How to reserve an IP address on a UniFi Controller

In most networks, devices get an IP address from a DHCP server. It works, but sometimes you need a bit more control, like when you're running printers, servers, or other gear that needs a consistent IP.

That’s where IP reservations come in. With UniFi, reserving an IP address is easy and keeps your network organized.

Let’s break down what IP reservations are, when you should use them, and how to set them up on a UniFi Controller, whether you’re using a Dream Machine, a Cloud Key, or UniFi Hosting (like we offer at UniHosted).

Let's dive in !!

---

What is an IP reservation?

An IP reservation (also called DHCP reservation) means a specific device always gets the same IP address from your DHCP server. It’s not a static IP that you set on the device itself—it’s handled by your router.

You tell the UniFi Controller: “Hey, when this device with this MAC address connects, always give it this IP.” And that’s it. Simple, predictable, no surprises.

Why use IP reservations?

There are a few good reasons to use reserved IPs:

• Printers: If your printer’s IP keeps changing, your computers might lose connection.
• NAS devices and servers: Backup jobs, file sharing, and remote access often rely on consistent IPs.
• Cameras: Surveillance systems sometimes need fixed IPs for port forwarding or management.
• Port forwarding: You don’t want to forward a port to a device that might change IPs.
• Network troubleshooting: It’s easier to diagnose issues if your key devices always have the same address.

Sure, you could set a static IP on the device itself, but doing it from the UniFi Controller keeps things centralized and clean.

Requirements before you start

Before you reserve an IP, make sure:

1. The device has already connected to your network.
2. You know which UniFi gateway is handling DHCP.
3. You’re using the UniFi Controller (any version works: Cloud Key, UDM, UniFi OS, or UniHosted).

Step-by-step: How to reserve an IP in UniFi

Here’s how to do it. We’ll cover the process in the new settings layout, which is the default in most recent UniFi controllers.

Step 1: Log in to your UniFi Controller

Head to your controller URL. If you're using UniHosted, just log in through unihosted.com and open your dashboard.

Step 2: Go to the Clients list

On the left menu, click Clients. You’ll see a list of devices currently or previously connected to your network.

Find the device you want to assign a reserved IP to. You can search by name, IP address, or MAC address. If it’s online, it’ll show as “Connected.”

Step 3: Open the client’s settings

Click on the device. A sidebar or new panel will open with details, MAC address, current IP, hostname, connection type, etc.

Now click Settings (gear icon or tab in the panel).

Step 4: Reserve the IP

Toggle on Use Fixed IP Address (it might also be labeled as “Set Static IP” depending on your controller version).

The current IP will automatically be selected. You can change it if you want to use something else within your DHCP range, but make sure it’s not already in use.

Click Apply Changes.

That’s it. The IP is now reserved. Next time the device connects, it’ll get the same IP every time.

Things to know about reserved IPs in UniFi

• The device still uses DHCP: It’s not truly static. The device asks for an IP, and the UniFi Controller gives it the one you reserved.
• Stay in the DHCP range: Don’t assign an IP outside your DHCP scope unless you know what you’re doing. Otherwise, you risk conflicts or no connectivity.
• Reservations can be made for offline devices: As long as you have the MAC address, you can reserve an IP for a device that’s not currently connected.
• You can edit or delete reservations anytime: Just open the client again and change or remove the fixed IP.

Reserving IPs for new devices

If the device hasn’t connected yet, but you know its MAC address, you can still reserve an IP. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Networks > LAN > DHCP Reservations
2. Click Create New Reservation
3. Enter the MAC address and desired IP
4. Save

When that device connects for the first time, it’ll get the IP you set.

IP reservation best practices

1. Label your devices

Use descriptive names when reserving IPs. Instead of “client-19”, name it “office-printer” or “NAS-Storage”. This helps when managing or troubleshooting.

2. Document your reserved IPs

Keep a spreadsheet or use the UniFi Notes field to record what each IP is used for. If someone else takes over your network later, they’ll thank you.

3. Group devices by IP blocks

Some people like to organize by IP ranges:

• 192.168.1.10–20: Printers
• 192.168.1.21–30: Servers
• 192.168.1.31–50: Cameras

It’s optional, but helps keep things structured.

4. Don’t overdo it

You don’t need to reserve an IP for every laptop and phone. Only do it for devices that actually need it.

Use cases: When you should reserve an IP

Use case 1: Office printer

If your office printer keeps getting a new IP, everyone’s print settings break. Reserve an IP, and it always works. Plus, you can map the IP in your drivers or DNS.

Use case 2: NAS device

You set up a NAS for backups. You configure backup software to send data to 192.168.1.40. A week later, the NAS reboots, gets a new IP, and backups fail. Not ideal.

Reserve that IP, and you’re good forever.

Use case 3: Remote access device

If you forward a port to a camera or server, it needs a consistent IP. Otherwise, the port forward breaks. Reserve the IP first, then set up port forwarding.

Troubleshooting IP reservation issues

If a device isn’t getting the reserved IP, here are a few things to check:

• Wrong MAC address: Make sure you’re using the correct MAC for the device’s main network interface.
• Out of DHCP range: Make sure the reserved IP is inside the DHCP range or properly routed.
• Device has a static IP set: If you manually configured a static IP on the device, it might ignore the reservation.
• Reboot the device or router: Sometimes the reservation doesn’t take effect until the device requests a new IP.

How to view and manage all reservations

Want to see all your DHCP reservations in one place?

Go to:

• Settings > Networks > [LAN Network] > DHCP Reservations

You’ll see a list of all reserved IPs, MAC addresses, and client names. From here, you can:

• Edit an entry
• Delete it
• Add a new one manually

Advanced tip: Use DNS Hostnames

If you’re reserving IPs for things like servers or printers, you can also assign a hostname. This lets you access the device at something like printer.local instead of typing the IP.

To do this:

• After reserving the IP, go to the Client settings
• Set the Name or Hostname
• Save

Now devices on the same network can use that name to connect.

Final thoughts

IP reservations are one of those simple features that save you hours of troubleshooting later. They keep your devices consistent, your services online, and your port forwards from breaking.

Whether you’re setting up an office, building a home lab, or managing a multi-site network, IP reservations are one of those small tasks that pay off big.

And if you’d rather not handle this kind of network setup yourself, that’s where we come in. At Unihosted, we host your UniFi Controller in the cloud, keep it backed up and updated, and help you configure everything, including IP reservations, so your network just works.