Your Starlink router stopped responding. You forgot your WiFi password. Or you sold the kit and need to wipe it clean. Whatever the reason, you need a factory reset. Here’s the catch: not all Starlink routers reset the same way.
Starlink changed the factory reset method with every generation. The Gen 1 had a physical button. The Gen 2 removed it entirely. The Gen 3 brought it back but in a different spot. The Mini has its own. Try the wrong method for your model and it simply won’t work. This guide covers exactly what to do for each router, with steps confirmed by Starlink’s official documentation.
A factory reset wipes everything: network name, password, and all settings. After the process, your WiFi will show up as STARLINK, just like when it was new. If you’re using a third-party router in bypass mode, this reset is required to undo it. There’s no other way.
How to Identify Your Router and Factory Reset It
Before touching anything, figure out which model you have. The method is completely different for each one.
Identify your router generation:
- Gen 1 (Circular): The original model. Round dish, physical button on the bottom of the router.
- Gen 2 (Rectangular, no button): No visible Ethernet ports, no external reset button. Only the power cable.
- Gen 3 (Current rectangular): Two Ethernet ports on the back. The reset button sits between them.
- Starlink Mini: Compact all-in-one unit with a reset icon on the rear panel.
Run the reset for your model:
- Gen 1: Flip the router over. Press the button on the bottom with a paperclip until the LED turns blue. Release and wait.
- Gen 2: Unplug the power cable and plug it back in. Repeat this 6 times in a row, with 2-3 seconds between each cycle. Not slower, not faster. Exactly six times.
- Gen 3: Open the Ethernet port cover on the back. Between the two ports you’ll find a small button. Press it with a paperclip.
- Starlink Mini: Locate the reset icon on the rear. Press firmly until you feel a click. Hold for 3 seconds.
The router’s LED will blink rapidly, then turn off. This takes a few minutes. Don’t unplug it during this process. When it’s done, the LED will either be solid white or stay off (the Gen 3 turns off its light after 1 hour of stable connection). If you want to understand the LED signals better, check our guide on what the white light on your Starlink router means.
Connect to the STARLINK network. Open your phone or computer’s WiFi settings. Look for a network named STARLINK. It has no password. If your device shows an error connecting, tell it to forget the old network and try again.
Set up your new network. Open the Starlink app. You’ll see a message saying Router Not Configured. Tap it, choose a name for your WiFi network and a new password. Save. Done.
Recommendations and Warnings
Only use the original Starlink power supply. Third-party adapters can damage your router. The Starlink power supply is universal voltage (100-240V), so it works worldwide without a converter.
If you have mesh nodes connected to the router you’re resetting, they’ll lose their connection. You’ll need to reset those too to re-pair them.
The Gen 2’s 6 power cycles method has a hidden trap: if you live in an area with frequent power outages, repeated blackouts can trigger a factory reset without you noticing. One day you come home and your WiFi is named STARLINK again. It’s not a hacker. It was the power. A UPS solves this.
If the router is under warranty, don’t open it. You’ll void the coverage.
If you just need a reboot (not a full reset): unplug and replug the power ONCE. Or from the app: Settings > Router > Reboot Router. That won’t erase your password or configuration.
Recommended alternative: If you still have access to your WiFi network, the cleanest method is through the app. Open the Starlink app, go to Settings > Router > Factory Reset. The app guides you through it. No paperclips, no power cycle counting.
Regional Support Notes
Starlink’s official installation guide is available in multiple languages. Phone support is available 24/7 in English for the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. For the rest of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America, the only support channel is through the app’s ticket system. The Starlink app handles all regions, and tickets can be submitted in English or Spanish.
This guide applies to all models: Gen 1 (Circular), Gen 2 (Rectangular), Gen 3 (Current Rectangular), Starlink Mini, and mesh nodes.
After the reset, the dish needs a few minutes to re-calibrate and find satellites again. Don’t panic if it takes a while to reconnect.
Did it work? Drop a comment below. If your model isn’t listed or the method didn’t work for you, let us know so we can keep this guide up to date.