How to Move to VoIP UK: Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Posted by Voipfone on January 8, 2026

Thinking about switching to VoIP in the UK? You’re not alone. With BT’s Big Switch Off coming in January 2027, millions of UK households and businesses are making the move to internet-based calling. The good news? It’s simpler than you might think. You likely already have everything you need at home – a broadband connection and your existing analogue phone. With a Voipfone subscription and a plug-and-play VoIP adapter, you can be up and running in minutes.

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✓ Free consultation    ✓ Keep your existing number    ✓ UK-based support

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What You Need to Switch to VoIP

Switching to VoIP is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s everything you need to get started:

1

Broadband Internet Connection

VoIP calls travel over your internet connection. Any standard UK broadband will work perfectly – you don’t need fibre, though faster speeds do help with call quality. Even basic ADSL provides more than enough bandwidth for crystal-clear VoIP calls.

Tip: A VoIP call uses approximately 100kbps – far less than streaming video.

2

Your Existing Analogue Phone

Here’s the best part – you can keep using the phone you already have at home! Whether it’s a classic corded phone or a wireless DECT handset, your existing analogue phone works perfectly with VoIP when connected through an adapter.

No new equipment needed: Your familiar phone, same great experience.

3

Plug-and-Play VoIP Adapter

A VoIP adapter (also called an ATA) is a small device that connects your traditional phone to your internet router. It converts your voice into digital signals that travel over the internet. Voipfone adapters come pre-configured – just plug in and start calling.

From just £52: One-time purchase, 3-year warranty included.

4

Voipfone Subscription

Choose from a range of affordable plans starting from just £5 per month. All plans include essential features like voicemail, call forwarding, and the Voipfone softphone app. No contracts – switch or cancel anytime.

30-day free trial: Try before you commit, risk-free.

Step-by-Step Guide: Moving to VoIP with Voipfone

Follow these simple steps to make the switch to VoIP. Most customers are up and running within 15 minutes of receiving their adapter.

1 Check Your Broadband Connection

Before you start, ensure you have a working broadband internet connection. VoIP works with any internet service provider – you don’t need to switch to Voipfone broadband (though we do offer excellent fibre packages if you’re interested).

Minimum requirements: 1Mbps upload/download speed per active call. Most UK broadband connections easily exceed this.

2 Choose Your Voipfone Plan

Select the plan that best suits your calling needs. All plans come with no contracts – you can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel at any time directly from your online control panel.

Plan Monthly Price UK Minutes Best For
Voipfone Flex £2/user Pay as you go Low usage / incoming calls only
Voipfone 100 £5/user 100 minutes Light home users
Voipfone 500 £10/user 500 minutes Regular home users / small business
Voipfone 1000 £15/user 1000 minutes Heavy home users / business
Voipfone Unlimited £20/user Unlimited Business / heavy callers

All prices exclude VAT. All plans include voicemail, call forwarding, business hours routing, and the Voipfone softphone app.

3 Get Your VoIP Adapter

Choose a plug-and-play VoIP adapter from Voipfone. All adapters come pre-configured with your account settings – no technical knowledge required. Simply connect to your router and plug in your phone.

Grandstream HT-801 V2 VoIP Adapter

Grandstream HT-801 V2

Single phone port adapter – perfect for home use

£52.00 ex VAT

£62.40 inc VAT

  • 1 analogue phone port (FXS)
  • HD voice quality
  • Auto-provisioning
  • 3-year warranty
View Details
Grandstream HT-802 V2 VoIP Adapter

Grandstream HT-802 V2

Two phone ports – connect two phones independently

£55.00 ex VAT

£66.00 inc VAT

  • 2 analogue phone ports (FXS)
  • HD voice quality
  • Independent lines
  • 3-year warranty
View Details

4 Keep Your Existing Phone Number (Optional)

Want to keep your current landline number? No problem. Voipfone offers free number porting – we’ll transfer your existing UK phone number to your new VoIP service at no extra cost. The process typically takes 10-14 working days.

How Number Porting Works:

  • Sign up for a Voipfone account (you’ll get a temporary number)
  • Request a port of your existing number through our control panel
  • We handle everything with your old provider
  • Your number switches over seamlessly – no downtime
  • Your ported number is included free in your plan

5 Set Up Your Equipment – Plug and Play!

When your adapter arrives, setup takes just a few minutes. All Voipfone adapters come pre-configured – no technical expertise required.

