Finding Your ADSBExchange Feed UID on Windows

What the ADSBExchange Feed UID is and why you need it

The ADSBExchange Feed UID is a unique identifier that connects your aircraft tracking receiver to the ADSBExchange network. If you are running aircraft tracking software on Windows — typically programs like Readsb, Tar1090, or similar ADS-B receivers — you need this UID to send your local flight data to ADSBExchange's servers. Without it, your receiver works only for your own use and does not contribute to the shared network.

The UID is generated when you first register your receiver with ADSBExchange. It is a string of characters that the software uses to identify which receiver the data is coming from. Finding it on Windows means locating either the configuration file where it was saved or the registration confirmation you received when you set up your account.

Key Takeaways

Your ADSBExchange Feed UID is stored in your receiver's configuration file, usually named readsb.conf or adsbexchange-feed.conf depending on which software you use.
On Windows, these files are typically in your user folder under AppData or in the program's installation directory, not in a system-wide location.
If you cannot find the UID in your config file, check your email for the registration confirmation from ADSBExchange, which contains the UID in the setup instructions.
The UID looks like a long string of letters and numbers and should be unique to your receiver — never share it publicly.

Locating the configuration file on Windows

The first place to look is the configuration file for your ADS-B software. On Windows, this file is usually stored in one of two locations depending on how you installed the software. If you installed it as a standard Windows program, check your Program Files folder. If you are running it as a portable process or through a container, it may be in your user AppData folder.

Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86). Look for a folder named after your software — for example, Readsb, ADSBExchange, or FlightRadar24. Inside that folder, search for a file with a name like readsb.conf, config.txt, or adsbexchange-feed.conf. These are plain text files, so you can open them with Notepad.

If you do not find the folder in Program Files, check your user AppData directory. Press Windows Key + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter. This opens your AppData\Roaming folder. Look for a subfolder matching your software name. If the software stores data in AppData\Local instead, type %localappdata% in the Run dialog.

Reading the configuration file to find your UID

Once you have opened the configuration file in Notepad, search for your UID by pressing Ctrl + F and typing uuid or uid. The UID is usually stored on a line that looks like one of these:

uuid=a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-abcd-ef1234567890 feed_id=a1b2c3d4e5f67890abcdef1234567890 adsbexchange_uuid=a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-abcd-ef1234567890

The exact format depends on your software, but the UID itself is always a long string of letters and numbers, often with hyphens. Copy this entire string — it is your Feed UID. Do not include the label (the part before the equals sign), only the value after it.

If you search for "uuid" or "uid" and find nothing, the configuration file may not contain it yet. This usually means the software has not been connected to ADSBExchange, or the UID was stored in a different file or location. Move on to checking your email or the ADSBExchange website.

Checking your email for the registration confirmation

When you first registered your receiver with ADSBExchange, the service sent a confirmation email with setup instructions. This email contains your Feed UID and the exact configuration line you need to add to your software. Search your email inbox for messages from ADSBExchange or noreply@adsbexchange.com.

Look for a subject line like "ADSBExchange Registration Confirmation" or "Your Feed UID". The email will include a section that shows your UID in a format ready to copy into your configuration file. If you cannot find the email, check your spam or trash folder — registration emails sometimes get filtered.

If you have deleted the email and cannot locate it, you can request a new confirmation by visiting the ADSBExchange website and logging into your account. Most services allow you to view your registered receivers and their UIDs from your account dashboard.

Verifying the UID is working correctly

After you have found your UID and confirmed it is in your configuration file, restart your ADS-B software. Open the software's log file or status page to verify that it is connecting to ADSBExchange. The log should show a message like "Connected to ADSBExchange" or "Feed UID authenticated" within a few seconds of startup.

If the software does not show a successful connection, double-check that you copied the UID correctly with no extra spaces or missing characters. UIDs are case-sensitive in some software, so verify that uppercase and lowercase letters match what you copied. If the UID is correct but the connection still fails, your software may need to be restarted or the ADSBExchange service may be temporarily unavailable.

What to do if you cannot find your UID anywhere

If you have checked your configuration files and your email and still cannot locate the UID, you may need to register your receiver again. Visit the ADSBExchange website and look for a "Register Receiver" or "Add Feeder" option. You will need to provide information about your receiver — typically your location, antenna type, and the software you are running.

During registration, ADSBExchange will generate a new UID and send it to you by email. This new UID will replace any old one you had. Once you receive the confirmation, add the UID to your configuration file exactly as shown in the email, save the file, and restart your software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same UID on multiple computers?

No. Each receiver should have its own unique UID. If you move your receiver to a different computer, you should register it again with ADSBExchange to get a new UID for that location. Using the same UID on multiple machines will cause conflicts and may result in your feed being suspended.

What if my UID contains special characters I do not recognize?

That is normal. UIDs often contain hyphens, underscores, or a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters. Copy the entire string exactly as it appears, including all special characters. The software needs the exact format to authenticate correctly.

Is it safe to share my UID online?

No. Your UID identifies your receiver on the ADSBExchange network. Sharing it publicly could allow someone else to impersonate your receiver or interfere with your feed. Treat it like a password and keep it private.

Where do I find the UID if I am running the software in Docker or a virtual machine?

The location depends on how you mounted your configuration files. If you mapped a Windows folder into the container, check that Windows folder for the config file. If the config is inside the container, you will need to access it through the container's command line or file system viewer, not through Windows File Explorer directly.

My software says the UID is invalid even though I copied it correctly. What should I do?

First, verify that there are no extra spaces before or after the UID. Then check the ADSBExchange website to confirm the UID is still active and has not expired. If the UID is old (more than a year), ADSBExchange may have deactivated it. Request a new registration to generate a fresh UID.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.