Understanding how to use the Starlink app opens up to an extensive range of features the internet company offers.
But to reap the best out of it, you must clearly understand its features and where to find each of its functionalities.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with all the information on using the app.
What Is the Starlink App?
It is an Android and Apple application that helps you access and navigate the Starlink features.
The app complements the Starlink hardware components, such as the Dishy and the router. It comes in handy in sending commands to these components.
Its primary functions include the following:
- The app is the fundamental guiding feature when setting up your dish. It helps scan the area and find the perfect spot to position your dish.
- It provides a platform to create a Starlink account from which you set your WiFi username and password.
- Also, you can shop for Starlink accessories, such as mounts and the ethernet adapter, through the app.
- It’s the platform via which you access your account details, such as the billing information.
Notably, you can also access the browser version of the app via dishy.starlink.com or http://192.168.100.1 addresses.
Nonetheless, although the PC version has the same features as the mobile app, the latter receives more updates.
Hence, you should use the mobile app over the web version.
Main Screen and Online Status
The main screen provides Starlink Internet Online Status.
The Starlink app’s main screen is vital in communicating whether you’re online.
It displays a 3D graphic of a Starlink router and dish when everything is well connected.
But suppose a disruption in this connection happens; the graphic will change to indicate it.
So, the fundamental purpose of the main screen is to display your online status at a glance.
Account Profile
An account profile icon.
Like all applications, the Starlink app allows you to create a user’s account. This feature is available on the main screen at the top right corner.
Click it when you want to see your account details and other features, such as the following:
- It provides your account subscription plan information.
- All the messages Starlink support sends you are available from the account profile. Hence, you should frequently check it for the latest notifications and updates.
- Also, from the account profile, you can review all your statements (past and current).
- Finally, if there are Starlink accessories you’d like to buy, this is the button from where you can access them.
Statistics
An internet uptime icon.
Now, let us explore the features available on the display menu. The first feature is the Statistics button, which lists all the account performance stats. It provides information such as the following:
- You can track the overall network consistency or how the network has been performing over time. Here, you can check the uptime and downtimes durations.
- Also, you can tell the network latency from this tab. This parameter indicates your internet’s lag time or the delay duration of data traveling via the internet.
- Finally, you can also find out the throughput information. Essentially, this is the data volume that uploads/downloads via your WiFi network.
The stat tab matters greatly, especially since it provides an extensive progress report. It gives a track of the outages and overall network history, showing if there are ongoing issues.
Network
A representation of devices connected to WiFi.
You can tell if unauthorized users connected to your Starlink WiFi contribute to low speed and high latency.
The data on all the devices on the WiFi is on the Network tab. So, if a user is always on your Wi-Fi after you once gave them your password, you can remove them.
Also, a hacker could have cracked your login credentials and been using the WiFi. You can track them from the network tab and block their access.
Obstructions
A house with tree obstructions above it.
The ideal Starlink Dishy setup is in an area where there are no impeding obstructions to the dish’s access to the sky.
It ensures there’s an easy connection to the overhead satellites.
Nonetheless, you can have obstructions crop up after the initial setup. For instance, say that you live in a woody area and the trees overgrow your house height over time.
Now, Starlink has a display graphic that shows how clear the view is for the dish.
For instance, if there are zero obstructions, there’s a vast blue cover above the dish. However, the graphic displays a red body above the dish despite obstacles.
Also present on this display is a compass that helps you understand the location of the obstructions. In addition, you can initiate the camera mode to scan the dish area via your mobile phone and show the satellites in the view.
Speed Test
An internet speed test.
How fast is your Starlink internet? The Starlink app has a feature that helps you to know when the internet is fast/slow.
The speed test shows the current download and upload speeds and network latency.
The speed test further guides you in knowing when it’s the ideal time to play Internet games, video conferences, and other Internet-intensive activities.
Also, Starlink allows you to know which of your devices is impeding a solid connection.
For instance, with the advanced speed test, you can find out the speed between the following:
- Router and the Dish
- Your Device and the Router
Settings
Gear Icons Representing Settings.
Next is a Settings button, which again opens up an extensive range of customizations of your WiFi. These include the following:
- Performing a hardware reset and setting up your WiFi username and password.
- Input content filtering measures to block access to harmful sites. This feature is handy in censoring content for children.
- Creating a custom DNS for your internet and rebooting the router.
- Inputting an aftermarket router via bypassing the original Starlink router and scheduling sleep times to conserve energy when you’re not using Starlink.
- Preheat your Starlink Dish and stow it when moving the dish.
The setting button is arguably the most important feature, primarily because of the array of functions and features it provides.
Customer Support
Customer Support Agents.
Is it true that there’s no customer support for Starlink and that the company leaves users on their own to sort out their issues?
It is a common misconception, but it’s far from the truth.
Starlink app has a thumbs-down feature that directs you to a support agent if you’re unsatisfied with a particular troubleshooting setup.
Say that, for instance, you’re trying to stow your dish from the app. At the end of the process, Starlink will send you a prompt asking if you’ve succeeded.
If not, click the thumbs-down button to open a support ticket request. It will send a request to the customer support team, who’ll respond via the app.
The reply comes as a message, so check for a notification on the account profile.
Advanced Settings
The last button at the bottom is the Advanced Settings feature. Here, you’ll find details such as:
- Software and router Version
- The device ID
- Your Starlink Account Number
Also, you’ll find two additional settings options in this section. You can Debug Data and even include another Starlink to your account via the Setup Another Starlink option.
Debug data includes all the details about your Starlink, such as GPS validity info, obstruction details, and router configuration.
Setting up another kit is only viable for customers who want to include another plan, such as Starlink RV, in their Residential package.
Conclusion
The Starlink app is a one-stop shop that distinguishes Starlink uniquely from other internet services.
For instance, Starlink is arguably the only popular satellite internet you can set up without involving a technician.
It is all possible because of its app, which has other great features we’ve covered above.
Download this app, check if your area is covered, and order your Starlink today.