What you need before you start
To create a Starlink account, you need an email address, a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal), and a physical address where you want service. Starlink checks whether satellite coverage reaches your location before letting you complete the account setup. You do not need to own your home or have a specific type of internet connection already — Starlink works as a standalone service.
The account creation itself takes about 10 minutes. The longer part is the equipment delivery, which varies by location. Starlink ships the dish, router, cables, and mounting hardware as a single package. Delivery times range from a few weeks to several months depending on demand in your area and current production capacity.
Key Takeaways
- You create your account on Starlink's website by entering your address, email, and payment method — the site tells you when ready whether your location has coverage.
- Starlink charges a one-time equipment fee (currently around $600) plus a monthly service fee that varies by plan, with costs differing between residential and business accounts.
- After you place your order, Starlink sends you a confirmation email with tracking information once your equipment ships.
- Installation is a DIY process: you mount the dish, connect cables to the router, and power everything on — most people complete this in under an hour.
- Your account gives you access to the Starlink app, where you can monitor connection speed, restart equipment, and manage your subscription.
Step-by-step account creation
Go to starlink.com and click the button to order service. Enter your full street address in the search box. Starlink's system checks whether your location falls within a coverage area. If it does, the site shows you available service plans and lets you proceed. If coverage is not yet available at your address, you can join a waitlist and Starlink will email you when service becomes available in your area.
Once you confirm your address has coverage, you choose a service plan. Starlink offers different tiers with different speeds and data allowances — residential plans are cheaper than business plans, and some areas have a "Starlink Mini" option designed for portability. Select the plan that matches your needs and budget.
Next, enter your email address and create a password. This becomes your login for the Starlink website and mobile app. Then add your payment method — Starlink accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. You will be charged the equipment fee when ready, and your monthly service fee begins on the date your equipment ships.
After payment goes through, you receive a confirmation email with your order number and estimated delivery window. Starlink sends a second email when your equipment ships, with a tracking number so you can monitor when the package arrives.
Understanding the costs
Starlink's pricing has two parts: the equipment you buy once, and the monthly service fee you pay ongoing. The equipment fee covers the satellite dish, router, cables, and mounting hardware. This fee does not change based on your location, though Starlink occasionally runs promotions that reduce it temporarily.
Monthly service fees vary by plan tier and by whether you are a residential or business customer. Business plans cost more than residential plans because they come with higher priority on the network and a service level agreement. Some areas also offer a "Starlink Mini" plan at a different price point. You can see the exact monthly cost for your address and chosen plan before you complete checkout.
After your first month, Starlink bills you on the same day each month. You can pause your account for up to three months if you need a break from service, though you will still own the equipment. Cancelling your account stops the monthly charges, but you keep the dish and hardware.
What happens after your equipment arrives
When your Starlink package arrives, open it and check that all pieces are present: the dish, router, power cables, ethernet cables, and mounting hardware. The box includes a quick-start guide with photos showing where each cable connects.
Choose a location for your dish that has a clear view of the northern sky (in the Northern Hemisphere) or southern sky (in the Southern Hemisphere). The dish needs an unobstructed line of sight to the satellites — trees, buildings, and other obstacles block the signal. Many people mount the dish on a roof, pole, or wall bracket. Starlink sells mounting kits separately if you need something beyond the basic hardware included in the box.
Connect the dish to the router using the cable provided. Plug the router into power. The dish will take a few minutes to find satellites and establish a connection. Once the router lights turn solid, your internet is active. You can connect devices to the Starlink Wi-Fi network using the password printed on the router, or plug an ethernet cable directly into the router for a wired connection.
Using the Starlink app and account dashboard
read the Starlink app on your phone or visit your account on starlink.com to monitor your service. The app shows your current read and upload speeds, ping time, and whether the dish is obstructed. It also displays your account balance, billing date, and service plan details.
From the app, you can restart your equipment if you experience connection problems — this is often the first troubleshooting step. You can also pause your account temporarily, change your service plan, or update your payment method. If you move to a new address, you can update your location in the app, though service availability varies by region.
The app sends notifications if your equipment goes offline or if there are service alerts in your area. You can adjust notification settings in your account preferences.
Troubleshooting common setup issues
If your dish does not connect after 10 minutes, check that all cables are fully inserted into both the dish and the router. Power off the router, wait 30 seconds, and power it back on. The dish may take several minutes to reconnect after a restart.
If the app shows "obstructed" status, look for trees, buildings, or other objects blocking the dish's view of the sky. Even partial obstruction reduces speed significantly. Reposition the dish if possible, or trim branches if they are in the way. The app includes an obstruction map showing exactly which directions are blocked.
If you have slow speeds, restart the equipment first. If speeds remain low, check whether you are on the correct Wi-Fi network — Starlink routers broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and 5 GHz offers faster speeds but shorter range. You can also move closer to the router or use an ethernet cable for the fastest connection.
Changing or cancelling your account
You can upgrade or downgrade your service plan at any time through the app or website. Changes take effect on your next billing date. If you downgrade, you pay a prorated refund for the remainder of your current billing period.
To pause your account, go to your account settings and select "Pause Service." Pausing stops your monthly charges for up to three months while you keep the equipment. When you are ready to resume, you can reactivate service from the same menu.
To cancel, go to account settings and select "Cancel Service." Starlink stops charging you at the end of your current billing period. You keep the equipment — there is no return requirement. If you cancel and later want service again, you can create a new account using the same email address or a different one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Starlink if I move to a different address?
Yes. Update your service address in the app or on the website. Starlink checks whether your new location has coverage. If it does, your service transfers to the new address. If coverage is not available yet, you can join the waitlist for that location.
What if I do not have a roof or good mounting location?
Starlink sells pole mounts, wall brackets, and RV mounts separately. You can also mount the dish on a tripod or temporary stand. The key requirement is a clear view of the sky — the specific mounting method matters less than the location.
Do I need a technician to install Starlink?
No. Installation is designed for DIY setup — you mount the dish, plug in cables, and power on the equipment. If you prefer professional installation, some third-party installers offer this service in certain areas, though you pay them separately.
Can I use Starlink while traveling?
Starlink offers a "Roaming" feature for some plans that lets you use your equipment in different locations. Check whether your plan includes roaming and whether your destination has coverage. Roaming plans cost more than standard residential service.
What happens if I pause my account and then want to restart it?
Go to your account settings and select "Resume Service." Your service restarts on your next billing date. You keep the same account, email, and equipment — nothing needs to be reinstalled.