Is your Starlink Mesh Node not connecting to the router? Don’t worry, follow this guide!
Homeowners typically set up the Starlink Mesh Node network because of their reliable and wide coverage range throughout the home.
Well, the trouble comes whenever one Node becomes unresponsive and refuses to connect, which requires quite a bit of troubleshooting to solve.
If your Starlink Mesh is not connecting, make sure the Starlink app is up to date, and then, reset the Mesh by unplugging and plugging the Node 6 times.
In case that doesn’t help you need to check for overlapping WiFi SSIDs or signal interference in the Starlink setup.
Let’s dive in to unwrap the possible reasons!
The Top 5 Starlink Mesh Setup Problems?
There are quite a few different reasons why your Starlink mesh node is not connecting so it’s best to review them all.
Here are all of the possibilities for a bad Starlink Mesh Node connection:
- Power fluctuations or technical glitches with the Mesh.
- Overlapping of WiFi Name or Password Mesh conflicts.
- Interference from the furniture such as RF transmitters.
- Your Node is unable to connect to the Starlink router.
- Starlink app-related glitches such as data corruption.
These are the different causes of why your Starlink Mesh is not connecting.
So, without any hassle, let’s quickly start inspecting and troubleshooting each factor.
Starlink Mesh Node Not Connecting – Easy Fix Steps
Important Note: The very first thing you need to ensure is that you have a Mesh-compatible Starlink set up.
Unfortunately, Starlink Mesh Node is incompatible with the “round dish”.
It only operates with the Standard rectangular dish, High-Performance dish, and Flat High-Performance dish.
1. Power Cycle Both Router and Mesh Node
Sometimes, the simplest solution such as power cycling the devices can give you the greatest results.
Therefore, start by power cycling both the Starlink router and your Mesh Node, to clear out any potential faults that might be preventing the connection from properly establishing!
Here is how to power cycle the Starlink router and Mesh Node:
- Unplug your Stralink router and Mesh Node.
- Wait for about 3 to 5 minutes for a power cycle.
- Plug the router and Node back into the outlet.
When you plug your devices back into the power, wait for approximately 10 minutes until the Starlink app detects and finds the Mesh signals.
As soon as the app pops up the “pairing message”, you can easily set up your Mesh Node in the app and establish the setup.
Note: If Mesh Node continues to not connect, continue reading to try other workarounds!
2. Reset and Reconnect the Starlink Mesh
Sometimes the Starlink Mesh Node doesn’t connect due to a software glitch that can’t easily resolve by simply power cycling the devices.
Here, when Mesh connectivity issues persist, you need to first reset the node and then reconnect the node to the Starlink app.
Info: The Starlink Mesh Node doesn’t have a Reset Button on it!
Step #1 Factory Reset the Starlink Mesh Node:
- First, head over towards the Starlink Mesh.
- Unplug the Mesh power cord from the wall.
- Then, plug the power adapter into the outlet.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3, a total of six times!
- Note: Wait 3 seconds between replugging.
When you are done unplugging the Mesh for the sixth time, leave the mesh node to discharge for about 3 minutes.
Then, plug the node back in and wait until the mesh boots up completely.
Step #2 Reconnect the Starlink Mesh Node:
- Make sure that the Mesh is correctly reset and plugged in.
- Connect your device to the “Starlink Main Primary router”.
- Alert: Avoid connecting to the node’s new Starlink network!
- You need to download and launch the Starlink mobile app.
- Log in to your Starlink app using your account credentials.
- Wait for a few minutes until the node pairing prompt pops up.
- Finally, tap on the Pair button to connect your Mesh Node.
In case your Starlink still doesn’t connect in the app, even after resetting, then there may be something else causing the interference.
So, keep reading the guide for more troubleshooting!
3. Change the Router Name and Password!
Another reason for Starlink node connectivity errors can be that your router’s previous details are causing a bit of a mix-up.
It might sound a bit odd, but yes, sometimes when you connect a new device like the Starlink Node, apps get confused by the saved information from the router.
To fix this, you can do something simple, change your Starlink router name (SSID) and password, which should resolve any connection issues.
How to Change Starlink WiFi Name and Password?
- First, open a web browser on your computer.
- Enter “192.168.100.1” or “dishy.starlink.com”.
- Then type your Starlink Name and Password.
- Press on “Create” to log in to the Starlink settings.
- Locate and navigate to the WiFi Settings menu.
- Then, look for the “WiFi Configuration” and tap it.
- Modify the WiFi Network Name in the “Name” tab.
- Modify the WiFi Password in the “Password” tab.
- When done, tap on Save to confirm the changes.
The next step is to connect your phone to the main Starlink network with new credentials, and then power cycle both Starlink Node and router.
Then, you can re-attempt the node connection.
Reminder: Connect the Mesh Node to the Starlink “Main Router” when prompted in the app!
4. Check for the Signal Interference!
When facing connectivity issues and Starlink Mesh Node not connecting, you need to check for both physical and wireless interference.
If you have plugged your Mesh next to walls, heavy furniture, or too far away from the Starlink router, then the app will become unable to locate your node.
Also, electronics and wireless devices such as mobile phones, GPS, cordless phones, and appliances, can obstruct signals.
The solution is simple: Set up the Mesh Node in a more open area, and make sure that there are no nearby RF transmitters.
Also, connect your Starlink Mesh Node directly to the power outlet, to avoid any A/C faults that are common with power strips.
In case the Node connection problem continues, keep reading!
5. Uninstall and Reinstall the Starlink App!
Using an outdated Starlink app can also prevent your Mesh from connecting.
Therefore, you have to make sure that you are using an updated version of the Starlink app.
The best way to achieve this would be to reinstall the app, which will guarantee that you’re using the latest one!
Note: Your phone must be connected to the Starlink WiFi network!
Here is how to uninstall and reinstall the Starlink app:
Step #1 Uninstall the Starlink App
- Go to the home screen on your mobile.
- Look for the Starlink app on the screen.
- Then, push and hold onto the app’s icon.
- Tap on the Uninstall or Remove button.
- OR drag the Starlink app to the trash bin.
Step #2 Reinstall the Starlink App
- Go to the phone Play Store or App Store.
- Type and search for the Starlink application.
- Press on the Starlink app when it appears.
- Then, tap on the Install button to reinstall it.
When the downloading process ends, power cycle both devices, log in to the app, and try to connect and pair your Mesh Node into the app.
Need More Help?
In case the Starlink Mesh node is unable to connect, feel free to contact Starlink Support for professional help.
With a bit of luck, they will help you discover the origin of the problem and help you resolve the issue as soon as possible. Best of luck!
Reminder: Don’t forget to check the warranty of your Starlink Mesh Node!
Quick Recap:
If your Starlink Mesh Node not connecting, power cycle both devices or factory reset the Mesh by unplugging and plugging it 6 times.
If the issue persists, then try changing the router name and password, reduce the chances of interference, and reinstall the Starlink app.
For more Starlink solution guides, visit 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.