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Some Starlink customers have seen a “critical update required” message warning that inactive or long-dormant dishes must receive a firmware update by November 17, 2025 or the hardware may stop working. If you’ve parked your dish in a garage, RV, cabin, or job box for months, this guide is for you. Below is a clear, practical walkthrough that shows you how to determine whether you’re affected, how to run the update without reactivating service, and how to avoid problems in the future.
What’s happening, in plain English
Starlink dishes periodically receive firmware updates that keep them compatible with network changes. Dishes that remain powered off for long stretches can fall too far behind. Starlink is warning that some of these dormant units need to catch up by Nov 17, 2025. Active users whose gear stays plugged in typically receive updates automatically and don’t need to do anything. The key is figuring out which camp you’re in and taking five simple steps if you’re behind.
Who’s most likely affected
You should assume you’re at higher risk if any of the following sound familiar:
- You paused or canceled Starlink and stored the kit.
- Your dish hasn’t been powered for months and likely missed several update cycles.
- You received an email or app notification referencing a critical update or a November 17 deadline.
If your dish is online weekly or even monthly, you’re probably fine. Still, it only takes a minute to check.
Step-by-step: How to find out if you’re affected
Step 1: Open the Starlink app and sign in
Install or open the Starlink app (iOS or Android) and log in with the account associated with your dish. If you have multiple kits on one account, select the relevant one from the device list.
Step 2: Go to Advanced to view health and software
From the home screen, tap Advanced (often in the bottom-right). This area exposes device details such as software version, connectivity status, and any warnings.
Step 3: Look for warnings or update prompts
If your dish needs a critical update, you’ll usually see a banner or prompt instructing you to power the unit outdoors and allow it to fetch new firmware. If there are no warnings and the software is shown as current, you’re not affected.
Step 4: Consider your recent usage
Even without a warning, think practically. If the dish hasn’t been powered for several months, it’s worth doing a quick update session now so you don’t run up against the deadline later.
Step 5: Decide your next move
- No warning, regularly powered: You’re good.
- Warning present or long dormancy: Proceed to the update steps below.
- Dish is remote/in storage: Plan how you’ll access and power it before Nov 17, 2025.
How to update a dormant kit (no active service required)
The update does not require an active Starlink service plan. You can power the dish and let it automatically update its firmware without re-subscribing.
- Bring the kit outside. Take the dish and the router/gateway to an outdoor area with at least some sky view. A perfect mount isn’t necessary for an update session; you just want the dish to initialize and talk to the network.
- Connect everything and power on. Plug in the cables securely, then supply power to the kit. Wait while the dish orients and the router boots.
- Open the Starlink app. Keep the app open so you can observe status messages. If the app prompts for an update, follow any on-screen steps.
- Let it run for 15–30 minutes. The firmware will typically download and install automatically. Avoid unplugging the kit during this period.
- Verify completion. Return to Advanced in the app and confirm there are no warnings and the software shows as current. If you’re not planning to use the kit immediately, you can power it down again after verification.
Troubleshooting if things don’t go smoothly
- No update starts: Give it extra time. If you still see no progress, reposition the dish for a clearer view of the sky and power-cycle the system once.
- App won’t connect: Confirm you’re on the Starlink Wi-Fi network or hardwired to the router. If needed, forget and rejoin the network, then try again.
- Multiple attempts fail: Capture screenshots of the status page and open a support request in your Starlink account. If your dish is extremely far behind on firmware, Starlink support can advise on next steps.
If you can’t reach your dish before November 17, 2025
If the dish is in storage, at a distant property, or mounted on a vehicle you won’t access before the deadline, contact Starlink support through your account to discuss options. Depending on how far behind the firmware is, an out-of-date dish may refuse to connect until it’s updated, and some units could require service. Proactive communication beats a scramble later.
Best practices to prevent future surprises
- Power the kit periodically. Even if you don’t need internet at a given location, plug the dish in for 20–30 minutes every month or two. That keeps firmware current.
- Check the app’s Advanced view quarterly. Make a quick habit of verifying software status and health.
- Label stored gear. If you keep multiple kits, label boxes with the last update date and a reminder to power them on quarterly.
- Plan for seasonal use. RVers, construction teams, and seasonal property owners should schedule a pre-season update session so the kit is ready on day one.
- Mind ownership changes. If you’re buying or selling a kit, follow the official transfer steps so the device stays eligible for updates under the correct account.
The bottom line
If your Starlink dish has been sitting unplugged, take 30 minutes now to power it up and let it catch up on firmware. You typically do not need an active subscription to perform the update, and confirming your status in the Advanced section of the app takes only a moment. Handling this ahead of November 17, 2025 will save you from a frustrating surprise when you actually need connectivity.
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