Starlink outages are different from cable internet outages — they can be caused by weather, satellite positioning, dish obstructions, or SpaceX infrastructure. The key question: is this a Starlink network problem, a dish hardware issue, or just a temporary satellite handoff? Here's how to diagnose it fast.
How to Check if Starlink is Down
1. Starlink App (Best Method)
Open the Starlink app on your phone. Tap the WiFi icon to see your dish status. The app shows:
- Connected / Signal Good — dish is working, issue may be elsewhere
- Searching — dish is trying to connect to satellites
- Offline — dish is not communicating
- Obstructed — something is blocking the sky view
Check the Statistics screen for your uptime percentage and recent outages logged automatically.
2. Starlink Status Page
Visit status.starlink.com for SpaceX's official network status. This page is updated during significant incidents affecting large numbers of users.
3. Check Dish Obstruction Map
In the Starlink app: Settings → Obstruction Map. A clear sky view shows blue/green; blocked areas appear red/orange. If you have significant obstruction, reposition the dish — this is the most common cause of recurring Starlink outages.
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Check r/Starlink on Reddit and search for recent posts about outages. The community is active and geographically diverse — you'll quickly see if others in your region are affected. Also check DownDetector for Starlink and search "Starlink down" on X.
Why Does Starlink Go Down? Common Causes
- Dish Obstruction: Trees, buildings, or chimneys blocking the sky view cause the most common Starlink interruptions. Even small obstructions can cause frequent brief outages.
- Satellite Handoffs: Starlink switches your connection between satellites as they orbit. Handoffs cause brief 1-20 second interruptions that are normal but noticeable for real-time applications.
- Weather: Heavy rain (rain fade), snow accumulation on the dish, and severe electrical storms can disrupt the signal. The dish has a built-in heater for snow, but dense wet snow can still cause issues.
- Ground Station Issues: Starlink's ground stations connect the satellite network to the internet backbone. Ground station outages can affect service in wide regions.
- SpaceX Network Congestion: High-density areas and popular Starlink zones can experience congestion during peak hours, reducing speeds rather than causing full outages.
- Dish Firmware Updates: SpaceX periodically pushes dish firmware updates that cause a brief restart and disconnection.
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Step 1: Check the Dish Physically
- Look for snow accumulation (the heater handles light snow but not heavy accumulation)
- Check for new obstructions (tree growth, new construction nearby)
- Verify the dish cable is securely connected and undamaged
- Ensure the dish has power — indicator light on the router should be solid white
Step 2: Restart Your Starlink System
- Unplug the Starlink router from power
- Wait 30 seconds
- Plug back in and wait 3-5 minutes for full startup
- Or use the Starlink app: Settings → Reboot Starlink
Step 3: Run Diagnostics in the App
Starlink app → Support → Run Diagnostics. This checks dish connectivity, signal quality, and network configuration automatically and often identifies the specific issue.
Step 4: Check for Speed Deprioritization
Starlink Residential service is subject to deprioritization during network congestion. If speeds are very slow but you're connected, this is the likely cause during peak hours (5-11 PM local time). Starlink Business and Priority plans have higher thresholds before deprioritization.
What to Do During Extended Starlink Outages
Backup Connectivity:
- Mobile hotspot from your phone (useful for short outages)
- T-Mobile Home Internet as a secondary ISP (different infrastructure)
- Visit a library or coffee shop for extended outages
- If remote work depends on Starlink, consider a 4G/5G backup router with a dedicated data SIM
For Starlink Business / Priority Users:
- Contact Starlink Business support for priority assistance
- Document outage timestamps for potential SLA credits
- Starlink Business includes higher-priority network access and faster support response
Starlink Outage History & Reliability
Starlink's reliability has improved significantly since 2022. Current uptime averages:
- Residential: ~99% monthly uptime in clear-sky locations. Brief handoff interruptions are the primary source of downtime.
- Business/Priority: Higher SLA commitments with priority network access.
- Best performance: Rural areas with clear sky view. Urban dense areas see more congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starlink down in my area or is it my dish?
Open the Starlink app and check your dish status. If the app shows "Connected" but speeds are slow, it's likely network congestion. If it shows "Offline" or "Searching," check the Obstruction Map and verify your dish has power. If no local issues, check status.starlink.com for regional outages.
My Starlink is cutting out every few minutes — why?
Frequent brief outages (15-60 seconds) are usually caused by dish obstructions. Even small obstructions cause repeated interruptions as satellites pass through the blocked zone. Check the Starlink app Obstruction Map. Another cause: the dish mounting is loose or vibrating in wind, causing brief disconnects.
Does rain really affect Starlink?
Light rain has minimal impact on Starlink. Heavy rain (1"+ per hour) can cause brief signal drops due to "rain fade" — rainwater absorbing microwave frequencies. This is usually brief (seconds to minutes). Snow accumulation on the dish is a bigger concern, but the built-in heater handles most conditions.
How do I contact Starlink support?
Starlink support is primarily through the app: Settings → Support → Submit Support Ticket. There is no public phone number for Starlink Residential. Business customers have access to phone support. Response times for tickets are typically 24-72 hours.
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