Are you experiencing sluggish Starlink speeds? If so, you’re not alone in facing this issue. Starlink has encountered challenges in delivering on its initial promises, but there are steps you can take to enhance the speed of your Starlink connection.
Residential customers should typically expect download speeds ranging from 20 to 100 Mbps. However, RV customers may experience slower speeds, particularly during peak hours when their traffic receives lower priority. For RV Starlink users, the average speed falls between 5 to 50 Mbps. To address slow Starlink speeds, consider the following guide.
Why are My Starlink Speeds So Slow?
Various factors can contribute to slow Starlink internet speeds. Common reasons include adverse weather conditions affecting satellite signals, physical obstructions like trees or buildings blocking the antenna’s line of sight to satellites, network congestion due to simultaneous heavy usage, router or modem issues, network configuration problems, third-party devices connected to the network, and varying speeds based on location. To address your Starlink slow speed issue, let’s explore potential solutions.
How to Fix Starlink Speeds So Slow Issues
Now that the reasons behind slow Starlink speeds are clear, let’s delve into the solutions to address this issue. Ensure you carefully follow each of these fixes, as they are crucial in improving your Starlink speeds. Let’s get started.
Fix 1: Check for Obstructions
To optimize Starlink performance, it’s essential to install the satellite dish on the roof carefully. During installation, ensure there are no nearby obstacles that could impede the signal, leading to slower speeds.
Unobstructed visibility ensures that your Starlink can align itself with the satellite constellations, providing a smoother internet experience. Proper Starlink Dish placement is crucial for accurate constellation connections, avoiding slower-than-normal speeds. If this step is completed correctly, proceed to the next fix.
Fix 2: Use the Starlink App
Using the Starlink App is highly recommended. When logged in, this app provides comprehensive data, including internet speeds, obstructions, and detailed statistics.
If you experienced slow Starlink speeds in the evening but faster speeds in the morning, the Starlink app can reveal the timing and details through its Statistics feature.
The obstruction map proves particularly useful in identifying obstruction locations, allowing you to clear them if feasible. Hence, it’s always advisable to position your Starlink at the highest possible location and orient it toward the Northern hemisphere.
Fix 3: Check for Network Congestion
Network congestion is a prevalent cause of slow Starlink speeds, given the substantial user base. While Starlink aims to address this by deploying more satellites into lower orbits, it’s a gradual process. Unfortunately, there isn’t a priority program for faster speeds yet.
To mitigate slowdowns, consider minimizing internet usage between 6 PM and 11 PM local time, when demand is high. Perform data-intensive tasks outside these hours and reduce the number of connected devices to alleviate congestion. Devices like televisions and smart appliances, consuming significant data, can be turned off to free up bandwidth for priority devices.
Fix 4: Use Ethernet Instead of WiFi
Wi-Fi, given its wireless nature, tends to be less stable for internet access compared to wired standards like Ethernet. Wireless communication inherently experiences speed fluctuations. While Wi-Fi has its advantages, it can’t match the speed consistency of a wired Ethernet connection. For optimal Starlink speeds, consider connecting your device directly to the Starlink router using an Ethernet cable. The Starlink Ethernet Adapter, priced at $25, facilitates this connection, ensuring the fastest speeds from your Starlink dish.
Although this method may require careful cable management, it offers a reliable solution for achieving high-speed connectivity. Connecting an Ethernet cable to the Starlink router is straightforward, especially with the original round Starlink dish. Once properly set up, you can expect a significant improvement in speeds.
Fix 5: Factory Reset Starlink
If the previous solutions haven’t improved your Starlink speed, performing a factory reset may help address various issues, including slow speeds and connection errors. However, the process for factory resetting the Starlink router involves several steps. Here’s a guide to help you with the Starlink factory reset:
Fix 6: Contact Customer Support
If a factory reset of Starlink doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s recommended to reach out to Starlink customer support. Contacting customer support might be a bit challenging, so here’s a detailed guide on how to contact Starlink customer support. Follow the guide carefully and provide a clear explanation of your issue in the support ticket. This step is crucial, and by doing so, you increase the likelihood of resolving your Starlink speed issue.
The Bottom Line
That concludes our discussion on why your Starlink speeds may be slow. We trust this guide has been beneficial. Now you understand the significance of obstruction clearance. If this guide has assisted you, kindly specify which solution proved effective. Additionally, feel free to drop any questions or concerns in the comments below.
