Starlink FAQ

We are here to support you.

Below you will find tips, resources, and much more to help you get the most out of your KVH Starlink system. The biggest resource available to you is the myKVH.com Customer Portal. Within the myKVH portal you can access how-to videos and product information, and create or review a hardware or service support case. You should have received an email with your login credentials from KVH Airtime Services. If you haven’t, please contact us at airtimeservices@kvh.com.

How do I change the Starlink Wi-Fi network name and password?

NOTE: As an alternative to the steps below, you can change your Starlink router’s Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password remotely at KVH Manager. Select the router under Devices then edit its Wi-Fi settings. (Router must be online and not set to Bypass mode.)

Connect your mobile device to the STARLINK or STINKY Wi-Fi network (no password). If you do not see this network, reset the Starlink router (see FAQ below).
Open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1. You should see “Starlink Create Network.”
Enter a new name (SSID) and password for the Starlink Wi-Fi network.
Select CREATE. A confirmation screen should appear.
You can now connect your mobile device to the renamed Wi-Fi network and enter your new password for access.

How do I factory reset my Starlink router?

Gen 3 Router
Remove the rubber cover protecting the Ethernet ports on the rear panel. Then, using a paper clip (or equivalent), press and hold the Reset button located between the two Ethernet ports for 2-3 seconds. The light on the front of the router will blink fast for a few seconds then blink slowly for a couple minutes while the router initializes.

Gen 2 Router
Cycle power (unplug then plug back in the AC power cord) on the router six times in a row. Allow 2-3 seconds between power cycles. The router will take a few minutes to reboot; your service will be interrupted during this process. The light on the bottom of the router will illuminate when complete.

Starlink Mini Built-in Router
Press and hold the Reset button on the bottom of the Starlink Mini antenna for at least 3 seconds. The status light on the bottom of the antenna will blink quickly while you are pressing the button then turn off as it reboots.

How can I set up bypass mode on my Starlink?

Connect your mobile device to the STARLINK or STINKY Wi-Fi network (no password). If you don’t see this network, reset the router (see previous FAQ above).

Note: As an alternative to Wi-Fi, you can use a laptop connected directly to the Starlink router with an Ethernet cable (for a Gen 2 router, connect via the Ethernet adapter).
Open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1. You should see “Starlink Create Network.”
Select Enable Router Bypass Mode.
Select Confirm.
When you see the “Goodbye” message, you can close your browser. The Starlink router is now in Bypass mode.

Note: Your Starlink system should be tested as a standalone system before enabling Bypass mode and connecting it to either a KVH or other third-party device.

I’m accustomed to using my Starlink app and am now using KVH Manager. What information is available for my Starlink system in KVH Manager?

The Data Usage page of KVH Manager displays the following information for your Starlink system:

The location of your vessel
If your system is online or has been offline for more or less than 48 hours
Current data plan to which the vessel is subscribed
Total amount of data used by the vessel during the current billing cycle, as of the latest report (see UTC timestamp)
Graphical representations of the amount of high-speed data the vessel has used, as of the latest report (see UTC timestamp)
Maximum upload and download speeds available under the subscribed plan, as well as historical speed data
A toggle switch for opting in or out of priority data
The ability to set up alerts for data usage
Technical details about the quality of your Starlink network connection
A log of triggered alerts or plan changes

How should I decide whether or not to opt-in for priority data?

Your Priority Data will be used first, regardless of the terminal’s location. Once your Priority Data allowance for the month is consumed, the following two scenarios apply:

If OPTED IN for Priority Data: Global Priority overage rates per GB will be incurred and your Global Priority data will continue. Local Priority subscribers will be charged for recurring 50 GB Top-Up blocks.
If OPTED OUT for Priority Data: Free unlimited data at up to 1/0.5 Mbps (down/up) with the same coverage areas as Priority Data.

IMPORTANT!
Internet connectivity in ocean areas is available only for Global Priority data. If you have consumed your monthly data allotment, and you are Opted Out for Priority Data you will receive the free unlimted data at up to 1/0.5 Mbps (down/up), even in ocean areas. The black areas on the map at starlink.com/map indicate ocean areas. To Opt-In or Opt-Out of additional Priority data, move the toggle on the Data Usage page in KVH Manager (see below), or contact KVH at airtimeservices@kvh.com.

