How to Keep Your Email When Switching Internet Providers: 7 Easy Steps
February 10, 2026
How to Keep Your Email When Switching Internet Providers: 7 Easy Steps
One of the most common concerns we hear from new Lakeshore Fiber customers is this:
“If I switch internet providers, will I lose my email address?”
If your current email ends in something like @charter.net, @sbcglobal.net, or @wowway.com, there’s a good chance you may lose access when you cancel service. Many provider‑based email accounts are tied directly to your internet subscription.
But here’s the good news:
👉 You don’t have to lose your email when you switch providers. By moving it to sites like Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo, you’ll have an email address that’s yours to keep for good.
This gives you a permanent email address that stays with you for life.
As your local fiber internet team here in Alpena, we want your switch to be smooth and stress‑free. This guide walks you through simple steps to secure your emails, contacts, and logins before moving to a new provider.
To learn more about how fiber works in Alpena, check out Lakeshorefiber.com.
Why It’s Important to Keep Your Email When Switching Internet Providers
Here’s why Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo are the best long‑term choices:
✔ Keep your email for life
Your address stays with you no matter who your internet provider is.
✔ Better security
All three offer strong spam filtering, multi‑factor authentication, and reliable service.
✔ Easy access on any device
Emails sync across phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.
✔ No disruption to your accounts
You can update your logins (Amazon, banks, utilities, social media) at your own pace.
Option 1: Moving to Gmail (Google)
Step 1: Create a Gmail Account
Go to: https://www.gmail.com
Click Create account → For myself.
Click Create account → For myself.
Step 2: Import Your Old Emails and Contacts
- Open Gmail
- Click the gear icon → See all settings
- Choose Accounts and Import
- Under “Import mail and contacts,” click Import from another address
- Enter your old email login
- Choose what to import (emails, contacts, or both)
Google handles the transfer automatically.
Step 3: Enable Auto‑Forwarding (Optional)
If your old provider supports forwarding, turn it on so new messages still land in Gmail.
Option 2: Moving to Microsoft Outlook (Outlook.com)
Step 1: Create a Free Outlook Account
Visit: https://outlook.com
Click Create free account.
Click Create free account.
Step 2: Import Your Emails and Contacts
- Click Settings (gear icon)
- Choose Mail
- Select Sync email
- Under “Connected accounts,” add your old email
- Follow the prompts to complete the import
Step 3: Forward New Messages
Check your old email provider for forwarding settings so nothing gets missed.
Option 3: Moving to Yahoo Mail
Step 1: Create a Yahoo Mail Account
Go to: https://mail.yahoo.com
Click Create an account.
Click Create an account.
Step 2: Import Your Emails and Contacts
- Open Yahoo Mail
- Go to Settings → More Settings
- Choose Mailboxes
- Click Add mailbox
- Select your old provider
- Sign in to authorize the import
Step 3: Turn On Forwarding (If Available)
Some provider‑based email accounts support forwarding to Yahoo.
Don’t Forget to Update Your Online Accounts
Once you keep your email when switching internet providers by moving to a new address, update your login on:
- Online banking
- Amazon, Walmart, Meijer, Target
- Utility accounts
- Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video)
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, X)
- Work or school platforms
- Medical portals like MyChart
Quick tip:
Search your old inbox for “verify your email,” “update your email,” or “password reset” to find accounts tied to your old address.
Search your old inbox for “verify your email,” “update your email,” or “password reset” to find accounts tied to your old address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to keep my old internet service active during the transfer?
Yes — keep it active until your emails fully import.
Can Lakeshore Fiber move the email for me?
For security reasons, we can’t access your accounts. But our team is always happy to guide you through the process.
Will I lose my old emails?
No — as long as you import your messages before canceling your old service.
Switching Shouldn’t Be Stressful — We’re Here to Help
At Lakeshore Fiber, we want the entire process — from sign‑up to installation — to be smooth and frustration‑free. If you have questions about how to keep your email when switching internet providers or need help getting started, just give us a call or stop by.
We’re here, ready to help our neighbors stay connected with confidence.