📦

Unbox

Remove adapter from packaging

🔌

Connect to Router

Plug ethernet cable into your router

📞

Connect Phone

Plug your phone into the adapter

Power On

Connect power and wait for dial tone

That’s it! Pick up your phone – you should hear a dial tone. You’re now making calls over VoIP. The adapter automatically connects to Voipfone’s network and downloads your account settings.

6 Configure Your Features (Optional)

Log into your Voipfone Online Control Panel to customise your service. Set up voicemail greetings, configure call forwarding, set business hours, and more – all from your web browser.

Popular Features Included Free:

Voicemail to Email
Call Forwarding
Business Hours Routing
Caller ID
Call Waiting
Free Softphone App
Online Call History
Do Not Disturb

Why Switch to VoIP?

💰 Cost Savings

Lower call costs compared to traditional landlines, especially for international calls. Plans from just £5/month with included minutes.

📱 Flexibility

Use your number anywhere with the Voipfone softphone app. Make and receive calls on your mobile as if you were at home.

🎯 Advanced Features

Access business-grade features like voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, and IVR menus – included free with all plans.

🔊 HD Voice Quality

Crystal-clear call quality that often exceeds traditional phone lines. Wideband audio support on compatible handsets.

📞 Keep Your Number

Free number porting means you can keep your existing landline number when you switch to Voipfone.

🛡️ Future-Proof

With the BT switch-off coming in 2027, switching to VoIP now means you’re prepared for the future.

Alternative Options: VoIP Phones & DECT Systems

While using your existing phone with an adapter is the simplest solution, you may want to consider dedicated VoIP hardware for enhanced features and functionality:

IP Desk Phones

Purpose-built VoIP phones with HD displays, programmable keys, and advanced features. Perfect for home offices and businesses. Connect directly to your router – no adapter needed.

Browse IP Phones →

Wireless DECT Phones

Cordless VoIP phones that work throughout your home. Systems like the Yealink W70B + W74H support up to 10 handsets with 300m outdoor range. Ideal for larger homes.

View DECT Phones →

Softphone App (Free)

Download the free Voipfone softphone app for your smartphone or computer. Make and receive calls using your Voipfone number from anywhere with an internet connection.

Get the Free App →

Frequently Asked Questions

Will VoIP work if my internet goes down?

VoIP requires an internet connection to work. However, you can set up call forwarding to automatically redirect calls to your mobile phone if your internet is unavailable. This is configured easily through the Voipfone control panel.

Can I call 999 with VoIP?

Yes, you can call emergency services (999 and 112) with Voipfone. We’re a fully licensed UK telecommunications provider registered with Ofcom. Your address is registered with the emergency services database.

Do I need to change my broadband provider?

No, Voipfone works with any broadband provider. You can keep your existing internet service and simply add Voipfone for your phone service. We also offer our own fibre broadband packages if you’d prefer everything from one provider.

How long does it take to set up?

Once you receive your pre-configured adapter (typically 2-3 business days), setup takes just minutes. Simply connect the adapter to your router, plug in your phone, and you’re ready to make calls. If you’re porting your number, that process takes 10-14 working days.

Is there a contract or minimum term?

No, all Voipfone plans are contract-free. You can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel at any time directly from your online control panel. We believe our service quality keeps customers – not contracts.

What about the BT Switch Off in 2027?

BT is switching off its traditional telephone network by January 2027. Everyone will need to move to VoIP-based calling. By switching to Voipfone now, you’re already prepared – and you can keep your existing phone number. Learn more about the Big Switch Off →

Ready to Make the Switch?

Join thousands of UK homes and businesses already enjoying crystal-clear VoIP calls with Voipfone. Start your 30-day free trial today.

✓ 30-day free trial    ✓ No contract    ✓ Keep your number    ✓ UK support

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About Voipfone: Voipfone is the UK’s most awarded VoIP provider, winning the ISPA Best Voice Provider award for seven consecutive years. All hardware comes pre-configured with a 3-year warranty and full UK-based support. We’re a founder member of Comms Council UK and a Queen’s Award winner for Enterprise Innovation.