HOWTO/GUIDE: Factory Reset Starlink

[StarlinkLeader]

Below is a comprehensive guide on how to factory reset different generations and models of Starlink user terminals (often called “Dishy” or “Starlink dish”) as well as their accompanying routers/power supplies. Because Starlink hardware has evolved over time, there are a few different reset methods depending on which version of the equipment you have. This article compiles known reset techniques for the most common Starlink kits currently available.

Updated: 16/02/2025

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Why Perform a Factory Reset?

A factory reset completely erases any custom configurations, network names (SSID), and passwords stored on your Starlink system. Common reasons to do a factory reset include:

1. Troubleshooting connection issues – If you’re experiencing persistent drops, throughput problems, or dish connectivity issues, a fresh start can sometimes correct underlying settings or firmware conflicts.
2. Changing ownership – If you’ve sold or transferred your Starlink kit, or you obtained a used system, restoring factory defaults ensures that no personal settings or credentials remain.
3. General performance optimization – After extended use or multiple firmware updates, some users perform periodic resets to maintain a fresh baseline.

Important Note: A factory reset will remove all stored configurations. You will need to set up your Starlink from scratch (using the Starlink mobile app or web interface) once the reset completes.

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Identifying Your Starlink Hardware

Before performing a factory reset, it helps to identify which version of Starlink hardware you have. Over time, SpaceX (the parent company of Starlink) has released multiple dish and router designs:

1. Gen 1 (Round Dish / Circular Dishy)

   • Round “Dishy” with a separate router that includes an integrated power supply (often referred to as the “Power Supply Unit”).
   • The router may have a small button labeled “Reset” or “Stow” on the side or bottom.

2. Gen 2 (Rectangular Dish / “Standard” Rectangular Dishy)

   • Rectangular dish with a combined router and power supply “puck” or rectangular router box.
   • The router typically has just a single proprietary cable port for the dish.
   • Newer models may not have any external button.

3. High-Performance Dish or Business Dish

   • A larger, heavier rectangular dish with a slightly different power supply and router design.
   • The core reset method (via the Starlink app or power cycling) is usually the same, although the hardware can look different.

4. Flat High-Performance In-Vehicle Dish (Less common)

   • Specialized hardware intended for in-motion or portable use cases.
   • In most cases, it also follows the same app-based or power-cycling reset instructions.

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General Reset Options

1. Software (App) Factory Reset

For nearly all Starlink hardware versions, the Starlink mobile app offers an option to reset or reboot the dish. If your system is functional enough to reach the dish’s internal settings, this is often the easiest and least error-prone method.

1. Open the Starlink App on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Connect to your Starlink Wi-Fi network. (If you’re already connected and using the Starlink system, you can skip this step.)
3. Tap on the Settings or Account menu (the exact label may vary by app version).
4. Look for “Advanced” or “Advanced Settings.”
5. Select “Factory Reset” or “Reset Starlink” (the name can vary slightly).
6. Confirm your choice. The Starlink app will warn you that this will erase all settings and require you to set up the dish again.
7. Wait for the dish and router to fully reset and reboot. This can take several minutes.

Pros: Straightforward, no physical access to the router or dish is required beyond your usual cable connections.

Cons: If you have partial connectivity or the Starlink app can’t connect to the dish properly, you might not be able to use this method.

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2. Physical Reset Button (Older Gen 1 Router)

If you have the original round dish with the Gen 1 router, there may be a physical button labeled “Reset,” “Stow,” or just a small pinhole near the base or side of the router/power supply unit.

1. Power on the Starlink system.
2. Locate the physical reset button. It could be under a small pinhole that requires a paperclip, or it might be a small round button on the router’s casing.
3. Press and hold this button for at least 10-15 seconds. In some documentation, SpaceX recommends up to 30 seconds to ensure a complete factory reset.
4. You may see indicator lights flash or change color (if your version has LED indicators). Release the button once you see a change or after 15-30 seconds.
5. Wait for the dish to fully reboot. This can take several minutes. The dish will typically reorient or “hunt” for satellites again.

Tip: Some older user guides reference a “Stow” function on the same button. If you short-press the button, it may stow the dish rather than reset it. Always do a long press if you intend to reset.

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3. Power-Cycling Method (Rectangular Dish or High-Performance Dish)

Many of the newer rectangular dish setups do not have a dedicated reset button. Instead, they rely on a power-cycling sequence to trigger a factory reset. This procedure involves removing and reconnecting power multiple times in a specific pattern. Starlink’s official documentation has varied over time, but the most commonly referenced procedure is as follows:

1. Power Off the Starlink System

   • Unplug the Starlink router’s power cable from the wall outlet or remove the inline power cable so that the dish loses power.

