Starlink and Broadband Together: Backup Internet That Switches Over by Itself
3 November 2026 · By Ethan Fernandes
Never lose the internet again. How to use Starlink and your BT, Sky, Virgin Media or full fibre broadband together, so if one goes down the other takes over automatically, with the same Wi-Fi throughout the house.
Quick answer
Use a router that takes two internet connections (a dual WAN router). Plug your broadband into one socket and Starlink, in bypass mode, into the other. If the broadband fails, the router moves everything onto Starlink within seconds and back again when it returns. Your Wi-Fi name stays the same, so every device carries on.
If you work from home, run a business from home, or simply can't be without the internet, one connection isn't enough. Broadband faults, damaged cables and street works all happen, and they're often fixed days later. Starlink makes an ideal backup because it comes from satellites, not the cables in your street. It works the other way too: homes on Starlink often keep a basic broadband line for the rare times the weather or an obstruction gets in the way.
The good news is that you don't have to swap anything over by hand. With the right router, both connections plug into one box, and it switches between them automatically.
The short version: you need a router that can take two internet connections at once (IT people call this a "dual WAN" router). Your broadband plugs into one socket and Starlink into the other. If the broadband stops working, the router moves everything onto Starlink within seconds, and moves it back when the broadband returns. Your Wi-Fi name and password stay the same, so every device just carries on.
Two Ways to Use Two Connections
- Backup only (most homes): everything uses your main connection. The second one only takes over if the main one fails. This is often called "failover".
- Share the load: both connections are used at the same time, with different devices or activities spread across them. Useful in a busy house where lots of people are online at once. A single download or video call still uses one connection, so it doesn't get faster on its own.
What Happens When It Switches?
Most things carry on without you noticing. Anything that was already connected, such as a video call, a work VPN or a game, may freeze briefly and reconnect, usually within a few seconds to a minute. That's far better than losing the internet altogether.
What You Need
- A router that takes two internet connections. Most routers from broadband providers can't do this, and nor can most mesh systems on their own. Models from brands such as TP-Link, Ubiquiti and DrayTek can.
- Your broadband, with your provider's router set to work as a simple modem if it can (Virgin Media Hubs have a "modem mode"). With full fibre, your new router can often connect straight to the Openreach fibre box instead. This stops two routers getting in each other's way.
- Starlink in "bypass mode", plugged into the new router with a network cable. Bypass mode turns off Starlink's own Wi-Fi, so you don't end up with two Wi-Fi networks. Older Starlink kits need Starlink's Ethernet adapter for the cable.
- Your Wi-Fi or mesh connected to the new router, so there's one Wi-Fi network for the whole house.
How It's Set Up
- Plug the broadband into the first internet socket on the router, and Starlink into the second.
- Choose which is the main connection and which is the backup, or choose to share the load.
- Tell the router how to check the internet is really working, by testing a reliable address online, so it switches when the connection fails, not just when a cable is unplugged.
- Test it: unplug the broadband and check everything stays online, then plug it back in and check it switches back.
- Check cameras, storage drives and work equipment work on both connections.
Things to Watch Out For
- Two routers in a row: if your provider's router and the new router both try to run the network, gaming, work VPNs and some apps can misbehave. IT people call this "double NAT". Using modem mode, or connecting straight to the fibre box, avoids it.
- Viewing cameras when you're out: standard Starlink plans don't allow "port forwarding", the old way many CCTV recorders were reached from outside. Use the camera maker's app so remote viewing works on both connections.
- Your home phone: home phones now run over broadband after the digital switchover. If the phone plugs into your provider's router, it won't move to Starlink when the broadband fails, unless it's set up through the new router or you use your provider's calling app.
- Cost: you'll be paying for two connections. Check the current Starlink plans if it's mainly a backup.
Is a 4G or 5G Backup Enough?
A mobile broadband router is a cheaper backup and works well where mobile signal is strong. Starlink is better where signal is weak, when you need more speed, or when you want a backup that doesn't rely on local phone masts, which can be hit by the same power cuts as your broadband.
How We Handle It
We set up two-connection internet for homes and home offices across West London, combining Starlink with BT, Sky, Virgin Media or full fibre broadband. We choose the right router, set it to switch over automatically, keep one Wi-Fi network across the house, make sure cameras, smart devices and your home phone work on both connections, and test it by unplugging the broadband before we leave. See our Starlink setup and support. For businesses, see managed IT.
Related Reading
Common questions
Yes. With a router that takes two internet connections, your broadband and Starlink both plug in. If the broadband goes down, the router switches to Starlink automatically within seconds and your Wi-Fi keeps working.
Yes. You need a router that can take two internet connections, sometimes called a dual WAN router. It can use one as a backup that takes over automatically, or use both at the same time.
Calls and work connections that are already running may freeze briefly and reconnect, usually within seconds to a minute. Everything else carries on as normal.
It helps when lots of people are online at once, because their use is spread across both connections. A single download or video call still uses one connection, so it isn't faster on its own.
Only if it's set up to. A digital home phone plugged into your broadband router won't move to Starlink by itself. It needs connecting through the new router, or using your provider's calling app.
Still stuck? We can fix it for you
Most problems like this can be fixed remotely today, anywhere in the UK, or with a home visit across West London. DBS checked, insured, 7 days a week until 9pm.
7 days a week, 8am–9pm
Get IT tips in your inbox
Practical advice for small businesses. No spam.