Starlink Portability Mode Explained

May 2023 Update:

Starlink has discontinued the Portability add-on for Standard (Residential) plans. Customers who already had it enabled will continue to have access to it, but other customers won't be able to turn on Portability.

People wanting to use Starlink as a portable internet solution should look at Starlink Mobile.

I'm leaving the original article below as a reference for those who still have Portability enabled.

Starlink launched the Portability add-on in May of 2022. Portability mode allows customers to use their Starlink Residential dish outside of the registered service address. Portability was a highly requested feature for people with RV’s or vacation homes. The ability to take your dish with you, and have internet anywhere, is a huge benefit with the Starlink internet service.

In this article, we explain exactly what Starlink Portability mode is. We will cover the features, limitations, availability, and cost. After reading this guide, you’ll know if the add-on feature for Starlink is right for you.

What Is The Portability Add-On?

Portability is an extra add-on for Starlink Residential customers. When Portability is turned on, your Residential service will double as the Roam (previously RV) service. That means you can take the dish and use it anywhere away from your home. It is meant for travelers, campers, or anyone who might need portable internet every once and a while.

How Much Does Starlink Portability Cost?

Portability costs an extra $25 per month, in addition to the normal Residential service price. When you enable Portability, you are charged on your next billing cycle. The extra fee cannot be pro-rated, meaning you can’t just pay for part of a month. The extra $25 per month will continue until you turn off Portability on your account.

See also: Starlink Prices – Up Front and Monthly Costs

Restrictions

Unfortunately, Portability is no longer an available add-on for US customers as of March 2023. US customers wishing to travel with Starlink will need to purchase the Starlink Roam plan.

For other markets, it is important to note that you can only use Portability within your own continent. For example, if I live in the Canada, I could travel to the US and Mexico with my dish, but not to Europe.

Finally, if you stay in a secondary location for longer than two months at a time, Starlink might require you to update your service address to the new country.

Performance

Performance is similar to Starlink Roam, with download speeds of 5-50 mbps. Upload speeds range from 2-10 mbps. Customers using Portability outside of their home service address will be deprioritized on the Starlink network. That means your speeds may be slower during heavy network congestion, especially in areas where Starlink capacity is limited.

If you use Portability in an area with a lot of Starlink users, you may see your speeds and performance drop significantly. It’s important to understand that Portability is a best effort service, and will not be as fast or reliable as the normal Residential service at your primary address.

How To Enable Portability Mode

Step 1: Log in to your account on Starlink.com. Portability cannot be enabled in the Starlink app

Step 2: Under the Your Starlinks section, click on Manage

Step 3: Click on Add Portability in the left hand menu

Step 4: A message pops up that explains the $25 monthly fee. Click Add Portability to finish the process

How To Turn Off Starlink Portability

Most people will only need to travel with Starlink for a short amount of time. For example, you may need internet service at your remote cabin in the summer. Follow the steps below to turn off Portability and end the $25 per month fee.

Step 1: Log in to your account on Starlink.com. Portability cannot be disabled in the Starlink app

Step 2: Under the Your Starlinks section, click on Manage

Step 3: Click on Remove Portability

Step 4: A message pops to confirm your decision. It also tells you how many more days you can use Portability. Click Remove Portability to finish the process

FAQ

Can I use Starlink anywhere?

Yes, as long as Starlink service is active at the location. You will need either the Portability feature on your account, or the Starlink Roam plan to use Starlink anywhere. You can find a coverage map that shows availability on the Starlink website.

How long does it take for Portability to take effect?

Portability can be used immediately after enabling it on your account.

What is the difference between Starlink Roam and Portability?

Portability is a feature add-on for regular Residential Starlink accounts. Starlink Roam is a different type of account, with a lower priority on the network. Both Portability and Starlink Roam customers can travel anywhere with Starlink service, within the home continent. The major difference is that the Starlink Roam plan can be paused/un-paused as needed. With Residential, you pay monthly until you cancel. Only the Portability add-on can be turned on and off.

See also: Everything You Need To Know About Starlink Global Roaming

Can I pause my Starlink service?

With the Residential service plan and Portability, you cannot pause your Starlink bill. If you are using Starlink seasonally, we recommend the Starlink Roam plan instead.

What if I have multiple Starlink locations?

Portability must be purchased and enabled for each dish/location.

Does Portability mode work internationally?

Yes. Customers can move within the same continent as the registered service address.

Does Portability work while in-motion?

No, you cannot use a Standard Residential Starlink dish on a moving vehicle. Since Residential plans only offer the Standard or High Performance hardware, you won’t be able to use Portability in-motion. The only hardware approved for in-motion use is the Flat High Performance dish, available on the Starlink Roam plan.