Spectrum Cable and Internet
Installation Guide
Our Installation Guide
Let us walk you through the process of installing your Spectrum Cable and Internet — self-installation — and how to get the most out of your services. Learn how to use the Spectrum Self-Install Kit, set up Wi-Fi and whether you should rent or purchase equipment.
Ways to Install Cable TV & Internet
Installing your Cable TV and Internet services has never been easier. With tech support and videos, Spectrum offers lots of information to help you through the process. Traditionally, you can have a technician come out to your home and set up your services. However, with COVID-19 and safety precautions, many people are choosing to self-install.
Depending on your preference, you can choose to:
- Call in a Spectrum technician
- Self-install Spectrum Cable and Internet
This guide will teach you how to self-install.
Pros and Cons of Self-Installation
Self-installing your cable TV and Internet may seem like a hassle, but with information available here and on Spectrum.net, the process doesn’t have to be a headache. If you’re on the fence about whether to self-install or call in the experts, check the pros and cons list below.
Pros of self-installation:
- Get all equipment delivered to you
- Limit people coming into your home
- No installation fee
Cons of self-installation:
- No professional help & in-person troubleshooting
- Your home may not be eligible
- Requires some technical expertise
How to Use the Spectrum Self-Install Kit
Connecting your Spectrum Internet is easier than ever with the Spectrum Self-Install Kit. Once you have signed up for Spectrum services, they will mail you a Self-Install Kit. The kit provides you with all of the equipment and cables necessary to set up your Internet service and start surfing the web.
Per their website: There’s high demand for new equipment during this national emergency. Delivery of self-install kits may take longer than expected. Set your communication preferences to receive confirmation and tracking number(s) when your equipment has shipped.
What Does the Self-Install Internet Kit Include
The kit comes complete with:
- Instructions
- Modem
- Coaxial Cables
- Ethernet Cable
- Coax Splitter
The Self-Install Spectrum TV kit includes:
- Receiver
- HDMI Cable
- Coax Cable
- Power Cord
- Remote control & batteries
Watch this easy-to-follow video to see how to install.
How to Self-Install Spectrum Internet
The Spectrum Self-Install Kit can be set up in three easy steps.
1 Connect Modem
- Connect one end of your coax cable to your Modem and the other end to your cable outlet.
- Connect the power cord to your Modem and plug the other end into the power outlet.
- Wait for the Modem to connect to the network. When the 'Online Status' light is solid, that means it's connected.
2 Connect Modem to Computer or Wi-Fi Router
- Now that your Modem is set up, you can connect the Ethernet Cable from the Modem to your computer
- If you are using Wi-Fi, connect the other end of the Ethernet Cable to your wireless router
3 Activate Modem Online
- Now you can activate your Modem. Go to Spectrum.net/selfinstall from your computer or mobile phone
- Click 'Get Started' and follow instructions
- Once you're activated, don't forget to create a username and manage your account on Spectrum.net
How to Self-Install Spectrum Cable
Similar to the Spectrum Self-Install Internet Kit, you can self-install your cable service by ordering equipment and following the installation process.
1 Connect your Spectrum Receiver
- Connect your Coax Cable to your receiver and the other end to the cable outlet
- Connect the HDMI Cable to your receiver and the other end to your TV
- Connect the Power Cord to the receiver and to the electrical outlet. The receiver will turn on automatically
- Insert batteries into your Remote
- Turn on your TV and select the HDMI source using either INPUT or SOURCE on the Remote
- The receiver will begin downloading a firmware update
2 Activate your Spectrum Receiver
- Now you can activate your modem. Go to Spectrum.net/selfinstall from your computer or mobile phone
- Follow the on-screen instructions
How to Self-Install Spectrum Wi-Fi
Connecting to your wireless network is easy. If your equipment is activated (Modem and Wireless Router), you can begin
-
Connect a Device to your Wireless Router
-
Change your Wi-Fi Name and Password
-
Optimize your Wi-Fi Network
1 Connect a Device to your Wireless Router
- Find your Spectrum Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password on the back of your Spectrum Router
- Open the wireless settings on your device (computer, phone, etc.) and select the right 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz network
- Enter the default Wi-Fi password from the back of the router
2 Change your Wi-Fi Name and Password
Spectrum recommends changing your Wi-Fi name and password for added security.
