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Starlink Beefs Up Account Security With Two Step Verification

Starlink has added two step verification to the sign in process on their website and app, helping to keep your account safe from hackers.

Colby Baber

Starlink two step verification on the login page
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You'll now be required to go through an extra security step to sign in to your Starlink account. Starlink requires two step verification (2SV) for new login attempts. Before 2SV, you just needed your Starlink password to sign in. Now you'll also need a passcode, which can be delivered to you via the email or phone number associated with your Starlink account.

I've previously reported on hackers taking over Starlink accounts, ordering thousands of dollars worth of Starlink kits, and then reselling them on 3rd party online marketplaces. Since then, Starlink has taken multiple steps to combat fraud, with this new two step verification system being the latest move to secure user accounts. Two step verification is similar to the more common two factor authentication, or 2FA.

Security for the App and Website

2SV is now active on the Starlink website and app. You'll be asked for a passcode each time you sign in, change account information, or add a user to your Starlink account. Once you are logged in on a device you won't have to go through the 2SV process again unless you log out or make security changes to the account. Logging in from a new browser, device, of after you've cleared browsing data will also trigger 2SV.

Even with 2SV, it's important to follow basic online security practices. Never use the same password for multiple accounts. If a hacker has your Starlink password, and you use the same password for your email account, they would be able to retrieve the 2SV passcode. I recommend using some kind of password manager. Android and Apple phones both come with password managers that can be used to create and store unique, strong passwords for all of your online accounts.

Logging In Without Cell Service

I've been hearing from my readers about a new issue with 2SV: Trying to log in and manage a paused Starlink account without cell service or other internet. Since Starlink's two step verification requires a code to be sent via email or SMS, you will need cell service or some other kind of internet to retrieve the code.

If you're like me and keep your Starlink Roam service paused, it's important to periodically check that you are still logged in to the Starlink app on your phone. That way if you arrive to a remote location without cell service, you'll still be able to activate your Starlink service through the app without internet.

If you aren't logged in to the app and you forget to unpause service before heading out, you might not be able to retrieve the login code, and you won't be able to activate service until you can get a cell signal. There is no way to disable 2SV on your Starlink account.

Final Thoughts

With Starlink adding 2SV to increase account security, now is a great time to review the contact information on your account. Double check that the email and phone number is up-to-date. You don't want to get locked out due to a typo. You should also plan ahead if you keep Starlink paused/inactive for backup purposes. Periodically check the app to make sure you are logged in.

If you have any questions about two step verification or logging in to your Starlink account, let me know in the comments below!

Discussion

9 Comments

  1. Doug
    Not getting a request for verification unless changing phone or email.
    1. Noah Clarke
      I'm getting it on each login attempt, but I'm also using the Safari browser, which I believe does a lot to prevent tracking. So they probably think I am logging in from a new location/device each time.
  2. Donald Clark
    Hi, I recently cut my DIRECTV account after having installed Starlink. However, I have had difficulty streaming channels that were provided by DIRECTV. When asked to enter my Internet provider, Starlink is not an option to choose from. Therefore, I am unable to connect to several of my favorite streaming sources. I know there are a host of streaming providers I could subscribe to, such as Pluto, Hulu, sling and fubo, but being on a fixed income, my whole objective in cutting Directv was to save money. How do we get Starlink to become an option to choose from when asked to identify my Internet provider?
    1. Noah Clarke
      Starlink doesn't provide live TV, so they won't show up as a provider for DirecTV for access to some of their live streaming content. If you want live TV channels you'll need to subscribe to an internet streaming service that offers it, such as YouTube TV, Hulu's live TV option, or even DirecTV's online streaming service. Since live TV is pretty expensive, most people who cut the cord switch to on-demand streaming services only. Such as Netflix, Hulu, etc.
  3. Mike M.
    Saturday August 3rd - just logged into my online account and there were no prompts or requests for 2SV or 2FA. Looked around website, did not find a security section to enable 2SV etc. Would like to have the added security. What am I missing?
    1. Corneal
      I am presently locked out of my account I use this email all the time which is my email for years now starlink send code and I not receiving any posecode so I can't login to my account
  4. Mike M.
    Saturday August 3rd - just logged into my online account, not getting any prompt for 2SV. Could not find a security security section for my account to set up 2SV. Would like to have 2SV. How do I manually set it up to request 2SV? Am I missing something?
  5. Tony
    I seem to recall being able to set-up a paused system in the boondocks without any other Internet being available other than the Starlink itself. With 2SV requiring a text or e-mail, this no longer seems possible. I asked this question through Starlink support and they confirmed this would be true. Therefore, unpause before going out to where there is no other Internet access.
    1. Noah Clarke
      The Starlink app saves your login information. As long as you are signed into the app before leaving for the trip, you won't need to sign back in, and wouldn't need to go through 2SV. Same with the website. Sign in once, and you remain logged in until you sign out or clear the data from your browser. You can unpause service right from the app or website, so this would only be an issue if you somehow got logged out or some other issue occurred. But you do make a great point, people should check the app, or better yet, unpause before leaving just to ensure they don't run into this issue.

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