Is Starlink Down? Service Outages & Troubleshooting

Is Starlink Down? Service Outages & Troubleshooting

You’re in the middle of the latest episode of Wednesday on Netflix, when suddenly, your Starlink internet has vanished into thin air. Your first instinct? Frantically googling “Is Starlink down?" while praying to the satellite gods that it’s not just you.

If you’re reading this article, you’re experiencing connectivity issues right now (right?). We’re about to dive deep into everything you need to know about Starlink outages, from understanding when it’s actually a network-wide problem to fixing issues on your end.

We’re going to be honest with you here, though—true Starlink outages are surprisingly rare; however, connection problems with individual dishes occur frequently. The good news? Most issues can be resolved quickly with the right troubleshooting steps.

What Is a Starlink Outage?

A Starlink outage refers to a widespread service disruption affecting multiple users across regions or even globally. These differ significantly from individual connection problems that affect just your household.

Starlink operates through a massive constellation of over 6,000 low Earth orbit satellites that constantly move across the sky. When everything works perfectly, your dish communicates with these satellites to send the internet down to your location. When something goes wrong in this complex connection, it can create ripple effects.

Starlink outages typically stem from software failures in the core network infrastructure, not problems with the satellites themselves. The most recent major example occurred on July 24, 2025, when a software failure knocked millions of users offline for approximately 2.5 hours.

The July 2025 incident

How Often Do Starlink Outages Actually Happen?

Based on historical data, major service disruptions affecting multiple regions occur only a few times per year. The July 2025 incident marked the most significant outage since May 2024, when a similar but shorter disruption affected users globally.

Most Starlink “outages" that users experience are actually individual connection issues. These local disruptions can result from weather interference during heavy storms, physical obstructions like growing tree branches, equipment problems including loose cables, or network congestion during peak usage times.

If it’s a true Starlink outage, you’ll see thousands of reports on social media and outage tracking websites.

Is Starlink Down? How to Check

When your internet connection cuts out, your first step should be to determine whether you’re dealing with a widespread outage or a local issue. Here’s your action plan:

1. Start with the official Starlink app on your phone. This is your most reliable source for service status information. The app will display the current connectivity status and any known service disruptions in your area. If you see a “Network Outage" message with estimated restoration times, you’re likely dealing with a genuine Starlink issue.
2. Check real-time outage tracking websites like DownDetector, which crowdsources user reports to identify service disruptions. During the July 2025 outage, DownDetector recorded over 61,000 user reports within hours. If you see thousands of recent reports clustering around your timeframe, it’s probably not just you.
3. Browse social media platforms where Starlink users actively discuss service issues. Reddit’s r/Starlink community often provides real-time updates and troubleshooting advice. X and Facebook groups also light up during major outages, giving you instant confirmation of widespread problems.

If these sources show minimal activity or reports, the problem likely lies with your individual setup rather than the broader network.

Common Starlink Connection Problems

The “Searching" or “Booting" Loop

This frustrating cycle occurs when your dish can’t establish a stable connection with satellites. Your Starlink app may display a “Searching" or “Booting" status for extended periods. While this can happen during network outages, it’s more often caused by obstructions, misalignment, or power issues.

Start with a simple system reboot. Unplug your Starlink router from power, wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Allow 10-15 minutes for the system to fully restart and attempt reconnection. Many temporary glitches resolve themselves during this process.

Slow Speeds Despite Connection

Sometimes your Starlink shows as connected but delivers frustratingly slow speeds. This often indicates network congestion during peak usage hours or minor alignment issues affecting signal quality.

Try running speed tests at different times of day to identify congestion patterns. If speeds consistently lag during evening hours, you’re likely experiencing network capacity limitations in your area rather than equipment problems.

Use the Starlink App’s Diagnostic Tools

Your Starlink app includes several diagnostic features that pinpoint specific problems. The obstruction detection tool uses your phone camera to identify potential issues. Run this scan periodically, especially after storms or seasonal changes that might introduce new obstacles.

The app also displays signal strength and performance statistics. Low signal strength readings often indicate alignment problems or partial obstructions that aren’t immediately obvious.

Check for Obstructions

Starlink requires an unobstructed view of approximately 110 degrees of sky. Even small obstacles can significantly impact performance. Common obstructions include tree branches, building edges, power lines, and other structures.

