Wondering why Starlink WiFi not showing up? Well, this is a common issue, and easy to fix!
In this guide, we’ll showcase why Starlink’s WiFi is not showing up in the wireless network field and why you’re unable to discover and connect.
In addition, we’ll help you overcome this hurdle and teach you how to prevent the same Starlink WiFi issue from appearing in the future…
When the Starlink WiFi is not showing up, begin by identifying the correct SSID name of the Wi-Fi and performing a hard reset on the router. If the issue is still there, correct the network settings of the Wi-Fi, check the Starlink service and factory reset the router.
Let’s continue to unwrap!
Why Starlink WiFi Network Not Showing Up?
There could be many reasons why Starlink’s hosted Wi-Fi network isn’t showing up on your device.
It would be appropriate to say that Starlink’s first-time activation could take up to 30 minutes to activate, so if this is your first time using the technology, please remain patient.
Here are all the external causes, preventing Starlink WiFi from showing up:
How to Fix When Starlink WiFi Not Showing Up?
Tip: Stay alert throughout the entirety of the guide to resolve the issue faster!
1. Look for SSID Labeled “Stinky”
The majority of users just starting with Starlink’s technology may be unaware of the fact that the default SSID name of the network is now set to “STINKY”.
Whenever the router is set up and the outdoor Starlink antenna is connected, you must connect your device to the “STINKY” SSID.
How to Connect with Starlink for the First Time?
If you didn’t know that the default SSID name of Starlink is “STRINKY”, you might have been ignoring it until now.
Open the Wi-Fi settings of your mobile device and connect to “STINKY”.
Then, type in the default password you’ve set in the Starlink Control application in the “WiFi Configuration” tab.
This should get you connected, and yes, you can change the name later.
Tip: If you have issues recalling the default password, check it in the Starlink application!
How to Change the Default SSID Name of Starlink?
Assuming you don’t want the SSID to stay labeled with “STINKY”, there’s an easy way to change the name through the Starlink application.
Here’s how to change the SSID easily:
- Open the Starlink Portal application.
- Go to “Settings” > “WiFi Configuration”.
- Press on “Network Name” and change it.
Note: In order to verify the SSID name change, you have to input the Wi-Fi password.
2. Hard-Restart the Starlink Router
One of the reasons why Starlink not showing up on WiFi is a temporal issue with the Starlink router.
If the router device has encountered a temporal functionality problem and cannot host the Wi-Fi properly, it is possible that the network will not appear on your connecting device.
Follow these steps to apply a hard restart on the Starlink router:
- First, locate the power button on the Starlink router.
- Then you need to hold the power button for 5 seconds.
- Once the router shuts down, unplug it from power.
- Wait for 60 seconds while the router is unplugged.
- Reconnect the power adapter of the router to power.
- Press the power button to start up the Starlink router.
Pro Tip: Test connecting your Starlink router directly into a power outlet, not into strips!
3. Toggle ON & OFF the WiFi Feature
The reason why the Starlink WiFi is not showing up could be due to your device and not the Starlink router.
Sometimes the detection simply bugs, and new (available and working) WiFi connections simply won’t appear, until you restart your device or only the WiFi feature.
How to Restart the Wi-Fi Feature On Laptop?
- First, open the Settings of the laptop device.
- Go to “Network & Internet” if on Windows.
- Then, press the activation button at the top.
- Wait for 15 seconds and reactivate the WiFi.
- Check if the Starlink network will now appear.
Tip: Check if the Windows/Linux/MacOS on your laptop is on its most current version!
How to Restart the Wi-Fi On Mobile Device?
- Tap the “Settings” icon on your Android/iOS device.
- Press on “Wireless” or directly enter the “WiFi” tab.
- Press the green button at the top to turn off Wi-Fi.
- Wait for 30 seconds and re-activate the Wi-Fi feature.
Note: To check for updates on your mobile device, go to Settings > “Software Update”.
How to Restart the Wi-Fi Feature On a PC?
If you’re on a PC and have connected a Wi-Fi adapter, press the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar at the bottom of the screen and press the activation slider once.
Once the Wi-Fi has been deactivated, wait for about 30 seconds before turning it on and checking if Starlink appears.
Tip: To entirely reset the Wi-Fi on your PC, unplug the Wi-Fi adapter for 10 seconds!
4. Secure the Starlink Service Cable!
If the Starlink antenna has issues establishing a connection with the network router, it is possible that none of the hosted Wi-Fi networks will show up.
To resolve issues related to service and coverage, you must reconnect the antenna cable.
How to Identify the Starlink Service Cable?
The Starlink technology and antenna use a CAT5e cable to connect with the network router.
The cable is usually about 10-50 meters in length and has a thin connector on both of its ends.
Simply, unplug the cable from the Starlink router for 30 seconds!
In case that doesn’t help, check for hardware damage!
Is My CAT5e Cable Damaged and Faulty?
Such a thin and fragile cable could be damaged easily, especially if most of its part is routed from outdoors.
Therefore, thoroughly inspect the body of the antenna cable and look for rips, cuts, twists, or other identifiable damages that could be alarming.
Alert: Any faults with the service cable should be reported to the Starlink support team!
5. Close Wireless Network Proximity
If Starlink WiFi does not show up no matter what you’ve attempted so far, the issue could be related to something simple such as insufficient network proximity.
In order to envelop your entire house in Wi-Fi coverage, the Starlink router must be in a centralized location.
Test by standing next to the Starlink router while attempting to connect!
How to Improve Coverage of Starlink Router?
Since you could experience coverage issues on other of your devices, it is recommended to place the Starlink router in a centralized location.
If possible, re-route the CAT5e antenna cable to a different location and place the Starlink router there, by connecting it to power.
Alert: Make sure none of the network equipment is damaged while relocating the router!
6. Wait for *30* Minutes (First Time)
If you’re installing Starlink for the first time, you must wait until the equipment is activated, which takes about 30 minutes.
This may not be known to everyone, but there’s a first-time activation period everyone is obligated to wait, and there is pretty much nothing you can do to speed it up.
So, wait for 30-40 minutes after all of the equipment is installed and secured in order for the service to activate.
Also, keep track of the Starlink status through the mobile Starlink app.
Tip: The Starlink app shows the current status and metrics for the connectivity of the service!
7. Factory Reset the Starlink Router!
To eliminate all possible issues with your Starlink equipment, it is recommended to conduct a factory reset on the Starlink router.
This is a proven resolution to any issues with the service, including misconfigured settings or improperly configured Starlink setup settings!
Follow these instructions to perform a factory reset on the Starlink router:
- Make sure that the router is plugged in and switch it on.
- Open the Starlink app and open the application settings.
- Scroll down to “Factory Settings” and select the feature.
- Confirm the prompt that all data and settings will be deleted.
- Then wait until the Starlink router fully initializes and reboots.
Alert: All Starlink network router settings will be reverted to their factory value!
Quick Recap:
Hence, to fix whenever Starlink WiFi not showing up, power cycle the Starlink router and inspect the service cable connection with the Starlink antenna/dish.
If the problem is still there, inspect the network and Wi-Fi settings before factory resetting the Starlink router.
Follow us for more Starlink solution guides!
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.