How to migrate your UniFi Controller to a new computer

The UniFi Controller is an important component of your network. It acts as the central point for managing your UniFi network.

But what happens when you need to move your UniFi Controller to a new computer?

Whether it’s due to hardware upgrades, performance enhancements, or just a change in your network setup, migrating your UniFi Controller can seem daunting.

Fear not! I'll walk through the process step-by-step.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Migration Process
  • Backup Your Current UniFi Controller
  • Install UniFi Controller Software on the New Computer
  • Restore Backup on the New UniFi Controller
  • Update the Inform URL of Your UniFi Devices (If Necessary)
• Tips for Smooth Transition
• Final Thoughts

Understanding the Migration Process

Migrating your UniFi Controller involves transferring the settings, networks, and device configurations from the current host to a new one. This makes sure that your network continues to run smoothly without having to reconfigure everything from scratch.

Backup Your Current UniFi Controller

The first step is to create a backup of your current UniFi Controller settings. This is done through the UniFi Controller software itself. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your current UniFi Controller.
2. Go to the Settings > Maintenance section.
3. Click on Download Backup.

This backup file includes all your network settings, profiles, and configurations. It’s crucial to keep this file safe as it holds the key to an easy migration.

Install UniFi Controller Software on the New Computer

The next step is to install the UniFi Controller software on the new computer. You can download the latest version of the software from the Ubiquiti website.

Make sure that the version you download is the same or newer than the one you are migrating from to avoid compatibility issues.

Restore Backup on the New UniFi Controller

With the new UniFi Controller installed, it's time to restore the backup:

1. Open the UniFi Controller software on the new computer.
2. During the setup wizard, select Restore from a Previous Backup.
3. Upload the backup file you downloaded earlier.

This process will import all your previous configurations into the new UniFi Controller.

Update the Inform URL of Your UniFi Devices (If Necessary)

If your controller's network address changes (for instance, if you move from a local to a cloud-hosted controller), you'll need to update the inform URL of your UniFi devices.

This makes sure they report to the new controller address. Use the SSH command to each device and execute the set-inform command with the new URL.

set-inform http://<new-controller-ip>:8080/inform

Tips for Smooth Transition

To ensure a smooth transition, consider the following tips:

• Network Downtime: Plan the migration at a time when network downtime has the least impact.
• Version Compatibility: Make sure the UniFi Controller versions are compatible.
• Backup Safety: Keep a copy of the backup file in a secure location, just in case.

Final Thoughts

Moving your UniFi Controller to a new computer is a straightforward process. However, you'll need some technical expertise and time on your hand to perform this.

If you are looking for an even more hassle-free experience, consider a service like UniHosted. We can do this for you. In addition, we offer a reliable and efficient solution for managing your UniFi network remotely.

With cloud hosting, you eliminate the need for local hardware and gain the flexibility to access your network from anywhere. If this resonates with you, feel free to give us a try