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UniFi - Device Adoption

2023-09-26 15:46:42 UTC

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 are designed to make the adoption process as simple as possible.

How to Adopt a Device

  1. If you have not yet done so, set up UniFi. We recommend a UniFi Cloud Gateway for the simplest, most streamlined experience.
  2. Connect the UniFi device to a PoE power source on the same network as the UniFi Console. 
  3. 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

  1. Ensure that UniFi is set up and running on a console.

  2. Update to the latest versions.

  3. 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.

  4. Factory reset the device by holding the power button for 10 seconds, or until the light begins flashing.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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 Layer 3 adoption.
    • If the device is on the same network/VLAN but you still encounter problems, revisit point (5) above.
UniFi Network - Wireless

This section applies is meant to troubleshoot mesh AP adoption between other UniFi APs without a wired connection. Wireless meshing is not available for APs configured in Standalone Mode without a dedicated UniFi Console. 

  1. Ensure that UniFi is set up and running on a console.

  2. Update to the latest versions.

  3. Ensure the UniFi device is powered on, as indicated by an illuminated LED light. If not, click here.

  4. Factory reset the device by holding the power button for 10 seconds, or until the light begins flashing.

  5. Enable Wireless Meshing. Use the search located in Settings if you are unable to find it.
  6. Ensure Meshing is also enabled on the nearest uplink AP by navigating to UniFi Devices > select an AP > Settings.
    • If using manual settings, ensure that Allow Wireless Downlinks is checked.
  7. Move the new AP closer to the nearest uplink AP to ensure there is sufficient signal strength.
  8. Follow this article for other considerations to establish an optimal mesh network.
UniFi Protect - Wired

  1. Ensure that your UniFi Console is set up and running Protect.

  2. Update to the latest versions.

  3. Ensure the UniFi device is powered on, as indicated by an illuminated LED light or switch-port link state. If not, click here.

  4. Factory reset the device by holding the power button for 10 seconds, or until the light begins flashing.

  5. Open TCP Port 7444, 7550, 7442, and UDP Port 10001 locally (LAN) on all gateways and firewalls.

    • If you are using a UniFi Gateway or UniFi Cloud Gateway, these ports are already open by default.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
    • Devices can only be moved to a different network/VLAN after they are adopted.
    • If the device is on the same network/VLAN but you still encounter problems, revisit point (5) above.
UniFi Protect - Wireless

  1. Ensure that your UniFi Console is set up and running Protect.

  2. Update to the latest versions.

  3. Ensure the UniFi device is powered on, as indicated by an illuminated LED light. If not, click here.

  4. Factory reset the device by holding the power button for 10 seconds, or until the light begins flashing.

  5. Download the UniFi Protect Mobile App (iOS / Android) and sign in. 
  6. Move closer to the device and click the pop-up once it appears. 
    • If it does not appear, ensure Bluetooth permissions are enabled on your mobile device.
  7. Select a WiFi that has connectivity to the console running UniFi Protect, and enter the password.

  8. If adoption fails, that means the selected WiFi lacks connectivity with the console running UniFi Protect. Perform the following steps:

    1. Open TCP Port 7444, 7550, 7442, and UDP Port 10001 locally (LAN) on all gateways and firewalls.

    2. Remove any restrictive firewall rules that would prevent IP connectivity between the device and console.
    3. Revisit steps (6) and (7).
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