2. Wait 10 seconds, then Plug the Power Back In.

   • Let the dish power on for about 30-60 seconds (long enough to start booting up).

3. Repeat the Power Off/On Cycle 3-5 Times in Quick Succession.

   • The typical recommended approach is 3 consecutive power cycles, but some official references or user experiences suggest up to 5 cycles might be more reliable for forcing a reset.
   • Aim for about 30 seconds of “on” time each cycle before unplugging it again. This ensures the dish registers each reboot attempt.

4. Observe Dish Behavior.

   • After the final reconnection, the dish should enter a factory reset sequence.
   • You may notice the dish reorient to default position, the router will revert to its default network name (e.g., “STINKY” or “STARLINK”), and any customized Wi-Fi settings will be lost.

5. Wait for Full Reboot.

   • The entire process can take several minutes. The dish will search for satellites and the router will broadcast the default SSID for setup.

Important: This method can be somewhat finicky. If it does not work on the first try, unplug the system for a full minute, then try the consecutive power-cycle steps again. The key is the consecutive, relatively quick power cycles that signal a reset to the internal firmware.

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4. Reset via “Debug” or Web Interface (Less Common)

Some advanced users or beta testers have reported being able to access local debug pages on the Starlink router by navigating to certain local IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.100.1 or a similar range) using a connected computer. However, this approach is not officially supported, and Starlink has locked down many of these debug endpoints in newer firmware updates. Still, if you have an older firmware version:

1. Connect to the Starlink Router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
2. Open a web browser and go to http://192.168.100.1/, http://dishy.starlink.com/, or http://starlinkrouter.local/.
3. Look for a Settings or Debug page.
4. If there’s an option for “Factory Reset”, select it and confirm.

Note: Many newer Starlink routers no longer expose these settings pages for average users. The Starlink mobile app is the primary, supported interface.

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After the Reset: Setting Up Your Starlink Again

After a successful factory reset, all Starlink routers and dishes revert to their default states. Here’s how to get it back online:

1. Confirm that power is connected and that the dish is physically able to see the sky.
2. On your phone or device, look for the default Starlink Wi-Fi network. It might appear as something like:
   • STINKY + some numbers/letters (older firmware)
   • STARLINK + random characters (newer firmware)
3. Connect to that default SSID.
4. Open the Starlink App. If the app does not automatically detect your new setup, tap “Start Setup” or “Set up Starlink.”
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to:
   • Give your network a new name (SSID).
   • Create a secure Wi-Fi password.
   • Wait for the dish to confirm satellite connectivity and finalize the setup.

Once the setup completes, your Starlink system should be fully restored and back to a normal online state, minus any previous custom configurations (port forwarding, firewall rules, etc. if they existed).

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Additional Tips & Best Practices

1. Perform resets indoors if possible (or ensure you have a stable power environment). You might not want to be repeatedly unplugging cables outside, especially in inclement weather.
2. Inspect cables and connectors. If you are already troubleshooting, use the opportunity to confirm that your Starlink cable is not damaged, that connectors are fully seated, and that there is no debris or moisture.
3. Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) if your power is unstable. Frequent brownouts or voltage drops might be perceived by the dish as repeated resets, which can lead to confusion or partial resets.
4. Patience is key during reboots. Starlink can take a few minutes (or more) to orient, run initial firmware checks, and find satellites, especially after a fresh factory reset.
5. Keep the Starlink App updated. Features and reset methods can change as SpaceX refines the product. Always check for the latest version of the Starlink mobile app on iOS or Android.

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Troubleshooting Reset Failures

• The power-cycling sequence didn’t work.

  • Double-check that you’re timing the cycles correctly. Give the dish about 30 seconds of power each time before unplugging again.
  • Try increasing the number of cycles from 3 to 5 if necessary.
  • Let the system remain powered off for 1-2 minutes, then try again.

• The dish reorients but doesn’t broadcast Wi-Fi afterward.

  • Check that your Starlink cable is secure and not damaged.
  • Make sure you’re checking your phone or device for new Wi-Fi networks. The default SSID might not appear as “Starlink,” but as a new name that you haven’t seen before.

• Physical button reset not responding (Gen 1).

  • Ensure you’re holding the button long enough (15-30 seconds).
  • Some older user guides mention different timing thresholds. Trying multiple durations (10 seconds, 15 seconds, 30 seconds) may help.

• No lights or indication that anything is happening.

  • Older Starlink routers had small LEDs, but many newer ones have no external lights. Rely on the presence of a Wi-Fi signal or the movement of the dish.
  • If the dish never moves or reboots, verify your power source and wall outlet.

