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Fix a Starlink that will not connect

We'll check power, the dish cable, run obstruction diagnostics in the Starlink app, and power-cycle the router—so you get connected or know when to contact Starlink support.

Troubleshooting · Wi‑Fi & networking
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • Starlink app (iOS or Android)
  • Phone connected to Starlink Wi‑Fi or same network
Step 1 of 9

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Quick triage — pick your path

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, check power and the dish cable, run obstruction diagnostics, and power-cycle—or know when to contact Starlink support.

  • Open the Starlink app on your phone (connected to Starlink Wi‑Fi or same network). Check the status—“disconnected”, “searching for satellite”, or “offline”.
  • Good: App shows disconnected or searching—proceed to Check power and cable.
  • Bad: App shows connected—the problem may be Wi‑Fi or a different device; see fix-wifi-drops-or-is-slow.

Check power and cable

Goal: Rule out power loss and loose cable before checking obstructions.

  • Confirm the router is plugged into a working outlet and the power brick light is on. The router powers the dish via the cable.
  • Check the dish cable at the router—the connector plugs into the port on the bottom. It must click when fully inserted. A loose cable prevents the dish from receiving power and data.
  • Go to the dish. Confirm the cable at the dish is firmly seated and has no visible damage—kinks, cuts, or chew marks. Rodents can damage outdoor cable.
  • Good: Power on, cable seated at router and dish, no damage. Proceed to Check obstructions.
  • Bad: Loose cable or damage—reseat the cable and power-cycle. If the cable is damaged, contact Starlink support for a replacement.

Check obstructions

Goal: Use the Starlink app to verify Visibility and rule out obstructions.

  • In the Starlink app, open Visibility or Check for obstructions. The app shows a sky map—green areas are clear, red areas are obstructed.
  • Trees, buildings, or overhangs blocking the dish cause outages and prevent connection. If you see significant red, the dish needs a clearer view.
  • Good: The map is mostly green—obstructions are not the main cause. Proceed to Power-cycle.
  • Bad: Significant red—relocate the dish to a clearer location or trim obstructions. Re-run the obstruction check. If you cannot relocate, contact Starlink support.

Power-cycle

Goal: Reset the router and dish so the dish searches for satellites again.

  • Unplug the router from power for 20 seconds. Plug it back in.
  • Wait 5–10 minutes. The dish will search for satellites and may reorient. Do not unplug during this time.
  • Check the Starlink app. The status should change to “connected” when the dish finds satellites.
  • Good: App shows connected. You should have internet.
  • Bad: Still disconnected—check the Outages screen in the app. If outages are frequent, obstructions or service issues may be the cause. Contact Starlink support with your diagnostics.

When to get help

Contact Starlink support if:

  • The dish still will not connect after checking power, cable, obstructions, and power-cycling.
  • The cable is damaged (kinks, cuts, chew marks) and needs replacement.
  • The dish hardware appears faulty (no movement, no lights).
  • The Outages screen shows persistent or unexplained outages.

Have your account email and the diagnostics from the Starlink app ready when you contact support.

Verification

  • The Starlink app shows “connected” or “online”.
  • The Visibility map is mostly green with no major obstructions.
  • You can load a website or run a speed test in the app.
  • No frequent outages in the Outages screen.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Check the Starlink app shows "disconnected" or "searching for satellite".
  2. Power and cable Confirm router power and dish cable at router and dish.
  3. Obstruction check Run Visibility or Check for obstructions in the Starlink app.
  4. Power-cycle Unplug router 20 seconds, plug back in; wait 5–10 minutes.
  5. Contact support Starlink support for persistent no-connection or hardware issues.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • App status (disconnected, searching, offline)
  • Visibility map from obstruction check
  • Outages screen summary
  • Whether cable is seated at router and dish
  • Steps already tried

Does the Starlink app show disconnected or searching for satellite?

Open the Starlink app. Check the status on the home screen. "Disconnected" or "searching" means the dish is not connecting.

Open the Starlink app on your phone (on Starlink Wi‑Fi or same network). Check for "disconnected", "searching for satellite", or "offline". Good: app shows disconnected or searching—proceed to check power and cable. Bad: app shows connected—the problem may be Wi‑Fi or a different device; see fix-wifi-drops-or-is-slow.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Connection is present

The Starlink app shows connected. If you still have no internet, check Wi‑Fi on your device or see fix-wifi-drops-or-is-slow.

Done

Is power on and the dish cable firmly seated at router and dish?

The router powers the dish. A loose cable at the router or dish prevents connection.

Confirm the router is plugged in and the power brick light is on. Check the dish cable at the router (bottom port)—connector must click and sit flush. Check the cable at the dish—firmly seated, no kinks or damage. Good: power on, cable seated at both ends, no visible damage. Bad: loose cable or damage—reseat or contact support for cable replacement.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Reseat cable and power-cycle

Reseat the dish cable at the router and dish. Confirm connectors click. Unplug the router 20 seconds, plug back in. Wait 5–10 minutes. Check the app for connection.

Done

Does the Visibility map show significant obstructions (red)?

In the Starlink app, open Visibility or Check for obstructions. Red areas block the signal.

In the Starlink app, open Visibility or Check for obstructions. Check the sky map. Significant red: obstructions block the signal—relocate the dish for a clearer view or trim obstructions. Mostly green: obstructions are not the main cause—proceed to power-cycle.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Relocate dish or clear obstructions

Move the dish to a location with a clearer view of the sky—away from trees, buildings, or overhangs. Or trim branches blocking the dish. Re-run the obstruction check. If you cannot relocate, contact Starlink support.

Done

Power-cycle the router

Unplug 20 seconds, plug back in. Wait 5–10 minutes for the dish to search.

Unplug the router for 20 seconds. Plug it back in. Wait 5–10 minutes—do not unplug during this time. The dish will search for satellites. Good: app shows connected. Bad: still disconnected—check Outages screen; contact Starlink support if cable and obstructions are good.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Connection restored

The Starlink app should show connected. You should have internet. If it drops again, recheck Visibility and the Outages screen.

Done

Contact Starlink support

Contact Starlink support. Have your account email and app diagnostics ready. If the cable is damaged or the dish hardware appears faulty, support can arrange a replacement. Check the Outages screen for any service-side issues.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

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