How to Connect Computer to Starlink Wi-Fi (Full Setup Guide)

By Author | 09/10/2026

Quick answer: Open your computer’s Wi-Fi settings, select the network named “STARLINK” (or your custom network name), and enter the password shown in the Starlink app under Settings > Wi-Fi. If you don’t have Wi-Fi hardware or prefer a wired connection, plug an Ethernet cable directly into the Starlink router’s LAN port instead. Most computers connect within 30 seconds once the Starlink dish itself is online.

That’s the short version. Below is the full walkthrough, including what to do if the network doesn’t show up, how to find your password without the app, and how to connect a desktop that has no Wi-Fi card at all.

What You Need Before You Start

Before connecting your computer, confirm two things:

  • The Starlink dish is already installed and online. Check the Starlink app, it should show “Connected” or a green status, not “Searching for satellites.”
  • The router is powered on and broadcasting. New Starlink kits (Gen 2, Gen 3, and Starlink Mini) come with a router or an integrated antenna/router combo. It typically takes 2โ€“5 minutes after power-on to start broadcasting Wi-Fi.

You’ll also want:

  • The Starlink app installed on a phone (recommended, not required)
  • Your computer’s Wi-Fi settings menu open, or an Ethernet cable if going wired

How Do I Connect My Computer to Starlink Wi-Fi? (Step-by-Step)

On Windows

  1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar (system tray).
  2. Select “STARLINK” from the list of available networks. If you’ve already renamed it in the app, look for your custom network name instead.
  3. Click Connect.
  4. Enter the Wi-Fi password. You’ll find this in the Starlink app under Settings โ†’ Wi-Fi, or printed on a label on the router itself.
  5. Once connected, Windows should show “Connected, secured.” Confirm internet access by opening any website.

On Mac

  1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar (top-right).
  2. If “STARLINK” isn’t visible immediately, click Other Networks to expand the full list.
  3. Select the Starlink network and enter the password.
  4. macOS will confirm the connection with a filled Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.

If the network doesn’t appear on either OS, move closer to the router, Starlink’s stock router has a smaller broadcast range than a typical home router, especially through walls.

How to Connect via Ethernet Instead of Wi-Fi

Wired connections are faster and more stable, which matters if you’re doing video calls, uploading large files, or running a home office setup.

  1. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the LAN/Ethernet port on the Starlink router.
  2. Connect the other end to your computer’s Ethernet port.
  • If your computer has no built-in Ethernet port (common on modern laptops), use a USB-C to Ethernet adapter.
  1. Most computers auto-detect the wired connection and connect within a few seconds no password needed for Ethernet.
  2. If it doesn’t connect automatically, go to Network Settings and confirm the Ethernet adapter shows “Connected.”

Note: the Starlink Mini and some Gen 2 kits require a separate Ethernet adapter accessory (sold separately or included depending on the kit), since the base unit is Wi-Fi-only out of the box.

How to Find Your Starlink Wi-Fi Password

If you don’t have the password memorized:

  1. Open the Starlink app (iOS/Android).
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Tap Wi-Fi your network name (SSID) and password are both displayed here, and you can change either one.

No app or no smartphone? You can still connect using the default, unsecured “STARLINK” network that broadcasts before setup is complete โ€” this lets you connect a computer first, then log into the router’s web dashboard directly at 192.168.1.1 to view or reset Wi-Fi credentials from a browser.

Why Won’t My Computer Connect to Starlink? (Troubleshooting)

The network doesn’t appear in the Wi-Fi list
The dish may not be fully online yet, or you’re too far from the router. Move within 15โ€“20 feet and check the app for a “Connected” status first.

It connects but shows “No Internet”
This usually means the dish itself has lost signal check for obstructions (trees, roof edges, poles) using the app’s obstruction map. Starlink needs a largely unobstructed view of the sky.

Wrong password errors
Passwords are case-sensitive. Re-check them character-by-character in the app rather than typing from memory Starlink auto-generates long alphanumeric passwords by default.

Old desktop PC has no Wi-Fi option at all
Desktop towers often lack a wireless card. You have two options: run an Ethernet cable from the router, or buy a USB Wi-Fi adapter (roughly $15โ€“30) that plugs into any USB port and adds wireless capability.

Connected but speeds are slow
Test with an Ethernet connection first to rule out Wi-Fi interference. If wired speeds are also low, check the app’s statistics tab for obstruction percentage and outage history.

How to Connect Multiple Devices to Starlink

Starlink’s standard router supports dozens of simultaneous devices there’s no hard device cap for typical home or small-office use, though performance depends on your plan’s speed tier and how many devices are streaming or uploading at once. To add more devices:

  • Repeat the same Wi-Fi connection steps on each device using the same SSID and password.
  • For better coverage across a larger home or office, add Starlink mesh nodes through the app’s “Add Wi-Fi Mesh Node” option โ€” no separate password needed, since mesh nodes extend the same network.
  • For business setups needing static IPs or advanced routing, Starlink’s router can be set to bypass mode, letting you connect your own router/firewall directly to the modem.

FAQs

What is the default Starlink Wi-Fi network name?
It’s typically “STARLINK” followed by a few random characters until you customize it in the app. Once you rename it during setup, it appears under whatever name you chose.

Can I connect to Starlink without the app?
Yes. You can connect directly to the default broadcast network and access the router’s settings through a browser at 192.168.1.1, though the app is the easiest way to manage settings.

Does Starlink work with a regular Wi-Fi router instead of the one it comes with?
Yes, if you enable bypass mode in the Starlink app, which disables the built-in router’s Wi-Fi and DHCP functions so you can connect your own router directly to the Starlink modem via Ethernet.

Why is my computer connected to Starlink but pages won’t load?
This is almost always a satellite-side issue โ€” an obstruction, an outage, or the dish still booting up โ€” rather than a computer setting. Check the app’s status screen before troubleshooting the computer further.

Can I use Ethernet and Wi-Fi at the same time?
Yes, most computers will use whichever connection is active, and some let you prioritize Ethernet over Wi-Fi in network settings for a more stable connection during video calls or large uploads.

Do I need a static IP for a home office or small business?
Not for basic use, but if you’re running a server or need consistent remote access, you can request this through Starlink’s business plans or configure it via bypass mode with your own router.

How far can my computer be from the Starlink router?
The stock router typically covers a single-story home reasonably well, but signal drops through multiple walls or floors Starlink mesh nodes are the standard fix for larger spaces.

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