How to Get Starlink Satellite Internet and Set It Up the Right Way

For over two years, I’ve been experimenting with Starlink, testing the latest dish and router, evaluating speeds, and figuring out if this popular satellite internet service truly lives up to its high customer satisfaction ratings and Best ISP accolades.

But I’m not just an impartial tester—I’m a Starlink customer too. It powers my home in rural Idaho, offering the speed and reliability I rely on as a tech journalist. It also keeps my family connected, whether it’s streaming on smart TVs or staying online via phones, tablets, and game consoles. While the service itself is impressive, I’ll admit that setting up the dish and router is probably the most challenging part.

If you don’t want to deal with the installation, you can hire a professional through Starlink’s website for an extra fee. However, if you’re comfortable with heights and basic tools, you can handle the setup on your own at no additional cost.

This guide will walk you through obtaining Starlink equipment, installing the dish, and setting up the Starlink router. I’ll also throw in a few tips to help you get the most out of your service.

What is Starlink?

In case you’re not familiar, Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet service, spearheaded by Elon Musk. It utilizes a network of thousands of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet access, especially in remote areas that lack traditional cable or fiber connections. While not as fast as those alternatives, it significantly outperforms the likes of DSL and traditional satellite options in rural regions.

Although it’s not a flawless solution and can get pricey, as someone who’s used Starlink full-time, I’ve been pleased with the results. For more on Starlink’s plans, services, and equipment, check out our full review.

How to Get Starlink

Starlink is now easier than ever to obtain. Kits are available at major retailers like Best Buy, Home Depot, Target, and Walmart, so the long waitlists of the past are a thing of the past. If you’re in North America (or many other parts of the world), Starlink is likely available and ready to deliver fast internet service.

A Look at the Latest Starlink Equipment

Starlink Dish V4 and Router Gen 3 Review

The price of Starlink’s installation kit has also dropped. Initially sold for $599, it has since been reduced to $299. Depending on your location, you might even qualify for an additional $100 discount through a credit on your monthly bill.

What Does Starlink Cost?

Residential service costs $120 per month, which is on the higher side compared to average cable internet. However, there are some advantages. First, there’s no data cap, so you can stream, work, game, and browse without worrying about overage fees.

Starlink also has a no-contract policy, allowing you to sign up through the Starlink app and pay month-to-month. You can pause or cancel your service at any time. There are also specialized plans, like those for maritime use or RV travelers, and Starlink may introduce a new family plan that allows for multiple subscriptions and unified billing.

What Comes in the Starlink Installation Kit?

The kit includes everything you need: a Starlink dish with a kickstand, a router, a power cable, and a 75-foot cable to connect the dish and router. If you need a longer cable or other mounting hardware, Starlink offers those through their store.

The installation kit also comes with simple, illustration-based instructions, though installing the dish does require more than just plugging things in. You’ll need to find the best spot for the dish, possibly mount it, and run a cable through an exterior wall. Keep reading for some practical tips on these steps.

Installing Starlink: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose a Mounting Location

Before even purchasing the installation kit, you can use the free Starlink app (available for both Android and iOS) to scan the sky and find a suitable spot for the dish. The app will show you whether you have an obstruction-free area with at least 110 degrees of open sky, which is essential for maintaining a strong connection with the satellites.

2. Unbox the Starlink Kit

Once your kit arrives, make sure it includes everything listed earlier. If you’re setting up the dish on level ground, the kickstand might be all you need. For rooftop or wall installations, you may have to purchase additional mounting hardware from Starlink.

3. Set Up the Router

Before mounting the dish, you’ll need to connect the router, as it powers the dish. Starlink’s latest router features Wi-Fi 6 and an external power adapter. You can place it on a shelf or table, or mount it using a bracket from the Starlink store.

4. Connect the Dish

Once the router is set up, connect the dish to it. You’ll want to power up the dish and link it to the Starlink app to position it correctly. You may have to temporarily run the cable through a window or drill a hole in your wall for a more permanent setup.

5. Mount the Dish

After determining the ideal spot with the app, it’s time to mount the dish. Whether you’re using the kickstand or attaching it to a rooftop or wall, ensure the dish has a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. Starlink provides various mounting options depending on your setup needs.

6. Run the Cable

For a permanent installation, you’ll likely need to run the cable through an exterior wall. Starlink offers routing kits that include drill bits, grommets, and sealant for this process.

7. Activate Starlink

Once the dish is mounted and connected, use the Starlink app to activate your service. It may take a few moments for the dish to link up with the satellites and establish a connection. After that, set up your Wi-Fi name and password. It may take up to 20 minutes for the system to optimize after installation.

How Fast is Starlink?

Once you’re up and running, you should enjoy a reliable connection. In my recent tests, I achieved download speeds of around 150Mbps, with peaks up to 325Mbps, upload speeds of 23Mbps, and latency below 30 milliseconds. The system continuously improves, and I’ve noticed better speeds and lower latency with each new hardware iteration.

Starlink’s connection is stable enough for gaming, working from home, streaming, and other typical online activities. While the single router provided in the installation kit covers my entire five-bedroom house, larger homes might benefit from Starlink’s mesh capabilities or a separate mesh Wi-Fi system.

Over the past two years of using Starlink, I’ve seen its performance and hardware evolve, and the service has only gotten better. If you’re in a rural area or need reliable satellite internet, Starlink is a strong contender.