How to Fix Starlink Stuck On Searching? – Fix Guide

Starlink stuck on searching comes about if your dish cannot get a stable connection to the internet within 20 minutes.

Your Wi-Fi router will display a blinking white light to indicate it cannot connect after searching for nearby satellites.

Even though Starlink has several satellite constellations in many underserved regions, your area might not have adequate coverage.

Starlink might also remain stuck on searching if your dish does not have a clear view of the sky.

Fortunately, solving this issue does not have to be complicated.

To resolve this problem, ensure you are on the registered service address on your Starlink account and update your info accordingly. If the issue persists, submit a support ticket via the Starlink app for further assistance.

This comprehensive guide explains the primary reasons your Starlink is stuck on searching and how to fix the problem quickly.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Causes Starlink Stuck On Searching?

Starlink stuck on searching mode indicates that your dish is looking for nearby satellites to connect.

When you set up your Starlink dish for the first time, it will search for satellites to find an internet connection.

If it fails to connect, the Starlink app will remain in searching mode, and your router will display a blinking white light.

Understanding the causes of this issue can help you troubleshoot and fix the problem quickly.

Here are the most probable reasons your Starlink app says it is offline and searching:

1. Physical Obstructions

Your Starlink might remain stuck on searching because of physical obstructions such as poles, trees, and roofs.

Repositioning or mounting the dish on the rooftop will provide a clear field of view and resolve the issue.

2. Incorrect Service Address

Starlink uses your registered service address on your account to prioritize network resources for you.

If the current address is inaccurate, Starlink might remain stuck on searching until you update your info.

3. Incomplete Firmware Update

When setting up Starlink for the first time, the kit automatically downloads the latest firmware.

Since the update might take some time, disconnecting the equipment before the process is complete may cause issues.

4. Loose Connections

Loose or disconnected cables can also cause the Starlink app to say it’s offline and searching.

Ensure that all connections are firmly in the appropriate ports to resolve connectivity and offline issues.

How to Fix Starlink Offline Searching Problems?

If your Starlink kit is taking too long in searching mode, the dish hasn’t found nearby satellites to connect to.

To resolve the issue, you may have to set up the entire equipment afresh.

Here’s how to fix your Starlink kit that’s stuck in searching mode:

Solution #1 – Check for Loose or Disconnected Cables

If your Starlink seems offline or is stuck in searching mode, check your setup for loose connections or disconnected cables.

Even though the Starlink dish does not have a dedicated power cord, it receives its power via an Ethernet cable.

During setup, the LED light on your router will blink white as the dish searches for nearby satellites.

Inadequate power levels due to loose connections can interrupt the process, leaving your equipment stuck in searching mode.

Inspect all wires to ensure they are firmly in the appropriate ports. Check your connections with the power supply to rule out any issues.

You can unplug and plug each cable one by one to find loose connections and secure them in place.

Pro Tip – When setting up your dish, check the router LED lights to know the status of your connection

Solution #2 – Check for Obstructions

Your Starlink might remain stuck in searching mode because it can’t get a connection to the internet.

Physical obstructions, such as roofs, poles, and trees, can block the dish’s field of view, leading to connectivity issues.

When installing Starlink, you must choose an area with a clear view of the sky to connect to nearby satellites.

The good news is that Starlink provides several tools you can use to check for obstructions during setup.

You can use the Check for Obstructions or Visibility tool on the Starlink app to identify a suitable installation location.

Here is how to check for obstructions during setup:

1. Move to the location you want to set up Starlink
2. Launch the Starlink app on your phone
3. Tap the Check for Obstructions tool
4. Hold your phone to the perceived height of your Starlink dish
5. Use your phone’s camera to scan Starlink’s field of view
6. Repeat the above steps in different locations

Tip – Consider mounting your Starlink dish on a roof, wall, or pole to avoid physical obstructions

Solution #3 – Check Service Address

Starlink has a fair use policy that determines the amounts of data you can consume when connected to their network.

The registered service address on your account defines if you can enjoy prioritized access to network resources.

If the address does not match your current location, your Starlink dish might remain in searching mode.

You may experience frequent interruptions or not even get a connection at all.

Fortunately, you can change your service address to match your location and avoid connectivity issues. However, updating the address depends on the capacity in your area.

Here are the steps:

1. Launch a web browser andlog into your Starlink account
2. Alternatively, log in using the Starlink app
3. Go to Profile Settings
4. Open My Profile
5. Go to the Location section
6. Tap or click the pencil icon to edit your data
7. Change your service address
8. Tap or click submit

Solution #4 – Enable Portability

As mentioned above, your Starlink might remain stuck on searching if you stay outside your registered location for extended periods.

This is because Starlink gives priority access to users within their registered service addresses.

If the process of changing address looks complicated, you may choose to enable Starlink’s portability feature, especially if the stay is short.

The portability feature allows you to enjoy uninterrupted internet access for a specific period outside your registered service address.

Here are the steps:

1. Go to Starlink.com or launch the Starlink app on your phone
2. Log in to your Starlink customer account
3. Toggle Portability on your account page
4. If you have multiple Starlink accounts, you must purchase portability for each location

Note: You MUST have an active Starlink subscription to enable portability

Solution #5 – Power Cycle the Starlink Dish

Another proven way to solve Starlink searching mode issues is to power cycle the Starlink dish.

Your internet kit might get stuck on searching because of minor glitches and technical malfunctions.

Power cycling the dish will refresh the system and resolve emerging problems.

Here’s how to go about it:

1. Unplug the Ethernet cable connected to your Starlink dish
2. Wait for up to 5 minutes
3. Plug the Ethernet cable back into the power adapter and connect it to the dish
4. Allow up to 30 minutes for the Starlink dish to initialize and boot
5. If this is your initial setup, wait for additional minutes since Starlink might be downloading an update
6. Wait for Starlink to perform a fresh search
7. Check if these steps resolve the issue

Solution #6 – Contact Support

The last step is to contact Starlink’s help desk for additional assistance.

The support team will gather information about your connection to diagnose and resolve the problem appropriately.

Tip – It is best to contact support via the Starlink app since it allows them to gather detailed information about your issue

Bottom Line

Tackling Starlink stuck on searching problems can be frustrating if you do not know where to start or what to do.

Thankfully, this detailed guide can help you resolve the issue and get connected within minutes.

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