How to use a VPN with Starlink: The best VPNs for Starlink

Want to protect your privacy and access regional content via your Starlink internet? In this guide, we explain how to use a VPN with Starlink. We will teach you how a VPN for Starlink improves your privacy. Plus, how to use a VPN to bypass region blocks. To make your life easier, we’ve also included a list of the best VPNs for Starlink.

Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet allows people to connect in remote areas of the world. However, like other internet service providers (ISPs), Starlink can track all of the websites you visit. This is why you should always use a VPN to encrypt your data.

Using a VPN with Starlink can help prevent bandwidth throttling and keep your internet running faster. It also lets you change your IP address to different places worldwide. This allows you to watch regional streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix US, ESPN, or anything else that takes your fancy.

Whether you are concerned about online tracking and censorship or simply want to play international game servers, a VPN for Starlink can be a massive help. This guide explains how to set up a VPN for a Starlink router and pinpoints the best Starlink VPN services for your needs.

How to set up a VPN for Starlink

Using a VPN with Starlink is easy if you install the VPN app on individual devices. Below, we have explained how to get started in just a few short steps. Just bear in mind that dozens of VPNs are on the market, and they are not all suitable for getting watertight online privacy.

Scroll down to see which are the most secure VPNs for Starlink. We have also provided information about setting up a VPN on a Starlink router.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to configure a VPN for Starlink:

1. Choose a VPN Service: Start by selecting a VPN for Starlink. We recommend NordVPN because it is highly secure and fast. It also works with popular services like Netflix US. Alternatively, Surfshark is a low-cost all-rounder that works great to secure your privacy on Starlink. IPVanish is excellent for anybody needing access to IPs in 18+ US cities.
2. Subscribe to the VPN: You can get a subscription by following the links on this page. Our links will implement a discount code that gets you the Starlink VPN at the lowest possible cost.
3. Install the VPN Software: Next, download and install the VPN app on your device. Our recommendations include apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Firestick, and other browsers. This means you can easily use the VPN with any device in your home.
4. Connect to the VPN Server: Launch the VPN app and connect to a server once the VPN is set up. You can pick a VPN server that suits your needs. For example, choose a VPN server in the US if you want to watch American Netflix or the UK to stream the BBC.
5. Test Your Connection: After connecting to the VPN, we advise checking that it works correctly with your Starlink internet. You can do this by heading to our IP checking tool. The IP address should register in the location of the VPN server you selected.

How to set up a VPN on a Starlink router

If you want to set up a VPN on your Starlink router, it is important to determine if your router is compatible with VPN connections. Unfortunately, even the most recent generations of Starlink routers do not allow manual VPN connections or VPN passthrough using protocols like PPTP, L2TP, or IPsec.

This means that you will need to either connect to a VPN using a standalone VPN application installed on your devices or purchase a third-party router that offers VPN functionality and compatibility with Starlink. You can buy a router compatible with VPN connections and Starlink from FlashRouters.

The VPNs recommended for Starlink offer multiple simultaneous connections, ranging from six to unlimited. This means that you can easily use any of these VPNs on your devices. As a result, you don’t need to upgrade your router from the one provided by Starlink strictly.

Steps to set up a VPN for Starlink on a compatible router:

1. Get a VPN-compatible router

First, you need to purchase a router that supports VPNs. The benefit of buying a pre-flashed router from FlashRouters is that you can also ask for it to come pre-prepared to work with your VPN service of choice. This means that all you need to do is log in using your credentials from sign-up. If you purchase a router elsewhere, just check that it supports OpenVPN, as this is the protocol most VPNs use for secure connections.

2. Connect the new router to your Starlink system

Connect your new router to the Starlink router by plugging an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on both devices.

Set your Starlink router to Bypass Mode so your new router manages the network. Note that entering Bypass Mode involves disabling the Starlink wifi. You can only connect to your new VPN-compatible router for all wifi connections.

3. Log In to your router’s admin panel

Open your web browser and type in the router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, but you can check with your router model’s manual to check).

Enter your login credentials to access the router admin page. If you have not previously updated your router’s login information, check with its manufacturer to find out the default login details.

4. Locate the VPN setup section

Search the router settings for a tab labeled Networking or VPN. This section will be labeled differently depending on the router model, such as “VPN Client” or “OpenVPN.”

5. Get the VPN configuration details from your VPN provider

Log in to your VPN account on the VPN provider’s website.

Search for a router VPN setup guide or OpenVPN configuration files. Download the configuration file and note the required setup details. If you aren’t sure what to do, contact the VPN’s live chat support for help.

