How do you disable Starlink WiFi? If you’re also wondering this, you’re one of the many!
There is no direct button to disable the Starlink router’s WiFi through the Starlink app and the mobile application.
That’s why most people who want to connect a 3rd party router to their setup wonder how to disable the WiFi, and people who want to sell their equipment wonder how to disconnect from the network.
To answer all of your questions, stay with us!
To disable the Starlink router’s WiFi, you need to enter “bypass” mode, which allows you to connect to another network router. To disconnect from the network, you must forget the WiFi of the Starlink router from your connecting device before entering bypass mode!
Disable Starlink WiFi – How & Why?
Many of you noticed that no toggle button disables the WiFi in the app or through the admin panel.
The only way to disable the wireless functionalities of the Starlink router is to enter bypass mode, which is designed for permanent setup purposes.
The Starlink router connects to the dish via a special Starlink adapter, which is an obstacle that users encounter when they want to use their router.
The Starlink router must remain in the setup to use your dish’s internet with another router.
With bypass mode enabled, your router will not host a WiFi network and will not consume the required power.
Instead, the router will become another router’s electrical and internet supply.
What is Starlink’s “Bypass” Mode?
Starlink’s Bridge mode, or “bypass,” is a feature that allows users to disable the built-in WiFi of the router.
This may be useful to those willing to connect a secondary router to your Starlink router for better performance, more networking functionalities, or other purposes.
However, the bypass mode is not something to simply turn on and off whenever you want since enabling this mode permanently disables the WiFi.
After the bypass, the only way to re-enable Starlink’s router WiFi is to perform a factory reset, which erases all settings and configurations.
Should You Enable “Bypass” Mode?
Wait before you enable “bypass” mode!
If you don’t intend to use the Starlink WiFi router any longer or sell your equipment, you don’t need to disable the WiFi by entering bypass mode.
In your case, it would be better to simply disconnect your devices from the WiFi and factory reset the Starlink router to erase everything.
In contrast, if the specifications of the Starlink router don’t match your necessities and you have a better router, then you need to enter bypass mode.
How to Enter Starlink Bypass Mode?
Activating bypass mode is how to disable Starlink WiFi. There is no other way besides turning off your router, which will disable the WiFi.
However, activating is the easy part, so here’s how:
- Open the Starlink application on your mobile.
- Then, go to the “Settings” and swipe down.
- Note: Verify that you’re on the “Router” tab.
- Locate and tap on the “Bypass Mode” button.
- Tap “OK” to confirm that you want to proceed.
When your Starlink router enters bypass mode, your smartphone will immediately disconnect, and you will see that you’re now using cellular internet.
Another indication that the bypass mode is activated would be the grayed-out “Network” and “Statistics” tabs, meaning they are offline.
Warning: To exit bypass mode later, you must factory reset your Starlink router!
How to Exit the Starlink Bypass Mode?
As we’ve mentioned, performing a factory reset is the only way to exit Starlink’s bypass mode and re-enable your WiFi network.
We recommend entering your Starlink router’s admin portal to save any data you need to set up later.
To exit bypass mode, plug and unplug your Starlink router 6 times!
This will revert your Starlink router to a factory state, reset all settings, and exit the bypass mode.
The Starlink router will host a WiFi network, which you can set up in the Starlink app.
How to Manage Starlink Bypass Mode?
When your Starlink router is in bypass mode, you can still check the router’s settings and the dish’s performance.
If your app is currently not showing anything, you must verify that you’re connected to the new router, included, and connected to the Starlink router.
You can enter your Starlink router from a browser by going to “http://dishy.starlink.com” or “http://192.168.100.1”.
This will take you to the Starlink router login page, allowing you to sign in.
There, you’ll discover all the settings that the app is equipped with, so no need to worry if your app isn’t allowing you.
Starlink App Not Working in Bypass Mode?
If the admin portal doesn’t work as well, then you need to create a static IP route for your network through the settings of your second router.
You must use the following addresses:
- Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
- Network destination: 192.168.100.0
- Interface: WAN
- Gateway: 192.168.100.1
Reminder: Don’t forget that you need to be connected to the network on the device that you’re using to access your Starlink admin portal.
How to Disconnect from the Starlink Network?
Disconnecting from the Starlink network is easy. You only need to unplug your equipment, and you’re ready to go.
Well, as long as the router is working, your devices automatically connect.
If you want to completely disconnect your devices from the Starlink network, you must forget the WiFi connection in the settings.
We’ve prepared a quick guide for most devices, so find yours!
Disconnect from Starlink on Android?
If you want to disconnect from the Starlink WiFi on your Android phone, you must “forget” the network.
This will prevent your device from attempting to connect to the WiFi in the future.
- Open the Android Settings.
- Then go to Network & Internet.
- Tap on the “Internet” menu tab.
- Then select “Saved Networks”.
- Long press the Starlink WiFi.
- Tap on “Forget” to disconnect.
Disconnect from Starlink on Apple iOS?
If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod, disconnect from the WiFi and forget the Starlink network.
This is the only way to prevent your WiFi device from automatically attempting to connect later.
- Open the Settings of your iOS device.
- Then, go to the “WiFi” tab from the list.
- Press the “Info” button next to Starlink.
- Then press on “Forget This Network.”
- Tap on “Forget” once more to confirm.
Disconnect from Starlink on Windows?
If you use a Windows machine with a WiFi adapter, your computer will remain connected to the Starlink WiFi.
You need to find the Starlink SSID connection and forget the wireless network.
- Locate the WiFi icon on the Taskbar.
- Tip: WiFi is located on the bottom right.
- Click on the WiFi icon to open settings.
- Right-click on the WiFi and click “Forget.”
Disconnect from Starlink on macOS?
If you have an Apple (macOS) computer, you must forget the WiFi connection to disconnect from the Starlink network.
Otherwise, your Mac computer will continuously attempt to connect.
- Locate the WiFi icon at the top right.
- Click the WiFi icon to reveal options.
- Then, select “Network Preferences.”
- In the following tab, click “Advanced”.
- Then, find the Starlink’s WiFi in the list.
Then uncheck “Remember network this computer has joined.”
Note: To start connecting automatically again, you need to re-insert the WiFi password!
One More Thing – the Ethernet Cable!
You don’t need to disconnect from the WiFi if you have a wired connection from your Starlink router to your computer.
You must disconnect the Ethernet cable, which is connected to the Starlink router, and the Ethernet port on your computer.
You don’t need to do anything else if you intend to switch from Starlink to another service or connect a third-party router in your setup.
We recommend resetting your Starlink router to factory settings to prevent your networking information from being kept on the Starlink router.
Tip: For more information on your Starlink equipment, consult the user’s manual or contact Starlink Customer Service.
Quick Recap:
Hence, to disable Starlink WiFi you must enter “Bridge” mode, also known as “Bypass” mode.
You can enter this mode through the Starlink app or the Starlink admin panel, but to exit the bypass mode, you need to factory reset the Starlink router to factory settings.
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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.