Running a UniFi Controller on a Mac Mini
Published onby Iron
Want to turn your Mac Mini into a UniFi Controller? It’s a great way to take full control of your UniFi network without relying on dedicated UniFi hardware like the Cloud Key. Plus, if you already own a Mac Mini, it’s a smart way to repurpose existing hardware. Running a UniFi Controller on macOS gives you access to all the key UniFi features: managing Wi-Fi, switches, access points, and even UniFi Protect cameras.
Let's dive in!

Table of Contents
- Why use a Mac Mini as a UniFi Controller?
- System requirements
- Step 1: Download and install Java
- Step 2: Download the UniFi Controller software
- Step 3: Install the UniFi Controller
- Step 4: Initial setup of the UniFi Controller
- Step 5: Enable remote access
- Step 6: Set up automatic backups
- Step 7: Troubleshooting
- Advanced configuration tips
- Benefits of using a Mac Mini vs. Cloud Key
- Final Thoughts
Why use a Mac Mini as a UniFi Controller?
A Mac Mini is compact, quiet, and power-efficient. It offers plenty of storage and computing power to handle the needs of a small-to-medium-sized UniFi network. Here's why it’s a good option:
- Always-on device: Mac Mini can stay on 24/7 like a dedicated server.
- More power than a Cloud Key: It offers more processing power than most UniFi dedicated hardware.
- Cost-effective: If you already have a Mac Mini, you can avoid buying additional UniFi hardware.
- Full control: Unlike using UniFi's Cloud Console, you own the setup and control the data.
System requirements
To run a UniFi Controller on your Mac Mini, you’ll need the following:
- Operating System: macOS Big Sur, Monterey, or later.
- Hardware: Any Mac Mini model that can run the latest macOS versions.
- Software:
- Java Runtime Environment (JRE) — Required for UniFi software to run.
- UniFi Controller Software — Available for download from Ubiquiti's website.
- Network: Ensure your Mac Mini is connected to your network either via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Ethernet is recommended for better reliability.
Step 1: Download and install Java
The UniFi Controller requires Java to run. If you don’t have Java installed on your Mac Mini, follow these steps:
- Download Java: Go to Java Downloads and download the latest version for macOS.
- Install Java: Open the ".dmg" file and follow the instructions to complete the installation.
- Verify Java: Open Terminal and type:
You should see something like:java -version
java version "17.0.1" 2021-10-19 LTS
Step 2: Download the UniFi Controller software
- Visit Ubiquiti’s UniFi Controller download page.
- Select the macOS version of the software.
- Download the ".dmg" file to your Mac Mini.
Step 3: Install the UniFi Controller
- Run the installer: Open the ".dmg" file you downloaded.
- Move to Applications: Drag and drop the UniFi app into the Applications folder.
- Launch the UniFi Controller: Go to Applications, find UniFi Controller, and double-click to launch it.
- Allow system permissions: If prompted, give UniFi permission to run. macOS may block it initially, but you can go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and click Open Anyway.
- Set up the Controller:
- Open a browser and go to "https://localhost:8443/".
- If you see a security warning, click Advanced and then Proceed Anyway.
Step 4: Initial setup of the UniFi Controller
Once the UniFi Controller launches in your browser, follow these steps:
- Accept the Terms of Service.
- Sign in to your Ubiquiti (UI) Account. This links the controller to your UI account, enabling remote access.
- Create a network:
- Name your network.
- Set up Wi-Fi names and passwords.
- Configure automatic updates if you want the controller to update automatically.
- Adopt devices: If you have UniFi access points, switches, or gateways, they will appear under Devices. Click Adopt to add them to your controller.
Step 5: Enable remote access
Remote access allows you to manage the network from anywhere. To enable this:
- Log in to your UniFi Controller.
- Click Settings > Remote Access.
- Toggle Enable Remote Access.
- Sign in with your Ubiquiti account. This will link the controller to your cloud UI account, giving you remote control from the UniFi mobile app or unifi.ui.com.
Step 6: Set up automatic backups
You don’t want to lose your configurations. Here’s how to enable automatic backups:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Backups.
- Enable automatic backups and set how often you want them to be saved (daily, weekly, etc.).
Pro Tip: Store backups in a secure location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
Step 7: Troubleshooting
If you run into issues, here are common problems and solutions.
Problem 1: Cannot access UniFi Controller at localhost:8443
- Solution: Check if UniFi Controller is running. Open Activity Monitor and search for UniFi. If it’s not running, launch it from the Applications folder.
Problem 2: Controller stops unexpectedly
- Solution: Check that you have the latest version of both UniFi Controller and Java. If not, update them.
Problem 3: Adopted devices are "disconnected"
- Solution: Check your network. Ensure your devices are on the same LAN or VLAN as your UniFi Controller.
Problem 4: "Managed by Other" message on devices
- Solution: Reset the device to factory defaults by pressing the reset button for 10 seconds.
Problem 5: Cannot connect to the UniFi Controller remotely
- Solution: Ensure remote access is enabled in Settings > Remote Access.
Advanced configuration tips
- Port forwarding: If you need to access your controller remotely and don't want to rely on Ubiquiti's cloud, forward port 8443 on your router to your Mac Mini.
- Optimize performance: The UniFi Controller will run in the background, so to avoid system slowdowns, avoid running other intensive processes.
- Create multiple user accounts: Allow other users access to the controller with read-only or admin roles.
- Use VLANs: Separate networks for IoT devices, guest networks, and main devices for extra security.
Benefits of using a Mac Mini vs. Cloud Key
Feature | Mac Mini | Cloud Key |
---|---|---|
Storage | SSD or HDD (custom) | Limited built-in storage |
Performance | High (MacOS power) | Limited (ARM chip) |
Software updates | User-controlled | Automatic by Ubiquiti |
Cost | Already owned? Free! | $100+ new purchase |
Availability | Always-on, full macOS | Cloud Key only runs UniFi OS |
Final Thoughts
Running a UniFi Controller on a Mac Mini is a powerful, flexible option. You gain more control, better performance, and can avoid the limitations of the UniFi Cloud Key. It’s perfect for tech-savvy users who want to save money, use existing hardware, or avoid monthly hosting fees.
If you'd rather not manage the setup yourself, consider UniHosted. Our cloud-based UniFi Controller hosting offers an easy way to manage UniFi controllers without relying on local hardware. If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.
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