How to Reset Your Starlink Router

📶🔄

Starlink Official • DishyTech • SecurityBriefing • Verified

Step-by-step instructions for every Starlink router generation — Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3, and Mini — plus when to reboot vs. factory reset, what to do after the reset, and how to fix the most common problems without losing your settings.

💡 10 Key Things to Know Before You Reset Your Starlink Router

If your Starlink internet is acting up — slow speeds, dropping connections, forgotten password, or a stubbornly blinking light — resetting the router is often the fastest fix. But there are two very different types of reset: a quick reboot (like restarting a computer) that keeps all your settings, and a full factory reset that wipes everything back to brand-new. The right choice depends on your problem and which generation of Starlink router you have. This guide covers everything in plain English, step by step.

1
What is the difference between a reboot and a factory reset? A reboot is a quick restart that fixes temporary glitches — your Wi-Fi name, password, and settings are all kept. A factory reset wipes everything back to zero — you will need to set up your Wi-Fi name and password again from scratch.
Think of a reboot like restarting your phone — the same apps and settings are there when it comes back on. A factory reset is like buying a brand-new phone — everything you configured is gone. For most everyday problems (slow internet, Wi-Fi acting odd, a device won’t connect), try a reboot first. Only move to a factory reset if the reboot does not fix the problem, or if you have a specific reason such as a forgotten password, selling the router, or fixing Bypass Mode.
2
Will a reset cancel my Starlink service or affect my subscription? No. A router reset — whether a reboot or a full factory reset — does NOT cancel your Starlink subscription, remove your account, or change your dish alignment. Your monthly service continues exactly as before.
The reset only affects the router’s local settings: your Wi-Fi name, password, mesh node pairings, and network preferences. Your Starlink account, your subscription billing, and your dish are entirely separate from the router’s local configuration. After a factory reset you will need to reconnect your devices to the new “STARLINK” network and set up a new password — but your service itself is unaffected.
3
How do I identify which Starlink router generation I have? Gen 1: Round/circular white dish and router (original beta kit). Gen 2: Flat rectangular router, no Ethernet port built in, no reset button. Gen 3: Flat rectangular router with two built-in Ethernet ports and a reset button on the back. Mini: Compact portable rectangular unit with a reset button on the back.
The quickest way to identify your router is to look at the back. Gen 3 has two Ethernet ports side by side — the reset button sits between them under a small rubber cover. Gen 2 has no Ethernet ports and no physical reset button anywhere. Gen 1 is circular and has a reset button on the bottom. The Mini is about half the size of a standard router and has a reset button on the back. If you are not sure, check the Starlink app: open it and tap on Settings → Router — the hardware generation is usually listed there.
4
What is the easiest way to reboot (soft restart) any Starlink router? Open the Starlink app → Settings → Router → drag the “Reboot Router” slider to the right. Or simply unplug the power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Either method works for all router generations.
The Starlink app method is the gentlest and most controlled way to reboot. The power-unplug method works just as well and does not require a phone or internet connection. After a reboot, give the system 3–5 minutes to come back fully online. The internet connection will briefly go offline during the restart — this is normal. If your speeds or connection are still poor after a single reboot, try rebooting again or check the Starlink app for any listed outages in your area before attempting a factory reset.
5
How do I factory reset a Gen 3 Starlink router? Turn the router around to view the back. Remove the small rubber cover between the two Ethernet ports. Use a straightened paperclip to press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds. The light will flash, then the router will reboot. Takes about 3–5 minutes to complete.
After the reset, the router broadcasts a Wi-Fi network called “STARLINK” with no password. Open the Starlink app on your phone while connected to this network, go to Settings → Router, and create your new Wi-Fi name and password. The official Starlink Gen 3 Router Setup Guide confirms: “Factory reset the router by pushing the reset button with a paper clip” as the recommended troubleshooting step before contacting support. You can also factory reset the Gen 3 through the app (Settings → Router → Factory Reset) if the router is online and not in Bypass Mode.
