How to Stow Starlink: Step-by-Step

Stowing Starlink has been a hot topic for a lot of folks, with not a lot of information circulated on the internet relating to the topic.

But for the ones that require this, it is a crucial inclusion in the list of things they need from a satellite internet connection like Starlink.

So with this article, I show you how to stow your Starlink safely.

The Starlink dish can be stowed by using the stow Starlink option available via the Starlink app on a connected phone whose Starlink account is registered to the dish. Facing the Starlink dish face down on a flat surface for a few minutes while connected to power will also invoke the stowing process.

As a last resort, it is possible to stow the dish manually by applying direct pressure to the mast.

Stowing Starlink Using the Starlink App

The most popular method of stowing your Starlink hardware is to simply use the Stow option that is available on your Starlink app.

Do note that you will need to connect to your Starlink via the Starlink app on your phone in order for this procedure.

To stow your Starlink hardware using the Starlink app, follow the steps given below:

• Open the Starlink app on your phone. Make sure that you have your Starlink registered to your Starlink account.

• From its homepage, tap on the settings icon.

• Navigate to the Stow Starlink tab and slide the toggle below to the right to begin the stowing process.

Stowing Starlink Without the Starlink App

Starlink also lets you stow your Starlink without having to go to the Starlink app to invoke the process.

This can be a godsend method for those who badly want to stow away your Starlink hardware but do not have the Starlink app or your phone handy.

In order to stow your Starlink without the Starlink app, follow the steps given below:

• Detach the Starlink dish from its mount. Keep the Starlink cable attached so that it still has enough power to stow the dish.

• Place the Starlink dish face down on a table, ground, or any flat surface. Just ensure that you are not causing damage to the dish when doing so.

• After a minute or two, your Starlink dish should detect that it has been unmounted and will automatically begin the stowing process.

• After it is done stowing, unplug the Starlink cable from the dish.

Stowing Broken Starlink Hardware

Stowing Starlink hardware is a fairly easy business, but if your Starlink hardware has suffered any damage it can be a pain to stow the dish.

Fortunately, there are methods that you can implement in order to force the Starlink dish to stow.

In order to stow a broken Starlink dish that does not want to stow by itself, follow the steps given below:

• Detach the Starlink dish from its mount. Also, make sure to power down the dish by removing the Starlink cable attached.
• Place the Starlink dish face down on a table, ground, or any flat surface. Just ensure that you are not causing damage to the dish when doing so.
• Slowly push the mast of the dish to the stow position.

Do note that you are working against the Starlink dish's intentions while forcefully stowing the hardware, so you might need to be extra careful while doing so.

While it might seem inconsequential to do so on broken hardware, it is always best to consider this as a last resort option if the above two methods don't work for you.

Why Stow Your Starlink Hardware?

Stowing your Starlink hardware has always been a very hot or confusing topic for plenty of users.

It basically allows your Starlink dish to go back to its default orientation, in the position that you received the dish in the box.

A stowed position is ideal for packing your Starlink dish as it consumes less space and makes the dish somewhat portable.

Stowing is not an everyday activity for most folks though, so the unfamiliarity might be the root cause of the confusion.

Stowing is ideal if you are using the portability plan to travel with your Starlink Residential plan, or if you are using the excellent Starlink Roam plans.

It is also a fantastic feature to rely on when you are initially setting up your Starlink connection and moving the dish constantly to find the sweet spot for the best connectivity with the satellites above.

Taking Care of Your Starlink Hardware After Stowing

The rectangular Starlink dish has an interesting design where you are not able to detach the mast from the face of the dish.

This means that even after stowing, it is still consuming quite a lot of space as compared to if you could remove the mast altogether.

So taking care of the hardware is still of prime importance.

If you are planning to not use your Starlink dish, or wish to transport it to a different location, it is best to place it in the box that it came with.

The hardware kit has the correct slots to place your Starlink hardware in the most ideal way possible while protecting the hardware in the process.

Also, take note of its hardware capabilities. Starlink, like any electronic device, has specific ranges at which it works optimally.

Here are a few key specifications of the Starlink rectangular dish that you need to be wary of when it comes to its durability:

The general height of the dish (unstowed position)	13.5 inches (34.3 cm)
Water and dust resistance	Rated IP54
Operating temperatures	-22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C )

A key factor to note is that there is not a lot of space saved when Starlink is in its stowed position. In fact, the mast does slightly stick out of the bottom.

Starlink is all to blame here for implementing such a design.

Also, just because it is stowed doesn't mean it can be exposed to a variety of unwarranted environmental conditions.

The operating conditions of the Starlink dish can give us a general idea of how it can behave under extreme temperatures.

The IP54 rating of the Starlink dish effectively means that dust can't seep into the internals of the hardware and is protected against water splashes in all directions.

But it does not stop corrosion that is caused by dust and prolonged exposure to water via high-pressure water jets or by submersion.

These are factors to keep in mind while transporting or selling off your Starlink hardware.

Final Thoughts

If you have further queries regarding stowing away your Starlink hardware, feel free to contact Starlink support.

I hope my article on how you can stow your Starlink safely has been a helpful read and has aided you with the same.

Have a good day!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which direction should Starlink dish face for the best connectivity?

The direction of the Starlink dish mostly depends on where it finds the best connection with the Starlink satellites above. But it should mostly be facing up.

Is the Starlink cable of the Starlink dish removable?

The Starlink cable is detachable from the mast of the Starlink dish.

Is it possible to remove the mast of the Starlink dish?

The rectangular Starlink dish (gen 2) does not have a removable design implemented for its mast.

You May Also Enjoy Reading

• Starlink Obstructed: How to Solve this Problem
• Can You Install a Starlink Router Outside?
• Will Starlink Work in Wooded Areas? [Solutions]
• Starlink Cable Lengths [Every Cable in ft. and m]
• Starlink Disadvantages: Read Before Buying!
• Starlink Dimensions-Dish, Mast, Cable [Everything]