How do I suspend service or change plans on my Starlink terminal?

Suspension policies for Starlink and other KVH solutions can be found here. All plan change and suspension requests shall be made 24/7/365 to KVH Airtime at airtimeservices@kvh.com or +1-401-851-3862. Please specify the effective date of your plan change or suspension request.

All Starlink billing runs on a calendar month schedule. Starlink does not pro-rate partial months with regards to suspension or plan change requests. The timing for plan changes is as follows:

Any plan changes that suspend or decrease the level of service or suspend the system will be effective the 1^st of the following month.
Any plan changes that increase the level of service can take effect the first day of the current month upon request to KVH Airtime.

If you are in suspension at the end of a given month and do not request data reactivation, the suspension will remain in effect.

How will I be billed for my Starlink service?

Service is billed monthly in arrears with a choice of auto or manual payment via credit card, check, or wire transfer/ACH. You can expect to receive your Starlink bill from KVH during the first few days of each month, reflecting service during the prior month.

Unlike Starlink.com monthly service, with KVH you can choose your method of payment rather than automatically seeing a charge on the credit card that originally placed the order. If you have multiple KVH solutions including Starlink, you will receive one convenient monthly bill for all services.

If you wish to apply for 30-day terms for KVH billing, please complete this credit application form for consideration.

Who do I contact if I have a technical issue with my Starlink?

KVH’s live technical support is available 24/7/365 to assist you with any technical issues you might have with your Starlink system. Visit our Support page for all of our service and support contact options.

Is it possible to combine two Starlinks to boost my performance?

With KVH’s CommBox Edge you can certainly integrate two Starlink antennas to boost your performance. The CommBox Edge Communications Gateway offers a powerful onboard addition to your vessel’s infrastructure by integrating and managing all onboard connectivity.

Explore CommBox Edge

Is it possible to give guests onboard different levels of internet access (limited access to some and full data usage to others)?

Yes! With KVH’s CommBox Edge you can create versatile user data rules and quotas to granularly control your data. The CommBox Edge Communications Gateway offers a powerful onboard addition to your vessel’s infrastructure by integrating and managing all onboard connectivity.

Explore CommBox Edge

The Starlink App says my Starlink Standard or Starlink Mini is misaligned. What should I do?

To ensure the best performance, your Starlink Standard or Starlink Mini needs to be aligned properly with the satellite network. If the Starlink App shows an alert that your Starlink is misaligned, tap the alert and adjust your Starlink’s position as directed by the App’s alignment tool. Check out this video from Starlink for details:

Starlink Alignment Video

My Starlink terminal is non-functional after 1 December 2025. How do I restore service?

Starlink recently identified terminals that required its latest software update to support network and terminal updates going into effect on 1 December 2025. Affected customers fit into two categories and were contacted by KVH:

Must Update – Terminals were required to be updated before the cutoff date. If they were not, they will need to be returned to KVH and replaced by Starlink.
Manual Update – If these terminals were not automatically updated by 1 December 2025, they will need to be manually updated using the Starlink app to ensure proper operation.

Software updates could be carried out in two ways:

Automatically, Over-the-Air (BEFORE midnight UTC 30 November 2025)
1. Place the terminal outside and power up.
2. The software update takes place automatically over the air, typically requiring 15-30 minutes.
3. Terminals will receive the software update even if they are not activated. (Note: this is the only way to update a terminal that was designated as “Must Update.”)
Manual (Any time before or after midnight UTC on 30 November 2025)
You will need to use the Starlink app (available via the Apple and Google App Stores) to download and install the software. Your Starlink terminal must also be connected to a Starlink router. The process is as follows:
1. Plug in your Starlink. It does not need to be outside. Also, the terminal software can be updated even if the terminal and service are not currently activated.
2. Connect to your Starlink Wi-Fi network and open the Starlink app.
3. The Starlink app will prompt you to update your Starlink with a “Manual update.”
4. Tap “Update now.” Do not close the app or disconnect from Wi-Fi while the process runs. It should take less than 60 seconds.
5. You will be able to see the software version under the “Advanced” option.
6. For additional information, see this FAQ on Starlink.com.

