Starlink App Adds 'Event Log' to Explain Satellite Connection Issues

Wondering why your Starlink internet is lagging or cutting out? SpaceX has added a new feature to the Starlink app that tracks every connection hiccup over the past 24 hours.

The Starlink app previously had an “Outage log,” which informed users about major service interruptions. The company recently updated the software with an Event Log that displays outages and other “key moments that may affect your connection,” including router problems.

“The goal of the Event Log is transparency. We want you to see what’s happening in your network in real time, not just when service is completely offline. This helps you understand the cause of issues when they happen,” SpaceX wrote in a support page post.

what it looks like

(Credit: Brian Westover/Tim Belfall/SpaceX)

The Event Log can be found in the app under Statistics > Events and outages. In addition to outages, it’ll tell you when your Starlink router was asleep, powered off, or disconnected, and flag other non-outage events, such as “elevated packet loss,” which can degrade the service quality.

The Starlink support page notes the feature will add more event types over time. “The goal isn’t to alarm you, but to keep you informed. Many events are minor and won’t affect everyday use, but when something does go wrong, the Event Log gives you the context you need to understand why. For example, a spike in packet loss might not interrupt web browsing but could cause video calls or online games to stutter,” the page says.

Tim Belfall, a director at UK-based Starlink installer Westend WiFi, expects the Event Log to be useful for consumers because it provides more real-time information about connection problems.

“So it will reduce support enquiries, thereby reducing ticketing,” he tells PCMag; Starlink handles customer support mainly online. That said, the Event Log appears to only be accessible on the mobile app, rather than the Starlink.com dashboard.

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YouTuber DISHYTech posted a video offering a good overview of what the Event Log looks like. One alert says, “Common causes [for elevated packet loss] include inclement weather, temporary obstructions, or degradations of the Starlink network. Most of the time, there is no action required on your part. We’re showing these events so you can see what’s happening.”

The reference to network degradations also suggests packet loss can occur due to congestion during peak hours when more subscribers are using Starlink. As a result, users might see numerous alerts in their Event Log, but some might only relate to minor—even barely noticeable—issues with the satellite internet service that they can’t directly fix.

SpaceX has also been updating the Starlink app with other Easter eggs and hidden features. One recent feature is a function to change the theme, which can be found in the “Advanced” settings. It lets you choose between “Mars, Snow, and Zero Gravity.”

Themes function