The WiFi router that comes with Starlink is perfect for most users, but sometimes, it may lack the advancement you want, so it is good to know about the Starlink bypass mode.
If you want to upgrade the Starlink router by adding another router, you’d have to know about the bypass mode. Users opt for this because they want faster speeds and a better range.
While you will be using another router, you cannot completely disconnect the Starlink router, as it is the powerhouse for the dish.
What Is Starlink’s Bypass Mode?
The bypass or bridge mode lets you turn off the default STarlink WiFi router with the hardware kit.
Not everyone uses this mode, but it is designed for people who want to use their router, which may have more functions than the Starlink one.
If you’re going to add a router to the Starlink one, you would also use this function and get two WiFi frequencies.
While the Starlink router works well for providing a strong WiFi signal, it also lacks some features you’d want.
For example, the router does not have ethernet ports so that you can make wired connections. This means you cannot do port forwarding or make a mesh system for extended coverage for a large area.
An aftermarket router connected to your Starlink internet may be able to give you better bandwidth, which means that your download and upload speeds increase.
This makes your internet faster for gaming or any other streaming you want.
(WiFi router)
Other models of WiFi routers can offer better signal ranges, too, which takes away the reason to buy an extender.
This saves you money in the long run and works better as well.
Also, Starlink has many firmware updates, which may result in many router reboots and stop the internet in the middle of whatever you’re doing.
However, with your router, you can control what and when updates happen.
When you want to access the bypass mode, you need to have an ethernet adapter. It would be best if you bought this from the Starlink store, as others are incompatible.
Also, bypass mode is available only for users with a standard or high-performance rectangular dish.
The older circular dish does not allow you to bypass the Starlink router.
(3rd party router)
How To Activate Bypass Mode
Putting the bypass mode on your Starlink router is easy and can be done using your Starlink app on your phone or laptop.
Ensure you have a pepper internet connection before proceeding with this. You can use the Starlink internet or mobile data when putting the bypass mode on.
(a person holding a phone)
In the settings, you will see your router settings. Skim the page to see the ‘bypass mode’ option.
Click on this, and you will get to a page that has a slider. Move it to the right to enable the bypass function.
When the bypass mode, you will see that you cannot go into the statistics and network settings.
This area will be grayed out, meaning you cannot change anything there. The Starlink internet will go off now until you connect your other router.
Do the set-up of your new router, then reset the Starlink router.
(Starlink satellites)
Conclusion
Knowing about the bypass function on Starlink helps users a lot when they want to create a mesh network system, extend the WiFi range, or just want better internet speed.
The bypass mode is a simple slider that you slide right to enable! Setting up your new router is also not hard and needs very little work.
When you want to remove the other router, reset the Starlink system, and the settings will all return to normal.