Switching to YouFibre broadband — a complete guide
Thinking of switching your broadband to YouFibre? This guide walks through everything you need to know: checking coverage, handling your existing contract, what happens on installation day, and how to use referral code 7HZX5R to earn a cash reward when you join.
Independent, unofficial guide — not affiliated with YouFibre. For official information, visit youfibre.com.
Before you switch: four things to check
Check YouFibre covers your postcode
Run a postcode check at youfibre.com. YouFibre's full-fibre network covers a growing number of UK towns and cities, but it is not yet nationwide. If your postcode isn't covered, you can register interest — YouFibre uses that data to prioritise new areas.
Not covered yet? See our guide to alternatives while you wait.
Find your current contract end date
Log in to your current provider's app or online account and look for your contract end date. Alternatively, check your original welcome letter or call your provider. Knowing this date tells you whether you'll face an early exit fee if you switch now.
Check your early termination fee
If you're still in a fixed-term contract, your provider is legally required to tell you the exact early exit fee on request. This is typically the remaining months multiplied by your monthly charge, sometimes with a discount applied. Weigh this against the benefit of switching sooner.
Decide when to switch
You have two options: wait until your current contract ends (no exit fee, cleaner handover), or switch early and absorb the exit fee (worthwhile if the speed or price difference is significant). Either way, line up your YouFibre order before your current service ends so you're not left without broadband.
Placing your YouFibre order — use referral code 7HZX5R
When you're ready to order, use referral code 7HZX5R to qualify for a cash reward. Both you and the person who shared the code receive the same amount, paid directly to your bank accounts after your first bill is settled.
Current referral code
7HZX5RDisclosure: the site owner may receive a benefit when an eligible new customer uses this code and completes a qualifying order. About this site
What happens on installation day
Once your YouFibre order is confirmed, you'll be given an installation date. Here's what to expect:
- An engineer visits your property. They run a fibre optic cable from the street to your home — usually through an existing external wall or a small new entry point.
- An ONT is installed inside. The optical network terminal (ONT) is a small wall-mounted box that converts the fibre signal. Your router connects to this.
- Your router is set up. YouFibre provides a router. The engineer will ensure everything is connected and working before they leave.
- Typical duration: 2–4 hours. You need to be home for the appointment window. The engineer will confirm the service is live before leaving.
Once your YouFibre service is confirmed live, you can contact your old provider to cancel. Check your old contract to ensure you're giving the required notice period — usually 30 days.
Switching from specific providers
The switching process is broadly the same regardless of your current provider, but a few things differ:
Switching from BT
BT typically requires 30 days' notice to cancel. If you're in a fixed-term contract, check the My BT app or call 150 for your exact exit fee. BT uses Openreach infrastructure, so switching to YouFibre full-fibre is a genuine upgrade in most cases.
Switching from Sky
Sky requires 31 days' notice and will confirm your final bill dates. Sky bundles TV and broadband — note that cancelling broadband doesn't automatically cancel TV, and vice versa. Check your Sky contract for the exact ETF if switching mid-term.
Switching from Virgin Media
Virgin Media typically requires 30 days' notice. They are known for retention offers when you call to cancel — worth hearing out, but compare carefully against YouFibre's pricing and speeds before deciding. Virgin uses its own cable network, so installation on YouFibre is a full new install.
Switching from Vodafone, TalkTalk, or Plusnet
These providers use Openreach infrastructure. Notice periods are typically 30 days. Check your online account or call your provider for the exact exit fee. The process is the same: cancel after YouFibre is live.
Don't cancel your old broadband before YouFibre is installed and confirmed live. There can be delays, and being left without any internet connection is avoidable.
Frequently asked questions
How do I switch to YouFibre from BT, Sky, or Virgin Media?
The process is straightforward. First check that YouFibre covers your postcode at youfibre.com. Then place your order directly on YouFibre's website or by phone — enter referral code 7HZX5R at checkout on a 12-month contract to qualify for a cash reward. YouFibre will confirm an installation date. On the day, an engineer installs the full-fibre connection. You can then cancel your old provider once the new service is confirmed live.
Will I have to pay an early exit fee to leave my current provider?
If you're still within a fixed-term contract with your current provider, yes — you'll usually face an early termination fee (ETF). The amount is set by your current provider and is typically based on the remaining months multiplied by your monthly charge (sometimes discounted). You can find the exact figure in your provider's app, online account, or by calling them. For more detail, see our contract buyout guide.
Can I switch to YouFibre before my current contract ends?
Yes. There's nothing stopping you from placing a YouFibre order while you're still in contract with another provider — you just need to factor in the early exit fee from your current provider. Some people find it worthwhile to pay the fee and switch early, particularly if the YouFibre speed upgrade is significant. Others prefer to time their switch to coincide with their contract end date.
Does YouFibre cover my area?
YouFibre's full-fibre network covers a growing number of UK towns and cities. The quickest way to check is to run a postcode lookup at youfibre.com. If your postcode isn't covered yet, you can register your interest — YouFibre uses demand data to help prioritise where to build next. For alternatives if YouFibre isn't available, see our no-coverage guide.
What happens on YouFibre installation day?
A YouFibre engineer visits your property to install the full-fibre connection. They run a fibre cable from the nearest street cabinet or distribution point to your home, install an ONT (optical network terminal) inside, and connect your router. The whole process typically takes a few hours. You don't need to do anything except be home for the appointment window.
How do I get a cash reward when switching to YouFibre?
Use referral code 7HZX5R when placing your order. Enter it in the referral code field during the online checkout at youfibre.com, or tell the sales representative you have a code when ordering by phone. You must be a new YouFibre customer on a 12-month contract, and the code must be entered before you submit your order. After your service is installed and your first bill is paid, the reward is processed — allow up to 60 days.
Can I keep my phone number when switching to YouFibre?
YouFibre provides broadband only — it does not offer a home phone service. If you currently have a landline bundled with your broadband, you'll need to arrange a separate VoIP service or mobile solution. If number portability is important to you, check this with YouFibre directly before ordering.