How to find your UniFi Cloud Key’s default IP address: A step by step guide

Setting up a UniFi Cloud Key for the first time can feel like embarking on a tech adventure. One of the initial challenges is finding the default IP address of your Cloud Key so you can start configuring it.

This might sound simple, but it can be tricky if you don’t know where to start. Don’t worry—by the end of this guide, you’ll be an expert at locating that elusive IP and getting your network up and running.

Let's dive in!

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🚨 Before we dive in, please don't self-host your UniFi Controller if you take care of client networks. Sooner or later this will cause issues! It's fine for home users, but definitely not recommended for IT service businesses and MSPs. If you want secure, reliable and a scalable hosting solution check out UniHosted.

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Table of Contents

• What is the UniFi Cloud Key?
  • Step 1: Connecting the UniFi Cloud Key to Your Network
  • Step 2: Finding the Default IP Address
    • Method 1: Check Your Router's Client List
    • Method 2: Use a Network Scanning Tool
    • Method 3: Try the Default IP Address
  • Step 3: Logging Into the UniFi Cloud Key
  • Step 4: Assigning a Static IP Address (Optional)
• Troubleshooting Common Issues
  • 1. Cloud Key Not Appearing in Router’s Client List
  • 2. Unable to Access the IP Address
  • 3. Forgotten Username or Password
• Extra Tips for Managing Your UniFi Cloud Key
  • 1. Keep Firmware Up to Date
  • 2. Enable Cloud Access
  • 3. Set Up Backups
  • 4. Monitor Your Network
• Final Thoughts

What is the UniFi Cloud Key?

Before diving into the IP address details, let’s quickly cover what the UniFi Cloud Key is. Essentially, it’s a device from Ubiquiti that acts as a mini-server for managing UniFi networks. Instead of needing a dedicated PC or server, the Cloud Key runs the UniFi Controller software, allowing you to manage your network from anywhere via a web browser or mobile app.

Step 1: Connecting the UniFi Cloud Key to Your Network

First things first—your Cloud Key needs to be connected to your network. The Cloud Key typically comes with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, meaning it can be powered and connected through a single Ethernet cable. Plug the Cloud Key into a PoE port on your switch or directly into your router.

Pro Tip: Ensure your switch or router is on the same network as the device you’ll use to access the Cloud Key. This will make finding the IP address much easier.

Step 2: Finding the Default IP Address

Now that your Cloud Key is powered on and connected, it’s time to find its default IP address. Here are the methods to locate it:

Method 1: Check Your Router's Client List

One of the quickest ways to find the Cloud Key’s IP address is by checking your router’s client list. Most routers display a list of all connected devices.

1. Log into your router: Use your router’s IP address (commonly "192.168.1.1" or "192.168.0.1") to log in via a web browser.

2. Navigate to the connected devices: This section may be labeled differently depending on your router, such as "Device List," "Connected Devices," or "DHCP Clients."

3. Look for the Cloud Key: It should appear as a device with "UniFi" or "Cloud Key" in the name. Note down the associated IP address.

Method 2: Use a Network Scanning Tool

If your router doesn’t provide the information you need, a network scanning tool can help. Tools like Advanced IP Scanner (for Windows) or Fing (for mobile devices) can scan your network and show all connected devices.

1. Download and install a network scanning tool.

2. Run a scan: Start a scan of your network to see a list of connected devices.

3. Identify your Cloud Key: Look for a device labeled as “UniFi” or “Cloud Key.”

Fun Fact: The MAC address of the Cloud Key typically starts with "24:5A:4C", which is a unique identifier for Ubiquiti devices. This can help you identify the Cloud Key if the name isn’t immediately obvious.

Method 3: Try the Default IP Address

Sometimes, the Cloud Key defaults to a specific IP address, usually "192.168.1.30". This can happen if your network uses the standard IP range ("192.168.1.x").

1. Try accessing it directly: Open a web browser and enter "https://192.168.1.30"'.

2. Check for a response: If you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by the UniFi Controller login page.

Step 3: Logging Into the UniFi Cloud Key

Now that you’ve found the IP address, it’s time to log in and start configuring your network.

1. Open a web browser and enter the IP address you found.

2. Enter default credentials: The default username is "ubnt" and the password is "ubnt". (If these don’t work, you might need to reset the Cloud Key to factory settings).

Important Note: Changing these default credentials as soon as possible is a good idea to secure your network.

Step 4: Assigning a Static IP Address (Optional)

If you don’t want to hunt down the IP address every time, assigning a static IP to the Cloud Key is a smart move.

1. Log into your router: Go to the DHCP settings.

2. Reserve an IP address: Find the Cloud Key in the device list and reserve its current IP or assign a new one within the same subnet.

3. Save settings: This ensures your Cloud Key always has the same IP address, making it easier to manage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, even with these steps, you might run into issues. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:

1. Cloud Key Not Appearing in Router’s Client List

• Solution: Double-check the Ethernet connection. Try a different port or cable if needed. Restart both your Cloud Key and your router.

2. Unable to Access the IP Address

• Solution: Ensure your device is on the same network as the Cloud Key. Being on a different subnet or using a VPN can cause access issues.

3. Forgotten Username or Password

• Solution: If you’ve changed the default credentials and can’t remember them, you’ll need to reset the Cloud Key to its factory settings. There’s a small reset button you can press with a paperclip.

Extra Tips for Managing Your UniFi Cloud Key

Managing your UniFi Cloud Key efficiently doesn’t stop at finding the IP address. Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of your Cloud Key and network.

1. Keep Firmware Up to Date

Regularly updating your Cloud Key’s firmware ensures you have the latest features and security patches. You can check for updates through the UniFi Controller interface once you’ve logged in.

• How to Update: Navigate to the “Settings” tab in the UniFi Controller and look for the “Updates” section. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

2. Enable Cloud Access

Enabling cloud access allows you to manage your network remotely, which is especially handy if you’re managing multiple sites or traveling.

• How to Enable: In the UniFi Controller, go to the “Settings” section and look for “Cloud Access.” Follow the prompts to enable it and link your UniFi account.

3. Set Up Backups

It’s always a good idea to have regular backups of your UniFi Controller settings. This ensures you can quickly restore your configuration in case of a hardware failure or other issues.

• How to Set Up Backups: Go to the “Settings” section in the UniFi Controller, find the “Maintenance” tab, and set up automated backups to run daily or weekly.

4. Monitor Your Network

The UniFi Controller provides a wealth of information about your network’s performance. Regularly monitoring this can help you catch potential issues before they become major problems.

• What to Watch: Keep an eye on network latency, device connectivity, and bandwidth usage. The “Dashboard” section in the UniFi Controller gives you an overview of all these metrics.

Final Thoughts

Finding the default IP address of your UniFi Cloud Key might take a few steps, but once you know the process, it’s pretty straightforward. Whether you’re using your router’s client list, a network scanning tool, or trying the default IP directly, you’ll have your Cloud Key up and running in no time.

Remember to log in using the default credentials, and don’t forget to change them right away for better security. Assigning a static IP is a smart move if you plan to manage your network regularly. Also, keep your firmware updated, enable cloud access, set up regular backups, and monitor your network performance to keep things running smoothly.

If you’re managing a more complex network or multiple sites, consider letting us at UniHosted handle your UniFi Controller in the cloud. We take care of all the technical details, so you don’t have to. Whether it's securing your network, automating updates, or troubleshooting, we've got your back.

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