Quick Answer: How to Activate Starlink
To activate Starlink online at starlink.com/activate, you need two things: an active internet connection (via mobile data or another Wi-Fi source) and your Starlink Kit Number or Serial Number. Go to the activation URL, select whether you are setting up Residential or Roam service, enter your hardware identifier, and follow the on-screen prompts to link the dish to your SpaceX account.
Congratulations on receiving your Starlink kit! Whether you are setting up internet at a remote cabin or preparing your RV for a cross-country trip, getting connected to SpaceX’s satellite network is designed to be user-friendly. However, before the dish can beam high-speed internet into your home, you must register the hardware to your account.
If you bought your kit from a third-party retailer (like Best Buy or Home Depot) or purchased a used dish, activation does not happen automatically upon shipping. This guide will walk you through exactly how to activate your terminal online securely and efficiently.
Step 1: Locate Your Hardware Identifier
Before navigating to the activation page, you must locate your specific hardware number. The activation portal will ask for one of two identifiers to ensure you are linking the correct physical dish to your billing profile.
- Starlink Kit Number: This is a string of characters found on the large white sticker located on the outside of your original shipping box.
- Dish Serial Number: If you threw the box away, you can find the serial number printed directly on the mast (the pole) of the Starlink dish or printed in tiny text on the bottom of the router.
Step 2: Go to starlink.com/activate
Using a smartphone or computer with cellular data (since your Starlink is not online yet), open your web browser. You can navigate directly to the official Starlink Activation page.
Follow these steps on the screen:
- Enter the Identifier: Type in your Kit Number or Serial Number exactly as it appears.
- Select Your Plan: Choose whether you want Standard (Residential) or Mobile (Roam) service.
- Enter Service Address: Input the physical address where the dish will primarily be located (critical for assigning your cell capacity).
- Create an Account: If you don’t have a SpaceX account, you will input your email and create a password now.
- Add Payment Method: Enter your credit card to begin the monthly billing cycle.
Which Identifier Should You Use?
| Identifier Type | Where to Find It | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Kit Number (KIT) | Shipping Box Sticker | Brand new retail purchases. |
| Serial Number (SN) | Dish Mast / Router Bottom | Used dishes or lost boxes. |
Step 3: Power Up and Connect
Once the website confirms your activation is successful, you can plug your router into the wall. The dish will automatically wake up, tilt, and scan the sky for satellites. This initial boot process can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.
Open the Starlink App on your smartphone to finish configuring your Wi-Fi network name and password. If the dish struggles to connect after 30 minutes, you might need to check out our internal guide on basic router network troubleshooting to ensure all cables are seated properly.
TL;DR Summary
- Requirement: You need an existing internet connection on your phone/PC to perform the activation.
- Identifier: Locate your KIT number (on the box) or Serial number (on the dish/router).
- Portal: Navigate to
starlink.com/activateand input your hardware number. - Final Setup: Choose your service plan, enter your address/payment details, and plug in the dish to connect.
