If you’re working with UniFi Access Points (APs), you might find yourself in a situation where a factory reset is necessary. Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues, reconfiguring the device for a new network, or preparing it for a new owner, resetting your UniFi AP to its default settings can be an essential step. This guide will walk you through the various methods to perform a factory reset on a UniFi Access Point, ensuring that you have all the information you need.
Why Perform a Factory Reset on a UniFi Access Point?
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand when and why a factory reset might be required:
Troubleshooting Issues: If your AP is experiencing connectivity problems or isn’t functioning as expected, resetting it can help resolve software glitches.
Reconfiguration: If the AP needs to be set up for a different network or purpose, resetting ensures all previous settings are cleared.
Transfer of Ownership: When passing the device to a new owner or deploying it in a new location, restoring factory settings ensures a clean slate.
Adoption Issues: If the AP is stuck in an “adopted” state and cannot connect to a new UniFi Controller, resetting can resolve the problem.
Methods to Factory Reset UniFi Access Points
There are several ways to reset your UniFi AP, depending on your access to the device and its current state. Below are the most common methods:
Physical Reset Using the Reset Button
This is the simplest and most commonly used method for resetting a UniFi AP.
Steps:
- Locate the Reset Button: The reset button is usually found near the Ethernet port on the device. You may need a paperclip or SIM ejector tool to press it.
- Press and Hold: With the device powered on, press and hold the reset button for 5-10 seconds until the LED starts flashing.
- Wait for Reboot: Release the button once the LED indicates that the reset process has begun. The device will reboot and restore its factory settings.
Key Notes:
- Ensure the device remains powered during this process.
- If held too long (beyond 10 seconds), the device may enter TFTP recovery mode instead of resetting.
This method is ideal when you don’t have access to the UniFi Controller or SSH login credentials.
Reset via UniFi Controller
If your AP is already adopted into a UniFi Controller, you can reset it directly from there.
Steps:
- Log into your UniFi Controller.
- Navigate to the Devices section and select your Access Point.
- Open the device’s settings by clicking on it.
- Scroll down to find the Manage section.
- Click on Forget and confirm your action.
The AP will be removed from the controller and reset to its default state, ready for re-adoption.
Key Notes:
- This method requires access to an active UniFi Controller where the device is currently managed.
- After resetting, ensure that both the controller and AP are on the same network for re-adoption.
Reset via SSH
For advanced users comfortable with command-line interfaces, resetting via SSH is another option.
Steps:
- Connect to your UniFi AP using an SSH client like PuTTY or Terminal.
- Enter the IP address of your AP and log in using your credentials (default username/password is usually “ubnt”).
- Once logged in, execute the following command:
- Text syswrapper.sh restore-default & set-default &
- Press Enter and wait for the process to complete.
The AP will reboot and restore its factory settings.
Key Notes:
- Ensure SSH access is enabled on your network before attempting this method.
- This approach is useful when physical access to the device isn’t possible but network access is available.
Debug Terminal Method via UniFi Controller
This method involves accessing a debug terminal within the UniFi Controller interface.
Steps:
- Log into your UniFi Controller and navigate to your AP’s settings.
- Open the Debug Terminal from within the Manage section of your device’s settings.
- Execute the same command used in SSH:
- Text syswrapper.sh restore-default & set-default &
- Wait for the process to complete as described above.
TFTP Recovery Mode (Last Resort)
If none of these methods work (e.g., due to firmware corruption), you may need to use TFTP recovery mode.
Steps:
- Download and install TFTP client software on your computer.
- Connect directly to your AP using an Ethernet cable.
- Power cycle your AP while holding down its reset button until it enters recovery mode (LED behavior may vary).
- Use TFTP software to upload compatible firmware and restore factory settings.
This method should only be attempted if other options fail.
Post-Reset Configuration
After successfully resetting your UniFi Access Point, follow these steps:
- Log back into your UniFi Controller or mobile app.
- Adopt the AP into your network by following on-screen instructions.
- Configure essential settings such as SSID, Wi-Fi password, VLANs, and security protocols based on your requirements.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues you might encounter during or after a factory reset:
- Device Not Resetting: Ensure that you’re holding down the reset button for 5-10 seconds while keeping it powered on.
- AP Not Appearing in Controller: Check that both devices are on the same subnet or network.
- Managed by Another Controller: If an error states “Managed by Other,” perform another factory reset or use SSH commands to resolve adoption conflicts.
Final Thoughts
Resetting a UniFi Access Point is straightforward when you follow these methods carefully. Whether you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues or preparing for redeployment, restoring factory defaults ensures that your device starts fresh with no residual configurations interfering with performance.
By understanding each method—physical reset, controller-based reset, SSH commands—you’ll always have options at hand regardless of how accessible or responsive your AP might be.
