How to check for UniFi firmware updates

Keeping your UniFi devices updated with the latest firmware is really important for network reliability, security, and performance. It sounds straightforward, but believe me, this is often overlooked.

Firmware updates often include important security patches, new features, and performance improvements. Especially, for MSPs and network administrators, regularly checking and applying firmware updates is a key part of maintaining a healthy and secure network.

This blog post provides a guide on how to check for and apply UniFi firmware updates.

Let's dive in!

Accessing the UniFi Controller

Accessing the UniFi Controller

The primary tool for managing firmware updates for UniFi devices is the UniFi Controller. Whether you're using a UniFi Cloud Key, a UniFi Dream Machine, or a software-based UniFi Controller hosted on a server or cloud service like UniHosted, the process for checking firmware updates is similar.

Steps to Check for Firmware Updates

Log into the UniFi Controller: Open your web browser and access the UniFi Controller by entering its IP address or domain name. Log in with your administrator credentials.
Navigate to Devices: On the UniFi Controller dashboard, you'll find a menu on the left-hand side. Click on "Devices" to view all the UniFi devices currently managed by the Controller.
Select a Device: Click on a UniFi device to view its details. Here, you can find specific information about the device, including its current firmware version.
Check for Updates: Within the device details panel, look for an option that says "Check for Updates" or an indication of an available firmware update. This can vary depending on the version of your UniFi Controller.
Update Firmware: If an update is available, you'll typically see an option to "Upgrade" the device's firmware. Click this button to initiate the firmware update process. The device may reboot during this process, which is normal.

Automating Firmware Updates

The UniFi Controller offers features to automate the firmware update process for your devices, ensuring they're always up-to-date without requiring manual intervention.

Auto Update Settings: In the UniFi Controller settings, you can enable automatic updates for your devices. This can usually be found under the "Services" or "Maintenance" section. Here, you can configure the Controller to automatically check for and apply firmware updates according to your specified schedule.

Best Practices for Firmware Updates

Schedule Updates: Plan firmware updates during off-peak hours to minimize disruption to network users. Ensure that you have a rollback plan in case the update causes issues.
Review Release Notes: Before applying an update, review the firmware's release notes to understand the changes, improvements, or known issues associated with the new version.
Backup Configuration: Always back up your UniFi Controller configuration before applying firmware updates. This ensures you can quickly restore your network settings if needed.
Monitor Device Reboot: After updating firmware, monitor the device to ensure it reboots and reconnects to the network successfully. Check the device's performance to ensure the update has been applied correctly.

If you want to dig deeper. We wrote an detailed guide on how to upgrade UniFi Controllers.

Final Thoughts

Regularly checking for and applying firmware updates is essential for the security and performance of your UniFi network. By following these steps, MSPs and network administrators can ensure that their UniFi devices are always operating with the latest features and security patches.

At UniHosted, we're all in on streamlined network management. Our cloud-hosted UniFi Controller services simplify the process of managing and updating your UniFi devices.

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.