Can I use my own Wi-Fi router to connect to Starlink equipment?

Absolutely! No problem at all, and many people do this.

My own Starlink is connected to a third-party router. Simply put, you can think of the router that comes with Starlink as a "basic model," while your own router might be a "pro model" or "luxury model" that can provide a much better experience.

Why use your own router?

The router included with Starlink is sufficient for everyday use, but if you have the following needs, switching to your own router will significantly improve your experience:

Stronger Wi-Fi signal and coverage: If your home is large or has many walls, a good third-party router (especially a Mesh Wi-Fi system) can extend the signal further and more stably, eliminating dead zones.
More features: Advanced routers typically offer more professional settings, such as:
- More Ethernet ports (LAN ports): The Starlink router has no built-in Ethernet ports by default and requires an additional accessory. Your own router usually has 4 or more, making it convenient to connect computers, TVs, and gaming consoles.
- Better parental controls.
- Support for VPN client mode, allowing all devices in your home to benefit from a VPN.
- Gaming acceleration, QoS (Quality of Service), etc., which can prioritize smooth gaming or video conferencing.
Faster Wi-Fi speeds: If you are using devices and a router that support Wi-Fi 6, 6E, or even Wi-Fi 7, the internal network transfer speeds between devices in your home will be much faster.

How to connect? You need two steps

Connecting your own router is very simple, but it's not just a matter of plugging it in directly.

Step One: You need a crucial accessory

You need to purchase an "Ethernet Adapter" directly from Starlink. This accessory looks like a small power brick, and it converts Starlink's proprietary port into a standard Ethernet port. Without this, your router cannot connect to Starlink.

Step Two: Enable "Bypass Mode" in the App

Once you have the Ethernet Adapter, connect everything in the following order:

Starlink Dish -> Starlink Router -> Ethernet Adapter -> Your Own Router (WAN/Internet Port)

Then, open your Starlink mobile App:

Go to "Settings".
Find "Advanced".
You will see a toggle for "Bypass Mode".
Turn it ON! The App will prompt you that the device will restart.

What happens after enabling "Bypass Mode"?

The Starlink-provided router will disable its own Wi-Fi signal and routing functions.
It will become a "bridge," purely passing the network signal directly to your Ethernet Adapter.
Your router will directly obtain a public IP address from Starlink, and then your router will be solely responsible for all network management in your home (Wi-Fi, device IP assignment, etc.).

A few tips

You cannot discard the Starlink router! Even with Bypass Mode enabled, it must remain connected because it is also responsible for powering the outdoor dish.
After enabling Bypass Mode, all Wi-Fi settings (such as Wi-Fi name, password) are managed on your own router and are no longer related to the Starlink App.
The Starlink App is still useful; you can use it anytime to check satellite connection status, network speed statistics, or control dish snow melt, etc.
If you ever want to revert to the original setup, simply disable "Bypass Mode" in the App, or unplug and replug the Starlink router's power cable several times (usually 3-6 times) to factory reset it.

In summary, using your own router is a highly recommended way to enhance your Starlink internet experience, especially for users with higher network demands; this upgrade is definitely worthwhile.