How to login into your UniFi Controller?

Logging into the UniFi Controller and managing authentication is a bit unclear from Ubiquiti's documentation, as well as the UX of the UniFi dashboard. Let's explain how to access your UniFi Controller and understand the authentication process.

Table of Contents

• Accessing the UniFi Controller
• Understanding Authentication in UniFi
• Managing Users and Authentication
• Best Practices for UniFi Controller Login and Authentication
• Final Thoughts

Accessing the UniFi Controller

1. Launch a Web Browser: Open your preferred web browser on a device connected to the same network as your UniFi Controller.

2. Enter the Controller's IP Address or Hostname:

   • If your UniFi Controller is hosted on a local network, enter the IP address of the device running the Controller software.
   • For cloud-hosted UniFi Controllers, like those managed by us at UniHosted, enter the provided hostname or URL.

3. Login Page: You will be greeted by the UniFi login page. Here, you need to enter your username and password.

   • Default Credentials: If this is your first time logging in, and you haven't changed the default credentials, you can use:
     • Username: ubnt
     • Password: ubnt
   • Custom Credentials: If the default credentials have been changed (which is recommended for security reasons), use the username and password set during the initial setup or provided by your network administrator.

4. Accessing the Dashboard: After entering the correct credentials, you will be taken to the UniFi Controller dashboard where you can manage your network.

Understanding Authentication in UniFi

UniFi uses a role-based access control system for authentication. Users can be assigned different roles with varying levels of access and control:

• Super Admin: Full access to all features and settings.
• Admin: Access to most features but may have some restrictions.
• Limited Admin: Customizable access rights to certain sections of the Controller.
• Read Only: View-only access without any modification rights.

Managing Users and Authentication

To manage users and their roles:

1. Navigate to the Settings: In the UniFi Controller dashboard, go to the 'Settings' section.

2. User Management: Locate and click on the 'User Management' or 'Administrators' section.

3. Add or Modify Users: From here, you can add new users, modify existing user roles, or change passwords.

Best Practices for UniFi Controller Login and Authentication

• Strong Passwords: Always use strong, unique passwords for your UniFi Controller login.
• Regularly Update Passwords: Change your passwords periodically for enhanced security.
• Role-Based Access: Assign user roles based on the minimum level of access required for their tasks.
• Monitor User Activity: Keep an eye on the logs to track user activities, especially for administrative actions.

Final Thoughts

Effective login and authentication practices are crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your UniFi network. However, Ubiquiti has made it into a sport to find the proper navigation to handle this.

At UniHosted, we prioritize security in our cloud-hosted UniFi Controller solutions, ensuring that your network is not only easily accessible but also secured against unauthorized access. Here is what we can do for you.