If you have any questions or issues with this update, please contact KVH Technical Support.

How do I confirm my Starlink terminal’s software version using KVH Manager or the Starlink app?

The easiest way to verify your Starlink terminal’s software version is to log into KVH Manager via myKVH and check your Starlink terminal’s network status. Please note – this information will only be visible in KVH Manager if your Starlink terminal has an active account:

KVH Manager Starlink Version

Alternatively, connect to your Starlink Wi-Fi network and open the Starlink app. While login is not required, the app will only work for this if your Starlink terminal is connected to a Starlink router. To check software version using Starlink App:

Connect your Android or iPhone device to the Starlink Wi-Fi network (if new and not setup yet, this will show as “STARLINK”)
Now open the Starlink app on your device (the app must already be loaded on your device)
The Starlink app should now see the Starlink terminal and connect to it, showing the status of system
Scroll to bottom of the home screen and find “Advanced” in the bottom right corner of page, then click “Advanced.”
Now the app will show the Starlink Terminal and Starlink Router Info including software versions for each. a. If the version of Starlink terminal shows 2025.xx.xx.mrxxx, your system is up to date. (Example 2025.10.31.mr66772 or similar) b. If your software version is earlier than 2025, it will need to be updated as described in our FAQ, “How do I manually update my Starlink terminal software?”

How do I manually update my Starlink terminal software?

If your terminal is outside and active, terminal software updates take place automatically. However, if your system has been inactive for an extended period of time, you may be required to perform a manual software update using the Starlink app. If you haven’t already done so, download and install the Starlink app on your mobile device. (The app is available for free at the Apple and Google App Stores.) Make sure the app is updated to the latest version. Then follow the update steps that apply below.

Updating Software via a Starlink Router

Plug in your Starlink. It does not need to be outside. Also, the terminal software can be updated even if the terminal and service are not currently activated.
Connect to your Starlink Wi-Fi network and open the Starlink app.
The Starlink app will prompt you to update your Starlink with a “Manual update.”
Tap “Update now.” Do not close the app or disconnect from Wi-Fi while the process runs. It should take less than 60 seconds.
You will be able to see the software version under the “Advanced” option.

Updating Software via a Third-party Router

Plug in your Starlink. It does not need to be outside. Also, the terminal software can be updated even if the terminal and service are not currently activated.
Connect your mobile device via Wi-Fi to the same network as the third-party router that is connected to your Starlink. If a Wi-Fi connection is not already available, you may temporarily add a wireless access point to your network or connect a Wi-Fi router directly to the Starlink.
Launch the Starlink app. If a software update is required, the app will prompt you to manually update your Starlink. If the app says “Starlink unreachable,” create a static route as explained below then try again.
Install the update following the prompts on the app. Do not close the app or disconnect from Wi-Fi while the process runs. It should take less than 60 seconds.
You will be able to see the software version under the “Advanced” option.

Creating a Static Route in your Third-party Router

If the Starlink app cannot connect to the Starlink terminal via your third-party router, try creating a static route in your router’s configuration settings. Refer to your router’s documentation for instructions.

Network destination: 192.168.100.0 (make sure you don’t already have a network using this IP)
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.100.1
Interface: WAN

Note: These settings may differ depending on your specific hardware and network configuration.

Using the Starlink App via a CommBox^™ Edge

If your Starlink is connected to a CommBox Edge Gateway, and the Starlink app cannot connect to the Starlink terminal, temporarily change the following configuration settings on your CommBox Edge. Note your current settings so you can restore them later. See https://kvh.scrollhelp.site/kb/ for configuration instructions. (Also make sure the LAN connected to the CommBox Edge has a Wi-Fi connection. Add a wireless access point, if necessary.)

At WAN Profiles, set the Starlink as the highest (or only) priority in the currently active WAN profile.
At the Interface Settings for Starlink, set its Probing Profile to “Always Up.”

Your Starlink app should now be able to reach the Starlink terminal.

IMPORTANT! Don’t forget to change these CommBox Edge configuration settings back to their previous settings when you are done with the update.

For additional information, see this FAQ on Starlink.com.