So you’ve got your Starlink kit set up, the dish is on the roof, and you’re ready for blazing-fast satellite internet. But instead, you’re staring at a screen that says “Offline” or “Searching for Satellites.” Frustrating? Absolutely. But fixable.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons Starlink won’t connect—and how to fix each one. We’ll go from basic quick checks to advanced diagnostics, with screenshots and tips to get your system online fast.
💬 Still not working after all that? We’ll show you how to schedule a professional install at the end of this post.
🔁 Step 1: Restart Your Starlink System
The simplest fix is often the right one.
✅ Power Cycle Your Setup
- Unplug the Starlink power cable from the wall
- Wait 30 seconds
- Plug it back in
- Wait 2–5 minutes for the dish to reboot and reconnect
🔌 This forces the dish and router to reset and reinitialize satellite connections.
If you see a solid white light on the router and the app shows “Connected,” you’re good to go.
📱 Step 2: Check the Starlink App
Use the Starlink app to check for errors or alerts. <div style=”text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;”> <img src=”your-screenshot-url-here” alt=”Starlink app showing offline status” width=”300″/><br/> <em>Example: App shows Starlink is disconnected or searching</em> </div>
Common Starlink App Messages:
- “Offline” – Dish is powered but not connected
- “Searching for Satellites” – No link with Starlink network yet
- “No Signal Received” – Sky obstruction or dish issue
- “Stow Mode” – Dish is not deployed yet
Make sure the Starlink dish shows as “Online” under the Devices tab. If not, move to the next step.
🌲 Step 3: Check for Sky Obstructions
Starlink dishes need a clear view of the sky. Even partial obstructions like trees, chimneys, or hills can block signal acquisition.
Use the Starlink App’s Obstruction Tool:
- Open the Starlink app
- Tap “Visibility” or “Check for Obstructions”
- Point your phone upward in the dish’s direction
- Look for any red or shaded areas
<div style=”text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;”> <img src=”your-screenshot-url-here” alt=”Starlink app obstruction visualization” width=”300″/><br/> <em>Red zones = signal blockages. You may need to move the dish or elevate it.</em> </div>
If you see obstructions, try:
- Moving the dish to a higher location
- Switching to a pole mount or roof mount
- Avoiding placement near trees or tall buildings
🔄 Step 4: Check for Firmware Updates
Your system might be running outdated firmware, especially if it was just installed or hasn’t been online for long.
How to Update:
- Open the Starlink app
- Go to Settings > Advanced > Firmware
- Tap Check for Updates
- If an update is pending, the dish must stay powered and online to install it
⚠️ Firmware updates are automatic but may fail if the dish hasn’t connected properly once.
🔌 Step 5: Check Power and Cable Connections
It may sound obvious, but loose cables are a common issue.
Verify:
- The Starlink cable is securely clicked in to both the dish and the router
- No visible damage or kinks in the cable
- The power adapter is firmly plugged into the wall and receiving power
- If using an Ethernet adapter, ensure it’s properly seated and not overheating
🛠️ Step 6: Factory Reset Your Starlink
If you’ve tried everything and it still says Starlink won’t connect, try a full reset.
How to Factory Reset:
- Unplug the router’s power cable
- Plug it back in 6 times in a row (yes, 6 times)
- Wait 10–15 minutes for the system to reset
🧠 This will wipe your settings, so only use it if all else fails.
🆘 Still Offline? It Might Be Time for a Pro
Sometimes the problem isn’t the hardware—it’s the setup.
Common DIY Pitfalls:
- Mounting dish too low or under trees
- Bad cable routing or damage during install
- Incorrect WiFi settings or limited range
- Signal blocked by nearby buildings
If you’re stuck, we’re here to help.
✅ Book a Professional Starlink Installation
At Starlink Installation Pros, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners troubleshoot and install their Starlink systems the right way. Our experts can:
- Evaluate dish placement for maximum signal
- Provide pole or rooftop mounting for better sky visibility
- Weatherproof and protect cabling
- Set up whole-home WiFi and resolve router issues
- Get your system online—guaranteed
Final Checklist: Why Starlink Won’t Connect
- ✅ Power cycled the dish and router
- ✅ Checked the app for error messages
- ✅ Verified sky visibility and obstructions
- ✅ Ensured cables are secure and undamaged
- ✅ Updated firmware
- ✅ Performed a factory reset (if needed)
Still offline? Let the pros get you back online—fast.
📞 Call today or click below to schedule a professional Starlink installation.
