How to Activate Starlink Service Without Internet
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Did you know Starlink service can be activated without internet or cell coverage? I’ve been in this situation several times. I leave home for a camping trip, get to my remote destination, and realize I forgot to unpause my Starlink Roam service. Fortunately, Starlink thought about this situation, where customers might not have any other type of internet to activate their Starlink dish.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to activate Starlink without internet using their app. This tutorial applies to anyone needing to manage their subscription, whether you’re a brand new customer trying to sign up for the first time, or an RV camper trying to unpause a Roam subscription.
Why This Method Works
Starlink relies on smartphones, their app, and the internet to activate a dish and subscribe to a service plan. But how are you supposed to do that when you are in an area without cell service or other internet options?
This method works because Starlink allows brand new kits to access the full internet, directly through the Starlink router Wifi, for up to 60 minutes after first powering on. In other words, you’ll be able to download the Starlink app and activate your service directly through the dish, without needing cell service.
After 60 minutes your internet will be restricted to accessing the Starlink app and Starlink.com until you activate service. That means customers who keep their subscription paused can also use this method to reactivate/unpause their subscription without internet.
How to Activate Starlink Without Internet
To quickly activate a new Starlink kit using just the dish itself, follow these steps:
- Set up your Starlink kit
Set up and power on your dish. Make sure it has a clear view of the sky. Give it 15 minutes to boot up and connect to the satellites.
- Connect to Wifi
Connect to the Starlink Wifi network on your iOS or Android smartphone. For brand new kits the network will show up as “STARLINK”, and won’t require a password to connect.
- Download the Starlink app
Download the Starlink app. You will be able to access the app store and download it with your Starlink connection.
- Start the setup process
Open the Starlink app. Tap “Start setup” to begin the setup process.
- Select a Starlink kit
Select your Starlink kit, then tap “Confirm”.
- Find a clear view of the sky
Place your dish in an area with a clear view of the sky if you haven’t already done so. Tap “I have a clear view” when you are ready to continue.
- Confirm your dish is mounted
Tap “Mount is installed”. It doesn’t matter which type of mount you are using, the setup process is the same.
- Confirm your Starlink is plugged in
Your Starlink should already be plugged in and powered on, so tap “My Starlink is plugged in”.
- Confirm you are connected to Wifi
Tap “Open Settings” to double check that you are connected to the Starlink Wifi network. Go back to the Starlink app to continue. Starlink will go through the booting process, which can take several minutes.
- Activate Starlink service
Once you’re back on the main Starlink app dashboard, you will see the message, “Activate Starlink now”. Tap the “Activate Starlink” button. If you don’t see the message, open the web browser on your phone and visit https://www.Starlink.com/Activate
- Confirm your dish serial number
A web browser window will open to the Starlink activation page. The dish identifier should already be pre-filled. If not, type in the serial number or KIT# of your Starlink dish, which is printed on the bottom.
Tap “New Account” if you are a brand new customer. Tap “Existing Account” if you already have a Starlink account and want to add a new subscription to it.
If you choose an existing account, you’ll be directed to sign in. For new accounts, you’ll set up your login credentials later. - Enter your address
Enter your home address and tap “Search”. The service plans available in your area will display. Select a service plan, then tap “Continue to Checkout”.
- Place your order
Fill out the information on the order form, including contact and payment information. Tap “Place Order” to activate your subscription.
If you are a new customer, you’ll be asked to create a password for your Starlink account.
Time Required for Activation
Once you place your order, activation is complete. It might take up to 15 minutes for the Starlink Restricted status to go away. Use the app to watch the status of your connection.
In the meantime, I recommend signing in to your Starlink account in the app. To sign in, tap the profile icon in the upper right corner of the app. Signing in gives you access to more dish and router settings. The first time you sign in to the app, you’ll need to get a verification code by email or text message.
Tips for Pausing Roam
The method above also works for unpausing a Roam subscription. It’s actually even easier since you don’t have to go through the entire setup or checkout process if you have an existing subscription. All you need to do is set up the dish, connect to Wifi, and then manage your Roam subscription in the app.
Since the dish allows restricted access to your Starlink account, you’ll be able to open the app, tap the profile icon in the upper right, and then manage your subscription from within the app. There is a slider toggle to resume service.
I strongly recommend staying signed in to the Starlink app. I check it regularly, even if I am not using my Roam dish in the near future. Since Starlink requires 2-step verification for signing in, you don’t want to be outside of cell coverage when trying to log in to the Starlink app. Even though you can access Starlink account settings through the dish, you won’t be able to get emails or text messages for 2-step verification. By making sure you are signed in before heading out on a trip, you can avoid this issue.
Final Thoughts
Starlink thought of everything when it comes to using their services in remote areas, far away from cell coverage and other internet options. If you are trying to activate a new Starlink dish without internet, you’ll be able to do everything through the dish itself, without the need for other sources of internet. You’ll be able to download the Starlink app, subscribe to a service plan, and manage your account right through the Starlink dish.
The only limitation I would think is that you must already have a Starlink account setup in advance. Isn’t that correct ?
It would be best just to ensure you won’t have any issues creating the account, but it isn’t necessary. You can access all of Starlink.com from the dish, which would including activating and setting up a Starlink account.