Migrate to UniFi OS Server

This guide walks you through migrating from the UniFi Network Application to the UniFi OS Server on UniHosted.

The migration process is automated and designed to keep your existing configuration intact. The video below shows the full migration process step by step, while this guide provides additional context and explains what happens during each stage.

Why Migrate?

Ubiquiti has indicated that the UniFi Network Application will no longer receive ongoing container updates in the same way, and that the supported path going forward is the UniFi OS Server.

As Wilson explained, migrating to the UniFi OS Server is the only way for us to continue keeping UniFi Network containers up to date on UniHosted.

What Gets Migrated?

The migration keeps your existing environment intact, including:

  • Admin accounts
  • Roles and permissions
  • Site configurations
  • Device settings
  • Network configuration

Devices stay online during the migration process and reconnect automatically once the new server is ready.

Migration Process

Step 1: Open Your UniHosted Dashboard

Log into UniHosted Dashboard and open your server.

You will see a Migrate to UOS button.

Step 2: Select the Owner Account

UniFi OS introduces a dedicated Owner role.

The Owner account is used for:

  • Remote access setup
  • Connecting the server to Ubiquiti cloud services
  • Managing UniFi OS settings

During migration, UniHosted detects all existing global admins and allows you to choose which account should become the Owner.

Step 3: Start or Schedule the Migration

You can either:

  • Start the migration immediately
  • Schedule it for a later time

Scheduling is recommended if you prefer to perform the migration during maintenance hours or over the weekend.

Step 4: Wait for the Migration to Finish

The migration usually takes around 10 minutes, depending on:

  • The number of devices
  • Backup size
  • Overall configuration complexity

You do not need to keep the dashboard open while the migration runs.

What Happens During Migration?

Behind the scenes, UniHosted performs the following steps automatically:

  1. Creates a backup of your current UniFi Network Application
  2. Converts the backup to the required UniFi OS format
  3. Installs a fresh UniFi OS Server
  4. Restores your configuration
  5. Updates UniFi Network to the latest supported version
  6. Applies recommended server configuration changes

From the perspective of your devices, this behaves similarly to a standard UniFi update.

Device Behavior During Migration

  • Access points remain online
  • Switches continue operating normally
  • Devices reconnect automatically
  • No manual adoption is required

Most devices reconnect within 30 to 60 seconds after the migration completes.

After the Migration

Verify Everything

Once the migration is complete:

  1. Log into UniFi OS using your existing credentials
  2. Open the Network application
  3. Verify your sites and devices are present
  4. Confirm devices show as online
  5. Check that admin accounts and permissions migrated correctly

Re-enable Remote Access

To use Ubiquiti cloud access and Site Manager, one manual step is still required:

  1. Open Control Plane
  2. Go to Console → Remote Access
  3. Sign in with your Ubiquiti account

This links the UniFi OS Server to your Ubiquiti account and re-enables remote management.

This step cannot currently be automated because it requires a direct authentication handshake with Ubiquiti services.