Use the app’s obstruction mapping feature to identify problematic areas. If you discover obstructions, consider relocating your dish to a higher position or trimming vegetation blocking the signal path.

Starlink Dish Alignment and Positioning

Proper dish alignment plays a crucial role in maintaining reliable connectivity. Unlike traditional satellite dishes that point toward specific geostationary satellites, Starlink dishes must orient toward the portion of sky with the highest satellite traffic for your location.

Understanding Alignment Requirements

The Gen 3 Standard dish, Starlink Enterprise Kit, and Starlink Mini require manual alignment using the app’s alignment tool. The system needs your dish pointed within 5 degrees of the optimal direction to maintain peak performance. Misalignment beyond this threshold triggers “Starlink Misaligned" alerts in your app.

For most users in the northern hemisphere, the optimal direction points generally northward, though exact bearings vary by location. Coastal areas often point toward the ocean to utilize less congested satellite paths.

Using the Alignment Tool

Access the alignment tool through your Starlink app by tapping “Alignment" in the main menu. The tool displays your dish’s current orientation and the target direction in real-time. Rotate your dish gradually until the position indicator aligns with the target box shown on the screen.

The app provides immediate feedback as you adjust positioning, making alignment relatively straightforward. Take your time during this process and make small adjustments rather than dramatic movements.

Backup Options for Reliable Connectivity

While Starlink provides excellent coverage for rural and remote areas, having backup connectivity options ensures you’re never completely disconnected during outages or equipment failures.

Traditional Satellite Internet

Established providers like HughesNet and Viasat offer geostationary satellite internet with broader coverage areas and lower equipment costs. While these services typically deliver slower speeds and higher latency than Starlink, they provide reliable backup connectivity options.

5G Home Internet

T-Mobile and Verizon’s 5G home internet services provide excellent alternatives in areas with strong cellular coverage. These services often deliver faster speeds than Starlink at lower monthly costs, without requiring equipment purchases.

Fixed Wireless Internet

Local wireless internet service providers offer point-to-point radio connections in many rural areas. These services typically provide consistent speeds and lower latency than satellite options, though coverage remains limited to line-of-sight from transmission towers.

Fixed wireless often delivers 25-100 Mbps speeds with latency under 50ms, making it excellent for gaming and video conferencing applications where Starlink’s higher latency becomes problematic.

When to Contact Starlink Support

Sometimes, troubleshooting steps don’t resolve connectivity problems, indicating potential hardware failures or account issues requiring professional assistance.

Hardware Failure Indicators

Persistent connectivity problems despite following all troubleshooting steps might indicate equipment failure. If your dish fails to establish any satellite connection after proper alignment and obstruction clearing, hardware replacement might be necessary.

Strange noises from the dish motor, visible physical damage, or error messages suggesting hardware malfunctions warrant support contact. Take photos of any visible damage and note specific error messages to expedite the support process.

Account and Billing Issues

Connectivity problems sometimes stem from account status rather than technical issues. Suspended service due to payment problems, plan changes, or subscription lapses can appear identical to equipment failures from the user’s perspective.

Verify your account status through the Starlink app before assuming hardware problems. Ensure your payment method remains valid and your service plan covers your current usage location and type.

Find Better Internet Providers in My Area Now!

Ready to explore internet alternatives or compare providers in your location? Don’t let connectivity problems keep you offline. Enter your zip code below to discover all available internet service providers in your area, including fiber, cable, DSL, 5G home internet, and satellite options.

Our comprehensive provider database helps you compare speeds, pricing, and availability from local and national internet service providers. Whether you’re looking for a Starlink alternative or simply want backup connectivity options, we’ll show you every available choice in your specific location.

Sources

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[5] broadbandbreakfast.com. “Starlink Software Failure Causes Global Outage."

[6] euronews.com. “Elon Musk’s Starlink network hit with global internet outage. Everything we know so far."

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[8] engadget.com. “Starlink outage: Service returns after over two hours down."

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[12] thenetworkinstallers.com. “10 Starlink Alternatives & Competitors: Full Guide (2025)."

[13] businessmodelanalyst.com. “Top 10 Starlink Competitors and Alternatives in 2025."

[14] slashgear.com. “Are There Any Real Alternatives To Starlink? Here Are Your Best Options."