6
How do I factory reset a Gen 2 Starlink router? (It has no reset button.) Gen 2 uses a specific power-cycling sequence: unplug and replug the power cable 6 times in a row, waiting 1–2 seconds between each cycle. After the 6th unplug, leave it unplugged for 1–2 minutes, then plug it back in. This triggers the factory reset.
This method can feel unusual but it is the official factory reset procedure for Gen 2 routers. The key is doing all 6 cycles quickly — do not let the router fully boot up between cycles, or the sequence will not register. If the reset does not work, try the sequence again more quickly. After the 6 cycles, wait the full 1–2 minutes before plugging back in. The router will reboot and broadcast the “STARLINK” or “STINKY” default network with no password. Note: if you are using a Gen 2 in Bypass Mode (with a third-party router), this power-cycle method is the only way to exit Bypass Mode since the app reset option is unavailable in Bypass Mode.
7
How do I factory reset a Gen 1 (circular/original) Starlink router? Flip the router upside down to see the bottom. Use a paperclip or pin to press and hold the reset button on the bottom for about 10 seconds until the small indicator light turns blue. Release, wait for it to reboot.
The Gen 1 circular dish was the original Starlink beta kit. The router is a white cylindrical or puck-shaped device. The reset button is on the bottom and requires a paperclip or similar thin object to press. Hold until the light goes blue, then release. The router reboots in a few minutes and returns to the “STARLINK” default network. If you still have a Gen 1 kit, note that Starlink no longer actively sells this generation — it was superseded by the Gen 2 rectangular kit, which was then superseded by the Gen 3. Support for Gen 1 hardware is more limited, and upgrading to a Gen 3 kit is an option worth exploring through your Starlink account at starlink.com.
8
What happens after a factory reset? What do I need to do? Your router broadcasts a default open Wi-Fi network called “STARLINK” (or sometimes “STINKY”) with no password. Connect your phone to this network, then open the Starlink app and go to Settings → Router to create a new Wi-Fi name and password.
After a factory reset, all connected devices (phones, tablets, computers, TVs, smart speakers) will have lost the connection because the Wi-Fi network name and password changed. Once you set up the new name and password, you will need to reconnect each device one by one using the new password — this is the same process as setting up a new Wi-Fi network. Write down your new Wi-Fi name and password and keep it somewhere safe. If you have mesh nodes (additional Starlink Wi-Fi extenders), they will also need to be reset and re-paired. Do not connect to the “STARLINK” or “STINKY” default network with your other devices until you have created your new network name through the app.
9
I forgot my Starlink Wi-Fi password. Is a factory reset the only option? Yes — if you can no longer access the Starlink app connected to your Wi-Fi, a factory reset is the standard solution. The reset clears the forgotten password and creates the open “STARLINK” default network, which you then set up fresh via the app.
A forgotten Wi-Fi password is one of the most common reasons people factory reset their Starlink router. Unlike some home routers, Starlink does not provide a web browser admin panel where you can look up or change the password without being connected. Your only options are: (1) find a device that is still connected to the Wi-Fi and view the password in its saved network settings, (2) check the Starlink app if you are already logged in and connected, or (3) perform a factory reset to clear the old password. After the reset, create a new password that is easy to remember and write it down in a safe place.
10
The app reset option is not showing up. Why? What do I do instead? Two common reasons: (1) Your router is in Bypass Mode — the app’s Factory Reset option disappears in Bypass Mode. You must use the physical button (Gen 3) or the 6-cycle power method (Gen 2). (2) Your router is offline — use the physical reset method for your generation.
Bypass Mode is a setting that turns off the Starlink router’s Wi-Fi so a third-party router can handle the network. When Bypass Mode is active, the Starlink app’s factory reset option is not available — the router essentially hides this option because it knows you are using an external router. The physical reset methods (paperclip button for Gen 3; 6 power cycles for Gen 2) work regardless of Bypass Mode or internet connection status. Per the official Starlink Gen 3 Router Setup Guide: if in Bypass Mode, the router will automatically turn off after 1 hour, and a factory reset is required to exit Bypass Mode and restore the built-in Wi-Fi.

