Logging into your UniFi Cloud Key

Published onby Iron

Getting into your UniFi Cloud Key is like unlocking the front door to your network’s brain. It might sound a bit techy, but once you know the steps, it's a breeze. Whether you're a seasoned IT pro or just someone trying to get their home network up and running, this guide is for you.

Let's Dive In!

Table of Contents

What is a UniFi Cloud Key?

Let’s kick things off with a quick intro. The UniFi Cloud Key is a handy little device that centralizes your UniFi network’s control and settings. Think of it as the brain of your UniFi network. It stores all your configurations and lets you manage everything from a single interface.

Plus, it’s cloud-connected, meaning you can access and control your network from anywhere in the world—no need to be tied to your local network.

The Cloud Key also comes in two versions: the basic Cloud Key and the Cloud Key Gen2 Plus. The latter includes a hard drive for UniFi Protect video recordings, making it perfect if you’re also managing security cameras. But regardless of the version, the login process is pretty much the same.

Getting Started: Setting Up Your Cloud Key

Before you can log in and start tweaking your network settings, you need to get your Cloud Key connected and powered up. Here’s how to do that:

  1. Connect the Cloud Key to your network: Plug it into a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch or use a PoE injector. The Cloud Key needs both power and a network connection to function.

  2. Wait for the Cloud Key to boot up: This takes about a minute or two. You’ll know it’s ready when the LED indicator on the Cloud Key turns solid white.

  3. Find the Cloud Key’s IP address: You can use the UniFi mobile app to discover the Cloud Key on your network. Alternatively, log into your router and check the list of connected devices to find its IP address.

Accessing the Cloud Key via a Browser

Once the Cloud Key is up and running, it’s time to log in. You’ll do this through a web browser, which gives you access to the UniFi Network Controller interface.

  1. Open a web browser: You can use Chrome, Firefox, or any browser you prefer.

  2. Enter the IP address: In the address bar, type in the IP address of your Cloud Key that you found earlier. It should look something like this: "https://192.168.x.x".

  3. Ignore the security warning: Don’t panic if your browser throws up a security warning. This happens because the Cloud Key uses a self-signed certificate. Just click “Advanced” and then “Proceed to [IP address]”. You’re safe.

First-Time Login: Using Default Credentials

If this is your first time logging into the Cloud Key, you’ll need to use the default login credentials:

  • Username: "ubnt"
  • Password: "ubnt"

These are the factory settings. Once you’re in, make sure to change these to something more secure right away.

Setting Up Your UniFi Account

After logging in, you’ll be prompted to link the Cloud Key to your UniFi account. This step isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended if you want to manage your network remotely through the UniFi Cloud portal.

  1. Sign in to your UniFi account: If you already have an account, simply log in. If not, click “Create Account” and follow the instructions to set one up.

  2. Link the Cloud Key to your account: This allows you to access and manage your network from anywhere, anytime, using the UniFi Cloud portal. It’s a game-changer if you need to check in on things while you’re out and about.

After logging in, you’ll land on the UniFi Network dashboard. This is your control center, where you can see everything that’s happening on your network. Here’s a quick overview of the main sections:

  • Network Overview: A snapshot of your network’s status, showing key metrics like connected devices, bandwidth usage, and any alerts.

  • Devices: This tab lists all UniFi devices connected to your network, including access points, switches, and your Cloud Key.

  • Clients: Shows all the devices currently connected to your network, such as smartphones, laptops, and IoT devices.

  • Statistics: A deeper dive into your network’s performance over time, with charts and graphs that help you monitor traffic trends.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with the best tech, things can sometimes go sideways. Here are some common problems you might encounter when logging into your Cloud Key, along with tips on how to fix them.

  • Can’t find the IP address: Double-check that the Cloud Key is connected and powered on. If it still doesn’t show up, try using the UniFi mobile app’s “Discover” feature. Sometimes, a reboot of the Cloud Key can also help.

  • Incorrect login credentials: If the default "ubnt/ubnt" doesn’t work, it’s possible the credentials have been changed. In this case, you might need to reset the Cloud Key to factory settings by holding down the reset button for about 10 seconds.

  • Browser security warnings: If you keep getting security warnings, try switching to a different browser or clearing your browser’s cache. You can also install a valid SSL certificate on the Cloud Key, but this is more of an advanced step.

Pro Tips for Keeping Your Cloud Key Secure

Security should always be a top priority, especially when it comes to network management. Here are some quick tips to help keep your Cloud Key—and your entire network—secure:

  1. Change the default login credentials: The first thing you should do after logging in for the first time is change the username and password. Make it something unique and hard to guess.

  2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): If your UniFi account supports it, enable 2FA. It adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification (like a code sent to your phone) when logging in.

  3. Keep firmware updated: UniFi regularly releases firmware updates that include new features, performance improvements, and security patches. Always keep your Cloud Key’s firmware up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.

Advanced Configurations

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you might want to explore some of the more advanced features of your Cloud Key. Here are a few options you can dive into:

  • VPN Setup: If you want secure remote access to your network, setting up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a great option. The UniFi Cloud Key can help manage VPN connections, keeping your remote sessions encrypted and safe.

  • Guest Networks: You can easily set up a guest network that’s separate from your main network. This is perfect for offering internet access to visitors without giving them access to your personal devices or data.

  • Custom Alerts: Configure custom alerts for specific events, like when a device connects to your network or if there’s a sudden spike in traffic. This helps you stay on top of any unusual activity.

Backing Up Your Cloud Key

Backing up your Cloud Key is crucial. Imagine spending hours setting up your network, only to lose all your configurations because of a hardware failure. Thankfully, backing up is simple:

  1. Automatic Backups: The Cloud Key can be configured to automatically back up your settings to a connected storage device or a cloud service. This way, you’re always prepared for the worst.

  2. Manual Backups: You can also manually back up your settings at any time through the UniFi Network dashboard. Just go to “Settings,” then “Maintenance,” and select “Download Backup.”

Restoring a Backup

If something goes wrong and you need to restore your Cloud Key from a backup, it’s just as easy:

  1. Access the UniFi Network dashboard.

  2. Go to Settings: Navigate to the “Maintenance” section.

  3. Select Restore: Choose the backup file you want to restore from and follow the prompts.

Your Cloud Key will apply the backup, and your network should be back to normal in no time.

Final Thoughts

Logging into your UniFi Cloud Key is your gateway to managing your entire network. Whether you’re tweaking settings, monitoring devices, or just checking in, knowing how to access and navigate your Cloud Key is essential.

At UniHosted, we know that managing a network can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with multiple sites or complex configurations. That’s why we offer cloud hosting solutions at UniFi Controller designed to take the load off your shoulders.

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.

Deploy Now

Free tier available

Get the best support

Join 1660+ customers

No credit card required