Sideloading Instructions

These steps explain how to perform a sideload update on your Starlink system. Please choose the option that best matches how your equipment is connected.

Option 1: Using the Starlink Router (Recommended)

Use this option if your Starlink dish is connected directly to the Starlink router and the router is not in bypass mode.

What you need

• A phone with the Starlink app installed (iOS or Android)

• The Starlink router powered on

• The dish connected directly to the Starlink router

• Your phone connected to the Starlink Wi-Fi network

• Wait 1 to 2 minutes after powering on to allow the dish to finish booting

Steps

1. Open the Starlink app on your phone.

2. Go to Settings > Advanced > Debug Data > Sideload.

3. Tap Update Now at the bottom of the screen.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Once the update is complete, Starlink should connect to the network automatically.

Option 2: Using a Third-Party Wireless Router

(Not compatible with switches, firewalls, or enterprise routers)

Use this option if you are using your own wireless router.

What you need

• A phone with the Starlink app installed

• A third-party wireless router

• Your phone connected to the third-party router’s Wi-Fi

• The Starlink dish powered on and fully booted

Router configuration

Configure the following static route on your router:

• Destination network: 192.168.100.0

• Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

• Gateway: leave empty, set to 0.0.0.0, or None

• Interface: WAN

Make sure the router does not use:

• Client or AP isolation

• Captive portals

• VPNs

• Strict firewall rules

Steps

1. Open the Starlink app.

2. Go to Settings > Advanced > Debug Data > Sideload.

3. Tap Update Now.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Once the update is complete, Starlink should connect to the network.

Option 3: Direct Connection Using a Phone and Ethernet Adapter

Use this option if your phone supports USB-C and you have a USB-C to Ethernet adapter.

What you need

• A phone with USB-C

• A USB-C to Ethernet adapter

• The Starlink app installed

• Direct access to the Starlink Ethernet connection

Steps

1. Connect your phone directly to the Starlink Ethernet port using the adapter.

2. Open the Starlink app.

3. Go to Settings > Advanced > Debug Data > Sideload.

4. Tap Update Now.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

6. Once complete, Starlink should connect to the network.

Additional Notes (All Options)

• The sideload process usually takes around one minute

• If the sideload fails, try again. It commonly succeeds on the second or third attempt

• Common reasons for failure include:

  • Poor or unstable connectivity

  • The dish performing a firmware update at the same time

  • Incorrect router port usage (LAN vs WAN)

  • Firewall or isolation settings blocking local communication

• Keep the dish powered on and do not disconnect cables during the sideload