Sources: Starlink.com/support factory reset article (official; app method; reboot slider; not cancel service); Starlink Gen 3 Router Setup Guide PDF via api.starlink.com (factory reset = push reset button with paper clip; bypass mode = factory reset required to exit; router off after 1 hour in bypass); DishyTech.com Aug 2025 Colby Baber (Gen 1 bottom button; Gen 2 power cycle 6 times; Gen 3 button between two Ethernet ports; mesh nodes same method as main router); DataFeature.com Aug 2025 (Gen 3 button between two LAN ports; SIM ejector or paperclip; 5 seconds; flashing white light; forgot password = factory reset required; bypass mode hides app reset); SecurityBriefing.net Feb 2026 (Gen 1 bottom button 10-15 sec; Gen 2 no visible reset button power cycle; Gen 3 protective cap near LAN; does not cancel service/account/dish alignment; app method simplest; offline or bypass = manual method); AccessPointHub.com (soft reset = reboot, settings preserved; factory reset = wipes everything; Gen 2 six cycles 1-2 sec pause); BGR.com Aug 2025 (bypass mode Gen 3 press reset between ethernet ports; Gen 2 six power cycles to exit bypass); StarlinkInsider.com Feb 2025 (Gen 1 circular bottom button blue light; Gen 2 unplug/replug six times; Gen 3 app slider; mesh node six cycles then connect to main WiFi not STARLINK/STINKY)

📍 Step-by-Step Reset Instructions — Find Your Router Below

⚠️ Try a Simple Reboot First — Before Any Factory Reset

A reboot (soft restart) fixes most temporary problems without erasing any of your settings. It takes less than 5 minutes and your Wi-Fi name and password stay exactly the same. Only move to a factory reset if the reboot does not fix your problem, or if you need to reset specifically because of a forgotten password, Bypass Mode, selling the device, or pairing mesh nodes. See the reboot instructions in Option A of each section below.

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Most Common Current Model

Gen 3 Starlink Router

Flat rectangular • Two Ethernet ports on back • Reset button between them

Option A — Quick Reboot (Keeps All Your Settings)

1
Open the Starlink app on your phone or tablet. Make sure you are connected to your Starlink Wi-Fi, not cellular data.
2
Tap Settings (the gear icon or bottom menu).
3
Under the Router section, find “Reboot Router” and drag the slider to the right.
4
Wait 3–5 minutes. The router will go dark briefly, then restart. Your Wi-Fi name and password remain unchanged. ✅ No settings lost

Option B — Factory Reset (Wipes All Settings)

1
Turn the router around so you are looking at the back where the Ethernet ports are.
2
Remove the small rubber cover between the two Ethernet ports. The reset button (a small pinhole) is underneath it.
3
Straighten a paperclip and gently insert the tip into the pinhole. Press and hold for 10 seconds. You do not need to press hard — just steady, firm pressure.
4
Release the paperclip. The router’s light will flash (usually white), indicating the reset has been triggered.
5
Wait 3–5 minutes for the router to fully reboot and come back online. The light should turn solid white when ready. ⚠️ All settings erased
6
On your phone, go to Wi-Fi settings and connect to the network named “STARLINK” (no password). Then open the Starlink app → Settings → Router to create your new Wi-Fi name and password.

💡 Can also factory reset via the Starlink app: Settings → Router → Factory Reset → drag the slider. This method only works when the router is online and NOT in Bypass Mode. If Bypass Mode is active or the router is offline, use the paperclip button method above.

Reset Button: Back, Between Ethernet Ports Paperclip or Pin Hold 10 Seconds App Method Also Available

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Previous Generation

Gen 2 Starlink Router

Flat rectangular • No Ethernet ports • No physical reset button • Power-cycle method only

Option A — Quick Reboot (Keeps All Your Settings)

1
Open the Starlink app → Settings → Router → drag the “Reboot Router” slider to the right.
2
Or: simply unplug the power cable from the back of the router, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
3
Wait 3–5 minutes. Your Wi-Fi name and password are unchanged. ✅ No settings lost

Option B — Factory Reset (Power-Cycle 6 Times)

