Starlink router red light, also known as “the red light of death,” mostly appears when there is a connectivity or network issue.
This means you won’t be able to stream, browse, video chat, or play online games.
Fortunately, we have all the solutions to fix the red light on Starlink router.
The first step to troubleshooting the problem is to check your cable connections. Ensure the wires connecting your router to the Starlink satellite dish via the power adapter are firmly in place.
Read on to discover the causes of red light on your Starlink router and how you can fix them like a pro!
What Causes Starlink Router Red Light?
1. Damaged Dish
The Starlink internet kit includes a satellite dish that receives signals from the IPS before transmitting them to your router.
If the satellite dish is faulty, your router will display a red light to indicate a lost connection
2. Disconnected Cable
Starlink routers connect to the satellite dish via a power adapter using a cable.
Disconnected cables and wires will lead to connectivity issues, causing the red light on your router to flash
3. Bad Weather
Given that Starlink is a satellite internet service, bad weather, such as heavy downpours and storms, could impact the signal.
Poor signal reception might lead to a lost internet connection, causing the router to display a red light.
4. Service Outage
An inactive internet connection could also result from a service outage in your area.
Fixing and Troubleshooting Starlink Red Light on Router
Solution #1 – Check for Loose or Disconnected Connections
As you already know, a red light on a Starlink router indicates a lost connection. One of the leading causes of this problem is a loose or disconnected cable.
Even though Starlink routers are wireless, they connect to the satellite dish with an Ethernet cable via a power adapter.
Your Starlink router will display a red light if the cable is loose, disconnected, or in the incorrect port.
To solve this problem, inspect all cables and connections between the router and the satellite dish.
Ensure all wires are firmly in the correct ports to fix Starlink router red light.
Solution #2 – Check for Service Outages
Sometimes, your Starlink router might display a red light because of a service outage in your area.
Even though Starlink has a constellation of satellites throughout the country, some regions might experience network downtimes.
If your router displays a red light because of a service outage, you have no option but to wait. Starlink will likely notice the anomaly in their systems and restore your connection.
You can check the latest updates on network outages on the Starlink smartphone app.
Alternatively, you can contact Starlink via phone or email to obtain more information about their network.
Solution #3 – Check the Location
Starlink requires all customers to update their physical addresses when opening a new account.
Your registered location can lead to connection issues if it is different from your actual location.
Since Starlink is a satellite internet service, the company uses GPS mapping to provide internet services to its customers.
As such, the address info in your profile settings should match your GPS location to avoid connectivity issues.
Here are the steps to correct a location error:
- Go to Starlink.com or launch the Starlink app on your phone
- Log in to your Starlink customer account
- Tap the Profile Settings icon
- Tap My Profile
- Go to the Addresses section
- Click the edit icon next to Service Address
- Tap Use Location Map
- Starlink will automatically find your current location
- Tap Submit to update your address details
Note: To save time, you can call Starlink directly to update your address info on your behalf.
Solution #4 – Reposition the Satellite Dish
The Starlink satellite dish requires a clear view of the sky to receive internet signals.
Any obstructions can cause connectivity issues, forcing your router to display the dreaded red light.
The good news is that the Starlink dish automatically orients itself to find the best angle for satellite coverage.
You only need to find a suitable location away from obstructions such as trees. Starlink will enter sky-search mode and tilt into position when it finds a connection.
Setting up your connection should not take more than 20 minutes.
Once completed, you can view your internet connection status via the Starlink app. The red light shouldn’t appear on your router if you have a stable connection.
Tip – You can utilize the Check for Obstructions utility on the Starlink app to find the best position for your dish.
Solution #5 – Power Cycle Your Router
Power cycling your Starlink router is one of the quickest ways to resolve internet connection issues.
A power cycle refreshes the system, effectively removing minor bugs and glitches.
It also discharges your equipment, preparing your router for a fresh boot.
Here are the steps:
- Unplug the router from the power outlet
- Wait for up to 5 minutes (minimum 2 minutes)
- Plug the router back into the power outlet
- Allow the Starlink router to reboot
- Verify if these steps resolve the issue
Solution #6 – Power Cycle Your Starlink Dish
Interestingly, you can power cycle your Starlink dish when experiencing connection issues.
Even though the Starlink dish doesn’t have a dedicated power cord, it receives power via a Cat5 Ethernet Cable.
The cable connects to a power adapter via an Ethernet port, providing power to your Starlink dish.
Power cycling your Starlink dish is similar to power cycling your router.
You only need to:
- Unplug the cable connecting your Starlink dish from the power adapter
- Wait for 2-5 minutes
- Plug the cable back into the power adapter
- Allow up to 20 minutes for the Starlink dish to initialize and boot
- Check if this resolves the red light issue
Solution #7 – Factory Reset Your Starlink Router
After trying different fixes and your Starlink router still displays the dreaded red light of death, consider performing a reset.
A reset can help fix various issues, including connectivity problems. Resetting the router will restore it to factory defaults, allowing you to set it up afresh.
Each Starlink router has varying reset options. Fortunately, the process is straightforward, no matter the router’s design.
Here are the steps:
Resetting a Standard/Circular Starlink Router
- Locate the reset button on your router
- Using a pin, press and hold the reset button
- Release when the light turns blue
- Allow the router to reboot
Resetting a Rectangular Starlink Router
- Unplug the router from the power outlet
- Plug the router back into the power outlet
- Repeat Steps 1 and 2 three times in a row without waiting
- Allow the Starlink router to reboot
Resetting a Starlink Mesh Router
- Unplug the mesh router from the wall outlet
- Plug the mesh router back into the power outlet
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 three times in a row
- Pair your mesh nodes afresh using the Starlink app
Note: Only reset your router if you have configuration info such as SSID name and admin password
Solution #8 – Replace Damaged Hardware
Faulty equipment can lead to internet connection issues. And if you don’t have an active connection, the red light will turn on to highlight the malfunction.
The only practical solution is to replace the defective or damaged equipment. Ensure you purchase genuine replacements from accredited dealers.
Bottom Line
Every internet enthusiast dreads the Starlink router red light as it signals a lost connection.
In essence, when the light turns on, you won’t even be able to make a simple online call.
Luckily, you can use the above tips to fix the issue and restore your connection in no time!
Read Next: How to Fix Starlink Stuck On Searching?
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.