Is My Router Banned? A 2026 Checklist for US Owners
Short answer: no. Here is the brand-by-brand list and the three things to check on yours.
No. As of October 23, 2026, no router you already own is banned, and you can keep using it. The FCC rule from March 2026 only blocks approval of new foreign-produced router models. Models approved before the rule can still be sold, and security updates are allowed until at least January 1, 2029.
Which brands can still launch new routers?
These hold an FCC Conditional Approval, according to the FCC’s October 21, 2026 notice (DA 26-1130).
- NETGEAR: Nighthawk, Orbi, cable gateways and cable modems.
- eero: eero, Pro, Max, PoE, Outdoor and Signal.
- ASUS: RT, ROG, TUF Gaming, ExpertWiFi and ZenWiFi lines.
- Starlink: Starlink routers.
- Named models only: MSI, Zyxel, Humax, Gryphon, Sercomm, Gemtek, WNC and Miri.
- Provider gateway makers: Arcadyan, Sagemcom, Vantiva, Hitron, Askey, Nokia, Calix and Adtran. If you rent a gateway, your provider handles updates.
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Which brands are not on the list?
These brands were not on the October 21 list. New foreign-produced models from them cannot get FCC approval unless they win a Conditional Approval.
- TP-Link
- Linksys
- D-Link
- Google Nest Wifi
- Ubiquiti
- MikroTik
- GL.iNet
- Rio. Rio makes this site and its router is made in Taiwan, so the same rule applies to its future models.
Not on the list does not mean banned. It means a brand cannot launch new foreign-made models without approval. Routers already approved can still be sold, used and updated.
Which 3 things should you check on yours?
- When did you buy it? The FCC says the rule does not affect routers consumers already bought.
- Does it have an FCC ID on the label? The FCC says foreign routers with earlier authorization, shown by the FCC ID, can still be imported, sold and used. You can look one up in the FCC’s ID search.
- Does it still get security updates? This is the check that protects you. check your router’s grade to see your model’s support status. Not sure of the model? See how to find it.
Can a brand’s status change?
Yes. Each Conditional Approval on the list runs about 18 months. The FCC says an exemption depends on the company following the US manufacturing plan in its application, so a brand’s status can end or change.
For the full timeline, read the FCC router ban explained. Own a TP-Link? Read Is TP-Link being banned?
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The FCC says its March 2026 rule does not affect routers consumers already own. It blocks FCC approval of new foreign-produced router models, unless the maker holds a Conditional Approval.
No federal order bans TP-Link routers. TP-Link was not on the FCC’s Conditional Approvals list as of October 21, 2026, so it cannot launch new foreign-produced models without approval. Models already approved can still be sold and used.
No. NETGEAR holds an FCC Conditional Approval for its Nighthawk and Orbi routers, cable gateways and cable modems. The FCC list dates it April 14, 2026 to October 1, 2027.
Yes. The FCC says routers with earlier authorization can still be imported, sold and used, and brands with a Conditional Approval can launch new models.
The FCC allows software and firmware updates that mitigate harm to consumers until at least January 1, 2029. Whether your maker still releases them depends on your model, so check its support status.
No. The FCC entry covers routers produced in any foreign country, not just China. It is based on where a router is produced, not on the brand’s owner.
Sources
Dates show when each source was published or when we checked it.
- FCC Public Notice DA 26-1130: Conditional Approval and Exemption of Certain Routers and Advanced Robotic Devices from FCC Covered List (October 21, 2026)
- FCC Public Notice DA 26-278: Addition of Routers Produced in Foreign Countries to FCC Covered List (March 23, 2026)
- FCC Fact Sheet: FCC Updates Covered List to Include Foreign-Made Consumer Routers, Prohibiting Approval of New Models (March 23, 2026)
- FCC: FAQs on Recent Updates to FCC Covered List Regarding Routers Produced in Foreign Countries (updated May 12, 2026)
- FCC Public Notice DA 26-454: OET extends and expands software and firmware update waivers for covered routers and UAS (May 8, 2026)
- FCC Office of Engineering and Technology: Equipment Authorization, FCC ID Search (checked October 8, 2026)
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