How to Automate iPhone Mobile Data for Starlink Mini (Shortcuts App)
Stop your iPhone switching to mobile data when connected to Starlink—fix poor call quality with automatic Shortcuts automation.
Even though your iPhone should preference Wi-Fi over mobile data, you may notice it sometimes switches over to mobile anyway—especially when you're on the fringe of mobile phone service. You'll often notice this during phone calls: you should be connected to Starlink the whole time, but suddenly the call quality drops or drops out all together, like you're on a regular mobile call instead of Wi-Fi calling.
Some might argue that iOS should handle this natively, and your device should never switch over to mobile data, but in our experience this isn't always the case.
The solution? Use iPhone's built-in Shortcuts app to automatically turn mobile data OFF when connected to your Starlink Wi-Fi, and turn it back ON when you disconnect. Once set up, you'll never have to turn on Airplane mode or fiddle with your iPhone settings again—and no more poor quality phone calls when you should be on Starlink.
What This Automation Does
We're setting up two automations that work together:
- Automation 1: When your iPhone connects to your Starlink Wi-Fi → Turn Mobile Data OFF
- Automation 2: When your iPhone disconnects from your Starlink Wi-Fi → Turn Mobile Data ON
This means you'll use Starlink data when it's available, and automatically switch back to mobile data when you pack up and drive away. No manual toggling required.
Before You Start
This method works on most iPhones running iOS 16 or later. The steps may vary slightly depending on your iOS version and whether you've used the Shortcuts app before.
You'll need to know your Starlink Wi-Fi network name (SSID). If you've changed it from the default, use whatever name appears when you connect to your Starlink Mini.
Automation 1: Disable Mobile Data When Connected to Starlink
Step 1: Open the Shortcuts App
Find the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. It's built-in, so you don't need to download anything. If you can't find it, search "Shortcuts" in your app library.
Step 2: Go to the Automation Tab
At the bottom of the screen, tap "Automation". This is where you create rules that trigger automatically based on conditions.
Step 3: Create a New Automation
Tap "New Automation" (or the + icon if you've created automations before).
Step 4: Select Wi-Fi as the Trigger
Scroll through the options and select "Wi-Fi". This lets you set up an action based on connecting or disconnecting from a specific network.
Step 5: Choose Your Starlink Network
Tap "Choose" next to Network, then select your Starlink Mini's Wi-Fi network from the list. If it doesn't appear, make sure you've connected to it at least once before.
Step 6: Select "Connects"
Make sure "Connects" is selected (not "Disconnects"). This means the automation will trigger when you join the network.
Step 7: Tap Next
Move to the next step to add the action.
Step 8: Add the Action
Tap "Add Action" and search for "Set Mobile Data". Select it from the results.
Step 9: Set it to Turn Off
By default, it might say "Turn Mobile Data On". Tap on "On" and change it to "Off".
Step 10: Configure to Run Automatically
Tap "Next". You'll see options for running the automation. Turn OFF "Ask Before Running" and confirm by tapping "Don't Ask". This makes it fully automatic.
Step 11: Done
Tap "Done" to save your first automation.
Automation 2: Enable Mobile Data When Disconnected from Starlink
Now we'll create the reverse automation—turning mobile data back on when you leave Starlink coverage.
Step 1: Create Another New Automation
Back in the Automation tab, tap "New Automation" again.
Step 2: Select Wi-Fi
Choose "Wi-Fi" as the trigger again.
Step 3: Choose Your Starlink Network
Tap "Choose" and select the same Starlink Wi-Fi network.
Step 4: Select "Disconnects"
This time, make sure "Disconnects" is selected. The automation will trigger when you leave the network.
Step 5: Add the Action
Tap "Add Action", search for "Set Mobile Data", and select it.
Step 6: Set it to Turn On
Make sure it says "Turn Mobile Data On".
Step 7: Run Without Asking
Tap "Next", turn OFF "Ask Before Running", and confirm with "Don't Ask".
Step 8: Done
Tap "Done" to save your second automation.
Testing Your Automations
The easiest way to test is to:
- Turn your Starlink Mini on and wait for it to boot up
- Make sure your iPhone is NOT connected to Starlink Wi-Fi
- Check that Mobile Data is currently ON (Settings → Mobile)
- Connect to your Starlink Wi-Fi
- Wait a few seconds, then check Mobile Data—it should now be OFF
- Disconnect from Starlink Wi-Fi (turn off Wi-Fi or move out of range)
- Check Mobile Data again—it should be back ON
If it's not working, go back to Automations and make sure "Ask Before Running" is turned off for both.
Why This Matters for Starlink Mini Users
Even when connected to Wi-Fi, your iPhone can still use mobile data through a feature called Wi-Fi Assist. If your Starlink connection dips momentarily, iOS might silently switch to mobile data without telling you.
By turning mobile data OFF when connected to Starlink, you guarantee:
- All internet traffic goes through Starlink—no surprise mobile data usage
- Your mobile data is preserved for when Starlink isn't available
- You won't accidentally burn through your mobile plan while camped up with Starlink
- Emergency mobile data stays available for when you truly need it
The automation removes the mental load of remembering to toggle mobile data every time you set up or pack down your Starlink Mini.
Android Users
Android doesn't have an identical built-in solution, but apps like Tasker or MacroDroid can achieve the same result. The logic is the same—trigger an action (disable mobile data) when connected to a specific Wi-Fi network.
More Starlink Mini Tips
Getting your Starlink Mini dialled in for mobile use takes a bit of setup, but once it's sorted, it's incredibly reliable. Whether you're working the paddock, running a remote site, or heading bush for the weekend—stay connected where mobile drops out.
Need a reliable mounting solution? Our Australian-made Starlink Mini Mount Kits deliver 72kg magnetic hold and come in 10 colours to match your vehicle.
Setting up 12V power? Browse our Starlink Mini 12V cables and step-up converters to run your Mini from your vehicle battery, power station, or Anderson plug.
Worried about hail and debris? The Dishy Armour protective case shields your Starlink Mini from stones, branches, and weather without affecting signal.