Does Starlink Support IPv6? – Complete Guide

If you are looking for the answer to the question “Does Starlink support IPv6?” you’ve come to the right page. Here, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about Starlink IPv6.

Starlink currently provides a DHCP-issued carrier-grade NAT non-routable IPv4 address for residential services.

Only some regions have access to experimental IPv6 support but are limited.

If you are looking for answers about Starlink IPv6 support, we’ve got you covered!

To answer the question: Does Starlink support IPv6, yes! Customers in some Starlink regions now enjoy limited access to experimental IPv6 support. They even get their own /56 prefix. However, the service only works with a third-party router.

If you want to switch to IPv6, determine whether the service is available in your region.

You also need to consider many factors, including router configurations and tricky setups.

Does Starlink Support IPv6

Currently, Starlink does not officially support IPv6. Some of their customers have limited access to IPv6 support, and their /56 prefix only works with a third-party router.

The current Starlink router still doesn’t support IPv6, and the company won’t provide their customers support for IPv6-related issues.

What to Consider with Starlink IPv6

If you want to switch from IPv4 to IPv6, there are several factors you need to consider.

Take note that Starlink only provides its customers with limited access and does not offer support for related issues.

1. Using A Third-Party Router

You need to use a third-party router if you want to switch to IPv6 because the Starlink router does not support it.

2. Currently In Beta

Starlink does not support IPv6 but only offers it to some customers on a beta basis.

If you live in one of the Starlink service areas, you can attempt to set up IPv6 on your router.

3. Tricky Setups

If you wish to set up IPv6 on your router, make sure you are within Starlink’s service area and have a third-party router, like Netgear.

4. Router Configurations

Ubiquiti and Asus are perfect for use with Starlink because they provide more configuration options.

But whatever you use, you will need an Ethernet adapter. You also have to enable Bypass Mode on your Starlink-provided router.

IPv6 is still experimental with Starlink. The company currently offers CGNAT IPv4 addresses.

If you wish to make the switch, continue reading.

What You Need to Know About IPv6

IPv6 is the next generation IP address that frees up a lot of space in terms of providing more devices with an address.

The current IP address version, IPv4, is quickly running out of addresses, and it will be difficult to differentiate devices in time.

The challenge with IPv6 right now is that it’s still not supported by hardware manufacturers and internet providers.

The good news is that most modern computers and smartphones support both IPv4 and IPv6. If you look at your device’s IP address, you’re probably going to see both.

Since this is the case, with Starlink and IPv6, there’s nothing much you need to do to use them.

Differences Between IPv4 and IPv6

With IPv6, the newer protocol and technology, there are bound to be a few differences between the old and new.

Let’s take a quick look at the differences between them and find out if you’ll be able to enjoy some sort of performance boost by using the latest IPv6.

Here are what you can expect with IPv6:

1. End-to-end connection between IPv6 devices is possible.
2. Significantly more available addresses for devices.
3. Built-in security feature with IPv6.
4. Encryption and authentication are provided.

Note: In terms of connection speeds, there is no notable difference whether you’re using IPv4 or IPv6.

What You Need to Use IPv6

IPv6 matters for the internet’s overall health and the devices connected to it. For one, we’re quickly running out of IPv4 addresses.

The number is incredibly finite at only 3.7 billion addresses available to the public.

Now, it does sound a lot, but with over 7 billion people on the planet, this is not going to be sustainable in the long term.

You also want to take into account that each person can have multiple internet-enabled devices, and you quickly run out of IP addresses.

For Starlink to be able to offer internet to a lot more users, they’re going to need to support IPv6 fast.

Here’s what you need to have to use Starlink and IPv6:

1. IPv6-compatible operating system – the latest versions of Windows and Mac is enough.
2. A router that supports IPv6 – A lot of routers don’t support IPv6.
3. Internet provider that supports IPv6 – Starlink is slowly rolling out IPv6 to its users.

Starlink and IPv6 Support

When it comes to Starlink and IPv6, officially, they do not support it. However, they are also rolling out IPv6 on a beta basis in some service areas.

You can set it up on your router if you live in one of these areas. You’ll also need to use a third-party router that supports IPv6 to get it to work.

As for IPv6-compatible routers, you can use models from Netgear, Ubiquiti, and Asus, as these offer excellent IPv6 configuration options with Starlink.

Ubiquiti and Asus offer better configuration options, and they’re also on the affordable side compared to other brands.

Here’s what you need to use IPv6 with Starlink:

1. Get an IPv6-compatible router.
2. Starlink router.
3. Starlink ethernet adapter.

IPv6 Setup for Starlink

To enable Starlink’s IPv6 access, you’re going to need to set up your network.

The first thing you need to do is access your Starlink router and enable bridge or bypass mode.

This essentially turns your Starlink router into a modem so you can connect another router to it without messing up your network setup.

Here’s how to enable bridge or bypass mode on your Starlink router:

1. Open the Starlink app on your phone.
2. Go to the Settings tab.
3. Look for the Enable bypass mode option.
4. Select it to enable it.

Note: To switch back your router to its regular mode, you’re going to need to reset it to factory settings.

Starlink and Netgear IPv6 Setup

Netgear is one of the routers you can use with Starlink so that you can use IPv6.

They make it easier for you to use an IPv6 connection, especially if it’s not detected automatically.

It helps that you specify you want to use IPv6 so your router can use it for and request that type of connection with Starlink.

Here’s the IPv6 configuration you need to use on your Netgear router:

1. Login to your Netgear web interface.
2. Go to your router’s Advanced Settings.
3. Select Advanced Setup.
4. Choose IPv6.
5. Select the connection type provided by Starlink.

Note: You can choose between IPv6 Tunnel, Auto Detect, and Auto Config.

Starlink and Ubiquiti Routers IPv6 Setup

If you’re looking for a router that offers better IPv6 configuration options, Ubiquiti is the way to go.

They have router models that allow you to use IPv6 with your current Starlink connection.

You’ll need to go through the web interface, but it should be easy enough for anyone to play around with the settings.

Here’s how to set up your Ubiquiti router with Starlink to use IPv6:

1. Go to your router’s Web UI and log in.
2. Select Settings, then Internet.
3. Go to the WAN Networks section.
4. Choose Using DHCPv6 on the IPv6 Connection Type setting.
5. Enter 56 as the Prefix Delegation Size.

Note: You can also configure static IPv6 addresses with Ubiquiti routers.

Starlink and Asus Routers IPv6 Setup

One of the mainstream router brands that support IPv6 with Starlink is Asus.

Setting it up is easy, and if you’re familiar with Asus’ WebGUI. All you need to do is go into the web interface and follow through with the rest of the steps.

Here’s how to set up your Asus router:

1. Log in to your router’s web interface.
2. Under Advanced Settings, select IPv6.
3. Set the Connection Type to Native.
4. Click on Apply to save the settings.

Note: You want to contact Starlink to get additional information on IPv6 so you can set up your router correctly.

That’s how you enable IPv6 on your Starlink internet. Now, it’s not going to be activated by default, you’re going to need to link your network to a router that supports it.

You can get routers from Netgear, Ubiquiti, and Asus.

If you’re experiencing setup issues with these devices, you can contact Starlink or your router’s customer support for assistance.

Read Next: Does Starlink Work in Bad Weather?

Bottom Line

Does Starlink support IPv6? The answer is both yes and no. With Starlink, IPv6 is enabled as a beta version on certain service areas,

However, you’ll need to set it up in such a way that you connect an IPv6-enabled router to your Starlink equipment.