For users requiring advanced networking and WiFi capabilities, opting for a third-party router alongside Starlink may present a more appealing solution. Many users seek to bypass their Starlink router to utilize the enhanced features of their own device. Enabling bypass mode on the Starlink router facilitates this functionality by deactivating its router and Wi-Fi functions, allowing the third-party router to assume control. However, it’s essential to note that since the Starlink router also functions as the power supply for the dish, it cannot be entirely excluded from the Starlink kit.
This guide will furnish you with instructions on how to effectively bypass the Starlink router and the necessary accessories to seamlessly integrate a third-party router. Let’s get started.
Why Do You Need to Bypass Starlink Router?
If you’ve decided to bypass the Starlink Router, it’s important to consider your decision carefully. Once bypassed, you can only revert to the original router by performing a Factory Reset.
Additionally, bypass mode is solely applicable to the Standard rectangular Starlink model, featuring an integrated router and dish power supply. The original round dish, High Performance (Business) dish, Flat High-Performance, and RV In-motion dish do not necessitate bypass mode. In these cases, the Starlink router can be entirely removed and substituted with a third-party router.
For the round dish, simply detach the Starlink router and connect your third-party router to the Ethernet port on the Starlink power supply. On the High Performance and Flat High-Performance models, utilize the provided Starlink Ethernet cable to link your router to the power supply.
How to Bypass the Starlink Router
To bypass a Starlink router, it’s essential to acquire the Starlink Ethernet adapter, which grants access to an Ethernet port necessary for connecting an aftermarket router to the Starlink system.
Refer to our guide to learn how to purchase a Starlink Ethernet adapter, as this accessory is a requisite for the process, as detailed in the linked guide.
Crucially, you’ll also need a third-party router, such as one from reputable brands like TP-Link or D-Link, which are widely recognized and supported across various settings.
Step 1: Connect the Router to Starlink
Begin the process of connecting a third-party router to Starlink by following these steps. Initially, establish a connection by utilizing the Starlink Ethernet Adapter.
- Start by disconnecting the Starlink cable from the bottom of the router and connect the Starlink Ethernet Adapter in its place.
- Reconnect the Starlink cable to the connector on the Ethernet Adapter. Allow a few minutes for the dish to reboot and verify the online status of Starlink.
- Subsequently, use the Ethernet cable provided with your third-party router to link it to Starlink. Remember to insert one end of the Ethernet cable into the Starlink Ethernet Adapter, while the other end connects to the Internet or WAN port on your third-party router.
Step 2: Configure the Third-Party Router
If you’ve recently acquired a router, configuring it is necessary for use with Starlink. The setup process may vary depending on the manufacturer, but we’ll illustrate the steps using an Asus Router. Note that these steps are generally applicable, regardless of your router brand.
For Asus routers, initiate the setup by logging onto router.asus.com. Alternatively, use 192.168.1.1 to access your router’s admin page for configuration. No specialized settings are obligatory; you only need to modify the password and rename it. Additionally, ensure that the WAN connection type is set to Automatic.
Once the Asus router is configured, confirm internet access by connecting to it. You’ll observe two Wi-Fi networks at this point: the Starlink Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi network from your third-party router.
However, having two routers connected to one internet source results in a 2 NAT configuration. This is not a problem; therefore, the next step involves enabling bypass mode on the Starlink router.
Step 3: Enable Bypass Mode on Starlink
Having successfully paired the third-party router with the Starlink router, the next step is to activate bypass mode. If you are familiar with the Starlink application, this process should be straightforward. Recall the two WiFi signals you observed? Connect to the original Starlink network, then access your Starlink App. Navigate to WiFi settings, select Advanced, and toggle Bypass Mode.
Upon toggling, a confirmation prompt will appear; press Yes. That’s it. Your Starlink is now bypassed, utilizing a third-party router while maintaining the same Starlink internet connection.
How to Manage Starlink in Bypass Mode?
Effortlessly oversee Starlink operations even in Bypass mode by connecting to the Third-Party router. It’s important to note that control of the Starlink router is unnecessary at this point, as all settings can be accessed and managed from the third-party router.
However, if you have a preference to manage the original Starlink, it remains possible by utilizing the Wi-Fi network and logging into dishy.starlink.com.
The Bottom Line
Well, that concludes our guide on how to bypass Starlink. We trust that this information has been beneficial. If you still have any questions or uncertainties, please feel free to leave a comment below.