About Starlink Stuck on Searching, In my opinion, Starlink has been my best satellite internet service since I moved to the countryside.
However, my network has been experiencing some issues recently, and when I check the app, it shows that it is searching.
Being distributed by the length of the search duration, I browsed online to try and find solutions.
After many hours of research, I have finally found out why Starlink stuck on searching and how I can solve it.
Reasons Why Starlink Stuck on Searching
When you reboot your Starlink setup or install it for the first time, the Starlink app usually indicates the searching mode.
In this case, the dish is trying to establish a satellite connection to enable your access to the internet.
However, if it does not establish the satellite connection, your router blinks white, and the app gets stuck on the search status.
Below, I will help you understand the possible causes so that you can know how to troubleshoot quickly:
Obstructions
As you may already know from the Starlink user manual, the dish requires at least a 100-degree clear sky view.
This view helps it to communicate with the Stalink satellites in space.
Therefore, any obstructions such as trees, buildings, roofs, and poles may obstruct this communication, hence the stuck in searching mode.
Wrong Service Address
Each Starlink customer can only access the internet based on the service address they registered during the application.
Therefore, if you move to a new location without notifying Starlink customer service, you cannot access the internet.
This issue also extends to those who fail to register second-hand Starlink kits comprehensively.
Expired Subscription
Starlink requires you to pay your monthly bills before they expire. Failure to pay means you do not have the authority to access the network, so it will keep searching.
The problem also affects those who have exhausted their monthly data plan before the billing cycle date.
Outdated Firmware
Starlink technicians update their firmware regularly and automatically on your setup to boost security and eliminate bugs.
Unfortunately, some may not receive the updates in time. On other occasions, you can receive the updates, but somehow, they do not complete their installation, maybe due to network or power issues.
If you are a victim of these circumstances, your dish may be stuck in searching mode.
Damaged hardware
Apart from showing offline, damaged hardware can also bring the stuck-on searching issue.
Examples of damaged hardware include broken connectors, twisted and bent cables, and malfunctioning routers and antennae.
Additionally, a loose connection can also be the cause of the issue.
Damaged ethernet cable
How to Fix When Starlink Stuck on Searching
Now that we know the causes of Starlink stuck on searching, let’s discuss possible solutions:
Eliminate dish obstructions
As we said earlier, obstructions to the antenna’s field of view can be the main culprit in the stuck-on-searching issue.
For this reason, you must ensure no walls or trees blocking your dish signal reception.
To do this, you must check the areas where you install your dish to ensure a clear sky view.
The good news is Starlink has an app that you can use to find the optimum installation locations. Below is how to use the app:
- First, take your phone and go to the place you intend to install the dish
- Then open your Starlink app and log in as usual
- Select obstructions, and tap on check for obstructions at the bottom of the page.
- Now, hold your smartphone on the top where you want to install the dish and scan
- You can then view the status of your scan to determine if the location is suitable for dish installation.
- Scan as many places as possible until you find the best field of view.
If you live in vegetative regions, I recommend mounting your dish on the roof or at a higher point.
Doing so will not only boost signal reception, but it will also enhance your dish security.
Obstructed Starlink dish
Correct the service address
To encourage fair usage, Starlink awards priority data depending on where you live and where you registered.
Therefore, if your current dish address differs from the registered one, you will encounter problems.
If this is the case, you must return to your registered address. Alternatively, you can change your address using the process below:
- Open the Starlink website using your laptop browser and log into your account. You may also use the app.
- Visit the profile settings and select my profile
- Now select the location settings, and click on the pencil icon there
- Doing so allows you to edit your service address
- Once done, proceed to submit, and you are done
Note that the service address change depends on the available capacity in your new location.
Check and pay your Starlink bills.
We also said that unauthorized access can result in your stuck-on-searching predicament.
As such, you must clear your subscription bills to access the Starlink service again.
Before ruling this as the problem, ensure you check your billing and statement information using the process below:
- Launch the Starlink app on your smartphone
- Select the profile icon on the top right
- Doing so takes you to your account settings
- Once here, you can click the statement option to show your recent bills
Inspect the Starlink Hardware
Another problem would be a malfunctioning dish, cable, or router. Therefore, you must check every item in your setup to ensure it looks good and functional.
If there are any signs of irreparable destruction on the hardware, you can opt to replace them.
While here, also remember to check if you connected the cables properly.
I recommend disconnecting them and reconnecting again until you hear a click.
Clear any dirt, ice, or twigs from the dish service to enhance reception.
Inspecting ethernet cables
Power cycle the Starlink setup
In case the problem is with outdated firmware or any other software issue, a power cycle can rectify it.
The technique is popular for clearing electronic device bugs, errors, static charges, and false reboots. You can power cycle your setup using the process below:
- Disconnect the router from the socket and put it aside for some minutes. Remember, disconnecting the router from power also disconnects the dish since it gets its power from the PoE ethernet cable.
- Now reconnect the router and power it on
- Wait for a reboot to complete and see if the problem goes
Note that doing the power cycle three times in a row with about 5 seconds between returns your Starlink to factory settings. While this erases every personal data and configuration, it can also solve the problem you experience.
Disconnecting router
Conclusion
Now you know why your Starlink is stuck on searching and how you can solve the issue.
If you use the solutions above and the problem persists, contact customer care via the app or website.