1
Find the power cable on the back of the router. Have it ready in your hand at the wall or the router port — you need to move quickly.
2
Unplug the power cable. Wait 1–2 seconds. Plug it back in. Then immediately unplug it again.
3
Repeat this unplug → plug → unplug sequence for a total of 6 unplug cycles. Keep each pause to 1–2 seconds. Do not let the router fully boot up between cycles — that is what triggers the factory reset mode. 📌 6 cycles total, 1-2 sec apart
4
After the 6th unplug, leave the router unplugged for 1–2 full minutes.
5
Plug the power cable back in and wait 3–5 minutes for the router to fully reboot. ⚠️ All settings erased
6
Connect your phone to the Wi-Fi network named “STARLINK” or “STINKY” (no password required). Open the Starlink app → Settings → Router to set up your new Wi-Fi name and password.

⚠️ If the reset does not work: Try again, moving more quickly between each cycle. The router must not have time to start booting between unplugs. If you are unplugging at the wall using a power strip switch rather than the cable itself, make sure the switch is toggling all the way off and back on each time. This method is also the only way to exit Bypass Mode on a Gen 2 router, since the Starlink app’s Factory Reset option does not appear when Bypass Mode is active.

No Physical Reset Button 6 Power Cycles 1-2 Seconds Apart Then Unplug 1-2 Minutes Exits Bypass Mode Too

⚪

Original Beta Kit

Gen 1 Circular Starlink Router

Round/puck-shaped white router • Reset button on the bottom

Option A — Quick Reboot

1
Open the Starlink app → Settings → Router → drag the “Reboot Router” slider to the right. Or simply unplug the power cable, wait 30 seconds, and replug. ✅ No settings lost

Option B — Factory Reset

1
Flip the router upside down to see the bottom surface. The reset button is a small pinhole located on the bottom.
2
Insert a straightened paperclip and press and hold the button for approximately 10 seconds until the small indicator light turns blue.
3
Release the paperclip. Wait 3–5 minutes for the router to reboot. ⚠️ All settings erased
4
Connect to “STARLINK” (no password), then open the Starlink app to set up your new Wi-Fi name and password.

💡 If you are still using a Gen 1 kit, note that Starlink has discontinued this hardware generation. You can continue using it if it is working, but upgrading to a Gen 3 kit may improve your speeds and compatibility with newer features. Check your Starlink account at starlink.com for upgrade options.

Reset Button: Bottom of Router Paperclip Hold Until Blue Light

📱

Portable & Travel Kit

Starlink Mini

Compact rectangular • Built-in Wi-Fi • Reset button on the back

Option A — Quick Reboot

1
Open the Starlink app → Settings → Router → Reboot Router slider. Or unplug the power, wait 30 seconds, plug back in. ✅ No settings lost

Option B — Factory Reset

1
Locate the reset button on the back of the Starlink Mini unit.
2
Press and hold the reset button until you feel a click, then continue holding for about 3 more seconds.
3
The LED will blink rapidly then turn off, indicating the reset is underway. ⚠️ All settings erased
4
Wait 3–5 minutes, then connect to “STARLINK” (no password) and set up your new network via the app.

💡 The Starlink Mini also supports Bypass Mode. To exit Bypass Mode on the Mini, factory reset using the method above. The app reset option will not appear while in Bypass Mode.

Reset Button: Back of Unit Press Until Click + 3 More Seconds LED Blinks Then Off

Sources: DishyTech.com Aug 2025 (Gen 1 bottom button; Gen 2 six power cycles; Gen 3 center between Ethernet ports; mesh nodes same as router method); StarlinkInsider.com Feb 2025 (Gen 2 power cable unplug/replug 6 times; app Settings > Reboot Router slider; Gen 1 circular blue light; STARLINK or STINKY default network); SecurityBriefing.net Feb 2026 (Gen 1 10-15 sec; Gen 2 power cycle 2-3 sec pause; Gen 3 protective cap near LAN 10 sec; Mini rear button; does not cancel service; app simplest but offline/bypass = manual); Starlink Gen 3 Router Setup Guide PDF (factory reset = push reset button paper clip; bypass mode factory reset required; router off after 1 hour bypass); DataFeature.com Aug 2025 (Gen 3 between two LAN ports remove cover; SIM ejector or paperclip; 5 sec; flashing white; bypass mode no app reset option); Unconnected.org Dec 2025 (Mini hold until click + 3 sec; LED blinks rapidly then off; Gen 2 six cycles white light at bottom); AccessPointHub.com (Gen 2 six cycles 1-2 sec pause after 6th unplug wait 1-2 min; firmware updates reason to reset; factory reset wipes Wi-Fi credentials)

📋 Quick Reference — Reboot or Factory Reset?

