Is it possible to convert Starlink RV to Residential? Well, it’s entirely possible, but there are a few factors that you need to be aware of.
So, in this guide, we’ll explore how the conversion between Starlink Roam and Starlink Residential works and steps to guide you through.
To convert from Starlink Roam (RV) to Starlink Residential, you must sign into your account dashboard and switch your plan. You won’t need to return or receive new equipment; you only need to wait until the next billing cycle for the changes to apply!
Let’s continue to unwrap!
Can you Convert Starlink RV to Residential?
Yes, you can convert from Starlink Roam, formerly known as “RV,” to the Starlink Residential plan, which would be faster regarding maximum data speed.
However, these two services are designed for specific needs, and switching to the Starlink Residential plan has a few downsides.
Starlink Roam (RV) Vs. Starlink Residential
The Starlink Roam plan provides 5-50 Mbps internet speed with 25-25ms latency; Starlink Residential speeds from 25-220 Mbps internet speed.
So, the primary difference is in the speed of the actual internet.
Another significant difference is that the Starlink Roam plan allows users to benefit from the internet on the go, which suits the best recreational vehicles (RV).
With the residential Starlink, you would need to mount your equipment to a stationary location and couldn’t bring the internet wherever you go.
However, the good news is that you won’t need to pay additionally, and your monthly bill will decrease with respect to your new residential plan.
Is the Starlink Equipment the Same?
Absolutely. The Starlink Roam (RV) plan equipment is primarily the same as the one you would receive upon subscribing to the residential service.
So, even if you have a flathead Starlink dish, which costs more than the regular one, you wouldn’t have trouble mounting the dish at home.
The Starlink Roam and Starlink Residential equipment includes a dish, Starlink modem, wiring, and instructions.
The only thing you need to do before uninstalling your Starlink equipment from your RV is to change your Starlink plan from the website, but there is a lot to discuss about this.
Important – Switching Starlink Plan!
When changing from Starlink Roam to Starlink Residential, you don’t even need to unmount and mount your equipment in your home.
Instead, you can park your RV near your home and upgrade your Starlink plan to increase your internet speed for as long as you need to.
It’s a very welcome change that Starlink now allows switching from Starlink Roam to Starlink Residential back and forth.
You can do this anytime, so if you’re a part-traveler and don’t need the Starlink Roam plan for the entire year, you can switch it when necessary.
How to Convert Starlink RV to Residential Today?
Note: You can convert today, but the changes will take effect as soon as the date of the next billing cycle comes.
1. Sign in to your Starlink Account
Tip: We recommend using a computer or a laptop.
The first step is to sign into your Starlink account through the official Starlink web portal.
So, go to Starlink.com, click on the three-line menu at the top right, and select the bottom-most option, “Sign in.”
Then, you’ll be redirected to the sign-in page, where you’ll need to input your login details and get sent to the account dashboard.
2. Check the Starlink Billing Cycle!
The next step is to check the monthly date for your Starlink plan billing cycle.
To see this information, you need to look in the account dashboard.
You should see “YOUR STARLINKS,” under which you’ll be able to see all of your active and inactive Starlink plans.
So click on “Manage” next to your Starlink Roam (RV) plan!
Then, a new page will appear, where you will see all the details behind your plans, such as data usage, your Starlink dish type, and the billing cycle.
The subscription availability and billing date are shown at the bottom of this page under “DEVICES.”
Note: When you order your new Starlink subscription plan, the changes will take effect as soon as you’re charged on the billing cycle date.
3. Switch from Roam to Residential
On the same page, you’ll see a “STARLINK DISH” menu on the left side of the screen.
From there, you can manage your Starlink subscription by one of the provided options in the menu:
- Pause Service
- Cancel Service Plan
- Change Service
To change your Starlink service from Roam to Residential, click on the “Change Service Plan” button.
Then a pop-up menu will appear, from which you need to scroll down to review the available options and then select the “RESIDENTIAL” plan after reviewing the monthly price.
When you’re ready to switch, click on the “CHANGE TO” button, and you’re ready. Thats it!
Note: When you return to your Starlink plan dashboard, you’ll see a message: “Service is scheduled to change starting on [billing date].”
4. Change the Starlink Service Address!
One more step before you’re ready would be to change the residential address for your new Starlink Residential plan.
This will provide you with the ability to check for dish obstructions in your area and be able to avoid potential interference or signal impact.
You can change the address of your service both through the web or the Starlink mobile app by signing into your account.
From the app, you need to click on “Address,” from the web, you must select the “Location” tab in your account’s dashboard.
If you’ve just undergone a Starlink convert RV to Residential process, there wouldn’t be an old address for deactivating your service.
Instead, you’ll simply need to include the permanent location for your Starlink Residential plan for better optimization, performance, and faster speed.
Tip: When your service gets activated, don’t forget to “Check for Dish Obstructions” in the Starlink app to get recommendations about improving your signal.
5. Relocate Your Equipment (Optional)
The final and, for many, unnecessary step is to relocate your Starlink equipment.
This is not a challenging task, but we still recommend following our steps to reinstall the equipment smoothly.
However, consider whether you need to relocate because your Starlink modem covers 2,000 square feet.
This means parking your RV near your apartment or house will be enough to have decent WiFi speeds inside and outside your backyard.
To relocate the Starlink equipment effortlessly, follow these steps:
- Acquire the tools necessary for uninstalling the dish.
- Then, carefully remove the dish from your vehicle.
- Next, find a good location for the dish in your home.
- Alert: The service cable is 50 feet long (15 meters).
- Consider the placement of your dish and the router.
- Then, mount the dish on a roof or balcony (outside).
- Position the modem 50 feet within the Starlink dish.
- Connect the Starlink modem with the Starlink dish.
- Connect the modem and the dish to the power supply.
Viola! Your Starlink residential service is now set up and ready to go.
The only thing left is waiting for the services to activate on your billing date.
Then you’ll be able to enjoy faster Residential Starlink service, but you won’t be able to use the internet while on the go in your vehicle.
Tip: Starlink allows switching back and forth between Roam and Residential anytime, so when you’re ready to surf the internet anywhere, you only need to change back.
Can I Switch to Starlink Residential Immediately?
Unfortunately, no. You can switch from Starlink Roam (RV) to Starlink Residential immediately, especially if there’s time left until your next billing date.
So, we recommend using your Starlink Roam service until the next billing date is near and then changing.
However, if you miss the billing date, you’ll have to wait an entire month before you can switch your Starlink service. So, best of luck!
Quick Recap:
Hence, to convert Starlink RV to Residential plan, sign in to your Starlink account from the web, go to the dashboard, and select “Switch Service Plan.”
Then, you must choose Residential and wait until the new plan is activated on the next billing date.
It’s that simple! If you’re interested in more Starlink content, follow our blog!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.