Adopting a UniFi device to your dedicated controller: A step by step guide

In this guide, I'll show you how to adopt an access point to your controller in UniHosted. This process has changed slightly since version 8 of the UniFi Network.

Looking for how to add a device to the free tier controller? Check this article.

🚨 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.

Table of Contents

Steps to Adopt a UniFi Device

1. Ensure Factory Default State

Check the UniFi Device LED Status to confirm the device is in a factory-default state. Press and hold the reset button for 5 to 10 seconds.

2. Access the Device

First, SSH into your UniFi access point. If it's a new device, you can use the default credentials.

3. Upgrade Access Point (optional)

In some cases, it's required to have an up-to-date access point. We recommend to always update the device to the latest version. Check community.ui.com/releases for the latest release.

Copy the latest download link (something like https://dl.ui.com/unifi/firmware/xxx.bin) for your device and run:

upgrade [paste_download_link_here]

4. Run the Info Command

After logging in, run the info command to get details about the device, like its MAC address and uptime.

5. Set Inform Command

By default, the device tries to connect to UniFi on port 8080. To change this, use the set-inform command:

set-inform http://m0000.unifi.unihosted.com:8080/inform

Replace m0000 with your subdomain.

Note: Use HTTP, not HTTPS, as HTTPS will not work.

6. Log Into UniHosted Controller

After the inform command, log into the UniHosted controller. You should see a device waiting for adoption. Adopt the device and you're good to go!

Conclusion

The adoption process should be complete within a few minutes, allowing you to enjoy the new features of the UniFi Network. Enjoy your newly adopted device!