Starlink Dish Alert Messages in Speedify Overview

This article explains the alert messages you may see when Speedify is monitoring your Starlink dish. Knowing what each alert means can help you quickly identify and address issues with your Starlink internet connection.

Operational Status Alerts

Normal

Your Starlink dish is operating as expected with no issues detected. No action is required.

Obstructed

Your dish has detected something blocking its view of the sky. Speedify considers the obstruction significant when more than 5% of the sky view is blocked and latency is over 100ms. If you see this alert, consider moving your dish to a spot with a clearer view of the sky.

Currently Obstructed

Your dish is experiencing an active obstruction right now. Unlike the general "Obstructed" alert, which may reflect a recurring pattern, this one means something is actively blocking the signal at this moment.

Is SNR Persistently Low

The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) has been consistently below expected levels. Low SNR can reduce your connection quality and speeds. This may be caused by environmental conditions, partial obstructions, or nearby interference. Check your surroundings for potential signal interference or partial obstructions.

Temperature-Related Alerts

Dish Is Heating

Your dish is using its built-in heating elements to melt snow or ice. This is normal in cold weather and no action is needed. You may notice higher power usage during heating cycles.

Dish Thermal Throttle

Your dish has detected high internal temperatures and is reducing power to protect itself. This typically happens during hot weather or when the dish is in direct sunlight for long periods. Your connection will continue, but performance may be reduced. If possible, try to limit extended direct sunlight exposure on the dish.

Dish Thermal Shutdown

Your dish has reached a critical temperature and has shut down temporarily to prevent damage. Your internet connection will be interrupted until the dish cools down. Provide shade for the dish or wait for temperatures to drop before attempting to resume use.

Power Supply Thermal Throttle

Your dish's power supply is overheating and reducing its output. Make sure the power supply has good ventilation and isn't placed in a confined or hot area. It should not be covered or sitting in direct sunlight.

Positioning and Movement Alerts

Motors Stuck

The motors that position your dish cannot move correctly. This may be caused by a physical obstruction, ice buildup, or a motor issue. Inspect the area around your dish for anything blocking its movement and clear it if possible. If the problem continues, contact Starlink support.

Mast Not Near Vertical

Your dish has detected that its mounting pole is not properly vertical. This can prevent the dish from positioning itself correctly for the best satellite coverage. Adjust your mounting pole so it is vertically aligned.

Moving Too Fast For Policy

Your dish has detected movement at a speed that exceeds its operational limits. Starlink offers different service tiers for mobile use, and this alert may mean your current plan does not support the speed at which you are traveling.

Stowed

Your dish is in its stowed (folded) position, used for transport or to protect the hardware in extreme conditions. You will not have internet service while the dish is stowed. Use the Starlink app to unstow the dish when you are ready to use it again.

Stow Requested

A stow request has been sent to your dish, either through the Starlink app or automatically due to environmental conditions. The dish will move to its stowed position shortly, and your internet connection may be affected once it does.

Connection and Hardware Alerts

Slow Ethernet Speeds

Your dish has detected that the Ethernet (the wired network standard) connection is running below expected speeds. Check your Ethernet cables for damage and make sure they are properly connected on both ends. If the issue continues, try replacing the cables with new ones.

Hardware Self Test

Your dish is running an internal diagnostic test. This is normal during startup or after a software update. No action is required unless the test fails repeatedly.

Software Install Pending

A software update is queued and waiting to be installed. Updates usually install automatically during low-usage periods. No action is typically needed, but you can restart your dish to trigger the update sooner if you prefer.

Performance Metrics to Monitor

In addition to alerts, Speedify displays several metrics that give you a clearer picture of how your Starlink connection is performing.

Downlink Throughput

The speed at which data is downloaded from Starlink's satellites to your dish, measured in bits per second (bps). Higher values mean faster download speeds.

Uplink Throughput

The speed at which data is uploaded from your dish to Starlink's satellites, measured in bps. Higher values mean faster upload speeds.

Latency

The time it takes (in milliseconds) for data to travel from your dish to Starlink's ground stations and back. Lower values mean a more responsive connection. Latency above 100ms combined with obstruction alerts may indicate connection problems.

Ping Drop Rate

The percentage of connection test packets that do not reach their destination. A lower ping drop rate means a more stable connection. A high drop rate can lead to intermittent connectivity issues.

Connected Routers

A list of routers currently connected to your Starlink dish. Use this to confirm that all your networking equipment is properly connected.

What to Do When You See Alerts

• Temporary alerts: Many alerts resolve on their own. Monitor the situation before taking action.
• Environmental factors: For temperature, obstruction, or positioning alerts, address the physical conditions around your dish when possible.
• Persistent alerts: If an alert lasts more than 24 hours or keeps coming back, contact Starlink support for help.
• Multiple alerts: When several alerts appear at once, address the most critical ones first, such as thermal shutdown or motors stuck, before moving on to performance-related issues.
• Reboot: For many technical issues, restarting your Starlink system (unplug power for 20 seconds, then reconnect) may clear the problem.