How to Move Your Spectrum TV Service
If you are moving and have Spectrum TV service, we have some good news. You can transfer your services without any hassle as long as Spectrum service is available at the location you’re moving to. To confirm that Spectrum services your new address, you can give them a call to notify them of your move and ensure you’ll be able to continue receiving service. You might incur some additional fees during the transfer of services, though.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about moving Spectrum TV services, including what to expect in terms of transfer fees, troubleshooting, and answers to frequently asked questions.
- What is Spectrum TV?
- Moving your Spectrum TV service
- Changing Spectrum TV services
- Cancelling Spectrum TV services
- Troubleshooting Spectrum TV in your new residence
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is Spectrum TV?
Spectrum is a major player in the cable industry, currently serving 44 states. With Spectrum TV, you can stream live TV on the go, browse more than 200 channels, and access 85,000 on-demand titles. Regardless of the plan you pick, you get to enjoy live sports, blockbuster movies, and breaking news, along with loads of free content.
Spectrum TV offers attractive incentives such as a 30-day money-back guarantee, a contract buyout of up to $500, free on-demand options including Primetime, and there are no contracts. Additionally, you can customize your plan to feature premium add-on channels, such as Cinemax, Starz, SHOWTIME, and HBO Max.
In early 2018, the company rolled out a new and much cheaper ($14.99/month plus tax) streaming TV service. The main goal of Spectrum TV was to directly compete in a marketplace that was becoming crowded with similar services. However, you have to be a Spectrum internet customer if you want to use their new streaming service.
The following are benefits you get to enjoy with Spectrum TV service subscription:
30-day money-back guarantee
Get a trial period to confirm video quality, channels, and uptime of the cable TV service. You can decide whether the channel lineup suits your household or upgrade to a different one during this period. You need to check if the DVR works as advertised and the effectiveness of parental controls. Finally, you can evaluate the functionality of the Spectrum TV app. If you are not satisfied, simply cancel the subscription within 30 days to get your money back.
Free HD programming
With Spectrum TV, you get HD broadcasts on your channel lineup, allowing you to experience every hit, catch, swing, and ace in spectacular picture clarity. With free HD programming, you can take full advantage of the capabilities of your TV.
Interactive on-screen TV guide
The company offers a useful and intuitive on-screen TV guide for all clients on different devices. Through the guide, you can learn about the program’s content, rating, airtime, and length. You can record up to six of your favorite shows at once through the DVR. Additionally, you can sort channels to your liking by utilizing the favorite channel feature for speedy access.
Parental controls
With Spectrum TV, you don’t have to worry about your kids being exposed to inappropriate content. You can lock various channels using a PIN code to prevent children from consuming adult or R-rated content.
Choose your screen
You can watch your subscribed channels on all devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, desktops, laptops) regardless of screen size. Spectrum is compatible with new technologies for Wi-Fi 6 and 5G.
123 sorting
With Spectrum TV, you can sort the Spectrum Channel lineup by number and genre. This makes it easy to remember where particular networks are on the list.
Moving your Spectrum TV service
If you wish to keep Spectrum TV services when you move, you should start by confirming that your new address is within the provider’s service area. The company offers a coverage map that you can use to check if Spectrum TV services are available, or you can call their 24/7 customer support.
Once you confirm availability, let the company know that you want to transfer your Spectrum TV service. Spectrum recommends its clients submit their transfer requests at least two weeks before moving. On your Spectrum account, you can arrange the move service date. It is important to inform Spectrum to make the transfer ahead of time so that you can have the required services and equipment when you move into your new residence.
Depending on the location of your new home, it may be possible to take Spectrum equipment to your new address, but in some cases, you might be asked to return it. When you move with Spectrum equipment without authorization, the company will bill you your monthly fee plus the cost of their equipment because you don’t own the equipment. Spectrum just leased it to you.
Spectrum charges a fee to transfer its services to a new address. The fee varies depending on the service you want to move to the new location and if you can perform self-installation. If you want to save on additional fees, you should check if you are eligible for self-installation. The process is free, and Spectrum mails the kit to your new address.
The self-installation kit typically contains an instruction manual, cables, and other essential devices. While self-installation is free, you still have to pay transfer fees. When transferring services, expect to incur the following fees:
Transfer fee
All current clients of Spectrum must pay a one-time fee of $59.99 with professional installation and $24.99 with self installation to transfer any of their services to a new location. Find contact information here to schedule a service transfer.
