Wael's Digital Garden
UniFi - Device Adoption
Introduction#
Adoption is the process of connecting a device to the UniFi application that will manage it. All UniFi Access Points (APs), cameras, phones, and other devices (excluding consoles) are designed to make the adoption process as simple as possible.
How to Adopt a Device#
- If you have not yet done so, set up UniFi. We recommend a UniFi Cloud Gateway for the simplest, most streamlined experience.
- Connect the UniFi device to a PoE power source on the same network as the UniFi Console.
- Sign in to the UniFi Site Manager in a web browser, or use the UniFi Mobile App (iOS / Android) to adopt the device.
Adoption Troubleshooting#
If you are having trouble adopting a UniFi device, follow the relevant steps below.
UniFi Network - Wired APs and Switches
- Ensure that UniFi is set up and running on a console.
- Update to the latest versions.
- Ensure the UniFi device is powered on, as indicated by an illuminated LCM screen, LED light, or switch-port link state. If not, click here.
- Factory reset the device by holding the power button for 10 seconds, or until the light begins flashing.
- Open TCP Port 8080 and UDP Port 10001 locally (LAN) on all gateways, firewalls, and antivirus software.
- This is the most common problem for users self hosting the UniFi Network Server, especially those using Windows.
- If you are using a UniFi Gateway or UniFi Cloud Gateway, these ports are already open by default.
- Verify that all switch ports between the new device and your network's gateway and DHCP server have been properly tagged to allow network traffic. Click here to learn how.
- Check the IP address of your device to confirm if it is on the same network as your UniFi Console. If you are not sure how to do this, click here.
- If the device is on a different network/VLAN, use UniFi - Remote Adoption (Layer 3).
- If the device is on the same network/VLAN but you still encounter problems, revisit point (5) above.