Can you install Starlink yourself? DIY or a professional install

Installing it yourself: what Starlink's US terms ask

Starlink's US Terms of Service, in the version published August 2026, put installation on the customer under their "Kit Install Guidelines" heading. The clause opens: "You are responsible for the installation of the Starlink Kit in a location that has a clear field of view of the sky, per the Starlink App and the Install Guide available in the Starlink Customer Portal."

Beside that duty sits a sentence from Starlink's US help center, in an article for Starlink Aviation. The article Can I install it myself or use a third-party installer?, checked November 2026, opens "This article is for Starlink Aviation." and goes on "A home customer may install their own kit." The rest of it answers for aircraft.

The same clause of the terms bars changes to the kit: "You shall not modify the Starlink Kit in a manner (including cosmetic/paint changes) that contradicts the Install Guide or would otherwise alter the transmission characteristics of the equipment, including placing the antenna under a cover/radome, unless approved by Starlink." On permanent mounts it says "If you require a permanent roof or vehicle mount installation, you acknowledge the potential risks associated with this type of installation, including, without limitation, with respect to any warranty that applies to your roof, vehicle, vessel for penetration of the membrane." It ends: "Follow the Install Guide. If you cannot safely install the Starlink Kit, do not install it and seek professional assistance."

On where the dish goes, Starlink's help page Where should I install my Starlink?, checked November 2026, says "Starlink works best with a clear view of the sky. A partial view is often enough." It adds: "Many customers find that a permanent mount in an elevated location, like a roof or pole, provides the best installation and service. A wall mount is fine when the dish sits above the wall and the field of view stays clear. Do not place the dish beside a wall or under a cover that blocks the sky."

Professional installation in the US: how it's ordered and what it typically includes

Starlink's help page Does Starlink provide installers?, checked November 2026, says third-party installers "are available in select markets for Residential plans only". It adds "These installers have completed Starlink training to set up and activate your kit."

Its line for "US customers only" links to your Starlink account "to place an installation order if you have already placed a Starlink order." Further down, the page lists third-party installers by country, the United States among them; this page names no installer. It also says "Someone 18 or older must be present during the installation on behalf of the account holder." and "A standard installation typically takes around 90 minutes and includes standard setup accessories and mounts."

Under "What is included in a standard professional installation?", the page says: "A standard professional installation purchased through Starlink typically includes the following. Coverage varies by country, so always confirm with your local provider."

• Site Assessment: "The installer will provide a site assessment and select the optimal dish location on the day of installation."
• Dish Mounting: "The dish is mounted (standard home mount included). Secure placement will be on roof, wall, fascia, gutter, or elevated position with standard mounts (e.g., wall/pivot mount, pipe adapter, kickstand). Includes basic sealed penetration."
• Cable Routing: "The cable is routed from the dish to the home's nearest entry point."
• Router Setup: "The router is connected and powered at the entry point. This includes indoor connection, Wi-Fi configuration (SSID/password) and account login."
• System Testing and Education: "The Starlink is activated, performance is tested, and a Starlink app walkthrough is provided. Testing includes checking dish alignment, signal/connectivity verification, speed tests, and obstruction checks."

Under "What is not included in the installation?", it lists "Pole mount installations are not included and cannot be performed by installers.", "Deinstallation services are not supported by Starlink." and "Standard install set up includes a standard mount and cable. Additional accessories must be purchased separately."; its line on extra fees is below, in the wording of the page's FAQ.

Asked whether you can use the kit before the appointment, the page answers "Yes, you are encouraged to begin using your Starlink while waiting for your permanent installation appointment." To reschedule, it points US customers to a link to the account or "the re-scheduling tool in your account".

What a professional installation costs: what Starlink's pages say

As read in November 2026, none of the Starlink pages this page cites gives an installation price. Starlink's installer page, checked that month, answers its own question "Are there extra fees for professional installation?" with "Yes. Extended travel, certain home types, or specific customer requests such as longer cables, trenching, or specialized routing may incur additional fees." and adds "Additional accessories must be purchased separately."

The same page's list of installers speaks of "a free third-party installation as part of your order bundle" and says "For paid third-party installations, use the list below." That page doesn't say which orders include one.

On refunds, it says "Starlink can only refund installations purchased directly through the Starlink website."

The order's other charges are on the activation fee page, and the one-time fees in Starlink's US broadband label files are on the plans and prices page.

Billing doesn't wait for the installer

Starlink's installer page, checked November 2026, says "Service activation and billing start date for your Starlink is not dependent on installation appointment date." Its next sentence: "The first charge is the earliest of these dates: the date you activate your Starlink Kit by powering it on and connecting it for the first time, 7 days after Starlink delivers your Starlink Kit, or 30 days from the date your Starlink Kit was shipped."

Starlink's US Terms of Service, in the version published August 2026, set the first charge in their clause "Payments for Monthly Service Subscription", under "Monthly Service Fee": "The first charge for the Services selected in your Order will be on the earlier of (i) the date you activate the Starlink Kit; (ii) 7 days after Starlink delivers your Starlink Kit, or (iii) if no delivery date is available, 30 days from the date your Starlink Kit was shipped (“Payment Due Date”)."

The two differ on the third date: the terms add "if no delivery date is available".

The trial page sets out how the 30-day return window counts from the terms' Payment Due Date.

Permits, association rules and your landlord

Starlink's US Terms of Service, in the version published August 2026, leave approvals to the customer under "Kit Install Authorizations". The clause reads: "It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable building codes, zoning, ordinances, business district or association rules, covenants, conditions, restrictions, lease obligations and landlord/owner approvals and requirements for the installation of the Starlink Kit, to pay any associated fees or other charges, and to obtain any permits and other authorizations necessary for the Services and the installation of the Starlink Kit."

Starlink's Limited Warranty, in the version published October 2026, lists among its exclusions "inability to obtain or maintain necessary permissions, authorizations, or permits" (what the warranty excludes).

Under "Kit Install Guidelines", the terms add: "Should use of the Services require any construction or alteration to your property, Starlink is not obliged to reimburse any expenses or restore your property to the same physical state as prior to delivery of Services."

What an apartment adds is on the apartment page.

What installation can do to the warranty

Under "Kit Install Guidelines", Starlink's US terms (the version published August 2026) say the Limited Warranty "may be voided" if Starlink determines an installation materially degraded the service or equipment. The sentence in full: "At Starlink’s sole discretion, if we determine that your installation or modification of a Starlink Kit has resulted in a material degradation of the Service or equipment, the equipment Limited Warranty may be voided."

The Limited Warranty, in the version published October 2026, says under "What Is Excluded from Limited Warranty" that "Starlink is not responsible for damage to the Starlink Kit after delivery or for Kit or Service malfunctions or underperformance resulting from" a list of causes. Two of them are "failure to follow instructions, including by obstructing the Starlink Kit’s field of view of the sky or covering the antenna with a radome" and "incompatible installation environments or use in combination with devices or software not provided or approved by Starlink".

The warranty's period and how a claim works are on the contract page.

What this page doesn't cover

• Install steps. The terms point to the Starlink App and the Install Guide.
• Installers' names, prices and service areas.
• Installation in other countries.
• The Starlink Mini.
• Business, Enterprise, maritime and aviation installations.
• Removing an installation. Starlink's installer page says "Deinstallation services are not supported by Starlink."