Early Starlink Users Can Swap Round Dish for Free Standard 4X Kit

Starlink is offering a free hardware upgrade to some of its first customers who still use the original round dish. A new Starlink support page states: “eligible customers who were among the first to connect with Starlink, and who are still using a first-generation kit can receive a new Standard kit at no cost.” Invitations will be sent by email to those who qualify.

Goodbye, Dishy McFlatface

The first-generation round dish, nicknamed “Dishy McFlatface,” began shipping to early users in 2020. It was replaced by a smaller rectangular model in late 2021, with several newer designs arriving afterward. Under this offer, eligible customers will receive a Standard 4X kit that includes the V4 dish, a built-in kickstand, a Router 3, a power supply, and cables. A mount is provided at no charge, and customers can also choose free installation.

There is one caveat: the original dish will be deactivated as soon as the new kit comes online, or 14 days after delivery—whichever occurs first. After deactivation, it will no longer function and cannot be transferred to another user. Returning the old dish is not required.

Making the Switch

The migration steps are straightforward. Starlink instructs users to stow the existing dish in the app, disconnect all cables, and remove it from its mount. The previous cable, router, and mount cannot be reused because the round dish’s mast is incompatible with the rectangular V4.

Unlike the motorized first-gen hardware, the V4 dish does not auto-aim. Users position it toward the sky using the Starlink app, which guides an obstruction check, alignment, and Wi‑Fi setup. Only one kit can be connected at a time.

Not the Newest Dish

The Standard 4X kit is not Starlink’s latest equipment. SpaceX recently unveiled the V5 dish, which is roughly half the size of V4, uses about 50% less power, and supports speeds of 375+ Mbps. The Starlink Mini V2 with a built-in battery has also entered production. Even so, upgrading from 2020-era hardware to V4 should deliver faster performance and lower power consumption for most early users, and it helps clear V4 inventory as Starlink transitions to V5.