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Conclusion

Resetting a Starlink terminal to factory settings can often resolve issues and clear away old configurations that might be causing performance or connectivity problems. The exact procedure depends on your Starlink kit’s hardware revision:

• Gen 1 (Round Dish): Use the physical reset button or the app-based reset.
• Gen 2 (Rectangular Dish) & High-Performance Models: Typically reset via the Starlink app or using the power-cycle sequence (3-5 consecutive power cycles).
• All Models: If possible, the easiest method is usually through the Starlink mobile app.

Once reset, you’ll reconfigure the system with a fresh Wi-Fi name and password. Always keep the Starlink app updated and consult official Starlink documentation (or contact SpaceX/Starlink Support) for the most accurate and recent instructions, as firmware and hardware changes can alter specific reset procedures over time.

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References & Official Resources

• Starlink Official Support: Starlink Customer Portal
• Starlink App: Available on iOS App Store and Google Play Store
• Community Forums: Reddit’s /r/Starlink, Starlink User Groups on Facebook, etc. (unofficial but helpful user experiences)

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Disclaimer: The information provided here reflects publicly shared user experiences and official guidance at the time of writing. SpaceX may update Starlink hardware and software, rendering some steps obsolete or slightly different. Always confirm with the latest Starlink documentation or support channels for your specific hardware revision.

[StarlinkLeader]

Update:

 

How do I factory reset my starlink router and dish?

If you encounter any issues during the setup or use of your router, you can factory reset it. The router will take a few minutes to reboot, and will require you to reconnect and set a new Network ID and Password. Network name will appear as "STINKY" or "STARLINK" in device WiFi settings.

Standard (Circular): Gently push the button on the bottom of the router until the light turns blue and release.

Standard (Rectangular) & High Performance: Power cycle Starlink (unplug the router from power and then plug back in) 3 times in a row. The router will take a few minutes to reboot, and will interrupt your service until you set up again. You can expect the light on the bottom of the router to be illuminated when complete. There are no lights on the front of the router.

Starlink Mesh router:

1. Power cycle the mesh (unplug from power and then plug back in) 3 times in a row.
2. When repairing the node, make sure you connect to your primary Starlink router's network. Do not connect to your mesh node's new "STINKY" or "STARLINK" network that appears after plugging it in.
3. Open the Starlink App. After 1-2 minutes, the Starlink App will prompt you with a "PAIR MESH NODE" notification.

Note: A WiFi network name is also called an SSID. A Wifi password can be referred to as a network security key, WPA key or WAP/SPA2 passphrase.

[Karen Browne]

Ok, done this like 10 times, um, how do you like actually reset it to factory.  I unplugged it and plugged it back 3 tine like 10 times, slow, long, quick,  1 min, like wtf

[RicochetStarlink]

@KarenBrowne,

@StarlinkLeader has posted above the Factory Reset process -- "Power cycle teh mesh... 3 times in a row."

From your brief post, it sounds like you have followed this procedure.

Would you, please, start a new thread and describe the issue(s) that you are experiencing in more detail?

[Skyview]

Just  plug and unplug like 6 times it will work .. had the same problem didn't work with 3 times but worked with 6 times in a row .. 

Good luck 

[RicochetStarlink]

Also, be sure that each time you plug the modem in that the plug is ALL THE WAY in and the modem light comes on before you unplug it again. Don't leave it for more than a second or two, though.

[Mike Gilchrist]

Does the Starlink dish have to be up and running?  I made the mistake of trying to reboot the router without the dish set up.  Once the router had started to reboot,  I couldn't initiate the dish.  And without the dish, I couldn't get the router to finish its reboot.

[RicochetStarlink]

@Mike Gilchrist,

Rebooting the router should not require access to the dish as it does not involve downloading anything -- at least not initially. If Dishy is plugged into the router, then resetting the router will also reset the antenna.

[JimboJones]

This is a dreadful way to perform a hard reset. What’s wrong with a button? Why are there no status lights on the router? I’ve had to buy decent networking equipment since the Starlink offerings are so restrictive and in the event I have to reset the network, I’ve also got to pull Starlink out of bypass mode by performing a factory reset?! Did you guys take a look at any contemporary offerings before deciding on this incomprehensible arrangement?

[Beegle]

@JimboJones Gen3 now has a button

 

(the Gen2 seems cringe, I feel lucky skipping that phase)

[RicochetStarlink]

On 4/19/2024 at 8:08 PM, JimboJones said:

This is a dreadful way to perform a hard reset. What’s wrong with a button? Why are there no status lights on the router? I’ve had to buy decent networking equipment since the Starlink offerings are so restrictive and in the event I have to reset the network, I’ve also got to pull Starlink out of bypass mode by performing a factory reset?! Did you guys take a look at any contemporary offerings before deciding on this incomprehensible arrangement?

@JimboJones, no one here works for Starlink we all are (or were) customers. We feel your pain, but we didn't cause it. 😉 

[StarlinkLeader]

Updated guide.