Slow internet on the water is more than an inconvenience — whether you're streaming charts, making a Mayday call via satellite, or staying connected offshore, your Starlink connection matters. If your Starlink router is underperforming aboard your vessel, here's how to diagnose and fix it with a power cycle or factory reset before calling support.
Identifying When a Reset is Needed
If you're noticing that speeds are slower than usual or your connection is unstable, power cycling your router can often fix the problem. Power cycling basically clears the memory of your router and can solve temporary glitches that are causing slow speeds, high latency, packet loss and connection drops.
If power cycling doesn't fix your problem or if you are having to power cycle your router multiple times a day, then a factory reset might help.
Step-by-Step Guide to Power Cycling a Starlink Router
- Step 1: Unplug the router from power
- Step 2: Wait at least 15 seconds
- Step 3: Plug the router back in
- Step 4: Wait for connection to resume and try loading a page
If speeds are still slow or if you are having to power cycle the router more often than usual, then factory resetting your router might help.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your Starlink Router
You can factory reset your router either through the Starlink app or manually. How you do a manual factory reset will depend on which generation router you have.
Keep in mind that factory resetting your router will remove all of your router settings and you will have to do the first time setup in the app again to configure your network name and password.
Factory Resetting Your Router in the App
- Step 1: Make sure your router is online
- Step 2: Sign in to your account in the Starlink app
- Step 3: Go to "Settings"
- Step 4: Select "Factory Reset"
- Step 5: Slide the slider to factory reset the router
Factory Resetting Your Router Manually
Gen 1 and 3 Routers
- Step 1: Locate the reset button. It will be on the back for gen 3 routers or on the bottom for gen 1 routers
- Step 2: Use a paperclip or small pin to press the reset button and hold it for 10 seconds
- Step 3: Wait for the router to reboot
- Step 4: Set up your network again using the Starlink app
- Step 5: Connect your devices and try loading a page to check the connection
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Gen 2 Routers
- Step 1: Unplug and plug the router back in 6 times, waiting 2-5 seconds before you plug the router back in each time
- Step 2: Wait for the router to reboot
- Step 3: Set up your network again using the Starlink app
- Step 4: Connect your devices and try loading a page to check the connection
Soft Reset vs. Hard Reset: What's the Difference?
Soft resets are an easy way to try to fix minor issues like slow speeds, high latency, packet loss or connection instability. Soft resets are a great first step when you start running into problems because they're easy to do and won't reset any of the network settings on your router.
Hard resets, like a factory reset, can fix larger issues but you should always try soft resetting first so you don't have to reset your whole network for no reason. If you are having to power cycle your router more often than usual or if power cycling is no longer fixing your connection, then trying a hard reset is a good option.
When Should You Factory Reset?
You forgot your Wi-Fi password
Factory resetting your Starlink will allow you to go through the initial setup again and make a new network name and password. Make sure to write them down somewhere that's easy to find so you don't forget again.
You're transferring your Starlink kit to someone else
Factory resetting your Starlink router will remove all of your personal data and settings and make it easier for the new owner to do their first time setup.
Reconnecting Your Devices After a Reset
If you make the network name and password the exact same as it was previously set to then most of your devices should be able to reconnect automatically. If you factory reset your router because you forgot the password to the network and set a new one, then you will need to reconnect all of your devices to the network as usual with the new password.
Always make sure to write down your network name and password in an easy to find place. Writing it down on a piece of paper and taping it to the router is an easy way to know you'll be able to find it when you need it.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If the Reset Doesn't Work
If you're still having connection issues after resetting there are a few other things you can try:
- Double check the power source and make sure the connection is secure.
- Move the router to a different location to see if something is interfering with the signal.
- Check the Starlink app's obstruction map to confirm your dish has a clear view of the sky — on boats, masts, booms, and radar arches are common sources of signal blockage.
- Use the Starlink app to run a diagnostic check on your router.
If none of these work then it's time to open a ticket with Starlink customer service which you can do on the Starlink Help Center page.
Shop Starlink at West Marine
Whether you're setting up Starlink for the first time or replacing existing equipment, West Marine carries a full range of Starlink kits and accessories for boaters:
- Starlink Standard Kit — reliable connectivity for most recreational vessels
- Starlink Mini Kit — compact option for smaller boats and day trips
- Starlink Performance Kit with Wedge Mount — high-performance connectivity for offshore and extended passages
- Starlink Gen 3 High Performance Router — replacement router for Gen 3 systems
- Seaview Starlink Flat High Performance Wedge Base — secure mounting solution for your Starlink dish
- Browse all marine satellite antennas and equipment
FAQs: Common Questions About Resetting Your Starlink Router
Will resetting my router delete my settings?
Yes, your settings will be deleted if you do a factory reset. If you soft reset the router by power cycling it though, then all of your settings should be retained.
How often should I reset my Starlink router?
You should only reset your router if you are noticing slower speeds than usual or connection drops. Always try doing a soft reset first so you don't wipe your network settings unnecessarily.
Can I reset my router remotely using the Starlink app?
Yes. Open the Starlink app, sign in, go to Settings, select Factory Reset, and slide the slider to confirm. Your router must be online to use this method. See the full steps above.
What should I do if my router doesn't reboot after pressing the reset button?
Double check that the power cable didn't come loose. If everything looks plugged in correctly and your router won't boot, you should open a ticket with Starlink customer support.
Conclusion: Staying Connected with Starlink
When connection problems arise, a quick reset should always be your first move. It's easy to do and it will save you the headache of contacting customer service only for them to tell you to try the same thing before they move on to more complicated solutions. If your router or dish hardware is the issue, shop Starlink equipment and mounting solutions at West Marine — we carry everything you need to get back online on the water. Plus, if you know how to do it yourself, you can spend more time boating, and less time holding for the next representative.
