Many Starlink users, especially those subscribed to the Roaming Plan , are still unaware of some critical features available in the Starl...
Many Starlink users, especially those subscribed to the Roaming Plan, are still unaware of some critical features available in the Starlink app—particularly the Pause, Unpause, and Cancel Service options. Misunderstanding these features could lead to unexpected charges, interrupted service, or even being locked out of your desired service plan.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how the Pause and Unpause functions work, how they differ from the Cancel Service function, and what you need to know before making changes to your Starlink subscription.
Understanding the Pause and Unpause Feature
One of the most useful tools available in the Starlink app is the Pause and Unpause feature. This feature is specifically designed for Starlink Roaming Plan users and allows them to temporarily stop Starlink’s automatic billing system.
Starlink operates on a prepaid billing system. Users pay upfront for 30 days of internet access, and at the end of each billing cycle, the system automatically charges the linked payment method for the next cycle.
Let’s take an example:
If you subscribed to the Roaming Plan on August 1st, your billing cycle will end on August 31st, and Starlink will attempt to charge your card again on September 1st.
But what if you only needed Starlink for that month? If you do nothing, you will be automatically billed again.
That’s where the Pause feature comes in.
By pausing your plan before your billing cycle ends, you’re telling Starlink: “Do not bill me for the next month.” The internet will still work until the end of your prepaid cycle, but no charge will be made after that unless you unpause.
What Happens When You Unpause?
If later you decide to continue using the service, you can unpause at any time. Once unpaused, Starlink will charge your card based on how many days are left in your current billing cycle. This is called prorated billing.
For instance:
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If you unpause halfway through your 30-day cycle, you’ll be charged for 15 days.
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If you unpause with 5 days remaining, you’ll only be charged for those 5 days.
⚠️ Important: If you unpause and forget to pause again before the current cycle ends, Starlink will charge you for a new full 30-day cycle at the start of the next period.
The Difference Between “Pause” and “Cancel Service”
Before wrapping up, it’s important to clarify the difference between pausing a service and canceling a service plan—two features that are often confused.
What Is the Cancel Service Function?
The Cancel Service function is used when switching from one Starlink plan to another—for example, from the Roaming Plan back to the Residential Plan.
Here’s a real-world scenario:
Let’s say you were using the Starlink Roaming Plan during your vacation. When you return to your home or original service address, you’ll no longer need the roaming service. In this case, you should use the Cancel Service option to terminate the roaming plan and switch back to the Residential Plan, which is bound to your service address.
Why You Should Be Careful Before Cancelling
Before canceling your roaming plan to switch to residential, there’s a critical thing to check: Has your service address reached full capacity?
Now, what does full capacity mean?
Starlink provides internet by connecting users' devices to satellites assigned to specific geographical areas. Each satellite has a limit to the number of devices it can support. Once that number is reached, the satellite for that region is considered at full capacity.
If the area is at full capacity:
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New users may be placed on a waitlist.
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Some may have to pay a congestion fee to be prioritized once new satellites are deployed.
⚠️ Warning: Once you cancel your service plan, you lose your spot and become like a new customer. If your area is full, you may not be able to return to your residential plan immediately—and someone on the waiting list could take your place.
How to Know if Your Area Is Nearing Full Capacity
Unfortunately, only Starlink account admins have access to this data. However, if you're located in a congested or high-demand area, the chances of your region reaching full capacity quickly are higher.
Therefore, always check the availability of the residential plan at your service address before canceling your roaming plan.
In Summary
Here’s a quick recap of the key points:
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Pause Feature: Stops automatic billing for the next cycle. Your internet remains active until the current billing cycle ends.
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Unpause Feature: Resumes service with prorated billing based on days remaining in your current cycle.
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Cancel Service: Used to permanently end a service plan, typically when switching to another Starlink plan.
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Caution: Canceling a plan when your area is at full capacity could result in being placed on a waiting list, with no guarantee of immediate reactivation.
If you’re still unsure or have questions about how to manage your Starlink account, feel free to drop your questions in the comment section below.
Stay informed. Stay connected. And use your Starlink account wisely.
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