Short answer: Starlink offers some Residential customers in select countries a Mini Kit with no monthly hardware rental cost, claimed through a “Claim Mini” email. It’s a rental, not a gift: you keep it only while your home Residential plan stays active and the Mini stays on a discounted Roam plan or Standby Mode.
Last checked October 13, 2026.
How the offer has changed
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| Stage | What happened | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | January 2026, as a Residential Max perk, according to PCMag, which also reported an earlier invitation-only Mini rental from October 2025 | PCMag |
| Withdrawn, then offered again | Withdrawn for new customers in June 2026, when Starlink’s article said it was “not available to new customers at this time” (PCMag, June 9); by September 2026 eligible customers were again receiving “Claim your Starlink Mini” emails (PCMag, September 21) | PCMag; PCMag |
| Expanded | Around September 21, 2026, Starlink’s article changed from “Residential Max” to “an active Residential plan”; SpaceX hasn’t announced it | PCMag |
| Today | “Available only to customers in select countries with an active Residential plan,” by email invitation | Starlink Help Center |
Who qualifies and how to claim
- You need an active Residential plan in a country where the offer runs.
- If you’re eligible, Starlink emails a “Claim Mini” button with a short survey; submitting it confirms the claim.
- One per customer, and the Mini can’t be transferred.
- Starlink says customers who bought through a retail partner and activate Residential Max are also eligible for its Residential Max hardware benefits, and to contact support if no email arrives (Residential plans article).
What it costs you
The hardware rental is free, but service isn’t. You can start on Roam 100GB, Roam 300GB (US and Canada) or Roam Unlimited at a lower rate that depends on your Residential plan, or switch to Standby Mode. Starlink shows your rate in the claim email and in your account, so check there rather than relying on a published figure.
Rental vs buying a Mini
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| Optional Mini rental | Buying a Mini Kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware cost | No monthly rental cost | One-time purchase; see our price update |
| Needs Residential | Yes, kept active | No |
| Service | Discounted Roam or Standby Mode | Any Roam plan |
| If you cancel Residential | Return it within 30 days or pay the retail price; Roam discount ends | You keep it |
| Condition | May be refurbished | New from Starlink |
| How to get it | Invitation email | starlink.com or retailers |
If you cancel
If you cancel Residential, move home service to another plan type such as Roam, or cancel the Mini’s service, you must return the Mini or be charged the retail price, and the Roam discount ends on your next billing date. Starlink charges your payment method if the Mini isn’t returned within 30 days. Putting the Mini in Standby Mode doesn’t end the offer. Brazil has separate terms (Starlink Help Center).
What you’ll still need for travel
Plan power and mounting: see Mini portable power (and the power hub), the Mini car adapter guide, Mini accessories and home, RV and travel. Compare plans in our US plans guide or read the Mini kit guide. Check coverage by country on our availability map and at your address on the Starlink map.
FAQ
Is the free Starlink Mini legit?
Yes, it’s on Starlink’s own Help Center. Claim only through the email from Starlink or your account.
How do I get a Starlink Mini for free?
Keep an active Residential plan in an eligible country and watch for the “Claim Mini” email; if it doesn’t come, contact support.
Do I own the Mini?
No, outside Brazil it’s a rental tied to your Residential plan.