Is starlink obstruction every 2 minutes? Well, this sounds like a lot of ongoing POV obstruction!
Starlink dish is an advanced piece of technology that can scan for obstructions and provide you with approximate obstruction downtime.
This is possible by scanning the satellite overhead and can detect precisely when you’ll be out of reception, indicating an obstruction every [N] minute.
When your Starlink is obstruction every two minutes, your dish is not positioned according to the app’s recommendations. The best way to deal with this issue would be to relocate your dish and use a mounting method to set it up above the ground.
Let’s continue to unwrap!
How Much Obstruction is Too Much for Starlink?
To answer this question, we must understand how exactly “obstructions” are impacting the signal of your Starlink dish.
We all know that for better Starlink reception, the dish must be pointed upwards with a clear view of the sky for minimal obstruction and better coverage!
Too much obstruction for Starlink is above 5%, which will start impacting your internet speed considerably!
However, your Starlink dish could be obstructed only from a specific direction, so you’ll lose reception whenever the satellite is there.
This is why the app can tell you exactly when you should expect a downtime, given the obstruction and how this aligns with the satellite’s view.
What is a Starlink Obstruction?
Obstruction could be anything. From large trees and buildings to objects covering your dish, all the way to enclosed alleys and indoor environments.
Your dish must be outside at all costs, and installing the dish near a window is not a solution because it causes a lot of obstruction.
The dish must be installed as high as possible without anything over the top of the dish, which might represent a signal obstruction.
Let’s continue with unwrapping more about obstructions!
Starlink Check for Obstructions?
You can check for obstructions from the Starlink app, even if you are not a customer yet.
All you need to do is sign in, tap “Obstructions,” and use the dedicated tool, which will help you detect.
When you click the “Check for Obstructions” button, your phone’s camera will show up, and then you must scan the sky.
When you’re ready with the scan, press the “View Results” button.
Then, the Starlink app will show an obstruction percentage…
| Percentage | Starlink Expectancy |
| 0% | The best possible scenario is with 0% obstructions when your Starlink will work excellently, without internet outages or dropouts due to obstruction. |
| 1% – 4% | With any percentage of obstruction, you should expect minor outages from time to time when the satellite is over the obstruction of the dish. |
| 5% – 10% | The actual obstruction starts from 5% and above, which causes significant outages and can prevent everyday tasks such as emailing and browsing. |
10%+ | With 10% obstruction and above, you can’t expect to stream smoothly or browse the internet whenever you want. When 10% of the sky is obstructed, you should expect no internet for 10% of the time and frequent disconnects. |
Tip: Follow the guide below to optimize your Starlink and decrease your obstruction level!
How to Fix Starlink Obstruction Every 2 Minutes?
Tip: Follow the solution in order!
1. Identify the Starlink Obstruction
The Starlink dish view of the sky is 100 degrees and not 180, as most people imagine.
So, the first task is to identify the obstruction causing the high percentage you’re seeing.
You should know that signal obstructions could be distant, and not only objects near your Starlink dish.
Here’s a list of many obstructions to watch out for in your Starlink:
In addition, the installation of the Starlink dish is another fundamental factor contributing to the obstruction percentage.
So, if you can’t identify what exactly is obstructing your dish, continue reading ahead to uncover more solutions to attempt…
2. Relocate Your Starlink Dish!
Undoubtedly, the best way to decrease the Starlink obstruction percentage is to move your dish to another favorable spot.
To identify the best spot for the dish in your surroundings, you must use the Starlink app to scan for obstructions.
Here’s how to identify a better spot for your Starlink dish:
- Open the Starlink app on your mobile.
- Then, sign into your Starlink account.
- Next, tap on the “Obstructions” section.
- Then, tap on “Check for Obstructions.”
- Next, scan the entire sky for detection.
- Finally, press on the “View Results” tile.
Then, on the map provided by the Starlink app, you can use the blue swatches to check for favorable spots for the Starlink dish.
You need to mind any ground obstructions, but your signal will improve if you follow the app’s recommendations.
Tip: Try to avoid setting up your Starlink dish on the ground!
3. Use a Starlink Dish Mounting!
The regular Starlink dish tripod does not always get the job done, especially when considering obstructions in the point of view.
The Starlink dish is best positioned in high places, far off the ground, and the tripod might not allow you to mount the dish securely due to severe wind.
So, one way to overcome obstructions is to mount your dish!
Starlink Dish Pole Mounting
The pole mounting is one of the most popular solutions for recreational vehicle users as well as for the Residential Starlink plan.
The pole mounting is more accessible at home than installing it on the RV and elevates the dish high above the ground, eliminating most POV obstructions.
Starlink Dish Roof Mounting
Whether you’re using an RV or your Starlink dish is at home, mounting the dish on the roof is one of the best ways to deal with obstructions.
If you’re home, you can permanently mount the Starlink dish tripod on your balcony or (if possible) on the roof by following safety precautions.
If you’re using an RV, mounting the dish is also possible on the ladder, which exposes the dish higher to the sky for a better signal.
In addition, with a recreational vehicle, the parking spot is another factor that might influence the Starlink dish’s signal, even when mounted on the roof.
Starlink Dish J-Mounting
The so-called J-mounting is another way to install your Starlink dish and set the point of view in the exact direction the app recommends.
The J-mounting is suitable to install in your backyard, balcony, and, of course, on the roof.
Note: Starlink does not provide mounting equipment besides the default tripod, so you can only purchase an external mount from a third-party merchant.
4. Secure Your Starlink Dish!
Sometimes, the app says an obstruction is expected every 2 minutes due to an unsecured attachment.
When your Starlink dish is wiggly and quickly impacted by vibration or wind, the dish’s point of view might tilt and cause a lousy angle with a high obstruction percentage.
So, if you’re using an RV, it’s essential to unmount the dish while driving or verify that it is secure once parked.
In contrast, if you’re at home, you need to confirm that the wind did not tilt your dish, which will cause an obstruction.
Reminder: When your dish is secure, check for obstructions in the Starlink app again!
5. Reconnect the Starlink Dish
If you’ve followed all of the tips and tricks to improve your Starlink dish signal and decrease the obstructions, but every 2 minutes, there is an outage, it’s probably a bug.
This is why you need to refresh the signal of your dish to your router by reconnecting and securing the service cable.
You must reconnect the service cable on both sides!
This will ultimately refresh the signal, and when you carry out another scan for obstructions in the app, the outcome should be different.
If there is an obstruction every 2 minutes, no matter what you attempt, it’s time to consider relocating your Starlink dish to an entirely new location.
Note: Are you sure that the internet disconnects are not due to your Starlink’s router WiFi?
Quick Recap:
In case of Starlink obstruction every 2 minutes, follow the recommendations from the app to reposition your Starlink dish.
If that doesn’t help, install your dish as high as possible on a roof or the balcony and possibly invest in Starlink mounting equipment.
Follow us for more Starlink content and troubleshooting!
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.