The FCC ID on your router is a unique identifier assigned by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to certified radio frequency devices, signifying that the device complies with FCC regulations for electromagnetic interference. This ID indicates that the device has received an FCC grant of certification, confirming it is approved for sale and use in the United States.
Where to Find the FCC ID on Your Router
The FCC ID is typically located on a label directly affixed to the device itself. Finding it on your router usually involves checking a few common spots:
Physical Label
The most common place to find the FCC ID is on a sticker or etched label directly on the router. Check the following areas:
- Bottom of the Router: This is the most frequent location for product labels, often alongside the serial number, model number, and Wi-Fi credentials.
- Back or Sides of the Router: Less common, but sometimes the label might be on one of the vertical surfaces.
- Inside the Battery Compartment (for portable routers): If your router is battery-powered, check inside the compartment, though this is rare for standard home routers.
The label will usually contain text like "FCC ID:" followed by a combination of letters and numbers (e.g., 2AC7Z-ESP32CAM).
Router's Web Interface (Less Common)
While not standard for displaying the FCC ID, some router firmware interfaces might include this information under system details or regulatory compliance sections.
- Access your router's web interface: Open a web browser and type in your router's IP address (e.g.,
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1). - Log in: Use your router's administrator username and password.
- Navigate to System Information: Look for sections like "About," "Status," "System Information," or "Regulatory Information." The FCC ID might be listed there, though it's less likely than finding it on the physical label.
Product Packaging or Manual
If you still have the original packaging or the user manual that came with your router, the FCC ID is often printed on these materials as well.
Why is the FCC ID Important?
The FCC ID serves several crucial purposes:
- Regulatory Compliance: It signifies that the manufacturer has tested the device and confirmed it meets the FCC's technical standards, ensuring it doesn't cause harmful interference to other electronic devices or radio services.
- Device Identification: It uniquely identifies the specific model of a radio frequency device, even if the manufacturer uses different model names.
- Accessing Information: The FCC ID allows consumers and researchers to look up detailed information about the device's certification, technical specifications, and even internal and external photos through the FCC's online database.
How to Use the FCC ID for Information
Once you have your router's FCC ID, you can use it to access public information about the device through the FCC's official website.
- Identify the Grantee Code and Product Code: An FCC ID consists of two parts: a Grantee Code (usually 3-5 characters, often letters) and a Product Code (up to 12 characters). For example, in
2AC7Z-ESP32CAM,2AC7Zis the Grantee Code andESP32CAMis the Product Code. - Visit the FCC ID Search Database: Go to the FCC ID Search website.
- Enter the Codes: Input the Grantee Code and Product Code into the respective fields and click "Search."
This will provide access to the device's certification information, including test reports, setup instructions, and often internal and external photographs of the device, which can be useful for troubleshooting or understanding the hardware.
