UniFi Devices: Complete Guide to Factory Reset

Are you looking to start fresh with your UniFi network or need to adopt a device to a new UniFi deployment? A factory reset is the perfect solution. At Comms Express, we’re here to guide you through the process of resetting your UniFi devices to their factory defaults.

Why Perform a Factory Reset?

  • Create a fresh setup for your UniFi Console
  • Adopt a managed device to a new UniFi deployment
  • Resolve persistent issues or conflicts

UniFi Product Overview

Before we dive into the reset process, let’s briefly overview the UniFi product range available at Comms Express:

  1. Ubiquiti UniFi Wireless Access Points: Ideal for high-performance indoor wireless networks, offering reliable performance and scalability.
  2. Ubiquiti UniFi Outdoor Access Points: Designed for robust outdoor WiFi deployments with the same reliable performance and scalability.
  3. Ubiquiti UniFi Routing & Switching: Includes UniFi Switches for powerful performance and intelligent switching, and UniFi Security Gateways for routing and network security.
  4. Ubiquiti UniFi Video Surveillance: Scalable IP surveillance camera networks with intuitive software and powerful analytics.
  5. Ubiquiti UniFi Accessories: Enhancing accessories including PoE adapters, shielded external cables, and connectors.

All these devices can be easily managed through the UniFi Controller Software, providing a unified solution for Enterprise and SME networks.

Method 1: Using the Physical Reset Button

Every UniFi device comes equipped with a reset button. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Locate the reset button on your device
  2. Press and hold the button for 5-10 seconds (time may vary by device)
  3. Wait for the LED indicators to signal the start of the reset process
  4. Keep the device powered on throughout the reset

Pro Tip: For the UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDM Pro), the reset button is typically located on the front panel.

Method 2: Resetting via UniFi Applications

For UniFi Devices:

  1. Open your UniFi web or mobile application
  2. Navigate to the device’s settings
  3. Find the “Manage” section
  4. Look for “Forget” (UniFi Network) or “Unmanage” (UniFi Protect)
  5. Select this option to unmanage the device and restore factory settings

For UniFi Consoles:

  1. Ensure you have admin privileges with “Owner” status
  2. Access the UniFi OS System settings
  3. Locate and click the “Factory Reset” button

Key Considerations

  • Always backup your configuration before performing a factory reset
  • Ensure stable power supply during the reset process
  • After reset, devices will need to be readopted and reconfigured

By following this guide, you’ll be able to reset your UniFi devices with confidence. Whether you’re troubleshooting issues or setting up a new network, a factory reset can often be the first step towards a smooth-running UniFi ecosystem.

Need help with your UniFi devices or looking to expand your network? Visit Comms Express’s UniFi section for our full range of UniFi products and expert support. Our team is always ready to assist you in building the perfect UniFi network for your needs, leveraging the power of the UniFi Controller Software for seamless management across all your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you troubleshoot common issues and understand the reset process better, we’ve compiled this list of frequently asked questions:

Why does my device still appear in my application after I restored it using the physical Reset button?

The physical reset button does not remove the device from any applications it was adopted to. To remove it from the application:

  1. Go to the device settings in your UniFi application
  2. Navigate to the Manage section
  3. Select the option to remove or forget the device

Why does my device say “Managed by Other”?

This occurs if the device was previously managed by another instance of a UniFi application. This can happen when:

  • The UniFi Console (e.g., Dream Machine Pro or Cloud Key) was factory restored
  • The device still considers itself managed by the ‘old’ application console, prior to restoration

To resolve this, you can:

  1. Restore the UniFi Console from a backup where the device was already managed
  2. Factory restore the UniFi device and then re-adopt it
  3. Reassign the device using the UniFi Network mobile app (Note: This option is only available to the account owner who has previously signed into the mobile app while the device was managed)

Why is my UniFi Device not factory restoring?

If your device isn’t restoring to factory settings, consider these points:

  1. Ensure the device remains powered on during the entire restoration process
  2. Check if you held the reset button for the correct duration:
    • Too short: The device may only reboot
    • Too long: The device may enter TFTP Recovery Mode
  3. Refer to our UniFi Device LED Status guide for more specific information about your device’s behavior

Important Note on Self-Hosting the Network Application

If you’re self-hosting the UniFi Network application:

  • Only download the UniFi software on a single machine, which will act as the UniFi Network Server
  • Downloading it multiple times creates new instances, which is not necessary for management from other devices
  • To manage your network from another device:
    1. Type the IP address of the UniFi Network Server while connected to the same local network, or
    2. Enable Remote Access to manage your network from anywhere.

By understanding these common issues and their solutions, you’ll be better equipped to manage your UniFi devices effectively. If you encounter any other issues or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert support team at Comms Express.

Need help with your UniFi devices or looking to expand your network? Visit Comms Express’s UniFi section for our full range of UniFi products and expert support. Our team is always ready to assist you in building and maintaining the perfect UniFi network for your needs.

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