Your Situation	Best Action	Loses Settings?
Internet suddenly slow or dropping	Reboot first	No — safe
Wi-Fi acting odd, devices won’t connect	Reboot first	No — safe
Router unresponsive, light is wrong color	Reboot; if fails, factory reset	Only if factory reset
Forgot Wi-Fi password	Factory reset required	Yes — reconfigure needed
Selling or giving away your Starlink kit	Factory reset required	Yes — protects your data
Want to disable Bypass Mode	Factory reset required	Yes — reconfigure needed
Pairing a mesh node for the first time	Factory reset mesh node	Mesh node only, not main router
Persistent issue after firmware update	Reboot first; factory reset if needed	Only if factory reset
Moving to a new address	Reboot only (update address in app)	No — safe
Router in Bypass Mode and app shows no reset option	Physical factory reset (button/power cycle)	Yes — reconfigure needed

Sources: DataFeature.com Aug 2025 (lost credentials; bypass mode; mesh node; ownership transfer; unresponsive router reasons for factory reset); StarlinkSpot.com (soft reset for minor hiccups; hard reset for persistent issues; power cycle for minor issues; firmware updates); SecurityBriefing.net Feb 2026 (reboot = disconnect power once reconnect; factory reset for persistent issues; does not cancel service or dish alignment; forgotten password; selling device); DishyTech.com (mesh nodes reset individually; same method as main router for each generation)

✅ What to Do After a Factory Reset — Step by Step

📱 Step 1 — Connect to the Default “STARLINK” Network

After the router finishes rebooting (3–5 minutes), it will broadcast an open Wi-Fi network named “STARLINK” (sometimes “STINKY” on some firmware versions). This network has no password — just tap it in your phone’s Wi-Fi settings to connect. Do not use this default open network for regular browsing — it is only for initial setup. Move to Step 2 immediately after connecting.

🔧 Step 2 — Open the Starlink App and Set Up Your Wi-Fi

Once connected to the default STARLINK network, open the Starlink app on your phone or tablet. Go to Settings → Router and enter: (1) Your new Wi-Fi network name (also called an SSID) — this is what everyone in your home will see as the Wi-Fi name. (2) Your new Wi-Fi password — choose something you will remember but that others cannot easily guess. Tap Save or Apply to confirm. The router will briefly restart with your new settings.

📲 Step 3 — Reconnect All Your Devices

Every phone, tablet, computer, smart TV, streaming device, and smart speaker in your home will need to be reconnected to the new Wi-Fi network. Go to each device’s Wi-Fi settings, find your new Wi-Fi name, and enter the new password. Write your new Wi-Fi name and password on a piece of paper and keep it in a safe, accessible place — a magnet on the refrigerator or tucked in a kitchen drawer works well for many households.

💡 Step 4 — Re-Pair Any Mesh Nodes (If You Have Them)

Starlink mesh nodes (additional Wi-Fi extenders) lose their pairing after a factory reset of the main router. To re-pair: Gen 3 mesh nodes — press the reset button on the back with a paperclip, then open the Starlink app and accept the “Pair Mesh Node” notification. Gen 2 mesh nodes — do the 6-cycle power reset, then connect your phone to the main router’s Wi-Fi (not to the STARLINK default network the mesh node creates), open the app, and wait 1–2 minutes for the “Pair Mesh Node” prompt to appear.

⏱️ Step 5 — Allow 15 Minutes for Full Stabilization

After any reset, Starlink recommends waiting at least 15 minutes for the system to fully reconnect to the satellite constellation and calibrate. During this window, your speeds may be lower than normal and the connection may be briefly interrupted — this is completely normal. Do a speed test after the 15-minute window to confirm your service is back to normal. If speeds are still significantly below normal after 30 minutes, check the Starlink app for any known outages or obstructions in your area before contacting support.

