Before you agree to buy

Identify the terminal, router, power equipment and cables as a complete system. Compare labels and connectors with the seller's account record. Check for damaged ports, corrosion, cut cables or missing mounting parts, and ask for a demonstration of operation where practical.

A factory reset does not remove a terminal from the seller's account. “It powers on” is not proof that you can activate it.

Buyer and seller handoff

1. Check service availability and the intended plan for your address and country.
2. Ask the seller to confirm that the equipment is eligible for transfer and that the account has no blocking balance or ownership restriction.
3. Have the seller complete Starlink's hardware-transfer process for the correct terminal.
4. Obtain the supported Starlink identifier and a record of the equipment included. Do not take over the seller's password or account.
5. Use Starlink activation with the identifier to check the next steps for your own account and service.

Agree on payment and handoff terms that account for activation failure. A screenshot of a reset router is not the same as transfer confirmation.

If activation fails

Record the exact error without repeatedly guessing identifiers. An “already assigned” type of message needs the seller to resolve ownership release; an availability or country issue may need a different service decision or Starlink support. Do not assume buying a new cable can fix an account rejection.

Keep the seller's receipt, transfer record and parts inventory. Check the original purchase and warranty terms; a second-hand sale does not automatically create a new warranty period.

Official ownership-transfer instructions govern current eligibility and release steps.

Next useful guides

• How to Transfer Ownership of Starlink Equipment
• What to Do When Starlink Says Service Is Unavailable at Your Address