Starlink users: Here’s how to update your software by November 17 to avoid deactivation

If you have Starlink The dish is collecting dust, you will need to update it by November 17th or it will no longer work. According to emails Posted by SpaceX.

The company directs users to place their dishes outside — it’s not necessary to have a crystal-clear view of the sky — and allow the update to download and install, which typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. The news was first published by Our sister site PCMag.

“It is essential to perform this software update before November 17, otherwise your Starlink will no longer work,” the email warns.

Starlink It automatically updates the software on its dishes, and there is no option to disable this feature. This means that this deadline will only apply to Starlink users who have canceled or paused their service, but still have the dish. Starlink hasn’t made it clear if this applies to small groups, but I think it’s safe to assume so.

According to A Support page These notices were published on October 27, and were sent to customers with very old Starlink software. These customers are divided into two groups: some dishes will be completely inoperable after November 17 without the update, and the rest will not be able to access the Internet until the update is made.

You do not need an active Starlink subscription to install the update. All you have to do is plug the dish in, take it outside, and follow the instructions in the app.

“You will not be charged to complete this update or to maintain your Starlink connection during the process,” the support page says.

This process seems simple enough, but some Starlink customers on Reddit have complained that they won’t be able to access their dishes by the November 17 deadline.

“I purchased my set on 07/31/2024 and it was in storage all over the country as I moved. I have no way to access it before the November deadline,” one Reddit user wrote. “I’m hoping it will have a newer ability to download the update once I’m ready to use it. However, if not, what do I do? I’ll be contacting support about this soon, but are they responsive and helpful about this kind of thing?”

Starlink doesn’t have personal stores or a phone number you can call — which is one of the reasons you pick it up Customer service ratings are less than excellent In surveys – so users facing such issues will have to submit a support ticket and hope for a quick response. PCMag has a helpful guide to Reach Starlink customer service here.

Starlink representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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