The FCC Just Banned Foreign-Made Routers

The FCC Just Banned Foreign-Made Routers.

Here's What It Actually Means for You.

The headlines made it sound alarming. The FCC banned foreign-made consumer routers, and suddenly brands like Eero, TP-Link, Asus, and Google Nest were in the crosshairs. If you have one of these routers at home, you probably have questions. Here's what's actually going on and what, if anything, you need to do about it.

What Happened

On March 23, 2026, the FCC added all foreign-made consumer routers to its "Covered List," a running list of devices deemed to pose national security risks. The decision followed a determination by a White House-convened group of federal agencies that routers manufactured overseas introduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities that could be exploited by foreign actors.

The FCC pointed to real incidents as justification. A Chinese-backed espionage campaign known as Salt Typhoon targeted U.S. telecom providers in recent years, and foreign-made networking hardware was identified as part of the problem.

Which Routers Are Affected

Under the current definition, virtually every major consumer router brand falls under the ban. That includes:

TP-Link
Eero (Amazon)
Asus
Google Nest
Linksys
Netgear
Ubiquiti

The ban covers routers that were manufactured, assembled, designed, or developed in a foreign country. Because nearly every major consumer router brand either manufactures or sources components overseas, the list is broad.

What This Does NOT Mean

Your current router is not being recalled. The FCC is not coming to your door. If you already own one of the routers listed above, you can keep using it. The ban applies to new models seeking FCC authorization going forward, not devices already in use or already on store shelves.

You can also still buy existing router inventory until supplies run out. Prices may rise as stock depletes, but there is no immediate cutoff on purchasing.

What This DOES Mean

The more important question is what happens down the road.

Routers on the covered list are currently permitted to receive software and firmware updates through March 1, 2027, under a temporary waiver. After that date, those updates could stop unless the manufacturer has received a "conditional approval" from the FCC.

Security updates matter. Without them, a router becomes increasingly vulnerable over time. Most consumers never think about this, but your router is one of the most exposed devices in your home. Every phone, laptop, smart TV, and connected device runs through it.

Netgear has already received conditional approval through October 2027, meaning their existing models will continue to receive updates in the near term. Other manufacturers are expected to apply for similar exemptions, but the timeline and outcome for each brand is still uncertain.

What You Should Do Right Now

For most people, the answer is nothing urgent. If your router is working well and was recently purchased, you have time.

That said, if your router is more than a few years old or you've been thinking about an upgrade, now is a reasonable time to start paying attention. Here's what we'd suggest:

Know what you have. Find out the brand and model of your current router. If it's on the covered list, note when it was purchased and whether the manufacturer has received conditional approval.

Check for updates. Make sure your router's firmware is current. The window for manufacturers to push updates is open for now, but it won't be indefinitely.

Think about your upgrade timeline. If you're due for a new router in the next year or two, this situation may shape your options. The pool of new, fully authorized consumer routers is going to be smaller until manufacturers sort out domestic production or earn exemptions.

Consider a professionally installed network. One thing this situation has made clear is that enterprise-grade networking hardware, the kind used in businesses and professionally installed homes, operates under a completely different set of rules. These devices were not included in the ban. If you want a network that's both more secure and more reliable, a professionally installed system is worth a conversation.

The Bigger Picture

The FCC ban is part of a broader push to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign-made technology in critical infrastructure. Consumer routers are just the latest category. Experts have noted that routers are only one piece of the puzzle. Smart TVs, security cameras, and other connected devices in your home carry similar risks and aren't covered by this particular ruling.

The situation is still evolving. More manufacturers are expected to apply for exemptions over the coming months, and the FCC's covered list will likely be updated as those decisions are made. We'll keep an eye on it.