How to Activate a Modem With AT&T (DSL, Fiber, and Phone Service)

Setting up new AT&T internet service can feel overwhelming if you have never done it before. The good news is that AT&T's activation process is designed for self-installation, and most people can get online in about 30 minutes.

This guide walks you through exactly how to activate your AT&T gateway for both Fiber and DSL internet, plus how to activate AT&T digital phone service if you have it bundled with your plan.

Before You Start: What You Need to Know

AT&T does not use traditional standalone modems for residential service. Instead, AT&T provides a Wi-Fi gateway, which is a combination modem and router in one device. You cannot bring your own modem to AT&T internet service. The gateway is included with your plan.

Common AT&T gateway models include the BGW320, BGW210, Pace 5268, NVG599, and NVG589. Your specific model depends on your service type and location.

Before you begin the activation process, make sure you have the following ready:

• Your AT&T self-installation kit (shipped to you after placing your order)
• Your AT&T account number and the 4-digit passcode you created when you ordered service
• Your AT&T Access ID and password (sent to you by email or mail after your order)
• Your service activation date (printed on the packing slip inside the kit)

How to Activate AT&T Fiber Internet

AT&T Fiber uses a fiber-optic connection that delivers internet through a small device called an Optical Network Terminal (ONT). The ONT is typically mounted on a wall inside your home, often in a closet, basement, or garage. If your home previously had AT&T Fiber, the ONT may already be installed and wired.

If your home has never had fiber service before, you will need a professional installation. AT&T will send a technician to run fiber cable to your home and install the ONT. You can schedule this by calling 800-288-2020.

Step 1: Set Up the ONT (Fiber Service Box)

Locate the ONT in your home. Remove the lower cover panel if there is one. Then complete these connections:

• Plug the green fiber connector into the green PON port on the ONT (it may already be connected).
• Connect the yellow Ethernet cable to the yellow ONT port.
• Plug the black power cord into the ONT and into an electrical outlet.
• Press the ON/OFF button to power on the ONT.

Wait for the Power and PON lights on the ONT to turn solid green. This can take a few minutes. If both lights do not turn solid green, call AT&T technical support at 800-288-2020.

Step 2: Connect the Gateway

Your AT&T equipment box includes color-coded cables that match the ports on your gateway. Follow these connections:

• Connect the red ONT Ethernet cable from the ONT to the red ONT Broadband port on the gateway.
• Plug the black power cord into the gateway and into an electrical outlet.
• Optionally, connect a yellow Ethernet cable from one of the gateway's Ethernet ports to your computer for a wired connection.

Wait approximately 10 minutes for the gateway to power up. The Broadband and Service indicator lights will turn solid green when the gateway is ready. Do not unplug any cables during this time, as interrupting the power-up process can delay activation.

Step 3: Register and Activate Your Service

On your computer or phone, open your Wi-Fi settings and look for your network name (SSID). The SSID and 12-character password are printed on a sticker on your gateway.

Connect to the network and open a web browser. In most cases, the AT&T registration page will load automatically. If it does not, go to att.com/internet and follow the prompts.

Enter your AT&T Access ID and password (or your account number and 4-digit passcode) to complete registration. Once finished, your internet service will be active.

Step 4: Customize Your Network With Smart Home Manager

Download the AT&T Smart Home Manager app on your phone, or visit myhomenetwork.att.com. This lets you change your Wi-Fi network name and password, manage connected devices, and run speed tests.

How to Activate AT&T DSL Internet

AT&T DSL connects through your existing telephone wall jacks using a green data cable. The process is simpler than Fiber because there is no ONT to set up.

Step 1: Install Phone Line Filters (If Needed)

If you have traditional (non-digital) phone service in your home, you need to install DSL filters on every phone jack that has a phone, fax machine, or other device plugged into it. Filters prevent interference between your DSL signal and phone line.

• For jacks with only a phone or fax: Use a single-port filter. Plug the filter into the wall jack, then plug your phone into the filter.
• For the jack where your gateway will connect: Use a dual-port filter. Plug the filter into the wall jack. Plug your phone into one port and your gateway's green data cable into the other port.

If you have digital phone service or no home phone, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Connect the Gateway

• Connect the green data cable from the gateway's green DSL Broadband port to your phone wall jack (or to the DSL port on a dual-port filter).
• Optionally, connect a yellow Ethernet cable from the gateway to your computer for a wired connection.
• Plug the black power cord into the gateway and into an electrical outlet.

Wait up to 15 minutes for the Broadband and Service indicator lights to turn solid green. Do not unplug the green data cable during this time. Disconnecting during power-up can permanently damage the gateway or significantly delay activation.

Step 3: Register and Activate

Connect to your gateway's Wi-Fi network using the SSID and password printed on the sticker on the device. Open a web browser. The registration page should load automatically. If it does not, navigate to att.com/internet.

Enter your AT&T Access ID and password to complete registration. Your internet service will activate within a few minutes.

How to Activate AT&T Digital Phone Service

AT&T offers digital home phone service (sometimes called AT&T Phone or VoIP) that runs over your internet connection through the same gateway. If you ordered phone service bundled with your AT&T internet plan, you will need to activate it separately after your internet is set up.

