How to reset your UniFi Cloud Key to its default settings and password.

Published onby Iron (edited on )

So, you’ve got your UniFi Cloud Key, and it’s time to get things rolling. Maybe you’re setting it up for the first time, or perhaps you’ve inherited it from someone else and have no idea what the password is.

Let's Dive In!

Table of Contents

Why Reset Your UniFi Cloud Key?

Before we dive in, let’s talk about why you might want to reset your Cloud Key in the first place. Perhaps you’ve forgotten the password, or maybe the device is acting up and needs a fresh start.

Resetting the Cloud Key can also be handy when you’re passing it on to someone else or troubleshooting a stubborn issue.

The UniFi Cloud Key: A Quick Overview

For those who are new to the UniFi ecosystem, the Cloud Key is a nifty little device that acts as the controller for your UniFi network. It’s basically a tiny computer running the UniFi Controller software, which manages all your UniFi devices like access points, switches, and security gateways. It’s an essential piece of your network puzzle, keeping everything in sync and under control.

Finding the Default Password

Let’s cut to the chase—if you’ve just unboxed your UniFi Cloud Key, or if you’ve reset it to factory settings, the default credentials are as follows:

  • Username: "ubnt"

  • Password: "ubnt"

Yep, it’s as simple as that. These are the default credentials for both the UniFi Cloud Key Gen1 and Gen2 models.

But what if you’ve tried “ubnt” and it’s not working? Well, there could be a few reasons for that:

  1. The Cloud Key Isn’t Actually Reset: You might think the device is reset, but it’s not. This can happen if the reset process wasn’t completed correctly.

  2. Custom Credentials: If the device was previously set up by someone else, they may have changed the default credentials.

  3. Firmware Issues: Occasionally, the firmware on the Cloud Key can cause issues with logins, especially if it’s outdated.

Resetting Your UniFi Cloud Key

If you need to reset your UniFi Cloud Key to factory settings, here’s how you do it:

Resetting the Cloud Key Gen1:

  1. Locate the Reset Button: The reset button is usually a small pinhole on the side of the Cloud Key. You’ll need a paperclip or a similar tool to press it.

  2. Press and Hold: Insert the paperclip into the pinhole and press the button. Hold it for about 10 seconds. You’ll know the reset has started when the LED on the front of the device starts flashing.

  3. Wait: After releasing the button, the Cloud Key will reset. This can take a few minutes, so grab a cup of coffee and chill for a bit.

Resetting the Cloud Key Gen2:

  1. Access the Reset Button: The reset button on the Gen2 is typically found on the front of the device, beneath the LED screen.

  2. Press and Hold: Just like with the Gen1, press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. Watch for the LED screen to flash, indicating the reset process has started.

  3. Wait It Out: The Gen2 Cloud Key might take a bit longer to reset compared to the Gen1. Be patient.

Reconfiguring Your Cloud Key

After resetting, the Cloud Key will reboot with its factory settings. You can now access it using the default credentials mentioned earlier. But wait—there’s more to do!

Step 1: Connect to the Network

Ensure your Cloud Key is connected to your network via Ethernet. Once connected, it should get an IP address from your router. You can find this IP address by logging into your router’s web interface and checking the list of connected devices.

Step 2: Access the Cloud Key

Open a web browser and enter the IP address of your Cloud Key. You’ll be greeted by the UniFi Setup Wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Cloud Key.

Step 3: Change Default Credentials

Here’s the important part: Don’t stick with the default "ubnt/ubnt" credentials. They’re a huge security risk. As soon as you’re logged in, go to the settings and change both the username and password to something more secure.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even after a reset, you might run into some common issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

  • Can’t Access the Cloud Key: If you can’t reach the Cloud Key via its IP address, ensure it’s properly connected to the network. A quick restart of the Cloud Key and your router can sometimes fix connectivity issues.

  • Default Password Not Working: Double-check that the reset process was completed successfully. If you’re still having trouble, consider upgrading the Cloud Key’s firmware to the latest version.

  • Firmware Upgrade Issues: If the Cloud Key’s firmware is outdated, it might refuse to work properly even after a reset. Access the device via SSH using the default credentials and manually update the firmware.

Upgrading the Firmware

Speaking of firmware, keeping your Cloud Key up to date is essential for security and performance. Here’s a quick guide to upgrading it:

  1. Download the Firmware: Go to the official Ubiquiti website and download the latest firmware for your Cloud Key model.

  2. Upload via Web Interface: Log into the Cloud Key’s web interface, navigate to the maintenance or settings section, and upload the firmware file.

  3. Wait for the Upgrade: The upgrade process will reboot the Cloud Key, and this could take several minutes. Don’t interrupt the process.

What If You Can’t Access the Web Interface?

Sometimes, you might find yourself in a situation where you can’t even access the web interface of the Cloud Key. Don’t panic—there are a few things you can try:

  • SSH Access: If you know the IP address of the Cloud Key, try accessing it via SSH. Use a terminal on your computer and enter "ssh ubnt@<IP_ADDRESS>". The default password will be "ubnt" unless it’s been changed. Once logged in, you can issue commands to reset the device or update the firmware manually.

  • Check the Network Connection: Ensure the Cloud Key is properly connected to your network. A faulty Ethernet cable or a bad port on your switch/router could be the culprit.

  • Reset Again: If all else fails, perform another factory reset. Sometimes the reset process doesn’t complete properly, especially if the device is interrupted during the reset.

Securing Your Cloud Key After Setup

Once you’ve successfully reset and reconfigured your Cloud Key, don’t forget to lock it down. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Change Default Passwords: As mentioned earlier, change the default "ubnt/ubnt" credentials immediately.

  2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If you’re using a UniFi Cloud account, enable 2FA for added security. It’s an extra step, but it’s worth it to protect your network.

  3. Regular Firmware Updates: Keep your Cloud Key’s firmware up to date. Ubiquiti frequently releases updates that include security patches and new features.

  4. Backup Configurations: Regularly back up your Cloud Key’s configuration. If something goes wrong, you’ll be able to restore your settings without starting from scratch.

When All Else Fails: Contact Support

If you’ve followed all the steps and still can’t get into your Cloud Key, it might be time to contact Ubiquiti support. They can provide more advanced troubleshooting steps and help you get things back on track.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your UniFi Cloud Key to its default settings is a straightforward process, but it’s crucial to ensure you’re doing it right. Whether you’re starting fresh or troubleshooting, knowing the default password and how to reset the device can save you a ton of headaches.

Lastly, if you're hosting your UniFi Controller in the cloud, consider using a service like UniHosted. We offer easy deployment, automatic updates, and rock-solid backups, ensuring your network runs smoothly with minimal fuss.

If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.

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