How to SSH into UniFi APs (even remotely)

Most UniFi users stick to the web interface. It's where you adopt devices, monitor networks, and make basic config changes. But sometimes you need more control. That’s where SSH comes in.

SSH gives you command-line access to your UniFi APs. You can reboot stuck devices, update firmware manually, or run troubleshooting commands you won’t find in the controller. And with the “debug tools” feature, you can SSH into UniFi devices straight from the browser—no terminal needed.

Here’s how it works.

---

🚨 Before we get to the SSH part, just a quick note: If you manage client networks on a self-hosted UniFi controller. Please stop. Sooner or later this will cause issues! It's fine for home users, but definitely not recommended for businesses. We've built a secure and reliable UniFi hosting solution that takes the hassle out of managing controllers. You can try it for free.

---

Table of Contents

• Video
• Why Use SSH?
• Option 1: SSH from your terminal
  • Step 1: Enable SSH
  • Step 2: Get the AP’s IP
  • Step 3: Connect via SSH
• Option 2: SSH from the UniFi web interface using Debug Tools
  • Step 1: Enable Debug Tools
  • Step 2: Open a remote SSH session
• Common SSH commands
• Final thoughts

Video

Rather watch how to SSH into UniFi APs? Our own Dries explains it in this video:

Rather read? Then lets continue.

Why Use SSH?

SSH gives you direct access to the AP’s Linux shell. That means:

• Check logs that aren't exposed in the controller
• Reboot or reset misbehaving APs
• Run diagnostics like ping, traceroute, or ifconfig
• Manually update firmware
• Use set-inform to move APs between controllers

If you manage multiple networks or you're trying to fix a stuck device, SSH is a critical tool.

Option 1: SSH from your terminal

Step 1: Enable SSH

In your UniFi Controller:

• Go to Settings > Site (or System, depending on version)
• Find Device Authentication
• Set an SSH username and password

These credentials apply to all devices in the site.

Step 2: Get the AP’s IP

• Go to Devices in your controller
• Click the AP
• Copy the IP address from the device details

Step 3: Connect via SSH

Open your terminal or PuTTY and run:

ssh <username>@<AP-IP>

Enter your password when prompted.

If it works, you’ll land in the AP’s shell. From there, try:

info                       # Shows AP status and config
reboot                     # Restarts the AP
upgrade <url>              # Manually installs firmware
syswrapper.sh restore-default  # Factory reset
set-inform http://<controller-ip>:8080/inform

Option 2: SSH from the UniFi web interface using Debug Tools

This is the easiest way to SSH, and it works from anywhere.

Step 1: Enable Debug Tools

• Go to Settings > System
• Scroll to Advanced
• Enable Debug Tools
• Click Apply Changes

This adds a Debug button on each device.

UniFi describes it as “Enable debug terminal for connecting to device”

Step 2: Open a remote SSH session

• Go to Devices and select a UniFi device
• Click Settings
• Click Debug
• A live SSH session will open in your browser

This uses WebRTC, so it works even if you’re not on the same local network. No VPN or special setup required.

Once inside, you can run any command:

set-inform http://<controller-ip>:8080/inform
syswrapper.sh restore-default
info
reboot

It's the fastest way to access remote UniFi devices directly.

Common SSH commands

info                         # View status
reboot                       # Restart the AP
upgrade http://firmware      # Install firmware
syswrapper.sh restore-default  # Factory reset
set-inform http://<ip>:8080/inform  # Re-adopt
ping 8.8.8.8                 # Test connectivity
cat /var/log/messages        # View logs
ifconfig                     # Check interface status

Final thoughts

SSH gives you access to tools you won’t find in the web UI. If a device won’t adopt, isn’t showing up, or is acting weird, SSH is often the fix.

And now with debug tools in UniFi OS, you don’t even need a terminal. You can access any UniFi device, from anywhere, straight through the controller.

If you’re tired of managing controllers yourself or need better tools for remote sites, we built UniHosted to solve that. Our managed UniFi hosting services includes debug tools and remote access out of the box.

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