Once you have decided to purchase a new modem, you will need to set it up and activate it in order to get internet access in your house. Activating your modem does not have to be stressful. If you have recently purchased a modem for Charter Spectrum, Xfinity, Mediacom, or Midco, you can read our guide on activating your modem below.
Before you activate your modem, you need to make sure that your modem has been properly connected. You will first need to make sure that your old modem has been disconnected, if you had one. Do not get rid of it in case the ISP asks for any of the information from it.
- With a Separate Router, make sure:
- Power adapter is plugged in to both wall outlet and modem
- Coax cable is connected to cable jack on one end, modem on the other
- Ethernet cable is connected from modem to router
- Ethernet cable is connected from router to the computer
- Modem is turned on and online (all lights should be lit up)
- Router is turned on
- Without a Router, make sure:
- Power adapter is plugged into both wall outlet and modem
- Coax cable is connected to cable jack and modem
- Ethernet cable is connected from modem to computer
- Modem is turned on and online (all lights should be lit up)
Once the modem is all connected and turned on, it is time to start your activation.
Charter Spectrum
To activate your new Charter Spectrum modem, do the following:
- On your computer, open your internet browser. It should take you to https://activate.spectrum.net/. Click on either “Install New Service” or “Replace Old Modem.”
- Enter your account number and, if it asks, enter the MAC number from your old modem. It is located on the bottom of the modem.
- Click “Next.”
- Follow the steps for Self-Installation.
- Visit any other website to confirm and test your connection.
- Use speedtest.net to test your internet speed.
- If something does not work, contact Charter Spectrum’s customer service.
Comcast Xfinity
To activate your new Comcast Xfinity modem, do the following:
- Make sure you know your Comcast account number.
- On your computer, open your internet browser. It should take you to xfinity.com/activate.
- Enter your account number and, if it asks, enter the MAC number from your old modem. It is located on the bottom of the modem.
- Setup should begin.
- Visit any other website to confirm and test your connection.
- Use speedtest.net to test your internet speed.
- If something does not work, contact ComcastXfinity’s customer service.
Mediacom
To activate your new Mediacom modem, do the following:
- Make sure you know your Mediacom account number.
- On your computer, open your internet browser. It should take you to walledgarden.mchsd.com.
- Enter your account number and, if it asks, enter the MAC number from your old modem. It is located on the bottom of the modem.
- Follow the steps for Self-Installation.
- Visit any other website to confirm and test your connection.
- Use speedtest.net to test your internet speed.
- If something does not work, contact Mediacom’s customer service.
Midco
To activate your new Midco modem, do the following:
- Make sure you know your Midco account number.
- On your computer, open your internet browser. Type in Speedtest.Midco.net. This should confirm your connection.
- Enter your account number and, if it asks, enter the MAC number from your old modem. It is located on the bottom of the modem.
- Follow the steps for Self-Installation.
- Visit any other website to confirm and test your connection.
- Use speedtest.net to test your internet speed.
- If something does not work, contact Midco’s customer service.
Regardless of the type of cable modem that you have, you will need to first confirm that you have an approved modem that is compatible with your ISP. If your modem isn’t working and it seems like customer service cannot figure it out, you should double check whether the modem is actually compatible with your internet provider.