What you need before you start

Creating a Starlink account requires a few things upfront: a valid email address, a physical service address where you want the satellite dish installed, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal). Starlink will check whether satellite service is available at your address during the account creation process, so have that address ready before you begin.

You'll also need to decide whether you're signing up for residential service, business service, or Starlink Mini (a portable option). Each has different equipment costs and monthly fees. Residential is the most common choice for home internet. The account creation process is the same for all three, but the pricing and service terms differ.

One important note: Starlink does not require a long-term contract. You can pause or cancel your service at any time, though there may be equipment return requirements depending on your region and service type.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to starlink.com, enter your service address, and Starlink will tell you immediately whether service is available and when equipment can ship.
  • You'll create an account with your email and password, then choose your service type and add a payment method.
  • After payment, you'll receive a confirmation email with your order number and estimated delivery date for the dish and router.
  • Once equipment arrives, you'll install the dish yourself (or hire a technician), connect it to power, and activate it through the Starlink app.
  • Starlink charges a one-time equipment fee (currently around $600 for residential, though this varies) plus a monthly service fee (currently around $120 for residential, though pricing changes by region and plan).

Step-by-step account creation on starlink.com

Start by visiting starlink.com in your web browser. On the homepage, you'll see a section asking for your service address. Enter the full street address, city, state, and ZIP code where you want the dish installed. Starlink will check its coverage map and show you availability within seconds — either "Available now," "Available [specific month]," or "Not available in your area."

If service is available, click "Order Now" to proceed. You'll be taken to a page where you choose your service type: Starlink (standard residential), Starlink Business, or Starlink Mini. Read the differences in speed, equipment, and price for each. Most residential users choose standard Starlink. Select your choice and continue.

Next, you'll create your account. Enter an email address you check regularly — Starlink will send order updates and support messages here. Create a password (use something strong with letters, numbers, and symbols). You can also sign in with an existing Google or Apple account if you prefer.

Add your payment method: credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Starlink will charge the equipment fee immediately and set up recurring monthly charges for service. Review the total cost, including the one-time equipment fee and the first month of service, before you confirm the order.

What happens after you place your order

Within minutes of completing your order, you'll receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. This email contains your order number, the equipment shipping address, and an estimated delivery date. Save this email — you'll need the order number if you contact Starlink support.

Starlink will ship your equipment to the address you entered during account creation. Standard shipping typically takes one to three weeks, though this varies by region and current demand. You can track your shipment through the Starlink app or website using your order number and email address.

Your equipment package includes the satellite dish (called a "Dishy"), a router, power cables, mounting hardware, and an ethernet cable. Check the contents against the packing list when it arrives. If anything is damaged or missing, contact Starlink support through your account dashboard before you attempt installation.

Installing your dish and activating service

Once your equipment arrives, you'll install the dish yourself or hire a technician. Starlink provides installation instructions in the box and through the Starlink app. The basic process: find a location with a clear view of the northern sky (in the Northern Hemisphere) or southern sky (in the Southern Hemisphere), mount the dish on a pole or roof, connect the power cable to the dish and plug it into an outlet, and connect the router to the dish using the ethernet cable provided.

The dish will automatically orient itself and search for satellites — this takes a few minutes. Once it locks onto the satellite signal, you'll see a blue light on the dish. At this point, open the Starlink app on your phone or visit your account dashboard on starlink.com. The app will guide you through final activation steps, including connecting your phone or computer to the router's WiFi network and running a speed test.

If you encounter issues during installation, Starlink's support team can troubleshoot through the app or by phone. Common problems include obstructions blocking the sky view (trees, buildings, or hills) or incorrect power connections. The app includes a "Obstruction" tool that shows whether trees or structures are blocking your signal.

Managing your account after setup

Once your service is active, you can manage everything through the Starlink app or your online account dashboard at starlink.com. From there, you can view your monthly bill, update your payment method, pause or resume service, and contact support. The app also shows real-time network performance, including download speed, upload speed, and latency.

Starlink sends billing statements to your email address on the first of each month. If you need to pause service temporarily (for example, if you're traveling), you can do so through your account dashboard. Paused service stops monthly charges but keeps your account active. You can resume service at any time.

If you move to a new address, you'll need to update your service address in your account and potentially place a new order if the new location has different availability or pricing. Starlink does not automatically transfer service to a new address.

Troubleshooting common setup problems

If your dish won't connect to satellites, the most common cause is obstruction. Use the Starlink app's obstruction tool to check whether trees, buildings, or terrain are blocking the northern or southern sky. Even small obstructions can interrupt service. If obstruction is the problem, you may need to relocate the dish to a clearer spot or trim vegetation.

If you can't connect to the router's WiFi network, restart both the dish and the router by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in. Wait two to three minutes for them to fully boot. If that doesn't work, check that the ethernet cable connecting the dish to the router is firmly seated on both ends.

If you're experiencing slow speeds, restart your equipment first. If speeds remain low, check the Obstruction tool again and verify that no new obstructions have appeared. Starlink speeds vary based on network congestion in your area and weather conditions — heavy rain can temporarily reduce performance. If problems persist, contact Starlink support through your account dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Starlink if I'm renting my home?

Yes, but you'll need permission from your landlord to install the dish. Starlink offers a portable option (Starlink Mini) that requires no permanent installation, though it has lower speeds than the standard dish. Check your lease for restrictions on roof or exterior modifications before you order.

What if Starlink isn't available at my address yet?

Starlink will show you an estimated availability date during account creation. You can enter your email to receive a notification when service becomes available in your area, but you won't be charged until you place an order. Availability expands regularly, but there's no may provide when or if your specific address will be covered.

Do I need a technician to install the dish, or can I do it myself?

Most customers install the dish themselves following Starlink's instructions. Professional installation is available in some areas for an additional fee. You can request professional installation during account creation or contact Starlink support after your equipment arrives to see if it's available in your region.

What happens if I want to cancel my service?

You can cancel through your account dashboard at any time. Starlink will stop charging you after the current billing period ends. Depending on your region, you may need to return the equipment or pay a non-return fee. Check your service agreement for specific return requirements.

Can I change my service plan after I've created my account?

Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade your plan through your account dashboard. Changes take effect on your next billing date. If you upgrade, you may be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing period.