Sources: StarlinkInsider.com Feb 2025 (STARLINK or STINKY default network; no password; app Settings Router to reconfigure; mesh node connect to main not STARLINK/STINKY network; wait 1-2 min for Pair Mesh Node; 15 min calibration); BlinqBlinq.com (mesh node 6 cycles 3 sec apart; connect to main router not mesh STARLINK; Pair Mesh Node prompt after a few min); DishyTech.com Aug 2025 (mesh nodes same method as main router per generation; app notification to pair); MarineDataSolutions.com Sep 2025 (factory reset notes completely wipes settings; reconfigure Wi-Fi via app; update SSID and password; reconnect all devices; after reset change password recommended security step); DataFeature.com Aug 2025 (STARLINK default network after reset; firmware 2022.08.0+ required for app factory reset; reconnect devices after)

📊 Quick Facts — Starlink Router Reset at a Glance

🔄 Reboot Time

3–5 min

A standard reboot (soft restart) takes 3 to 5 minutes from unplug to fully back online. Settings are preserved. Allow 15 minutes for speeds to fully stabilize.

🧹 Factory Reset Time

5–10 min

The full factory reset and reconfiguration process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. After the reset, allow another 15 minutes for the system to fully reconnect and stabilize.

🎯 Gen 2 Power Cycles

6×

Gen 2 factory reset requires exactly 6 unplug/replug power cycles, 1-2 seconds apart. Then leave unplugged 1-2 minutes before final plug-in.

📌 Gen 3 Button Hold

10 sec

Press the reset button between the two Ethernet ports for 10 seconds using a straightened paperclip. Remove the small rubber cover first to access the pinhole.

❓ Common Reset Questions, Answered Plainly

💡 My Internet Is Slow But Working — Should I Reset?

Start with a simple reboot rather than a factory reset. A reboot is safe (no settings lost) and fixes most temporary slowdowns caused by the router’s memory getting full or a glitch after a firmware update. Before even rebooting, check the Starlink app for any listed outages or obstructions — if there is a known network issue in your area, no reset will fix it; you simply wait for SpaceX to resolve it. Also check whether there is a tree branch, building, or other obstruction blocking your dish using the Starlink app’s obstruction checker. According to multiple Starlink support resources, obstructions are the most common cause of speed drops, and no router reset will fix a physical obstruction between the dish and the sky.

💡 My Starlink Router Light Is a Solid or Blinking Red. What Does That Mean?

Light colors and blink patterns mean different things on different Starlink generations, but red or orange usually indicates a problem. Common causes include the router not receiving power from the dish cable (check that the cable is fully plugged in at both ends — it should click), a firmware update in progress (wait 15–20 minutes), or a hardware fault. If the red light persists after waiting 20 minutes: try a reboot first (unplug 30 seconds, replug). If the light remains red after reboot: try a factory reset. If the light remains red after a factory reset, this often indicates a hardware issue rather than a software problem — contact Starlink support at support.starlink.com or through the Starlink app. A community-shared tip from DishyTech: if the Gen 3 shows white then goes back to red, raise a single support ticket and consider picking up a replacement kit from Best Buy or Home Depot as a faster resolution path.

💡 Can Too Many Power Outages Accidentally Trigger a Factory Reset?

Yes — this is a real-world problem that Gen 2 users have reported. Because the Gen 2 factory reset is triggered by six rapid power cycles, a series of brief power outages (brownouts), a faulty power strip, or a UPS battery that repeatedly flickers can accidentally meet the 6-cycle threshold and trigger an unwanted factory reset. One Starlink community user noted: “If we get six brownouts in a row, it factory resets and I have to drive a long way to fix it.” To prevent this: use a quality UPS (uninterruptible power supply) that provides clean, consistent power rather than repeatedly cutting and restoring it. If you are in an area prone to power flickers, plugging the router into a surge protector with battery backup reduces the risk of accidental resets significantly.