You must activate your phone service within seven days of your order date. The entire process takes about 10 to 30 minutes.

Step 1: Connect Your Phone to the Gateway

Using the gray phone cord included in your installation kit, connect a touchtone phone to the Phone Lines 1 and 2 port (sometimes labeled Voice 1 and 2) on the back of your gateway. You do not need working phone jacks in your home for this to work. The phone plugs directly into the gateway itself.

Step 2: Activate by Phone or Online

You have two options to activate:

Option A (by phone): Pick up the phone connected to your gateway and call 877-377-0016. Follow the automated voice prompts to complete activation. When finished, you will hear a confirmation message that your phone number has been successfully activated.

Option B (online): Open a web browser and go to att.com/internet. Sign in with your AT&T Access ID and password, and follow the on-screen instructions to activate your phone line.

Step 3: Set Up Voicemail

After your phone service is activated, pick up the phone and dial *98 (or dial your own home phone number). Follow the prompts to create a voicemail PIN and record your greeting.

Optional: Connect Additional Phones Throughout Your Home

If you want to use phones in other rooms, you may be able to connect your existing home phone jacks to the gateway. This requires that your home's internal phone wiring is accessible and not shared with a separate phone provider. AT&T's installation guide provides detailed steps, or you can call 800-288-2020 to schedule a technician visit if you are not comfortable with the wiring.

Troubleshooting Common Activation Issues

Broadband or Service Light Will Not Turn Solid Green

If the Broadband or Service light on your gateway keeps blinking or turns red after 15 minutes, try these steps:

• Double-check that all cables are securely connected to the correct color-coded ports.
• Unplug the gateway's power cord from the back of the device. Wait 15 seconds, then plug it back in. Allow up to 5 minutes for the lights to stabilize.
• Make sure you are past your service activation date (listed on your packing slip).
• If the light turns red and stays red, call AT&T technical support at 800-288-2020.

Registration Page Does Not Load in Browser

If the automatic registration page does not appear when you open your browser, try these fixes:

• Make sure you are connected to the gateway's Wi-Fi network or plugged in via Ethernet, not using mobile data.
• Clear your browser cache or try a different browser.
• Type att.com/internet directly into the address bar.

ONT Lights Are Off or Not Green (Fiber Only)

If the Power or PON lights on your ONT are off or not turning solid green, check the following:

• Make sure the black power cord is plugged in and the ON/OFF button is pressed in.
• Confirm the green fiber connector is fully seated in the green PON port.
• If the Power light is red, contact AT&T at 800-288-2020 and ask for technical support.

Phone Service Not Working After Activation

• Verify the gray phone cord is plugged into the correct port on the gateway (Phone Lines 1 and 2 or Voice 1 and 2).
• Restart the gateway by unplugging power for 15 seconds, then plugging it back in.
• Try the activation call again at 877-377-0016.
• Check the Voice light on your gateway. It should be solid green when phone service is active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own modem with AT&T internet?

No. AT&T requires customers to use the AT&T-provided Wi-Fi gateway for both Fiber and DSL service. The gateway acts as a combined modem and router. You can connect your own third-party router to the AT&T gateway if you prefer to use it for Wi-Fi, but the AT&T gateway must remain connected as the main device on the network.

How long does it take to activate AT&T internet service?

The physical setup takes about 15 to 30 minutes. After you plug everything in, the gateway needs approximately 10 to 15 minutes to power up and connect to the AT&T network. The online registration step takes just a few minutes after that. Overall, most people are online within 30 to 45 minutes.

What is the AT&T service activation date and why does it matter?

Your service activation date is the specific date that AT&T enables your internet connection on their network. It is printed on the packing slip inside your self-installation kit. If you try to set up your equipment before this date, the gateway will not be able to connect because your account is not yet active on AT&T's end.

Does AT&T still offer DSL internet service?

AT&T stopped selling new DSL plans in October 2020. Existing DSL customers can continue using their current service, but they cannot change their speed tier or transfer DSL service to a new address. AT&T plans to fully retire its copper DSL network by the end of 2029. Current internet options for new AT&T customers include AT&T Fiber and AT&T Internet Air (fixed wireless).

How do I activate AT&T phone service without a landline?

AT&T digital phone service does not require traditional landline phone jacks. The phone connects directly to the back of your AT&T Wi-Fi gateway using a phone cord. You then activate by calling 877-377-0016 from that connected phone, or by completing online registration. The phone service runs over your internet connection using VoIP technology.

What do the lights on my AT&T gateway mean during activation?

During activation, the most important lights are Broadband and Service. Both should turn solid green when your gateway is fully connected and your service is active. A flashing green Broadband light means the gateway is still trying to connect. A solid red Broadband light means no signal is being detected, which usually indicates a cabling issue or a problem on AT&T's end. The Power light should be solid green at all times during normal operation.

What is the AT&T Smart Home Manager app used for?

The AT&T Smart Home Manager app lets you manage your home network from your phone. You can use it to change your Wi-Fi name and password, view all devices connected to your network, run internet speed tests, pause Wi-Fi access for specific devices, and troubleshoot connectivity problems. It is available as a free download for both iPhone and Android, and it can also be accessed at myhomenetwork.att.com from a web browser.