially if you have little to no technical experience installing and activating internet connections, but with our detailed guide on self-installing AT&T Internet, you will be able to master the process within a few minutes. 

If you are a soon-to-be AT&T Fiber or AT&T Internet Protocol Broadband (IPBB) customer and would like to eliminate the hassle of booking an appointment and paying almost a hundred dollars for professional installation, then this AT&T Internet self-installation guide is your key. 

So, are you ready for some cabling?

Table of Contents

AT&T Internet Self-Installation Kit

First and foremost, you must order an AT&T Internet self-installation kit and have it delivered to your home address. It can be done in two ways:

  1. During online service enrollment, you can check the box for the self-installation kit instead of scheduling an appointment for expert installation. 
  2. You can call AT&T customer service and place an order for the starter kit by telling them your AT&T account details and shipping address.  

 

Your free-of-charge AT&T internet self-installation kit will be shipped to your home address within 3-5 business days from the date of service enrollment. Most likely, a UPS delivery man will drop it in your mail or at the front door.

You will have 5 to 7 days to unbox the package, install the equipment, and activate the broadband service before the QR code expires. 

Inside the package, you will find the following:

  • AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway (a combination of modem and router)
  • A power adapter
  • A yellow Ethernet cable 
  • A green data cable 
  • A red ONT Ethernet cable (for AT&T Fiber customers)
  • A gray phone cable (required for AT&T’s home phone service)
  • An instruction booklet

 

AT&T Internet Self-Installation Instructions

The step-by-step installation and activation process will vary based on the type of internet service and the broadband readiness of your home. 

You must bear in mind that while most residential and commercial spaces in the country are equipped with telephone and coaxial cable lines (for television), fiber-optic internet network covers only 43 percent of the USA. 

Hence, construction work may be required for AT&T’s fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service. But we will discuss that in detail. Meanwhile, let’s look at some simple steps that you can follow to self-install your AT&T Internet.

AT&T Fiber Internet Self-Installation

If you have previously had fiber internet at home, then your home is fiber-ready and approved by AT&T for self-installation. You can follow these steps to initiate the AT&T Fiber internet self-installation process.

  1. Unbox your AT&T starter kit and remove the residential Wi-Fi 6 gateway from the box. You will probably receive a BGW320 Wi-Fi gateway for your AT&T Fiber service. 
  2. Select a central location inside your home where you will place the Wi-Fi gateway for minimum interference and enhanced signals. Be sure it is an open space with no furniture or walls within a 15-foot radius. 
  3. Remove the power adapter from the box and plug it into an electric socket. 
  4. Plug the other end of the power supply into the AT&T gateway. 
  5. Take the Ethernet cable out of the box and plug one end into the port on the AT&T gateway, and the other end should be plugged into a fiber jack on the wall. 
  6. Switch on the power adapter. 
  7. Press the power button on your AT&T Gateway until a green light turns on. 
  8. A white light in front of the AT&T gateway indicates that your equipment is up and running.

 

AT&T Fiber Internet Service Activation Process 

You must follow these steps to activate your AT&T Fiber Internet service.

  1. Find the service activation date and QR code on the packing slip of your AT&T Internet self-installation kit. 
  2. Scan the QR code using your cell phone. A link will appear, prompting you to download the AT&T Smart Home Manager App. 
  3. If you are unable to scan the QR code, you can download the app on your smartphone from your Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 
  4. First-time AT&T customers are required to create an account (AT&T ID) to login to the app using their username and password. 
  5. After signing in, you can follow the step-by-step instructions given in the app to activate your AT&T Fiber internet service.

 

Note: Your Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID) and 12-character password can be found on the backside of your gateway. Activate your AT&T Fiber internet service after 2 PM. 

You can always call AT&T’s 24/7 tech support for any queries or troubleshooting during the self-installation process. 

Self-Install AT&T Internet (IPBB) 

AT&T IPBB customers will get a different residential gateway compared to AT&T Fiber Internet users. They usually get the BGW210 modem-router gateway to support ADSL2+, VDSL2, G. Fast, and Ethernet technologies.  

However, the self-installation process for AT&T Internet (IPBB) is more or less the same. As explained below.

  1. Take out the Wi-Fi gateway from the box and place it where there will be minimal signal obstruction. 
  2. Remove the power cord and plug it into an electrical outlet. Plug the other end into the gateway. 
  3. Remove the green broadband Ethernet cable from the box. Insert one end of the cable into the gateway (green port for broadband) and connect the other end to an AT&T branded jack (green) on the wall.
  4. Once all the cables are connected, you can switch on the power cord and press the power button on your Wi-Fi gateway to switch on the equipment. 
  5. The green power light will indicate that the equipment is functioning properly. 

The activation method for your AT&T IPBB Internet service is the same as the one explained above. Therefore, do not throw the packaging after unboxing your AT&T Internet self-installation kit. 

Note: You must wait until 2 PM to activate your AT&T Internet service.

Professional vs. Self-Installation

So, if an AT&T customer service representative asks you to choose between professional installation and self-installation, how can you determine which option is the best for you? To resolve this dilemma, you must first look at the pros and cons of both installation options. 

Pros and Cons of AT&T Self-Installation 

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 Pros:

  • Free of cost. 
  • You don’t have to schedule an appointment.
  • Flexibility to set it up at your own pace.


 Cons:

  • Basic technical skills are needed. 
  • Increased chances of technical glitches. 
  • Network issues may go unchecked.

Pros and Cons of AT&T Professional Installation

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 Pros:

  • The technician handles the entire process. 
  • Instant troubleshooting.  
  • The technician can check the network and rectify issues with speeds.


 Cons:

  • One-time fee of up to $99. 
  • You will have to schedule an appointment. 
  • You may have to dedicate 4-6 hours for the technician’s visit.

So, if you have the basic technical skills needed to install and activate your AT&T Internet service and would prefer to save $99 on something you consider a simple DIY project, then the self-installation option is for you. 

However, if you have no prior experience handling internet equipment and don’t mind calling and paying a certified technician to set up the internet service, then opt for AT&T’s professional installation service and schedule an appointment. 

Whichever, installation method you choose, professional vs. self-installation, one thing is certain, AT&T simplifies the process every step of the way. 

Who Should Opt for the AT&T Self-Installation Option?

AT&T Internet’s self-installation option is best for customers with an existing AT&T account at their home address. 

For example, if the previous resident (owner or tenant) of your unit was an AT&T Internet customer, then the home is already equipped with the necessary infrastructure (AT&T ONT box, fiber jack, or branded jack) and cabling. 

You only have to create a new account under your name, order the AT&T Internet self-installation kit, and follow our step-by-step guide to set up your fiber or IPBB internet service. 

However, if you are a new AT&T broadband customer, and your house lacks the required infrastructure and cabling, then it is best to call a professional and let him handle the technical procedures. It may cost you $99 upfront, but at least you can avoid the stress and payments for additional fixes and repairs if you mess up. 

Self-Installation is Best For

  • Homes with a prior AT&T Fiber/ IPBB Internet service.
  • Tech-savvy customers.
  • Customers who would like to save $99.

 

Professional Installation is Best For

  • First-time AT&T Fiber/ IPBB customers.
  • Homes with limited internet infrastructural capabilities.
  • Customers who don’t mind paying a $99 service charge.

 

So, if you and your home are ready to self-install AT&T Internet, refer to our step-by-step guide as you build a luminous world, piece by piece, for yourself and your loved ones.

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