6. Enter the configuration details

In your router’s admin panel, upload the OpenVPN configuration file and enter the necessary connection details, including:

• Server address
• Username and password
• Additional settings, if required by your VPN provider

Refer to your VPN provider’s router VPN setup guide for any specific settings configurations needed. Each VPN may have slightly different requirements so follow your VPN’s guide for a perfect setup.

7. Save and apply settings

Once you’ve entered all the necessary information, click Save. Finally, click Apply or Connect to establish the VPN connection.

Wait for the router to confirm that the VPN is connected.

8. Test the VPN connection

Use our IP checking tool to check if your VPN connection is working. Every device in your home should now have an IP address in the VPN server’s remote location.

That’s it! Following these steps ensures that the VPN connection protects every device in your home. This means you do not need to connect to the VPN via individual devices. Instead, any device that connects to your network will have privacy by default.

Remember, if your Starlink router is not compatible with setting up a VPN directly and you do not want to buy a new router, you can just use the VPN on each device. This is quick, easy, and works just as well as installing the VPN onto a router. In fact, this is how most Starlink customers use a VPN!

What are the best VPNs for Starlink?

If you want to start using a VPN for Starlink right away, we have listed our top picks below. All our recommendations offer best-in-class security so that you can stay protected and bypass blocks with ease. They also have custom VPN apps, making them extremely easy to use.

Here are the best options:

• NordVPN: Top VPN for Starlink. With apps for all platforms, OpenVPN security, and thousands of servers to choose from, this super-fast VPN is perfect for streaming and avoiding ISP throttling. Plus, it has a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Surfshark: Best low-cost VPN for Starlink. Ideal for users who want a fast connection. Has servers in 100+ countries and allows unlimited device connections, meaning you can share the VPN with friends and family. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• IPVanish: A US-based VPN that is fast and secure. Works to bypass blocks and provides unlimited simultaneous connections. Excellent for streaming, gaming, and secure browsing. Has a no-logs policy and strong AES-256 encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.
• ExpressVPN: Highly trusted VPN with servers in 94 countries. Fast speeds and a reliable app make it perfect for streaming on Starlink. Works with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more. Uses OpenVPN and its custom Lightway protocol for even faster speeds. 30-day money-back guarantee.
• CyberGhost: Excellent tarlink VPN for beginners. The app is easy to use and affordable. It is one of the fastest VPNs for Starlink. The app includes a VPN kill switch and streaming-optimized servers listed inside. It consistently works with dozens of streaming services.
• PureVPN: A fast and secure VPN for Starlink. Offers a no-logs policy, split tunneling, and a choice of protocols. Works with a massive selection of international streaming platforms. 31-day money-back guarantee. Outstanding value for money.
• ProtonVPN: Best VPN for privacy-focused users. It offers advanced features like Secure Core, Tor over VPN, and strong encryption—perfect for those who value privacy the most. 30-day money-back guarantee. Port forwarding features make it ideal for torrenting via Starlink.

What is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite-based internet service developed by SpaceX to provide high-speed internet across the globe. It allows people living in remote or rural areas to get connected to the internet. The Starlink satellite internet network aims to democratize internet access to underserved areas.

Starlink works by connecting your home Wi-Fi to a cluster of low-earth orbit satellites. This means that as long as your satellite has a clear view of the sky, it can access the Internet for your network.

However, although Starlink is great for getting internet access in areas where it isn’t otherwise available, it suffers from the same privacy risks associated with other ISPs. This is why you should encrypt your data using a VPN. This will prevent the Skylink network from monitoring your activities.

Why do I need a VPN?

A VPN for Starlink is a useful tool that improves your freedom of access and privacy. It secures your internet connection by encrypting your data to prevent online tracking. This ensures that your ISP (Starlink) and the government can’t monitor your online activities.

A Starlink VPN also prevents websites from tracking your IP address. This reduces tracking and allows you to pretend to be in a different location. A VPN for Starlink can also help you avoid ISP throttling, which can help to keep your internet running faster if the Starlink network suffers congestion.

Solve port forwarding issues

Finally, a VPN helps to solve problems caused by the Carrier-Grade Network Address Translation (CGNAT) system Starlink uses to manage IP addresses. CGNAT allocates public IP addresses to Starlink users, and many users share a single IP address.

This shared IP configuration (much like shared VPN IPs) improves user privacy compared to an ordinary ISP setup. Shared IPs make it harder to track what any single user is doing while connected to the Starlink network.

However, Starlink’s CGNAT can make it harder for users to set up services that rely on unique IPs for port forwarding. Starlink users who require port forwarding for hosting servers, torrenting, etc, can use a VPN to solve this issue. Remember that you must choose a Starlink VPN that supports port forwarding.