💡 I Reset My Router But My Password Still Is Not Working. What Happened?

After a factory reset, the router no longer has any password — it broadcasts the open “STARLINK” network without requiring one. The most common cause of post-reset confusion is that a device (phone, computer, tablet) is still trying to connect using the old password. To fix this: on your phone or computer, go to Wi-Fi settings, find the old network name, and select “Forget This Network.” Then look for the new “STARLINK” network and connect to it — no password is required at this stage. Open the Starlink app, go to Settings → Router, and create your new Wi-Fi name and password. After saving, your devices will need to connect to the new name using the new password you just created.

💡 I Have a Mesh Node That Won’t Re-Pair After My Factory Reset. What Do I Do?

The most common mistake is accidentally connecting your phone to the mesh node’s new default “STARLINK” network instead of the main router’s Wi-Fi. Here is the correct sequence: (1) Factory reset the mesh node (6 power cycles for Gen 2; paperclip button for Gen 3). (2) Connect your phone to the main Starlink router’s Wi-Fi (not to any “STARLINK” or “STINKY” network the mesh node is now broadcasting). (3) Open the Starlink app and wait 1–2 minutes without doing anything. (4) The app will display a “Pair Mesh Node” notification — tap it to complete the pairing. If the notification does not appear after 3 minutes, close and reopen the app. If the mesh node still will not pair, check that it is within reasonable range of the main router and that both devices are fully powered on.

Sources: DataFeature.com Aug 2025 (obstructions most common cause slowdowns; reboot before factory reset; check obstruction map in app; multiple reboots before factory reset); SecurityBriefing.net Feb 2026 (reboot first for instability; factory reset for persistent); DishyTech.com Aug 2025 (Gen 3 white then red = hardware; single ticket; Best Buy/Home Depot replacement; mesh pair app notification); StarlinkInsider.com Feb 2025 (STARLINK or STINKY no password; Gen 2 mesh node connect main not STARLINK; Pair Mesh Node 1-2 min); BlinqBlinq.com (mesh node six cycles 3 sec; connect to primary not mesh STARLINK; Pair Mesh Node prompt); StarlinkSpot.com (overheat hardware issues; constant use; power cycle 10-15 sec wait; brownouts Gen 2 accidental reset community reports); BGR.com Aug 2025 (bypass mode explanation; Gen 3 between Ethernet ports; Gen 2 six cycles)

📍 Find Starlink Help & Tech Support Near You

Use the buttons below to find Best Buy, Home Depot, local tech support, and internet help resources near you. Allow location access for the most relevant results.

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✅ Quick Reference — Starlink Router Reset Cheat Sheet

Reboot (all generations, settings kept): Starlink app → Settings → Router → drag “Reboot Router” slider. OR unplug power, wait 30 seconds, replug. Wait 3–5 min.
Factory Reset — Gen 3: Remove rubber cover between the two Ethernet ports on the back. Press reset pinhole with a paperclip for 10 seconds. Wait 3–5 min. Connect to “STARLINK” (no password). Set up new name/password in the app.
Factory Reset — Gen 2: Unplug power cable. Wait 1–2 seconds. Replug. Immediately unplug again. Repeat for 6 total unplug cycles. Leave unplugged 1–2 minutes. Plug back in. Wait 3–5 min. Connect to “STARLINK” and set up in app.
Factory Reset — Gen 1 Circular: Flip router upside down. Press bottom reset button with a paperclip until light turns blue (~10 seconds). Wait 3–5 min. Set up in app.
Factory Reset — Mini: Press back button until click + 3 more seconds. LED blinks rapidly then off. Wait 3–5 min. Connect to “STARLINK” and set up in app.
Factory Reset via app (all generations): App → Settings → Router → Factory Reset → drag slider. Only works when router is online and not in Bypass Mode.
Resetting a mesh node: Same method as the main router for each generation. After reset, connect phone to main router’s Wi-Fi (not to STARLINK default), open app, accept “Pair Mesh Node” prompt.
After any factory reset: Connect to “STARLINK” open network. Open Starlink app → Settings → Router. Set new Wi-Fi name and password. Reconnect all devices. Allow 15 min for full stabilization.
Support: Starlink app → Support tab. Or support.starlink.com. For active outages: 1-866-606-5103 (U.S., 24/7).

