UniFi Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) and Device Replacement

UniFi simplifies deployment by allowing administrators to pre-provision entire sites or individual devices before they arrive on-site. Entire new sites can be configured in advance using UniFi Fabrics and Blueprints, while device-level ZTP and Device Replacement simplify the deployment or replacement of individual UniFi devices.

New Site ZTP Using Cloud Gateways

UniFi Fabrics allow administrators to completely configure a new site before any hardware is installed. Define the site configuration using a Blueprint, optionally attach a Design Center project with the floor plan and cabling topology, and send an installation link to the person performing the physical installation.

The administrator handles the configuration remotely, while the installer simply connects the hardware and launches setup.

Pre-Provision a New Site

1. Go to Site Manager.
2. Select your Fabric.
3. Click Create New Site in the left-hand menu.
4. Enter a site name and select an existing Blueprint, or create a new one. 
5. Optionally, attach a Design Center project to include the floor plan and port connectivity diagram.
6. Optionally, configure custom Internet settings, such as a static IP address or PPPoE credentials.
7. Enter the installer’s email address and click Create Site.

The installer will automatically receive an email with instructions for deploying the site.

For more information about creating and managing reusable site configurations, see UniFi Multi-Site Orchestration and Templating.

Install the Site

The installer does not need administrative access to the customer’s UniFi environment.

1. Open the installation email and connect the UniFi Cloud Gateway and additional UniFi devices.
2. Click Launch Setup. If needed, you will be prompted to install the UniFi mobile app.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.

UniFi will provision the deployment with the configuration defined during pre-provisioning and transfer the completed site to the configured Fabric owner.

ZTP For Individual Devices

Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) allows supported UniFi devices to be assigned to a site before they are unboxed. Once connected at the destination, the device automatically adopts to the assigned site without requiring an administrator to manually approve adoption.

This is particularly useful when deploying devices to sites managed by Official UniFi Hosting, or self-hosted UniFi OS Servers, where traditional Layer 3 adoption may otherwise require additional discovery configuration.

Assign a Device with ZTP

1. Peel the section of the box covering the ZTP Code.
2. Scan the QR code, or manually enter the 9-character ZTP code into your Site Manager Inventory.
3. Assign the device to the appropriate UniFi site.
4. Connect the device at its destination.

The device will automatically adopt and provision itself when it comes online.

ZTP Code Reuse

ZTP codes remain valid unless the device is physically reset using the hardware reset button. To preserve the code for future use, always perform any factory reset through the UniFi management interface, as outlined here.

Device Replacement

Device Replacement allows a replacement UniFi AP or switch to automatically inherit the configuration of an existing device, including IP settings, radio configuration, VLAN assignments, and port profiles.

The replacement device must currently be the same model as the original device.

Replace a Device

1. Navigate to UniFi Network > UniFi Devices.
2. Select the device you want to replace and click on Settings in the property panel. 
3. Select Set Replacement Device.
4. Select the replacement device if it is already present in UniFi Network, or enter the MAC Address of the new device. This device’s status will now become “Waiting Replacement”.
5. The new device will be automatically adopted and provisioned with the old device’s configuration as soon as both conditions are met:
   1. The new device is in a “Pending Adoption” or “Online” state (i.e., it has network connectivity).

The old device is in an “Offline” state (i.e., it was unplugged, but not “Removed” or “Forgotten” from the UniFi Network Application).