How to Fix the "Starlink Motors Stuck" Error

Seeing the “Motors Stuck” error in your Starlink app can feel alarming—especially when your dish seems static. Don’t worry, though. This issue is usually easy to resolve. Let’s walk through the steps gently, so you can get your Starlink dish moving again.

What's Going On?

When your Starlink dish can't move to align with satellites, the app will show a “motors stuck” message. This might cause your internet to slow or even drop out entirely. The issue can stem from physical obstructions, mounting errors, or glitches in the software.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Check for Obstructions

Make sure your dish isn’t bumping into anything as it moves—walls, roof edges, tree branches, or other objects could be blocking its path.

2. Confirm Proper Mounting Angle

Your dish needs to be mounted almost perfectly vertical—no more than a 5° tilt. If it's set too steeply or sideways, it may not move correctly and could trigger the error.

3. Ensure the Dish Is Secure

If your Starlink dish fell or tipped over (often due to wind or shifting), it won't be able to recalibrate properly. Make sure it’s firmly secured to its mount before trying again.

4. Stow, Reboot, and Restart

Try this simple reset routine:

• Use the app to stow the dish (i.e., retract it into its storage position).

• Unplug the power for about a minute.

• Plug it back in and unstow the dish via the app.

• Wait up to 15 minutes as it attempts to realign.

  
  

5. Watch for Ice or Debris

In cold environments, ice or snow buildup can block dish movement. If this happens, activate “Snow Melt” mode via the app to clear it gently. Otherwise, you may need to manually and carefully remove the buildup—avoid sharp tools.

When It Might Be a Hardware Issue

If you’ve gone through the steps above without success, the dish motors themselves may be faulty. In cases like this, reaching out to Starlink for a replacement dish is the next best step.

What Users Say

From real users navigating this issue:

“Stow it, wait a bit, plug it back in—it recalibrated and worked again.”“Moved the dish upright and power-cycled it—that cleared the error.”

Quick Recap

Step	What to Do
1	Remove nearby obstructions
2	Ensure the mount is vertical
3	Secure the dish on its base
4	Stow, power cycle, then unstow it
5	Clear any ice buildup if needed
6	Contact Starlink if the error persists

Final Thoughts

The “Starlink Motors Stuck” message can sound serious, but more often than not, it's a simple fix. A good reset and ensuring a clear path for movement typically resolves it. Keep your dish properly installed and maintained, and you'll be back to smooth, uninterrupted service in no time.