How does a VPN work?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) works by encrypting your data and tunneling your data to a proxy server that is controlled by the VPN company. When you connect to the VPN, your traffic is encrypted when it passes through Starlink’s CGNAT system and gateway servers. This prevents Starlink from seeing what websites you visit.

A VPN also allows you to bypass regional restrictions by letting you choose where you want to have an IP address. This lets you connect to a server in Britain to watch UK TV channels like BBC iPlayer, or a server in the US to watch ESPN.

You can also use the VPN to get search results for different locations, which is perfect if you want to see whether products and services cost less elsewhere. For example, some people use VPNs to shop around for cheaper hotels or flights.

A VPN can also help protect your privacy if you are using a Starlink network provided by a third party. Under these circumstances, the individual or company that provides access to Starlink could be using network monitoring software like Wireshark to track network activity. By using a VPN you can stop the Starlink wifi provider from monitoring everything you do online.

A VPN also stops your browsing habits from being handed over to government authorities if they approach Starlink with a warrant.

What is the easiest way to use a VPN with Starlink?

The easiest way to use a VPN with Starlink is to simply install the VPN on your individual devices. Installing a VPN on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Firestick, or Linux is fast and requires no detailed setup steps. This differs from setting up a VPN on a router, which requires more steps and technical knowledge.

Our recommended VPNs offer multiple simultaneous connections, which means you and your family can easily use the VPN on all of the devices connected to your Starlink internet.

Installing a VPN directly on your phone, tablet, or computer is extremely straightforward. All you need to do is subscribe, download the app, install it, and log in. After that, pick a server and click Connect.

Can I Use a free VPN with Starlink?

Yes, you can use a free VPN with Starlink. However, you must be careful about which free VPN you choose. Studies have revealed that most free VPNs currently advertised on app stores like Google Play, Samsung Apps, and Apple App Store are extremely concerning.

Most free VPNs have invasive privacy policies that allow them to monitor everything you do while connected. Instead of providing privacy, these VPNs use your data for profiling purposes and profit by selling your data to third parties such as marketing companies and data brokers. This means that free VPNs are a data honeypot.

A reliable VPN is supposed to do the opposite! It is meant to be a privacy-enabling service that encrypts your data and prevents it from being accessed or disseminated. Using a free VPN is a huge risk to your privacy, and it can lead to serious misconceptions and a false sense of security.

Free Starlink VPN security risks

Besides these privacy risks, free VPNs also suffer from massive security holes. Studies of popular free VPNs have revealed that they lack encryption, suffer from leaks, have server and app vulnerabilities, and sometimes even hide spyware in their apps. These VPNs put your devices at serious risk.

Only a few premium VPNs, like Proton VPN, TunnelBear, and Windscribe, offer a safe, basic free plan. Those VPNs offer a limited free version to advertise their service. The good news is that they do not have invasive policies or badly implemented security features. The caveat is that they are slower than the paid version and will not work to access streaming services because this is reserved for paying users who upgrade.

VPN troubleshooting guide for Starlink

Using a VPN with Starlink can sometimes cause issues. If you suffer from VPN problems with Starlink, you can run through our troubleshooting steps. These should help to fix common VPN connection issues. If you still have problems, please contact the VPN’s live chat support for advice.

Common Starlink VPN issues and how to troubleshoot:

1. Connection problems: If you’re having trouble establishing a VPN connection, we advise checking that your VPN software is up to date. Next, restart your Starlink modem and router, then try connecting again. If the issue continues, consider switching to an alternate VPN protocol, like OpenVPN or WireGuard.
2. Frequent disconnections: If your internet connection or VPN keeps dropping out, this can cause a lot of frustration. Unfortunately, these drops are often caused by Starlink’s bad signal or high latency. This problem can feel exaggerated when using a VPN kill switch, which requires you to keep reconnecting the VPN. To solve this, we advise disabling the kill switch unless you are doing sensitive activities that require it.
3. Reduced speeds: If you notice slower speeds with the VPN, switch to a server closer to your location. Also, use a high-speed protocol like WireGuard. Reducing the number of devices on your Starlink network can also help to free up bandwidth. Finally, remember that a VPN can slow down your router if it is not powerful. In this situation, using a VPN on individual devices is better.
4. High latency: Satellite internet, like Starlink, has higher latency than traditional internet. And VPNs can increase latency slightly. Connect to a VPN server closer to you to keep latency as low as possible.

General Troubleshooting Steps:

• Restart your Starlink modem and router.
• Try a different VPN protocol.
• Connect to a different server.
• Ensure your VPN software is up to date.
• Test your connection without the VPN to check if the VPN causes the issue.

VPN for Starlink FAQs