The Starlink ‘stow’ feature allows you to move the dish back to its default orientation. You might need to stow the dish to send it back to Starlink, for troubleshooting, or to move it to a different installation location. In any case, you will probably encounter a situation where the feature comes in handy at some point.
There are three methods that you can use to stow a Starlink dish. You can do it using the app, but there are also a couple of manual methods that require a more hands-on approach. You can even stow the dish if it is broken or unresponsive. In this tutorial, I will walk you through each method, from easiest to hardest.
Stowing Starlink with the app
The best way to stow a Starlink dish is to use the Starlink app. This method works if your Starlink is functional and you can connect to it, either locally or remotely.
Step 1 – Open the Starlink app on your device
Step 2 – Tap Settings
Step 3 – Scroll down to the Stow Starlink section
Step 4 – Tap Stow, then OK to confirm
Note: If you are remotely connected to your Starlink system, you will get another confirmation question. You will not be able to un-stow and restore internet service if you stow the dish through a remote connection! Tap OK if you wish to proceed anyway.
Your Starlink service will be interrupted while the dish is stowed. The router and Wifi network will remain on, but you won’t be able to access the internet. To un-stow the dish and restore service, follow the same steps. You will see an option to Unstow in the Settings, instead of Stow. If you are remotely connected with the app, you won’t see the un-stow option, as you need to be locally connected to Starlink in order to restore service.
Stowing without the app
If you don’t have access to the Starlink app but you can access the dish, try this method of stowing:
Step 1 – With the dish plugged in and turned on, remove it from the mounting base
Step 2 – Place the Starlink dish face down on a flat surface
Step 3 – After about a minute, the dish will automatically tilt into the stow position
Step 4 – Immediately unplug the dish (Starlink cable or router power cable) so that it remains stowed
To restore service to a dish stowed with this method, install it back in the mount and apply power. The dish will automatically start to search for satellites and orient itself after several minutes.
Manually stowing a broken Starlink dish
If the previous two options don’t work because your dish is broken, you can still stow it manually. If you are sending the dish back to Starlink for repair or replacement, you are allowed to force it into the stowed position for shipping.
Step 1 – Remove the dish from the mount, unplug the Starlink cable
Step 2 – Place the dish face down on a flat surface
Step 3 – Slowly apply force to the mast part of the dish, pushing it down into the stow position
You may hear some clicking or grinding. It’s just the electric motor and gears being forced to turn. As long as you move slowly, and don’t attempt to push the mast too far, you won’t break anything.