How To Access Starlink Router Settings

modz

modz

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There are two ways of accessing your Starlink router settings – either through the mobile app or a browser.

Once you’ve opened the app, your router settings are literally just a click away. Simply tap SETTINGS on the home screen and you’ll land on the following page:

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Starlink’s router settings
Alternatively, you can use a browser to access the router settings, too. To do that, make sure that you’re connected to the Starlink Wi-Fi network.

You can use either of those two addresses to access the settings via a browser:

Here you’ll be presented with a home screen that looks as follows:

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http://dishy.starlink.com/

Again, click on SETTINGS to be able to configure your router and dishy.

What you’ll quickly discover is that some features, such as renaming your connection (under WIFI CONFIGURATION) or snow melting, are only available in the app (see picture below).


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Starlink settings (browser)

Starlink didn’t provide a reason as to why some features are missing in the browser.

In all likelihood, it’s because the browser option isn’t used that often, so pushing those features into production was probably not worth the cost. Plus, maintaining two code bases adds technical debt and thus complexity.

With that said, let’s now take a closer look at all of the features that Starlink’s router can be configured on.



Change Starlink Router Name & Password​

The first neat feature that Starlink offers is the ability to change the name and password of your Wi-Fi network.

Simply click on your network’s name (VIKTOR-STARLINK in my case) and you’ll see two text boxes that allow you to edit the name and password.


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Additionally, you can split up your Wi-Fi network into separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks by pressing the toggle.

Separating a Wi-Fi connection into 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz offers multiple advantages, including:

  • Range vs Speed: 2.4 GHz has better range but transmits data at a slower speed, while 5 GHz provides faster speeds but doesn’t have as good a range. This means that devices closer to the router can use the 5 GHz network for faster speeds, while devices farther away can still stay connected via the 2.4 GHz network.
  • Congestion and Interference: 2.4 GHz frequencies can get congested because many common household devices like cordless phones, baby monitors, and microwaves also operate on the same frequency. Splitting the network lets you move devices that can use the 5 GHz frequency to a less crowded and less interfered spectrum.
  • Device Compatibility: Not all devices support 5 GHz Wi-Fi, particularly older devices. If you split your networks, you can ensure compatibility by connecting these devices to the 2.4 GHz network.
  • Network Control: Splitting your network allows you to control which devices connect to which network. For example, you might want your gaming console or streaming device on the 5 GHz network for better performance, while less data-hungry devices like your smart home devices could use the 2.4 GHz network.
Keep in mind that if you change your network name and password or decide to split up into 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, then you will be disconnected from your existing Wi-Fi network. As a result, you need to reconnect within your phone’s Wi-Fi settings.

Content Filtering​

In May 2023, Starlink implemented a new feature dubbed Content Filtering, which as the name suggests, enables you to automatically exclude certain (sensitive) materials from being loaded.

By default, the feature is not enabled (see picture below). You then have two options to filter out 1) malware or 2) malware and ãdül† content.

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content filtering options
Starlink, if the feature is not enabled (first toggle), uses Cloudflare DNS (Domain Name System) 1.1.1.1 configuration. Malware and malware/ãdül† filter switches to 1.1.1.2/1.0.0.2 or 1.1.1.3/1.0.0.3, respectively.

You do have the option to set up a custom DNS (see two chapters below) via the app or a third-party router, too.

However, doing so is substantially more complex. Plus, you can take advantage of Cloudflare’s world-class DNS filtering system, which is tailor-made for those use cases.


Rebooting Starlink Router​

Starlink allows you to reboot both your router as well as the antenna (under the STARLINK tab). Simply move the slider to the right and wait for the hardware to reboot.


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slide right to reboot
Rebooting your router may be necessary due to multiple reasons such as:

  • Resolving Network Issues: Reboots can fix temporary software bugs or glitches.
  • Memory Management: Reboots can solve memory leaks or fragmentation, improving performance.
  • Connection Stability: Rebooting can reset ongoing processes and stabilize internet speed.
  • Applying Updates: Reboots may be required to implement new updates or changes in settings.
  • Reducing Congestion: Rebooting clears outdated information, reducing network congestion.
Keep in mind that you’ll be disconnected for a short time. Network performance, if rebooting the antenna, should stabilize after around 15 mins as your dishy establishes a connection to the satellite constellation.


Custom DNS​

Starlink, apart from content filtering, also enables you to filter out specific IP addresses via its custom DNS feature.



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Simply click on the toggle and then manually enter the IP addresses that you would like your connection to be routed through.

When you want to use a custom DNS, you need to tell your device or router the IP address of the DNS server you want to use.

As for why you need an IP address to set up a custom DNS, it’s because DNS itself works based on IP addresses. The DNS server is essentially a directory that matches human-friendly website names (like www.example.com) to their corresponding IP addresses (like 93.184.216.34).

Doing so offers multiple benefits such as increased privacy (some ISPs track your web browsing through their DNS servers), enhanced security, better speed and performance, and the above-mentioned content filtering option.

As I’ve mentioned above, if you do not have a specific use case, then I’d stick to Cloudflare’s content filtering system as they’re the best in the business at doing so.


Enabling Bypass Mode​

Starlink’s Bypass (or Bridge) mode allows users to completely disable the built-in Starlink WiFi router functionality.

Bypass mode is primarily aimed at those who want to use their own router and not the one that comes in the hardware kit. If you use two routers (one external and the Starlink router), then you will have two WiFi frequencies in use.

The Starlink router does come with some limitations, such as a lack of Ethernet ports (to connect other devices), enabling port forwarding, or setting up a mesh system for extended internet coverage.

Third-party routers may also be able to provide you with greater bandwidth, meaning both download and upload speeds could potentially be higher.

Keep in mind that Bypass mode is only supported for those who own a Standard or High Performance rectangular dish. The original circular dishy does not offer Bridge mode.


Router Factory Reset​

Starlink, apart from rebooting, also allows you to completely reset your router to its factory settings. It detailed the process of both rebooting and factory resetting in a separate article.

Resetting your router may be necessary due to a variety of different factors. For example, it is required if you want to bypass the Starlink router or when deciding to sell your kit and cancel your service.

In most cases, especially if you simply want to clean cache and boost performance, a simple rebooting is sufficient. clean cache and boost performance, a simple rebooting is sufficient.
 
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