⚠️ Three Things to Remember

Always try a simple reboot before a factory reset. A reboot takes 5 minutes and keeps all your settings. A factory reset takes longer and requires reconfiguring your whole network. Most everyday problems (slow speeds, one device won’t connect) are fixed by a reboot.
A factory reset does not cancel your service or account. Your Starlink subscription, billing, and dish settings are stored in your Starlink account, not in the router. Resetting the router only affects local Wi-Fi settings.
Write down your Wi-Fi name and password after every setup. Keep it in a safe, easy-to-find place. This prevents needing another factory reset just because you forgot the password — which is one of the most common reasons people reset their router.

© BudgetSeniors.com — Independently researched and written. Not affiliated with or compensated by SpaceX or Starlink. “Starlink” and “SpaceX” are trademarks of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. All reset instructions are verified from official Starlink documentation and trusted technical sources as of March 2026. Hardware procedures may vary with future firmware updates — confirm at support.starlink.com for the latest official instructions. Starlink Support: support.starlink.com • Live phone support (U.S.): 1-866-606-5103

Primary sources: Starlink.com/support official factory reset article (d68ed178; app method; do not cancel service); Starlink Gen 3 Router Setup Guide PDF api.starlink.com (factory reset = paper clip reset button; bypass mode factory reset required; router off 1 hour in bypass; power cycle = reboot); DishyTech.com Aug 2025 Colby Baber beta tester 2021 (Gen 1 bottom button; Gen 2 six power cycles; Gen 3 center between two Ethernet ports; mesh same method per gen; single ticket; Best Buy/Home Depot replacement option; Gen 3 white then red = hardware fault); StarlinkInsider.com Feb 2025 (Gen 1 circular blue light 10 sec; Gen 2 unplug/replug 6x; app reboot slider; STARLINK or STINKY default; mesh node six cycles; connect to main not STARLINK; Pair Mesh Node prompt 1-2 min; 15 min calibration; factory reset reasons: technical issues firmware; sell device; disable bypass; mesh pairing; performance cache); DataFeature.com Aug 2025 (Gen 3 LAN ports remove cover; SIM ejector or paperclip 5 sec; flashing white; bypass mode hides app reset; forgot password = factory reset; unresponsive Gen 2; obstructions check first; firmware update before factory reset; power cycle 20 min before factory reset); SecurityBriefing.net Feb 2026 (Gen 1 bottom 10-15 sec; Gen 2 no visible button power cycle 2-3 sec 6x; Gen 3 protective cap near LAN 10 sec LED flash; Mini rear button LED blinks rapidly; does NOT cancel service/account/dish alignment; reboot = disconnect once reconnect; bypass mode/offline = manual method; app factory reset simplest); SatelliteInternet.com bypass mode (Gen 3 between ethernet ports blink white reboot few min; Gen 2 six cycles exit bypass; Mini bypass mode available); BGR.com Aug 2025 (bypass mode Gen 3 paperclip reset between ethernet; Gen 2 six power cycles to exit bypass; blinking white after release); BlinqBlinq.com (mesh 6 cycles 3 sec; connect to primary after; Pair Mesh Node after few min; no Starlink/Stinky mesh network); MarineDataSolutions.com Sep 2025 (Gen 3 dual Ethernet ports LED indicator reset button; reboot differs from factory reset; factory reset removes custom settings; reconfigure SSID/password; reconnect all devices; update password security recommended); AccessPointHub.com (Gen 2 six cycles 1-2 sec pause; after 6th leave unplugged 1-2 min; firmware updates reason; overheating; soft reboot clears memory temporary issues); StarlinkSpot.com (brownout accidental Gen 2 reset community reports; UPS backup recommended; overheating hardware; power cycle 10-15 sec troubleshooting); BudgetSeniors.com Starlink outage guide (factory reset 5-10 sec hold; router light flashes then reboot 3-5 min; app set up Wi-Fi name and password; factory reset does not affect dish firmware only router settings)

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