Wondering why is Starlink not working after power outage? Well, let’s find out in the guide!
Power outages can frequently disrupt the connection between the Starlink dish and satellites and cause a network connectivity issue.
However, there’s no need to worry since we’ll walk you through some quick and easy solutions that manage to help many people with the same issue.
If your Starlink connection isn’t working after a power outage, it’s important to check the circuit breaker, router power, and cable connections inside the dish and router.
In case the problem persists, it’s recommended to troubleshoot your Starlink setup in its entirety.
Let’s dive in further to discuss this in more detail!
Why is the Starlink Router Not Working After Power Outage?
- Power adapter or a wiring issue with the Starlink router.
- Incorrect configuration of the router’s network settings.
- Loss of power supply to the router after the AC outage.
- Disruption in communication with the Starlink satellites.
- Potential hardware damage to the router after the outage.
- Post-outage router connectivity problem from ISP’s end.
- Obstructions affecting the dish-to-satellite signal transfer.
Now that we have reviewed the underlying causes, let’s quickly start troubleshooting!
How to Fix When Starlink Not Working After Power Outage?
Note: It is important to implement each step to effectively troubleshoot!
1. Check the Power Connections!
When your Starlink network is not working after a power outage, then the first thing to do is to check the router, dish cable and adapter connection.
You need to ensure that all cables and connectors are firmly connected and not damaged after the power outage.
Here is how to check the Starlink power connection:
Step #1 Check for the Power Connection
- First, head over to your Starlink WiFi router unit.
- Check if the LED light on the router is turned on.
- If the light is on, then the Starlink router is having power.
- If the light is off, then the Starlink router has no power.
- Solution: Simply reset the power from the circuit breaker!
Step #2 Inspect the Cable Connection
- First, inspect the Starlink’s router cable connection.
- Firmly push the cable into the connector to tighten it.
- Ensure that the cable is properly seated on the back.
- Repeat the steps for existing Starlink satellite receiver.
Once you are sure that everything is in order and the cables are perfectly seated and plugged, then connect any device to your Starlink internet to check if it is working.
In case not, keep reading!
2. Power Cycle the Starlink Dish!
Sometimes the Starlink dish encounters glitches or temporary errors due to sudden loss of power that can disrupt its communication with the router.
However, the one-time solution is to simply power cycle your dish to re-establish its connection with the satellites and the router.
Here is how to power cycle the Starlink dish:
- First, safely navigate over to your Starlink dish.
- Unplug your Starlink dish from the power source.
- Wait for up to 5 to 10 minutes for a full discharge.
- Plug your Starlink dish back into the power source.
Remember that your Starlink satellite receiver may take up to 20 minutes to boot up, initialize, and establish a connection with the satellite.
Please be patient if the process takes longer than expected and when the indicator lights turn on, only then test your Starlink internet connection.
Note: In case it’s taking too long, continue reading!
3. Reboot the Starlink WiFi Router
Your Starlink router is the central hub for your home network to manage the internet traffic and all connections.
However, if power cycling the dish doesn’t work and doesn’t restore the internet, then by restarting your WiFi router you may be able to solve underlying configuration issues.
Here is how to reboot the Starlink router:
- First, turn off the power supply to your Starlink router.
- Carefully unhook the cables from the back of the router.
- Inspect the full cable length for wear, damage, or chews.
- Then, allow the router to be unplugged for about 5 minutes.
- Reconnect the cables back to their correct router terminals.
- Push the connectors into the ports for a seated and snug fit.
- Lastly, turn on the power back to your Starlink router to boot.
Reminder: Wait a few minutes until the router communicates with the Starlink dish, receives signals and turns on the LED lights as an indication.
4. Look for the Starlink Service Outages
If you have restarted your dish and router but Starlink is still not working then there could be a service outage in your area.
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to resolve this issue, so please be patient until service is restored.
Here are a few methods you can use to check for Starlink service outages:
✅ By using the Starlink Mobile App.
✅ Accessing Starlink Official Website.
✅ Visiting Starlink Community Forums.
✅ Visit the Starlink “X” page (Twitter).
Note: If there is a service outage in your area then it's a good idea to visit the Starlink platforms and channels for the most current and accurate information about service outages.
5. Check for Any Signal Obstructions
The Starlink dish requires a clear line of sight to the satellites in the sky to optimally function.
If there are any physical obstructions between the dish and the satellites then it can weaken the signal and make the Starlink keep disconnecting after the power outage.
An obstruction can be trees, hills, buildings, or other physical obstructions between the dish and the sky.
How to Check for the Obstruction in Starlink?
- First, get and launch the Starlink App.
- Then, simply log in to the Starlink app.
- Locate and press on “Obstructions”.
- Then, choose your Starlink device.
- Tap on the “Confirm” button below.
- A camera opens up to scan the sky.
- Once done, tap on “View Results”.
- If there is an obstruction, then move or reposition your Starlink dish so that it has a clear line of sight with the satellite for a more reliable and strong internet connection.
- If you don’t have any obstructions in the app, then check the weather outside, since snow or rain can frequently disrupt the communication between the dish and satellite.
Tip: Try to install the Starlink satellite dish as high as possible!
6. Factory Reset Your Starlink Router
If you have tried all steps but nothing works then try factory resetting your Starlink router.
This is not an ideal fix, but it is worth trying as a last resort.
The downside is that this process will delete all previously configured settings and restore the Starlink router back to the factory settings.
How to Reset Starlink After Power Outage?
- First, navigate over to your Starlink router setup.
- Then, unplug the router power cord from the wall.
- Simultaneously repeat the same process 6 times.
- Your Starlink router will reset to default settings.
In other words, disconnect and reconnect the router 6 times in a row!
The next step is simply to connect your device to the Starlink network and then set up a new WiFi name as well as the password.
When you’re ready connect your devices to the Starlink internet using a new WiFi password.
7. Test Starlink After a Few Hours!
Sometimes, even when there are no reported outages for your current residential area, after a power outage, the A/C in your home might still be fluctuating.
This is not something new, and is a very rare but not impossible problem for almost any home installation, after a power outage.
- The easiest way to test for power fluctuations in your home is via lamp!
If the lamp’s light is too weak or flickering, the A/C in your home might not have regained the full current yet.
Surely enough such power fluctuations go away after a few hours but during this time your Starlink router might not be able to fully load up, and won’t connect to the satellites.
Need More Help?
If none of the above solutions work then there may be another problem with your Starlink setup, then it’s best to contact Starlink Support for further help.
They can help you further diagnose the problem and provide more personalized solutions for your specific situation. Best of luck!
Quick Recap:
If your Starlink not working after a power outage, then inspect the router LED lights, cable connections, and power supply for any faults.
Then check for any obstructions that are preventing the dish from viewing the sky and finally, factory reset your Starlink router.
For more effective Starlink guides, make sure to visit our blog!
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.