- Find your specific router model here and follow the instructions to change your Wi-Fi name and password
- Add 5 GHz and 2.5 GHz to the end of your new Wi-Fi name to identify each network
3 Optimize your Wi-Fi Network
- For optimal service, place your router in a central location away from water, metal and other appliances
- View your Wi-Fi name and password in your Spectrum account
Activating via the My Spectrum App
Did you know you can activate your Internet and cable directly from the Spectrum Mobile App?
Steps:
- Download the My Spectrum App from the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign in with your Spectrum username and password.
- Tap “Activate Services” under the menu.
- Follow prompts to activate your modem, router, or cable receiver.
- Once activated, run a speed test directly in the app to confirm your connection.
QR Code Activation (Optional)
- Your self-install kit may include a QR code.
- Scan the QR code with your mobile device—it automatically directs you to the activation page.
- Follow the on-screen steps for instant setup.
(Tip: Keep the Spectrum App installed. It allows you to troubleshoot, pay bills, monitor Wi-Fi usage, and manage parental controls.)
Optimizing Your Wi-Fi Performance
Router Placement Tips
- Place the router in an open, central location in your home.
- Keep it off the floor and away from walls or cabinets.
- Position antennas vertically for wider coverage.
Avoiding Interference
- Keep the router away from fish tanks, mirrors, and microwaves.
- Avoid placing it near large metal appliances or cordless phones.
- Use the 5 GHz network for faster performance in close range and 2.4 GHz for longer-distance connections.
Troubleshooting Your Spectrum Setup
If Lights Don’t Turn Solid Blue
If your modem status light doesn’t turn solid blue, try the following:
- Check all cable connections – Make sure coax and power cables are securely connected.
- Restart your modem – Unplug from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug back in.
- Try a different outlet – The outlet you’re using may not have a signal.
- Check for local outages – Visit spectrum.net/support to confirm service availability.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, proceed to the next section.
If You Have No Internet or Weak Signal After Activation
If your modem is online but you’re experiencing slow or no Internet, try the following solutions:
- Check the Wi-Fi connection on your device – Make sure you’re connected to the correct Spectrum network and entering the correct password.
- Restart your router and modem – Unplug both from power for 30 seconds, then plug in the modem first, followed by the router. Wait 2–3 minutes for lights to stabilize.
- Move closer to the router – Distance and obstacles (walls, appliances) can weaken Wi-Fi signal strength.
- Use an Ethernet cable – Connect directly from your modem or router to your device with an Ethernet cable to test if the issue is Wi-Fi-related.
- Perform a speed test – Use the Spectrum Mobile App or visit speedtest.net to check performance.
If speeds are consistently below your plan’s range, contact customer support for assistance or schedule a technician visit.
When to Call a Technician
Call a Spectrum technician at 1-800-892-4357 if:
- Modem lights continue to blink for more than 5 minutes
- Activation page won’t load
- You have damaged cables or connectors
- The self-install kit is missing required equipment
- You’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and still can’t connect
Renting vs Buying Equipment
Spectrum rents out all its Cable TV and Internet equipment, and while it is on lease, it remains the property of Spectrum. If you are thinking of upgrading, downgrading, or cancelling your Spectrum service, all equipment must be returned. Here are the costs of equipment rental with Spectrum.
| Device | Fee |
|---|---|
| TV receiver with DVR & remote | $7.99 / month |
| Self-install kit | $9.99 / one-time fee |
| Modem equipment rental | Included |
| Wireless router | $5.00 / month |