How to factory reset a UniFi cloud key
Published onby Iron
So, your UniFi Cloud Key is acting up, or maybe you're planning to hand it over to someone else. Whatever the case, sometimes a factory reset is just what the doctor ordered. Resetting your Cloud Key can resolve persistent issues or prepare it for a fresh start.
Let's Dive In!

Table of Contents
- Why factory reset your cloud key?
- What you’ll need
- Step-by-step guide to resetting your UniFi cloud key
- Troubleshooting
- Alternative methods to reset your cloud key
- What to do after the reset
- Final Thoughts
Why factory reset your cloud key?
First, let's discuss why you might need to factory reset your Cloud Key. When you reset it, you’re essentially wiping the slate clean. All configurations will be erased, and the device will return to its out-of-the-box state. This can be particularly useful if you’re facing issues that troubleshooting hasn’t resolved, or if you’re preparing the device for a new user.
Just keep in mind that a factory reset is a last resort—once it’s done, there’s no going back, so make sure you’ve backed up any crucial settings beforehand.
What you’ll need
Before you start, here’s what you’ll need:
- A paperclip or pin (something small to press the reset button).
-
Access to your UniFi Controller to re-adopt the Cloud Key after the reset.
- Some patience—it won’t take long, but it’s good to be prepared.
Step-by-step guide to resetting your UniFi cloud key
Now, let’s get down to business. Here’s how you reset your UniFi Cloud Key.
1. Locate the reset button
The first step is to find the reset button on your Cloud Key. Depending on the model, this button is typically located on the front or back of the device. It’s usually recessed to prevent accidental resets, so you’ll need that trusty paperclip or pin to reach it.
2. Perform the reset
With your paperclip or pin in hand, press and hold the reset button. The amount of time you need to hold it down depends on the type of reset you want:
-
For a soft reset: Hold the button for about 5 seconds. This will reset the device but keep the current configuration intact. It’s a quick refresh that might solve minor issues.
-
For a factory reset: Hold the button for around 10 seconds. You’ll see the LED on the Cloud Key flash, indicating that the reset process has begun. Once the flashing stops and the LED becomes solid, the reset is complete, and your device is back to its factory settings.
3. Wait for the reset to complete
After you release the reset button, the Cloud Key will begin the reset process. This might take a couple of minutes. During this time, the device will reboot, and all configurations will be wiped out. Once the LED stops flashing and turns solid, your Cloud Key is ready for setup again.
4. Re-adopt the cloud key in your controller
With your Cloud Key reset, the next step is to re-adopt it into your UniFi Controller. Here’s how:
-
Log in to your UniFi Controller: You can do this via the web interface or through the UniFi app.
-
Locate your Cloud Key: It should appear in the list of available devices. If it doesn’t, double-check that it’s properly connected to your network.
-
Adopt the Cloud Key: Click on the device and select “Adopt.” The controller will configure the Cloud Key and add it back into the network.
-
Set up the Cloud Key: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. This might include setting up a new username and password, configuring the time zone, and other basic settings.
5. Restore your settings (if you backed them up)
If you took the time to back up your settings before the reset, now is the moment to restore them. This can typically be done through the UniFi Controller’s interface. Just go to the settings, find the restore option, and upload your backup file. This will save you from having to reconfigure everything from scratch.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as we’d like. If your Cloud Key doesn’t show up in your UniFi Controller after the reset, here are a few things to check:
-
Network connection: Make sure the Cloud Key is properly connected to your network. Check the Ethernet cable and ensure the device is receiving power.
-
IP address: The Cloud Key might have a different IP address after the reset. You can use a network scanner tool to find its new IP address.
-
Compatibility: Ensure that your UniFi Controller version is compatible with the Cloud Key firmware. Sometimes, an update might be necessary to bring everything in sync.
Alternative methods to reset your cloud key
If, for some reason, the physical reset button isn’t working or accessible, there are a couple of alternative methods to reset your Cloud Key.
Method 1: Reset via the UniFi Controller
If you can still access the UniFi Controller before the reset, you can trigger a factory reset directly from the interface. Here’s how:
-
Log in to your UniFi Controller: Navigate to the devices section where your Cloud Key is listed.
-
Select the Cloud Key: Click on the device to open its settings menu.
-
Factory reset: Look for the “Factory Reset” option in the settings menu. Clicking this will trigger the reset process remotely.
Method 2: SSH into the Cloud Key
If you’re comfortable with a bit of command-line work, you can also reset the Cloud Key via SSH:
-
Access the Cloud Key via SSH: Use an SSH client like PuTTY (for Windows) or Terminal (for macOS/Linux) to access your Cloud Key. You’ll need the IP address of the device, along with the admin username and password.
-
Execute the reset command: Once logged in, you can reset the Cloud Key by running the following command:
sudo /usr/bin/ubnt-systool reset2defaults
-
Confirm the reset: The device will reboot, and the reset process will be completed. After the reboot, your Cloud Key will be in its factory default state.
What to do after the reset
Now that your Cloud Key is back to its factory settings, it’s time to set it up again. This involves re-adopting the device into your UniFi Controller, as discussed earlier, and restoring any settings from your backup if you made one.
1. Check for updates
After resetting and re-adopting your Cloud Key, it’s a good idea to check for any firmware updates. Running the latest firmware ensures that your device has all the latest features and security patches.
-
Log in to the UniFi Controller: Go to the settings page for your Cloud Key.
-
Check for updates: Look for a “Firmware Update” option. If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install it.
2. Reconfigure your network settings
If you didn’t restore from a backup, you’d need to reconfigure your network settings. This includes setting up your Wi-Fi networks, VLANs, firewall rules, and any other custom configurations you had before the reset.
-
Access the network settings: Navigate to the network settings section of your UniFi Controller
-
Set up your Wi-Fi: Configure your SSID, security settings, and other wireless options.
-
Adjust other settings: Go through your previous configurations, such as VLANs and firewall rules, and reapply them as needed.
3. Test your network
Once everything is set up, it’s important to test your network to ensure everything is working as expected. Check that all connected devices can access the network, that Wi-Fi signals are strong, and that any special configurations (like VLANs) are functioning correctly.
Final Thoughts
Factory resetting your UniFi Cloud Key might seem like a big step, but it’s actually a straightforward process that can help resolve persistent issues or prepare the device for a new environment.
Remember to back up any important settings before you start, as a factory reset will erase all configurations. After the reset, re-adopting the Cloud Key into your UniFi Controller is quick and easy, and you’ll be back up and running in no time.
At UniHosted, we know that managing your UniFi devices can sometimes be a bit of a hassle, especially when things go wrong. That’s why we’re here to help. Whether it’s hosting your UniFi Controller in the cloud or providing support when you need it, we’ve got you covered. If you’re ever in doubt, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.
If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.
We host UniFi Controllers in the Cloud
Are you ready to take your UniFi Network to the next level? Deploy a UniFi Cloud Controller in minutes and manage your network from anywhere.
Free tier available
Get the best support
Join 1660+ customers
No credit card required