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Switch broadband in the UK (simple checklist)

Quick answer

Use our postcode checker to see deals available at your address, then follow the switching steps from the provider you choose. Where it applies, One Touch Switch (the UK gainer-led process) lets the new provider coordinate the change and notify your current one.

Caveat: Availability and terms vary by address; confirm at checkout before you switch.

In one minute

Good for: Comparing and switching broadband at your address with a clear checklist.
Watch outs: Exit fees if you are in contract; cancelling the old service before the new one is live.
Check your contract end date and any early exit fees before you switch.
Enter your postcode to compare deals at your address; review total cost, setup fees, and price-rise terms.
One Touch Switch applies where available; the new provider manages the change.
You have a 14-day cooling-off period for most distance contracts.

Switching broadband starts with a postcode check. Availability and terms vary by address, and FibreSwitch compares deals rather than providing broadband. Use the results to review contract length, setup fees, and any price-change terms shown before you switch. If you are moving home or nearing the end of a contract, run a fresh check for the correct address.

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What you will need

Your current provider name.
Your full address and postcode.
Your contract end date and any early termination fees.
A contact email or phone number for the new provider.

Switching checklist

Check your current contract end date and any early termination fees.
Enter your postcode to compare deals available at your address.
Review contract terms shown, then follow the switching steps provided by the new provider.

Guide: Check your contract end date

How One Touch Switch works

One Touch Switch is the UK gainer-led process run by the provider you are joining. Where it applies, you order with the new provider and they coordinate the change and notify your current provider. You do not normally need to contact your current provider to cancel. Availability depends on the networks and providers involved; not all addresses or products are covered. Activation can be remote or may require an engineer visit. Keep your current service running until the new one is confirmed and working.

Guide: One Touch Switch explained. Ofcom: One Touch Switch (Ofcom).

What happens after you switch?

Confirm activation: Check the switch date and any email or SMS from the new provider. Wait until the new service is live before relying on it.
Test your connection: Run a speed test and check that your router and devices work as expected.
Return old equipment: If your previous provider requires the router or other kit back, follow their instructions and keep proof of postage.
Keep confirmations: Save order confirmations, reference numbers, and switch-date emails in case you need to chase or complain.
Check your first bill: Confirm the amount and any setup or pro-rata charges match what you were told.

Guide: Switching broadband checklist

Moving home: switching notes

Run a new postcode check for the new address; availability and deals can differ from your current property.
Compare contract length and start date with your move-in date so you are not paying for two properties or a gap.
Check install lead times shown in the journey; book early if you need connectivity on the day you move.
If you have a bundle (TV, phone), ask how it is handled when you move—some services may need to be reordered or transferred separately.
Cancel or move your current broadband at the old address according to your contract; check exit fees if you are leaving mid-contract.

Guide: Moving home broadband

Price rises and contract terms

Review any in-contract price changes shown before you buy.
Check setup fees and total cost over the contract length.
Confirm early termination charges with your current provider.

Guide: Broadband price rises

Switching broadband FAQs

What do I need to switch broadband? You need your current provider name, your full address and postcode, and your contract end date. A postcode check shows what is available at your address.

Is FibreSwitch a broadband provider? No. FibreSwitch is a comparison service, not a broadband provider. We show deals available at your address.

How does One Touch Switch work? Where it applies, you order with the new provider and they coordinate the switch and notify your current provider. You keep your current service until the new one is live.

Will I have downtime when switching? It varies by provider and property. Some switches have minimal or no gap; others need an engineer visit. Check the steps shown during checkout.

What if I am moving home? Run a new postcode check for the new address and compare options there. Book the new service for your move-in date and cancel or move the old one as per your contract.

Do I need to cancel my current contract? With One Touch Switch, the new provider usually notifies your current one. If not, check the switch journey—you may need to give notice or cancel after the new service is live.

Can I switch before my contract ends? Yes, but you may face early exit fees. Check your contract end date and any termination charges before you switch.

What is the cooling-off period? For most distance contracts you have 14 days to cancel without reason. Check the terms of the deal you choose.

Do I return my old router? It depends on your current provider. Many require the router back; check your contract and return instructions to avoid charges.

How long does a switch take? It varies by provider and network. You will get a switch date when you order; it can be a few days to a few weeks depending on engineer visits and network type.

What should I check before I order? Contract length, total cost over the term, setup fees, mid-contract price rises, and what happens to any bundle (TV, phone) when you switch.

What if something goes wrong? Keep your confirmation emails and reference numbers. Contact the new provider first; if unresolved, you can complain to the provider and then to Citizens Advice or Ofcom.

Does switching affect my landline or TV? It can. Bundles are often handled together, but some switches only move broadband. Ask the new provider how your bundle is affected.

Why do I need to enter my postcode? Availability and prices vary by address. A postcode check shows only deals that can be supplied at your property.

Where can I compare deals? Use our postcode checker and the results on this page, or visit Broadband deals, Fibre deals, or Cheap broadband.

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Useful links

Last updated: 9 February 2026.

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Putting the checklist into practice

Have your current contract details ready, and confirm availability at the new address before placing an order. Switching steps can vary by provider, so follow the journey carefully.

Check end-of-contract date.
Confirm availability at the new address.
Review price-change terms shown.
Keep confirmation emails for your records.
Check any overlap period if you cannot afford downtime.