Starlink No Signal Received: How to Fix [2023]

Starlink rarely drops speeds for me, but when it does the Starlink app gives me a 'No Signal Received' error under the outages tab.

So I thrust myself into this problem completely and came up with select troubleshooting steps that helped me in solving this issue.

To fix the 'No Signal Received' issue on Starlink, check for any obstructions that are hindering the communication channel between the Starlink dish and Starlink satellites. Check the weather conditions and recalibrate the dish alignment. If these don't work, power cycle the Starlink hardware multiple times.

Check for Obstructions to the Dish

Check for Obstructions to the Dish

Looking at how a typical satellite internet connection functions and relays the internet, it is safe to say that obstructions are their biggest enemy.

With a satellite acting as the mediator between your Starlink dish and base station, the wireless medium of communication can be susceptible to a variety of obstructions.

Check for obstructions on your end, surrounding the Starlink dish.

Make sure that the Starlink dish is facing the skies above, and there should be no form of a physical object between the dish antenna and the sky.

Even a transparent layer of roof cover or tall trees can act as an obstruction, deny access to the Starlink constellation in the sky, and relay the 'No signal received' message.

The best way to ensure such a blockage is to simply mount the dish as high as possible so that there is no chance for any grounded object to cover the antennas.

Starlink Dish Mounted using J Mount
Starlink Dish Mounted using J Mount

It is best to set up your Starlink dish in open areas without a lot of trees to act as obstructions.

If you have no choice but to mount the Starlink dish in an area covered with trees, just make sure it is mounted high enough that the trees don't cover the dish.

You can use any amount that you deem fit to set up the dish according to your mounting location, with J mounts being the most versatile.

Also, make sure to perform maintenance on the dish surface periodically.

Even though the dish is rated to survive severe environmental conditions, it is not susceptible to possible dust build-up around the antennas over time.

Check Weather Conditions

Check Weather Conditions

Weather conditions are one obstruction that we can't control, and it is unfortunately the most common obstruction.

Starlink is usually unaffected by light rains or snow, but you can expect drops in speeds and in some cases, network drops if there's heavy rain.

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot you can do in such situations, and it is best to wait out the downpour and try connecting to the internet later.

Recalibrate Starlink Dish Position

Your Starlink dish can auto aligns itself based on the location of a Starlink satellite constellation above it.

But sometimes, it just won't align properly due to obstructions or other external factors, leading to signal and speed drops.

This is where manual calibration of alignment comes into the picture.

Using the Starlink app on your compatible smartphone or tablet, you can ensure that the Starlink dish gets aligned in the best manner possible.

To calibrate your Starlink dish to align itself properly, follow the steps below:

  • Install the Starlink app on your smartphone or tablet, and log in with your Starlink account to get detailed settings and information on your Starlink hardware.
  • Tap on the Visibility option.
Starlink Online
  • Tap on Check for Obstructions.
  • Read the instructions given and tap on I'm Ready.
  • Follow the instructions given by the app and point the phone's camera to the sky to map the nearest Starlink satellites.
  • The app will then provide you with a detailed map with lighter and darker areas, with the lighter shades being the areas with the best signal.

Use the information from the map to point your Starlink dish to the area with the best signals to get the best connection speeds.

Check for Dish Hardware Issues

Check for Dish Hardware Issues

If your Starlink dish still doesn't catch on to signals, then it is possible that there is something hindering its functionality on the hardware side.

It's critical that your Starlink dish is placed correctly.

Check whether the indicator light on the Starlink dish is flashing white.

White flashing light indicates that the Starlink dish is searching for satellites above.

If so, then let it search for satellites above for about 30 minutes, at least till it reaches its soft limit for searching.

After such a case, it will change from flashing white to a solid red, indicating no satellites were found in your area.

In such a case, it is best to contact Starlink support and get your area checked.

Power Cycle the Starlink Hardware

Power Cycle the Starlink Hardware

Power cycling your Starlink equipment can help in solving a lot of temporary issues that can be caused due to an indifferent relaying of power.

Every electronic device can malfunction temporarily over time, and in most cases, this happens due to inadequate power relayed.

A power cycle is simply a reboot for the Starlink hardware that ensures that power is transferred to all its internal components in a balanced manner.

In order to power cycle your Starlink router, follow the steps below:

  • Unplug the Starlink router from its power.
Unplug your Starlink Router from the power socket.
  • Let the router sit idle powered off for about a minute.
Lack of Ethernet port on Square Dish

  • Plug the Starlink router back into its power.
Keeping the power socket switched on, plug in and unplug your Starlink router consecutively three times, leaving a gap of 3 seconds between each insertion.
  • Let the router sit idle powered on for about a minute.

This power cycles your Starlink router and the Starlink dish as well.

It is best to do this multiple times in order to ensure the best performance from your Starlink hardware, which typically initiates a factory reset, further cleaning any existing bugs.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

If the above steps fail to generate any meaningful result in your case, then it is best to contact Starlink support and seek professional help.

They might help you with a change in hardware, or check the status from their end to gauge the seriousness of the issue and proceed accordingly.

I hope my troubleshooting article on how to fix Starlink's 'no signal received' issue has been a good read and has aided you with the same.

Have a good day!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does Starlink take to latch on to a signal?

Starlink dish latches onto signals very fast but can take up to a full 12 hours after its initial installation to latch on to a signal with the most optimal speeds.

Does heavy rain affect Starlink?

Starlink dishes are resilient toward light to moderate showers, but heavy rains or snow can hinder their performance substantially, depending on the moisture content in the precipitation.

How often should I reboot my Starlink router?

You don't need to reboot your Starlink router unless you face issues during the setup or during the operation of Starlink. Power cycle the Starlink router three times in a row to reboot it.

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About Doug Stevenson

Hey! I'm Doug, My passion for tech started by fixing phones and computers for my friends and family.

I started Blinqblinq to give reliable tech advice to anyone who needs it, for free! If you have questions on anything tech-related, feel free to contact me.

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Doug Stevenson

Hey! I'm Doug, My passion for tech started by fixing phones and computers for my friends and family.

I started Blinqblinq to give reliable tech advice to anyone who needs it, for free! If you have questions on anything tech-related, feel free to contact me.

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