How to add client to your UniFi Controller

Integrating new clients into your network efficiently and securely is important. You'll need to make sure to maintain optimal performance and make sure there is no downtime or network issues. If you're managing a network using UniFi Controller, adding clients (such as new devices or users) is a straightforward process.

In this guide, I'll walk you through each step to add a client to your UniFi network through the UniFi Controller (properly).

Let's go!

Step 1: Access your UniFi Controller
- Logging In
Step 2: Go to the clients page
Step 3: Connect the new client
- Connecting via Wi-Fi
- Connecting via Ethernet
Step 4: Locate the new client on the controller
Step 5: Assign to user group (optional)
Step 6: Apply custom configurations (optional)
Step 7: Monitor the client
Final thoughts

Step 1: Access your UniFi Controller

Make sure that your UniFi Controller is up and running. You can access it through a web browser by typing the IP address of the UniFi Controller in the address bar. Make sure you are connected to the same local network as your UniFi Controller, or that you have remote access set up.

Logging In

Open your web browser.
Enter the UniFi Controller’s IP address or domain name.
Log in using your admin credentials.

Step 2: Go to the clients page

Once logged into the UniFi Controller, go to the “Clients” section. This area displays all currently connected devices and allows you to manage new and existing clients.

Step 3: Connect the new client

Before a new client can be added and managed through the UniFi Controller, it must first be connected to the network.

Connecting via Wi-Fi

Make sure the client device has Wi-Fi turned on.
Select the appropriate network SSID from the list of available networks.
Enter the Wi-Fi password (if asked for)

Connecting via Ethernet

Connect the client device to the network using an Ethernet cable plugged into one of your UniFi network’s switches or routers.

Step 4: Locate the new client on the controller

It should appear on the UniFi Controller’s clients page (after the client connects). There can be a short delay before the client shows up due to network settings or refresh rates.

Refresh the clients page in your UniFi Controller.
Look for a new entry that matches the MAC address or IP address of the newly connected device.

Step 5: Assign to user group (optional)

If you have user groups set up with network permissions you can assign the new client to a group.

Here is how:

Click on the client to view detailed information.
Find the configuration section for User Groups.
Select the appropriate user group from the dropdown menu.

Step 6: Apply custom configurations (optional)

You can also apply custom configurations to the client. Things like fixed IP addresses or customized VLAN settings:

You can find the network configuration settings in the client's details page.
Set a fixed IP address if necessary.
Configure any VLAN settings or other advanced features as your require.

Step 7: Monitor the client

Keep continue to monitor its activity and connectivity status through the UniFi Controller over time. This is important to keep your network running on optimal performance.

Check the client’s status on the dashboard to make sure it is active and has stable connectivity.
Check data usage and network traffic for any unusual activity.

Final thoughts

Adding a client to a UniFi Controller is a simple process, however its quite important to do it properly. It helps maintain the security and performance of your network. The UniFi Controller provides all the tools needed to manage network access effectively. Just follow the steps above.

If you are working with larger network or complex setups, consider a managed provider like UniHosted. We provide managed UniFi Controllers to improve your network efficiency. Especially, if you are an MSP or IT-service business looking for reliable, secure and scalable UniFi network deployments, this is something for you.

Feel free to give us a spin! Additionally, I'm happy to walk you through personally. You can schedule a call with me (Founder of UniHosted) here.