How To Bypass The Starlink Router (Starlink Bypass Mode)

Although the performance of a Starlink router will work well for most households, if you want improved networking options and advanced features, you’ll need to purchase a third-party router and enable the Starlink bypass mode.  

The bypass mode is a feature used to disable the router and WiFi functions of the Starlink router to allow a third-party router to take over.

Since the Starlink router also functions as the power supply for the dish, you cannot remove it completely from the system, hence, enabling the Bypass mode is necessary.

Using a third-party router with Starlink gives you more features such as port forwarding, beamforming, guest network hosting, and more ethernet ports.

Steps For Bypassing The Starlink Router

Below are the simple steps for bypassing a Starlink router and using a third-party router to connect to Starlink:

1. Accessories Needed

Before you can bypass the Starlink router and use a third-party router, you need to buy a Starlink Ethernet Adapter which gives you access to an Ethernet port.

The port will enable you to connect the third-party router to Starlink services.

Additionally, any router can work with Starlink. All routers come with an ethernet cable, which is another accessory that you need for bypassing the Starlink router.

2. Connect the Third-Party Router to Starlink

First, you need to hook up the Starlink Ethernet Adapter so that you can connect a third-party router to Starlink. Disconnect the Starlink cable from the router, then connect the Ethernet adapter to it.

The next step is to connect the Starlink cable to the connector which is on the Ethernet adapter. Give the dish a few minutes to boot back up and confirm that Starlink is online.

Then connect your third-party router to Starlink router using the Ethernet cable.

One end of the Ethernet cable will plug into the WAN or Internet port on the third-party router and the other end will connect to the Starlink Ethernet Adapter.

3. Configure Your Third-Party Router

If you have not done it yet, connect your third-party router or mesh WiFi system to the power outlet and turn it on. The next thing to do is to set up your router by following the instructions given by the manufacturer.

For most routers, you can use their app or log into the router using your computer for the setup process. You just need to apply all the default settings, rename the WiFi network, and set your password.

Once you have configured your third-party router, connect to it and ensure that you have access to the internet.

At this stage, you will see that you have two WiFi networks: the WiFi from the third-party router and the Starlink WiFi.

When you have two routers that are connected to a single internet source, it means that you have two NAT configurations which is not always ideal because it leads to unstable network connections.

That is why you can enable the bypass mode on the Starlink router in the next step.

4. Enable the Bypass Mode

When your third-party router is connected to the internet and working, use the steps below to enable the bypass mode on the Starlink router:

• Open the Starlink app and click on Settings.
• Scroll down and click Bypass Mode.
• Then enable the Bypass mode by sliding the toggle to the right.
• Click OK to verify you want to continue when you are prompted.

5. Managing Starlink in Bypass Mode

Even though the bypass mode is now enabled in the Starlink router, you can still access most of the settings using either the Starlink web interface or the app.

You need to be connected to the third-party router. On your device, access the web interface by visiting http://dishy.starlink.com or http://192.168.100.1 If the web interface does not work, try using the app.

If neither the web interface nor the app works, establish a static route in the configuration settings of your router as follows:

• Network destination: 192.168.100.0
• Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
• Gateway: 192.168.100.1
• Interface: WAN

How To Turn Off Bypass Mode

If you want to go back and use your Starlink router, you can turn off the bypass mode by doing a factory reset on the router.

This will restore it to factory settings which allows you to configure a new Starlink password and network.

To do a factory reset, unplug and plug in the power cable of the Starlink router six times in a row. Ensure that you wait a few seconds between each power cycle.

If the factory reset is successful, you will notice a new WiFi network named STARLINK or STINKY. Connect to the new network and follow the steps to set up a new network password and name.

You can now connect to the new network and use the Starlink app to verify that everything is working properly.

Other Starlink Dish Models

Bypass mode is only needed if you are using the standard rectangular Starlink dish as the power supply of the dish and router are integrated as a single unit.

Bypass mode is not needed for the Flat High-Performance in-motion dish, the High Performance (Business) dish, and the original round dish.

You can remove the Starlink router completely for these dishes and use a third-party router instead.

For the round dish, you need to remove the Starlink router and connect your router to the ethernet port in the Starlink power supply.

For Flat High-performance and High-performance models, connect your router to the power supply using the Ethernet cable provided by Starlink.

Why Choose A Third-Party Router Instead Of A Starlink Router?

Starlink recommends its router instead of third-party routers for users to get the best out of their services.

This is particularly true when you factor in the flexibility in control and accessibility that Starlink offers through the Starlink app.

Starlink routers also have a great IP rating of IP54 which makes them resistant to tough weather conditions.

Therefore, for people who prefer setting up their Starlink router outside or those on the road, this can be more beneficial than third-party routers.

However, when it comes to technology and features, it falls short. While Starlink router delivers better handling characteristics and speeds, it does have significant cons as follows:

• Minimal range of around 1000 sq. ft. (You try using a Starlink WiFi extender)
• If you want to have a wired connection instead of the wireless mode, you are limited to a single port, which is through the Ethernet Adapter.
• Does not monitor internet/network consumption or any advanced information.
• Does not have features such as network priority, port forwarding, and beamforming.
• Does not host guest networks.
• Does not support WiFi 6 technology.
• Does not have Triband support.

Final Words

Hopefully, this article has given you all the steps that you need to bypass a Starlink router and use a third-party router to connect to Starlink.

The process is not complicated as all you need to buy is a Starlink Ethernet adapter. 

Start by disconnecting the dish cable, then plug in the adapter, and follow the instructions mentioned above. You will have a port to connect your router in a matter of minutes.