Installation fee
If you are subscribed to the Spectrum TV streaming app, you need Spectrum internet to access channels. Since internet installation requires a skilled technician, you should be ready to incur installation fees. The one-time fee still applies even if you already have Spectrum equipment.
Wi-Fi activation fee
Apart from internet installation fees, you will also pay for a Wi-Fi activation fee, which is a one-time fee. However, TV and voice subscribers don’t have to worry about this fee unless they want to get the Triple Play bundle with internet services.
Changing Spectrum TV services
If you’re moving to a bigger house, and you need to upgrade your Spectrum TV subscription to accommodate more devices and users. You can add TV channels, packages, or services to your current subscription through your online account or by switching to channel 2495.
To upgrade through your online account, you need to sign in as the primary user and select the “Billing” tab. Scroll down and select the “Statements” sub-tab. Under “Statement Details,” select Spectrum TV, then select “Upgrade.” You will be redirected to a new page to view upgrade options.
If you are moving to a seasonal home, you can be eligible for seasonal status, valid for two to nine months. It allows part-time residents to place their Spectrum TV services on hold for a low monthly fee without having to worry about canceling or reinstalling the service. To check if you are eligible for seasonal status, you need to contact Spectrum customer service agents. However, Spectrum TV Choice and Spectrum TV Stream subscribers will continue paying the full amount since they require cables and internet data plans respectively.
Cancelling Spectrum TV services
If you are moving to an area where Spectrum TV services are not offered, you will have to cancel your subscription. Spectrum ensures that the process of canceling its services is fairly easy since the company has a strict no-contract policy. This means there are no early termination fees. You can cancel Spectrum TV services at any time by calling Spectrum billing at 1-833-267-6094.
While the company does not charge any termination fees, you might incur charges if you don’t return any rental equipment Spectrum has leased to you. You can return the equipment through FedEx, UPS, or deliver it in person at any Spectrum store. If there are any issues with your last billing statement, customer care agents will help you out.
Unfortunately in 2019, Spectrum stopped offering prorated refunds even if you cancel your subscription before the next monthly billing cycle. The new policy ended a decade long-practice of offering partial month credit if you dropped Spectrum’s services that you no longer need or want.
Troubleshooting Spectrum TV in your new residence
After settling in and connecting your home to Spectrum TV, it is common to encounter a few issues with service. If you see screen display errors or error codes, you can try to troubleshoot the issues. Before you start troubleshooting, make sure that you turn off any other equipment such as a streaming device or a gaming console. You can try the following steps to troubleshoot the connection, but if the issue persists, you can call Spectrum customer care for further assistance.
1. Ensure the following:
- Your Spectrum TV equipment is connected properly
- The coaxial cable is connected to the outlet wall
- The TV is set to the correct input source
- The TV or other equipment is set to the same channel
2. Refresh your receiver or try using your TV troubleshooting tool.
3. Unplug your receiver and wait for 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
4. If you recently moved your TV from another cable outlet in your house, return it to its original location and repeat steps one through three.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How soon can I get Spectrum TV services at my new residence?
Spectrum TV services will be available as soon as you complete the installation process at your new address. However, this depends on whether or not you already have Spectrum TV equipment. If not, you might have to wait a bit longer due to factors like the availability of technicians or the duration of your appointment in case you need professional installation.
Can I get Spectrum TV services without internet service?
Yes. Spectrum offers standalone cable TV plans that you can purchase without subscribing to Spectrum internet service. However, some Spectrum TV services are only available when paired with Spectrum internet services.
Can I activate Spectrum TV services at my new address before moving in?
You can activate your Spectrum TV service whenever you are ready. However, ensure you only activate the service after you have moved to the new address because Spectrum services will cease to be functional on your old address.
Do I need to return my current TV equipment to Spectrum?
When you contact a Spectrum agent, they will let you know if you are required to return your current equipment to the company or move with them to your new residence. You can return the equipment in person at a local Spectrum shop, or you can return it through UPS or FedEx. The required shipping label will be provided to you by Spectrum.
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Disclosure | Updater articles are based on our own data and research, independent from partner relationships. We are not compensated by partners for information and opinions presented here. Our Editorial Terms of Service can be found here.
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