Your Starlink app provides helpful statistics, but when you see the Starlink no signal received message, it can make your heart drop! What does this message mean, and how can you fix it?
You can fix this problem by checking for obstruction between the dish and satellites, checking weather conditions, and even redoing the dish alignment.
The following article will guide you in troubleshooting this problem before taking it to Starlink support.
What Does the Message Mean?
Usually, it is easy to fix your Starlink when it is not working. However, there is no straightforward way to fix the message because there are many reasons why the message comes up.
With this in mind, let’s look at the reasons why you would get the message and how you’d go about fixing them.
Software
Sometimes, network issues can also happen because your software is outdated.
Your router and dish update independently, but you may sometimes have to do it manually.
A certain update may be the reason your internet is down.
How to fix this?
If your router and dish do not update on their own, then you must reset them.
You can do this by unplugging your dish, waiting for a minute, and then plugging it back in.
You can do this for your router as well. They both should have the newest software once it comes back on.
(a man fixing the router)
Weather
Very poor weather conditions can be a top reason you cannot get a signal for your internet for long. Houses and trees are not the only thing that can mess up your signal.
Heavy rain, wind, or snow can affect your connectivity, which can cause an internet outage in your home. Light weather, though, should not cause long-term outages.
How to fix it?
You can’t do anything about this unless you can control the weather! You have to wait until the weather clears up.
On a clear day, you can go on the roof to remove the snow that may have surrounded the dish if you don’t have a heated version.
If the weather is always bad in your area, you should consider buying a weatherproof box for your hardware.
(bad weather)
Obstructions
Obstructions may be things that are in front of your Starlink dish.
This also interferes with the radio frequencies, which the dish transfers to and from the satellites and ground stations.
Obstructions are a real problem and can affect your internet connection, which leads to the dreaded no signal message.
How can you fix this?
When setting up your dish, look at the obstruction map and ensure it shows a few red dots.
This depends on where you live, so sometimes, you must put your dish higher than usual.
Commonly, this is on the roof. However, if you want it higher, you can get a special mount from Starlink for this.
(satellite with no obstructions)
Location
The location where you are is another factor that affects your signal. Sometimes, a satellite is not close to your area, which leads to a loss of signal in your home.
While Starlink promises worldwide coverage, the low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites are not evenly spread worldwide.
This means that connectivity can sometimes be lost, meaning it takes your dish some time to connect with a satellite.
If you can track the movement of the satellites, you will see that most satellites are everywhere.
There are very few satellites over the South Pole and Antarctica, so if you are based there, your internet isn’t the best!
How to fix this?
There is no method to fix this alone because it’s on Starlink’s side. You have to wait for the company to expand its constellation size.
Since they are relatively new, they are still improving their coverage and bandwidth.
Network Error
Sometimes, you are one of many with a signal outage.
The company experienced a worldwide outage in April 2023 because of an expired ground station certificate.
So, you are not at fault when this happens. Constantly check the app for news and alerts to stay in the loop.
There is no direct fic to this; you would have to wait for Starlink to sort it out.
Other Tips on What to Do When There Is No Signal
If you are looking for more helpful insight on how to get a signal back to your dish, you can also try the following:
- Change the position of the dish– If you are still having issues with the signal, you can try to reposition the dish. Go to the Starlink app to help you align the dish.
- Check the connection of the cables– It’s always good to double-check the wires connected to the dish for damage. If there is damage, then this may be the reason why you cannot get a signal. Make sure that everything is plugged in properly.
- Possible interferences– Your other electronic devices may interfere with the WiFi and affect its signal. Keep the dish away from other devices as far as possible.
- Restart the dish– Power cycle the dish by unplugging it, waiting for 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in. Leave the dish to come back on and connect to it again.
- Make sure that you have power– Ensure that the dish is getting power. You can do this by checking the power cable and the power outlet. Try other outlets if you want to.
(fully connected to WiFi)
Contact Starlink Support if Nothing Else Works
If the events section of your app still shows that there is no signal, you can directly contact Starlink support and tell them about the signal outage.
Even if your hardware is working well, they can provide more information on what’s happening with the internet coverage in your region.
This is how to contact support:
- Log into the app or website with your registered Starlink account.
- Then, go to the Support function.
- Choose which subject describes your problem the best, then choose a thumbs-down on the subject.
- Then, fill out the message box with more details on your problem, screenshots if needed, and submit the message.
Starlink will then contact you and lead you on with further instructions.
In addition to the fixes above, ensure that your Starlink hardware, like the dish, is not dirty.
You must clean them twice a month and ensure all cables are connected as needed.
How Long Does Starlink Take to Latch on to a Signal?
The Starlink dish attempts to connect to a signal while you’re set up.
You would see this with the automatic rotation of the antenna, which points horizontally to the sky.
It takes your dish about 5 minutes or so to connect to one of the satellites.
Then, your dish will always be connected to a satellite, giving you seamless access to the internet without any disturbances.
If your dish is still not connecting to a signal, then contact help for more information.
Conclusion
Although Starlink has about 3000 satellites and only plans to put more, it’s no surprise that some people experience a no-signal message.
Usually, you would see the problem going away on its own, but when it doesn’t, you can use the above fixes to help you connect to the internet.