Ubiquiti MFA
Published onby Iron
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to protect your network. For Ubiquiti UniFi users, enabling MFA is a no-brainer. It adds an extra layer of security to your UniFi controller and network, making it much harder for hackers to break in.
Let's dive in!

Table of Contents
- What is MFA, and Why Do You Need It?
- How Does MFA Work with Ubiquiti UniFi?
- How to Set Up MFA for Your UniFi Controller
- Common Issues with MFA Setup
- The Power of MFA for Remote Access
- UniFi MFA vs. Other MFA Options
- What If You Forget to Enable MFA?
- Pro Tips for Using MFA on UniFi
- What’s Next?
- Final Thoughts
What is MFA, and Why Do You Need It?
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a way to protect your account using two or more authentication methods. Normally, you log in with a username and password. But if someone steals your password, they can log in as you.
MFA fixes that by adding a second (or third) layer of security. It might ask for a code sent to your phone, a fingerprint scan, or approval from a mobile app.
Here’s why it matters for UniFi users:
- Extra Security: Your username and password are no longer enough to access your UniFi controller. Even if a hacker gets your password, they still need your second factor.
- Protects Remote Access: If you manage your UniFi network remotely, MFA keeps bad actors from logging in.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your network is secured by more than just a password feels good.
If you're running a business, enabling MFA is a must. It’s a simple step that makes it nearly impossible for hackers to access your network.
How Does MFA Work with Ubiquiti UniFi?
Ubiquiti makes MFA simple by integrating it with the UI Verify app (available on iOS and Android). This app generates one-time passcodes (OTP) or push notifications for logins.
When you enable MFA, every time you log in to your UniFi controller, you’ll be prompted to verify your identity. Here’s what happens:
- Log In: You enter your username and password.
- Second Factor: You receive a push notification or one-time code on the UI Verify app.
- Verify: Approve the request, and you’re in!
Easy, right?
How to Set Up MFA for Your UniFi Controller
Setting up MFA on UniFi only takes a few minutes. Here’s the step-by-step guide to get it done.
Step 1: Download the UI Verify App
- Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Search for "UI Verify" and download the app.
- Install it and create an account if you don’t have one.
Step 2: Log in to UniFi Console
- Open a browser and go to unifi.ui.com.
- Sign in using your UI Account (this is the same account you use to access your UniFi network).
- Click on the UniFi console you want to secure.
Step 3: Enable MFA in Your UI Account
- Go to Profile Settings: Click on your profile picture or initials (top-right corner) and select Settings.
- Enable MFA: Look for the Security section and find Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
- Link the UI Verify App: Click Enable.
- Scan the QR Code: Open the UI Verify app and scan the QR code shown on your screen.
- Save Recovery Codes: Write down the backup recovery codes. If you lose access to your phone, you’ll need these.
Step 4: Test MFA
- Log out of your UniFi controller.
- Log back in with your UI Account.
- After entering your password, you'll be prompted for a second factor.
- Open the UI Verify app and accept the login request.
That’s it! You’re now protected by MFA.
Common Issues with MFA Setup
No setup process is without its hiccups. Here are a few problems you might run into and how to fix them.
1. Lost Phone or UI Verify App
If you lose access to the phone where your UI Verify app is installed, you have two options:
- Use the Recovery Codes you saved during setup.
- Contact Ubiquiti Support if you didn’t save recovery codes.
2. Can’t Scan the QR Code
Sometimes the camera has trouble scanning the code. Here’s what to do:
- Tap the “Can’t scan? Enter code manually” option.
- Enter the text code displayed under the QR code.
3. Notifications Not Showing Up
If you don’t get the push notification, check these:
- Ensure notifications are enabled for UI Verify in your phone's settings.
- Try using the One-Time Passcode (OTP) instead of waiting for a notification.
4. I’m Locked Out of My UniFi Controller
If MFA is enabled and you get locked out, follow these steps:
- Use a Recovery Code to log in.
- If that doesn’t work, log in using the Owner account (this is the first account created when you set up your UniFi controller).
- Still locked out? You may need to contact Ubiquiti Support for assistance.
The Power of MFA for Remote Access
One of the best features of UniFi is Remote Access. It allows you to manage your network from anywhere in the world. But remote access also increases the risk of hacks.
This is where MFA shines. If someone tries to log in from a new device, they’ll need to provide the second factor. Without it, they’re locked out.
UniFi MFA vs. Other MFA Options
If you’re wondering how UniFi's MFA stacks up against other options, here’s a quick comparison.
Feature | UI Verify (Ubiquiti) | Google Authenticator | SMS Codes |
---|---|---|---|
Push Notifications | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Offline Codes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Works Offline | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Recovery Codes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Winner: UI Verify. It offers push notifications, offline codes, and better security than SMS-based MFA.
What If You Forget to Enable MFA?
If you don’t enable MFA, your UniFi controller is vulnerable to password leaks and brute-force attacks. But don’t worry, you can enable it later. Just follow the same steps mentioned above.
Pro Tips for Using MFA on UniFi
- Save Your Recovery Codes: Treat them like gold.
- Use a Password Manager: Use a strong, random password for your UI Account.
- Enable MFA for All Admins: Make sure your team also enables MFA to prevent insider threats.
What’s Next?
Congrats! You’ve added a serious layer of protection to your UniFi network. But don’t stop there. Here’s what to do next:
- Back Up Your Controller: Regular backups are essential in case you need to reset devices.
- Enable Remote Access: Securely manage your network from anywhere.
- Stay Updated: Keep UniFi firmware and UI Verify app updated for new security features.
Final Thoughts
Adding MFA to your UniFi network is like putting a lock on the front door. It’s simple, effective, and takes only 10 minutes to set up.
If you're using UniHosted to manage your UniFi Controller, you’re already one step ahead. UniHosted offers cloud-based controllers with built-in security features, including MFA. If you haven’t checked them out, it’s a great way to simplify your UniFi experience. If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.
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