Reset UniFi přístupového bodu
Introduction
Getting a UniFi access point back to its factory default state is a common task — whether you are preparing a device for a new deployment, recovering from a misconfiguration, or returning equipment to a client. There are three methods available depending on whether you still have software or SSH access to the device.
If you have access to the UniFi Controller where the device is adopted, use the Controller method — it is the cleanest and most reliable. If the device is still reachable on the network but not in a controller, SSH reset is the fastest. If neither works, the physical reset button is always available.
When to Use Each Reset Method
| Method | Use when |
|---|---|
| UniFi Controller | Device is adopted and the controller is accessible |
| SSH | Device is on the network but not adopted, or the controller is unreachable |
| Physical button | Device cannot be reached via software — forgotten password, isolated network |
Reset from the UniFi Controller
It is possible to reset the AP from the UniFi Controller, so long as it is currently adopted.
First, log into your UniFi Controller and go to the ‘Devices’ section
Next, select the device you wish to remove
Once the device panel is open, click on ‘Settings’
Scroll down and open up the ‘Manage’ drop down
Click ‘Forget’
Finally, click on ‘Confirm’
The UniFi AP will then begin the process of going back to factory settings, delete itself from the UniFi Controller and be ready to be set up again.
Reset via SSH
Log into the UniFi AP via SSH. Once logged in, issue the following command and then hit enter. Once done, the AP will reboot and then go back to factory default settings. Once completed, it’ll be ready to set up again.
syswrapper.sh restore-default & set-default &
Reset on Physical Device
UniFi APs have a physical reset button, usually located next to the ethernet port. Once the button is located, hold it down for 10 seconds, until the LED lights flash. Once done, the AP will reboot and then go back to factory default settings. Once completed, it’ll be ready to set up again.
The best sort of tool to use is an unwound paperclip or SIM ejection tool. In the below photo is an UAP AC Lite.
What to Expect After a Factory Reset
After any reset method completes, the UniFi AP:
- Reboots and returns to factory defaults — all previous configuration is erased
- Broadcasts a default UniFi SSID (visible in wireless scanning tools) if configured at the factory
- Becomes discoverable for adoption by a new UniFi Controller or MKController-hosted UniFi controller
- Has no admin password set — the first adoption configures the device credentials
If the AP was previously adopted in a controller, it is fully removed from that controller’s device list after the reset. Re-adoption is required before it can be managed again.
Troubleshooting UniFi AP Reset Issues
The physical button did not trigger a reset. Ensure you are holding the button for a full 10 seconds — not just a short press (which only reboots the device without resetting). Watch for the LED to flash rapidly before releasing.
After SSH reset, the AP is not appearing for adoption. Check that the AP has a DHCP address and network connectivity. Devices that cannot reach the controller’s inform URL after a reset appear as “Pending” or do not show up in the discovery list. Confirm the controller address is reachable from the AP’s subnet.
The Controller “Forget” option is grayed out or missing. Some UniFi Controller versions require the device to be online to initiate a factory reset from the software. If the AP is offline, use the SSH or physical button method instead.
The AP keeps reconnecting to the old controller after reset. Some older UniFi AP firmware versions retain the inform URL even after a factory reset. Adopt the device into your new controller and it will update the inform URL, overwriting the old one.
Before You Reset: Export Your Configuration
If the device is still accessible — either through the controller or SSH — export a copy of its configuration before resetting. From the UniFi Controller, go to Settings → Backup and download the latest backup file. This does not restore the device after a reset, but it gives you a reference for how the device was configured, including SSID names, VLAN assignments, and radio settings, which you will need to re-enter during re-adoption. If you manage your UniFi devices through MKController’s cloud controller, automated backups are already taken on your behalf — check the backup and restore guide for details.
Managing UniFi devices alongside MikroTik? MKController’s UniFiController provides a cloud-hosted UniFi controller with automatic backups, SSL, and unified management — no Cloud Key required.