Sometimes, you might need to log into the command line interface of a UniFi AP to perform firmware updates or get extra information that the GUI doesn't show.
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What is the default password?
The default password is either ubnt/ubnt or ui/ui - depending on when the device was manufactured and its firmware version.
As of summer 2024 all UniFi devices use ui/ui and the UXG, USG and UniFi OS Consoles use root/ui. So if you are setting up a new device, try these new passwords, along with the old ones, if you are having issues.
Logging into the UniFi AP via SSH for the first time
macOS
On macOS, open up the Terminal application
Find out the IP address of the UniFi AP and type in the command shown below. Replacing username with either ubnt or ui and the IP address of your UniFi AP.
ssh <username>@<ip-address>
Next, click the return key and the AP will ask for a password. The password is either ubnt or ui.
Username: ubnt or ui
Password: ubnt or ui
Once logged in you'll be greeted with the welcome message. From there you can upgrade the firmware via SSH or adopt it a HostiFi controller.
Windows
Open up PuTTY, as Windows does not have a built in SSH client. See this guide for information about how to install PuTTY on Windows.
Type in the IP address for your UniFi and click Open
After that, PuTTY will display a security message about the rsa2 fingerprint. On this window, click Accept to allow the connection.
Next the UniFi will ask for a username, which is either ubnt or ui
Next, click the return key and the UXG Pro will ask for a password. The password is either ubnt or ui.
Username: ubnt or ui
Password: ubnt or ui
Once logged in you'll be greeted with the welcome message. From there you can upgrade the firmware via SSH or adopt it a HostiFi controller.
Logging into the UniFi AP via SSH once it has been adopted
The process for logging into the AP once it has been adopted is very similar, the username and password are now determined by the UniFi Controller. Everything else mentioned above is the same.
Finding the username and password in UniFi
Once a device is adopted into the UniFi Controller, they take on the set SSH credentials from the controller. Log into your UniFi Controller and go to Settings
Then click on System
Scroll down to Device Authentication, this is where the SSH credentials can be found. Use these to log into your UniFi AP using the steps above.
HostiFi
HostiFi provides hosting for both Ubiquiti and TP-Link software-defined-networking (SDN) applications, with servers for UniFi, UISP and Omada. We also offer professional networking consulting, with HostiFi Pro.
If you run into any issues, send an email to support@hostifi.com or contact us via live chat.