- 01
Run a speed test from the Starlink app.Open the app and tap "Speed Test." This tests directly from the dish, bypassing your router and home network. If the app test is fast but your devices are slow, the bottleneck is your local Wi-Fi setup — not Starlink.
- 02
Check your obstruction score.In the app, tap the dish icon → "Obstruction history." Even 2–3% obstruction in the last 12 hours will cause speed drops and latency spikes. Eliminate obstructions or raise the mount height.
- 03
Test on 5 GHz, not 2.4 GHz.Connect your device to the "_5G" band of your Starlink Wi-Fi network. The 2.4 GHz band has lower throughput and higher latency. Always use 5 GHz for speed-sensitive tasks like video calls or streaming.
- 04
Use bypass mode with a third-party router.Enable bypass mode in the Starlink app (Settings → Network → Bypass mode) and connect a Wi-Fi 6 router for better coverage and throughput. This is the single biggest performance upgrade for larger homes.
- 05
Check peak congestion hours.Starlink speeds are typically lowest between 7–10 PM local time. If speeds only drop during evenings, congestion on your local cell is the cause — this typically improves as Starlink launches more satellites over your region.