Switching to BT broadband in 2025: A step-by-step guide

As long as you’re no longer in the minimum contract terms with your provider, switching is easy. All you need to do is:

1. Pick a BT package and sign up, and choose your installation date.

2. If you’re switching from an Openreach-based provider (e.g. Sky, TalkTalk, Plusnet, EE, Vodafone, Now Broadband), sit back and relax – BT will cancel your current service for you. If you’re switching from a provider with its own network (e.g. Virgin Media, Hyperoptic), however, you’ll need to call and cancel that service separately.

3. Wait for your new router to arrive in the post, and follow the instructions to install it. (You may also need an engineer visit – if so, this will be arranged when you sign up with BT.)

That’s it. You can coordinate the start and end dates of your switch so that you don’t go without internet.

For a little more detailed info on how to switch to BT from specific providers, keep reading.

Switch to BT

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Switching from Sky to BT

Here’s how to switch from Sky broadband to BT:

1. Check you’re out of contract with Sky, and therefore free to switch. If not, you may face penalty fees. You can do this by logging into your online Sky account, or by contacting Sky any other way.

2. Choose the BT package you want, and sign up. You can pick your installation date, usually two weeks in advance.

3. BT will get in touch with Sky and arrange the switchover. This means you won’t go without broadband for more than an hour or two.

4. BT will send you your brand-new router in the post (it fits through most letterboxes), with instructions on how to install it.

Switching TV too?

Saying farewell to Sky TV? You’ll need to contact Sky separately to arrange your cancellation.

Switching from TalkTalk to BT

Here’s how to switch from TalkTalk broadband to BT:

1. Check you’re out of contract with TalkTalk, and therefore free to switch. If not, you may face penalty fees. You can do this by logging into your TalkTalk account, or by contacting TalkTalk.

2. Choose the BT package you want, and sign up. You can pick your installation date, usually two weeks in advance.

3. BT will get in touch with TalkTalk and arrange the switchover. This means you won’t go without broadband for more than an hour or two.

4. BT will send you your brand-new router in the post (it fits through most letterboxes), with instructions on how to install it.

Switching from Virgin Media to BT

Here’s how to switch from Virgin Media broadband to BT:

1. Check you’re out of contract with Virgin Media, and therefore free to switch. If not, you may face penalty fees. You can do this by logging into your online Virgin Media account, or by contacting them.

2. Choose the BT package you want, and sign up. You can pick your installation date, usually two weeks in advance.

3. Contact Virgin Media and tell them you’d like to cancel. Let them know your start date with BT, so you can co-ordinate your end date with Virgin and spend minimal time without broadband.

4. BT will send you your brand new router in the post (it fits through most letterboxes), with instructions on how to install it. If you haven’t had broadband from BT or another Openreach-based provider in a while, BT might arrange an engineer visit as part of your switchover too.

How long will it take to switch to BT broadband?

Around two weeks. Usually, you can pick your start date (and arrange your engineer visit, if you need one) at least two weeks in advance, or further in the future if you prefer.

When the changeover happens, your internet may go down – but this is usually only for a few minutes, and rarely longer than two hours.

Engineer visits usually last up to an hour at most.

Do BT switch your broadband for you?

When you switch to BT broadband, BT will do most of the work for you. All you have to do is check that you’re no longer within your minimum terms specified in your contract (or else you may have to pay a penalty), pick a BT package and sign up for it. BT will get in touch with your old provider and arrange the switchover to your new connection.

The exception is if you’re switching from a provider with its own network, like Virgin Media or Hyperoptic. Then you’ll have to contact your old provider and cancel that connection separately – it would make sense to coordinate this with your start date with BT so you’re not without broadband for long.

Do you have to pay to switch broadband?

As long as you aren’t within your minimum contract terms, you shouldn’t have to pay a penny to switch to BT or any other broadband provider. If you’re still within the period set out in your contract, you’ll have to pay an early termination fee – usually this equals the total outstanding monthly bills on your contract. So if you’re on a £20-per-month deal and you have three months left to run on your contract, you would pay a fee of £60.

However, if you aren’t getting the advertised speeds, you may be entitled to switch provider without an early termination fee. You’ll have to check it applies to your provider, and you’ll have to get in touch with them to see if they can rectify the problem and give you the speeds you should be getting. If they can’t, you may be allowed to switch for free.

For more information, see our guide to switching broadband provider.

Can I switch from BT to another provider?

You can. Switching from BT is as simple as changing from any other broadband provider – just make sure you’re not still in your minimum terms. To switch from BT, just find a better deal from a new provider. They will contact BT to cancel your existing contract.

However, if you’re switching to a provider that uses its own network (like Virgin Media or Hyperoptic), you’ll need to contact BT yourself to cancel your contract.

You should only have to pay an early termination fee if you’re still within your minimum contract terms. But if you’re not getting your advertised speeds, or you’re still within your 14-day ‘cooling off’ period, you shouldn’t have to pay.

See our guide on how to cancel BT broadband for more.