Starlink outages happen, but they're usually brief and localized
Starlink goes down occasionally — sometimes for minutes, sometimes for hours — but the service is back up more often than it's down. When it stops working, the cause is usually a software update, a hardware problem at a ground station, or weather affecting your dish rather than a problem with the entire network. The fastest way to know if it's a widespread outage or your own connection is to check Starlink's status page or ask other users in your area.
If your internet just stopped working, your first instinct might be to assume the whole system is down. That's rarely the case. Most of the time, the problem is something you can fix in minutes — a loose cable, a dish that's been knocked out of position, or your router needing a restart. Starlink's own tools can tell you whether your dish is connected and whether the service itself is running in your location.
Key Takeaways
- Check the official Starlink status page at starlink.com/status to see if there's a known outage in your region.
- Most connection problems are local — a loose cable, weather blocking your dish, or a router that needs restarting — not a service-wide outage.
- The Starlink app shows your dish's connection status and can help you troubleshoot without calling support.
- Reddit's r/Starlink and the Starlink Community Discord let you confirm whether other users nearby are experiencing the same problem.
Where to check Starlink's status
Starlink publishes a real-time status page at starlink.com/status. It shows whether the service is operational in your region and lists any ongoing incidents. The page updates automatically, so you can refresh it to see the latest information. If there's a widespread outage, it will be listed there with an estimated time to resolution.
The status page is organized by region, so you can see whether the problem affects your entire area or just your neighborhood. If your region shows green (operational), the outage is almost certainly on your end — your dish, your cables, or your equipment — not Starlink's network.
How to tell if it's your equipment or the service
Open the Starlink app on your phone and look at the dish status. If it says "Connected" or shows a signal strength, your dish is talking to the satellites. If it says "Searching for satellites" or "No signal," your dish either can't see the sky or there's a hardware problem. Check that nothing is blocking the dish — snow, ice, leaves, or even a bird's nest can interrupt the connection.
Next, restart your router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait two minutes for it to fully boot. This fixes most connection problems that aren't caused by the dish itself. If the app still shows your dish is connected but you have no internet, the problem is usually your router or the cable between the dish and the router.
If the app shows "No signal" and the status page says Starlink is operational in your area, check your cables. The cable from the dish to the power supply should be tight at both ends. The ethernet cable from the power supply to your router should also be fully seated. A loose connection is one of the most common reasons people think their service is down when it's actually just unplugged.
What to do if weather is blocking your dish
Heavy rain, snow, and ice can interrupt Starlink's signal because the dish needs a clear view of the sky. Unlike traditional satellite internet, Starlink uses a lower orbit, which means weather has a bigger effect but usually only lasts as long as the weather does. If it's raining or snowing heavily, your connection may drop or slow down significantly.
There's no way to fix this except to wait for the weather to clear. Some users in snowy climates install a heater on their dish to melt ice and snow automatically, but this is optional and not required by Starlink. If weather outages are frequent where you live, you may want to consider whether satellite internet is the right choice for your needs.
How to confirm it's a widespread outage
If the status page shows an outage in your region and your app confirms your dish is connected, you're in the middle of a service-wide problem. These are rare but do happen. Starlink usually posts updates on its status page and on X (formerly Twitter) at @StarLink. You can also check the Starlink Community Discord or r/Starlink on Reddit, where users post real-time reports of outages and their duration.
During a widespread outage, there's nothing you can do except wait. Starlink's engineering team is already working on it. Most outages last between 15 minutes and two hours, though some have lasted longer. The status page will tell you when service is restored.
When to contact Starlink support
If your dish shows "No signal" and the status page shows no outage, and you've checked your cables and restarted your router, contact Starlink support through the app. Go to the Account menu, select Help, and describe the problem. You can also visit starlink.com/support to start a chat or submit a ticket. Starlink's support team can run diagnostics on your dish remotely and tell you whether it needs to be replaced.
Have your order number and a description of what you've already tried ready before you contact them. This speeds up the process. If your dish is faulty, Starlink will send you a replacement, usually within a week.
Understanding Starlink's reliability
Starlink has improved significantly since it launched, but it's not yet as reliable as fiber or cable internet in most places. The service experiences brief outages — usually under an hour — roughly once or twice a month for most users, though this varies by location. Some areas have far fewer outages; others have more. Weather, time of day, and how many users are on the network in your area all affect reliability.
If you need internet that never goes down — for a business that depends on constant connectivity, for example — Starlink may not be the right choice yet. For most home users, the outages are infrequent enough that they're not a major problem. If you're considering Starlink, ask neighbors or check online forums for reports from your specific area to get a sense of what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Starlink outages usually last?
Most outages last between 15 minutes and two hours. Longer outages are less common but do happen occasionally. The status page will show an estimated time to resolution when an outage is reported.
Can I use my phone's hotspot while Starlink is down?
Yes, if you have a cellular signal and a phone plan with data. This is a good backup option if you need internet during an outage. Some users keep a mobile hotspot device as a backup for this reason.
Why does my Starlink drop connection on clear days?
Clear weather doesn't may provide a connection. Your dish needs a clear view of the southern sky (in the Northern Hemisphere) and the northern sky (in the Southern Hemisphere). Trees, buildings, or even a slight tilt can block the signal. Check that nothing is obstructing your dish and that it hasn't been moved or knocked out of position.
Is Starlink down everywhere when I lose connection?
No. Most connection problems are local to your equipment or location. Check the status page first — if it shows green in your region, the problem is almost certainly your dish, cables, or router, not the service itself.
Do I need to do anything during a Starlink outage?
No. Just wait for service to be restored. You don't need to restart your equipment or contact support unless the outage lasts more than a few hours. Starlink's team is already working on it.