What is the Starlink poor cable connection alert? Well, this guide covers everything!
After launching the Starlink mobile app, seeing the “Poor cable connection” message usually means the signal quality is lousy.
Hence, all devices connected to the Starlink network via WiFi may experience interruptions or get disconnected from your network, so keep reading!
To fix the poor cable connection on Starlink, power cycle the Starlink router and inspect the connecting device. If the error persists, reinstall the Starlink mobile app and check if all your equipment is up-to-date.
Let’s next identify the underlying causes!
What Does “Poor Cable Connection Starlink” Means?
If the Starlink mobile application displays a “Poor cable connection” error message, then the connection quality is significantly reduced.
This message indicates that the signal connection has become weak due to the sudden disturbances of the satellite signal.
You may still be able to connect with the Starlink network and use the WiFi, but the quality would be slow due to the poor cable connection.
6 Reasons for “Poor Cable Connection” On Starlink!
While troubleshooting the “Poor cable connection” error code, frequently visit the “SPEED” tab within the Starlink app.
The speed of the Starlink service should improve as we progress further into the guide until it reaches the optimal signal quality and promised rates…
How to Fix Starlink Poor Cable Connection – Easy Steps!
Tip: Follow our steps in a consecutive order to address the issue as fast as possible!
1. Power Cycle the Starlink Router!
Let’s start with a simple power cycle on the Starlink router to verify that the error message does not appear because of a bug.
The signal quality of the system might be impacted by incorrect settings configuration or potentially a temporal router malfunction, and the power cycle will help.
Follow these instructions to perform a power cycle on the Starlink antenna:
- Press the power button on the Starlink router.
- Next, wait until the network device powers off.
- Then unplug the power cable from the router.
- Wait for 60 seconds until the router discharges.
- Reconnect the power adapter back into the router.
- Check if the cable connection error is still there.
Tip: The power cycle method is also helpful against overheating or hardware issues!
2. Reconnect the Starlink Antenna
The error may have occurred due to a faulty Starlink antenna and router cable connection.
The “Starlink” cable used for plugging the antenna with the router might have been misaligned or not connected properly, resulting in signal transmission issues.
Follow these instructions to reconnect the Starlink antenna from the router:
- Unplug the Starlink cable from the antenna port.
- Disconnect the Starlink cable from the router port.
- Inspect the antenna cable while it is disconnected.
- Wait for 60 seconds while the line is disconnected.
- Reconnect the antenna cable to the antenna port.
- Connect the other end of the back to the router.
- Wait until the Starlink services are wholly resumed.
Info: Typically, after reconnecting the service cable, you might have to wait 5 minutes until the Starlink app is ready.
3. Choose a Better Antenna Position
Whenever encountering the “Poor cable connection” error while attempting to use Starlink could indicate improper dish placement.
So, select a more open spot to relocate the dish, determine if the position influences the lousy reception, and check if the signal will improve.
The best position for the Starlink antenna/dish is outside your home, in the backyard, or on the roof (if possible).
Some people claim that placing the antenna near a window or inside your home works, but it’s an absolute lie, so if your dish is indoors, we recommend relocating ASAP.
Relocating the Starlink Router!
Another way to address Starlink’s poor cable connectivity issues is relocating the Starlink router.
If moving the antenna/dish didn’t have any significant impact on the connection quality and the error is still there, then the Starlink router’s WiFi transmission could be blocked by something.
Install the router in a central and elevated spot in your home!
You can view the signal quality and strength within the Starlink application, so visit the “Speed” tab after relocating the devices.
You should test while the antenna/router is installed in multiple spots to determine which location provides the best connection, and the error doesn’t appear.
Note: Also verify that your Starlink router is not overheating!
4. Inspect the Connecting Device!
Another cause for Starlink poor cable connection error is a potential issue with the WiFi connecting device.
Standing too far away from the router or improperly configuring the WiFi or wireless settings of the connecting device could also result in various Starlink wiring errors.
How to Fix Issues with the (Wireless) Device?
- Restart the WiFi feature through the settings of the device.
- Reboot the mobile device and recharge the battery to 100%.
- Stand closer to the Starlink router and re-establish connection.
- Reset the network settings of the connecting device and test.
Tip: Carry out a test at speedtest.net while connected through each device to determine if there’s a difference in the signal strength.
5. Clean the Starlink In/Out Ports!
Eroded cable ends or dust accumulation within the service connectivity ports in your Starlink equipment are another reason for the “Poor cable connection” error message.
To address the issue, you must maintain the service port on the Starlink antenna and router by cleaning them.
Simply unplug the “Starlink” cable from the antenna and the router first.
Use an ear stick to collect all dust accumulation and obstructions within the connectivity ports.
Then verify that there is no physical damage on the cable or connectors and re-connect them securely.
Note: If you identify any damage to the cables or the connectors in your setup, contact Starlink to report the problem.
6. Uninstall & Download the Starlink App!
There’s quite the chance that the poor cable connection error is caused by a fault with the Starlink mobile app.
To determine if the issue is temporary, all you have to do is uninstall the Starlink application from your mobile device and download the platform again.
- To reinstall Starlink on Android, go to Settings > Storage > “Starlink” > “Uninstall.”
- To reinstall Starlink on iOS, press the app on the home page and choose “Remove.”
Once the Starlink application is removed from your mobile device, access the Google Play/App Store and type “Starlink” in the search field.
When you find the Starlink app, press “Download” to get the app back. Finally, sign into your account, and check whether the error reappears.
Tip: Periodically clear the app cache of the Starlink app to maintain proper functionality.
7. Factory Reset the Starlink WiFi Modem
The router of a round-shaped Starlink dish has a dedicated reset button, so restoring the initial settings isn’t too much of a task.
All you have to do to revert the factory settings of the Starlink router is locate and hold the reset button until the network device powers off and reboots.
To perform a factory reset on the Starlink router, inspect the back panel for the reset button and hold it for 15-20 seconds.
Then, wait for the network device to shut down…
Note: The factory reset may take 2-3 minutes, and after the reset, you must complete the Starlink setup through the mobile app.
How to Factory Reset Starlink Dish/Antenna?
Unlike the Starlink router, the way to factory reset the antenna is to power cycle the device three times consecutively.
That means you must unplug the antenna from the power supply three times to restore the device’s default settings, with little to no time between the replugging.
Unplug the dish, wait for 3 seconds, reconnect, and repeat two more times!
Note: When resetting your antenna/dish completes, you must set up your Starlink equipment from the Starlink app.
Quick Recap:
Hence, to address the Starlink poor cable connection, power cycle the WiFi router and the Starlink antenna/dish.
Furthermore, update the Starlink mobile app, inspect the WiFi device, and, in case nothing helps, factory reset the Starlink modem and Starlink dish!
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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.