0300 088 0295UniFi OS is pre-installed on UniFi Consoles, streamlining the setup process so you can get your network up and running quickly. Although it is possible to self-host the UniFi Network Server or setup Access Points (APs) in Standalone Mode, these methods lack key advantages including automated backups, system updates, and more advanced software offerings.
If you are new to UniFi, we encourage you to check out Introduction to UniFi to learn more about device adoption, remote management, and the UniFi ecosystem in general.
Have You Purchased a UniFi Console?
UniFi Consoles are built to run UniFi OS and come pre-installed with all UniFi Applications. This includes things like the Dream Machine Pro, Dream Router and CloudKey G2 Plus. With these consoles, it's easy to automatically establish backups, update hardware and software, and ensure maximum compatibility by minimizing third-party inter-operation.
Set Up a Console
UniFi Consoles can be setup from the web or UI mobile app. Regardless of which method you choose, you will be able to continue managing UniFi both via the mobile app and web following the initial setup.
- Download the UniFi Mobile App (iOS / Android).
- Connect your mobile device to your UniFi Console (Dream Machine Pro, Dream Router, CloudKey Gen2 Plus, etc.) via WiFi or Bluetooth. Remain within 3 meters (10 feet) if using Bluetooth.
- Follow the setup wizard to complete the process.
- Though optional, we strongly recommend creating a UI Account, which gives you access to features like:
- Secure management from anywhere in the world using UniFi Site Manager, or one of our UniFi Mobile Apps
- Automatic system backups linked to your UI Account
- Pre-configured email notifications for convenient system monitoring
- Though optional, we strongly recommend creating a UI Account, which gives you access to features like:
- Once complete, you can proceed with adopting UniFi devices such as APs, switches, and cameras.
- Connect a laptop to your UniFi Console by joining the same WiFi, or using an ethernet cable.
- Open your internet browser and enter your UniFi Console's IP address. This can be found on the console's LCD screen, or by using the network scanner in UI's WiFiman Mobile App (iOS / Android).
Note: UniFi Cloud Gateways can be configured by navigating tounifi/in your browser. - You may receive a privacy or security warning, which is normal. Select to proceed anyway.
- Follow the setup wizard to complete the process.
- Once complete, you can proceed with adopting UniFi devices such as APs, switches, and cameras.
Do You Have an Access Point Without a Console?
Standalone Mode should only be used when configuring a small quantity of APs because they do not support seamless roaming. Instead, you will need to manually connect to each AP as you move out of range. Also, APs must have a wired connection to your network; wireless meshing is not possible. Finally, remote management is not possible because it is done entirely through the UniFi Mobile app while locally connected to your WiFi.
Do You Plan to Host a Server Yourself?
UniFi can also be self-hosted on a Windows/macOS/Linux machine, but this is only recommended for users proficient with network administration, because it requires constant and precise attention. You’ll need to manually configure your network for sufficient communication between UniFi Network and all of your networking devices. Success hinges on your ability to continuously navigate various third-party software, firewalls and other networking devices.
Are You Using Official UniFi Hosting?
Official UniFi Hosting is a cloud-only solution for UniFi Network device management, offering scalable and remote management of up to 1,000 UniFi devices.