Pausing Starlink – Standby Mode explained

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In short: Since August 2025 Starlink has replaced free pausing with Standby Mode: for a small monthly fee a basic connection of about 0.5 Mbps remains – enough for messages, not for video calls. US reports cited 5 US dollars at launch, later around 10 US dollars a month; the app shows the price for your country. As of October 2026.

What has changed

Until 2025, travellers could simply pause their roam plan for free between trips and reactivate it when needed. Starlink has replaced that option with Standby Mode. The difference: the account stays active, you pay a small monthly fee and get a very slow basic connection.

How Standby works

1. In the Starlink app or your account under „Subscription“, switch the plan to Standby.
2. The change applies from the next billing period – plan it in time before your trip ends.
3. Before your next trip, switch back to a full roam plan. That also affects billing; switch a few days before departure.
4. Check: run a quick speed test after switching – only then set off.

When does Standby pay off?

• If you travel several times a year and don’t want to cancel the account.
• If you need a minimum connection, e.g. for messages, an alarm system or remote monitoring in a holiday home or boat.
• If you want to stay flexible – switching to the full plan is quicker than signing up again.

If you only travel once a year, cancelling may be cheaper. But note: according to reports cancellation isn’t possible directly in the app, and in some markets reactivation fees or demand-based surcharges have been charged.

Example calculation (assumptions)

Insert the current values from your account – Starlink changes prices often. Rule of thumb: the more often you travel, the more Standby pays off.

Alternative: Residential instead of Roam?

If you mainly use the Mini or Standard kit at home and only occasionally take it along, check whether a Residential plan (per starlink.com from €35/month in Austria, as of 25 Oct 2026) suits you better. For pure travel use, the roam plan remains the right choice. Overview: Starlink Mini for travel – costs, plans, pausing.

Decision guide: Standby, cancel or keep running?

What’s kept on Standby?

• Account and device assignment – you don’t have to re-register the Mini.
• Router Wi-Fi name and settings.
• A basic connection of about 0.5 Mbps for messages and status updates.

Full speed isn’t included. After a longer break, allow time for updates after switching back to the full plan before relying on it for work.

A practical calendar for travellers

• 2 weeks before departure: check your plan, switch from Standby to a full roam plan if needed.
• 1 week before: switch the Mini on, let updates run, test the power supply.
• End of trip: request the switch to Standby so it applies from the next billing period.
• Outside Europe: mind travel registration and the 30-day rule – Starlink outside Europe – the 30-day rule and travel registration.

Reactivation: getting back online after a break

1. Switch plans: in the app, switch from Standby to the right roam or residential plan – a few days before you need it.
2. Set up the device with a clear view and connect it to a reliable power source.
3. Allow updates: after a longer break the Mini often downloads new software. Don’t cut the power.
4. Run a speed test and a test call before relying on it.
5. Outside Europe: check or renew your travel registration.
6. Check billing: see in the app from when the full plan is charged.

Tip: set a calendar reminder for the start and end of each trip – that way you neither pay the full plan for too long nor start your first workday on 0.5 Mbps by accident.

Common mistakes

• Requesting the switch too late – a whole extra month of the full plan.
• Forgetting to switch back before the trip – 0.5 Mbps won’t carry work: Remote work on the road – video calls, VPN, latency and backup.
• Storing the device switched off on Standby and wondering why remote monitoring isn’t working – Standby still needs power.
• Cancelling instead of Standby without checking reactivation costs.

FAQ