How to Install UniFi Cloud Key (UC-CK): Step-by-Step Guide

Originally introduced in 2016 at the WISPAPALOOZA event in Las Vegas, the UniFi Cloud Key is a compact tool weighing just 110g yet offering powerful network management despite its minimal power consumption of just 5W.

We believe the Cloud Key is a great choice for network administrators who need to remotely manage multiple UniFi devices. This cloud key simplifies the process by having the UniFi Controller software pre-installed, allowing for easy configuration. Additionally, the cloud key supports microSD cards for configuration backups and can be powered via either an 802.3af-compliant PoE switch or a USB-C power source.

In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you how to install and configure your UniFi Cloud Key. You'll learn everything from basic setup and network connection to software configuration and tips for safe operation. Follow along as we walk you through the process from start to finish!

Preparations for installation

Before you begin the actual installation of your UniFi Cloud Key, you need to prepare the right equipment and environment. This will ensure a smooth installation and optimal performance for your network manager.

System requirements: Web browser and network

To configure the UniFi Cloud Key, Google Chrome is highly recommended as the browser. Other browsers may work but with limited functionality. As for network requirements, you will need:

• A DHCP-enabled network so that cloudkey can obtain an IP address automatically

• Ethernet cables of at least CAT5 quality or higher

• A stable internet connection for remote access

It is also important to note that the Cloud Key acts as a standalone controller with embedded software, eliminating the need for a dedicated server or computer to manage your UniFi network.

Package Contents: What Comes with Cloud Key

When you open the packaging for your UniFi Cloud Key, you should find the following components:

• The UniFi Cloud Key device (model UC-CK)

• An Ethernet cable for network connection

• A microSD card (8 GB) for backup

• Quick Start Guide

The device is compact with dimensions of 21.7 x 43.4 x 121.9 mm and weighs only 110 g. Despite its small size, it is equipped with a powerful quad-core processor and 2 GB of RAM to efficiently manage multiple UniFi devices in your network.

Power supply: PoE or USB-C

The UniFi Cloud Key can be powered in two different ways:

Option 1: PoE (Power over Ethernet) Connect the device to an 802.3af-compliant PoE switch, such as a UniFi PoE switch. This is the cleanest installation solution because it eliminates the need for a separate power adapter. The Cloud Key uses standard 48V 802.3af PoE.

Option 2: USB Power Supply If you don't have a PoE switch, you can use a USB power source. For the original version of the Cloud Key, you will need a USB source of 5V, at least 1A. For newer generations such as the Cloud Key Gen2 Plus, a QuickCharge 2.0/3.0 compatible adapter that provides 9V, 2A is recommended.

Please note that a USB cable is not usually included in the package, so this needs to be purchased separately if you choose this option. The power consumption of the Cloud Key is also very low, only around 5W at maximum load.

With the proper preparations in place, you can now move on to the next step in the installation process – physically connecting your UniFi Cloud Key to the network.

Connecting the UniFi Cloud Key to the Network

Now it's time to physically connect your cloudkey to the network. This process is relatively simple and only requires a few steps, but there are a few important details to keep in mind for optimal performance.

Connection via PoE switch

The recommended method for connecting your UniFi Cloud Key is through a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch. Here's how:

1. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your UniFi Cloud Key

2. Connect the other end of the cable directly to a port on an 802.3af-compliant PoE switch, such as a UniFi PoE switch

This method is particularly convenient because it eliminates the need for separate power cables, making for a cleaner installation. However, note that you should avoid creating loops in your network - use only one Ethernet connection at a time.

Option: USB power supply

If you don't have a PoE switch, you can use USB power supply instead:

• For the original version of Cloud Key: Connect a USB cable from the device directly to a 5V USB power source with at least 1A

• For newer generations (Gen2): Use a power source that is compatible with QuickCharge 2.0 and delivers 9V, 2A

Keep in mind that the USB cable is usually not included in the package and must be purchased separately. Some users have reported issues with USB power delivery, so PoE is often the more reliable solution.

Placement in network topology

The following requirements apply to the placement of Cloud Keys in the network:

• The network must be DHCP enabled so that your Cloud Key can automatically obtain an IP address

• By default, the Cloud Key is set to DHCP mode and attempts to obtain an IP address automatically

• If you need access but can't find the device, it will use 192.168.1.30 as the default fallback IP

Additionally, Cloud Key works great for remote management of UniFi devices because all UniFi devices support remote management via external controllers. This provides flexibility in how you structure your network and enables administration even when you are not in the same physical location.

After connecting, the LED indicator on your cloudkey should start flashing while the device boots up. When it turns solid white, the device is ready to be configured.

Configure the software via browser

After physically connecting your cloudkey, the next step is to configure the software. This is a crucial process that allows you to start managing your network with full functionality.

Start via Chrome and the Device Discovery Tool

Google Chrome is highly recommended for configuring the UniFi Cloud Key. Follow these steps:

1. Make sure your computer is connected to the same network as your cloudkey

2. Open Chrome and enter https://unifi.ubnt.com in the address bar

3. Log in with your UBNT account

4. Activate "Discover Cloud Key" in the upper right corner

5. If the Ubiquiti Device Discovery Tool is not already installed, you will be prompted to add it

6. When the tool searches for the device, click "Adopt" in the Cloud Key device action column

Alternative method: Direct IP access

If you prefer other browsers, you can use this method:

1. Make sure your computer is on the same network as cloudkey

2. Find the device's IP address via your DHCP server (default fallback address is 192.168.1.30)

3. Open any browser and type https:// followed by the IP address

4. At the security warning, click "Advanced" and "Continue"

5. For the first login, use the default credentials: username "ubnt" and password "ubnt"

Running the UniFi Setup Wizard

Once you have entered the interface:

1. Click "Manage" to launch the UniFi Setup Wizard

2. Follow the on-screen instructions for basic configuration

3. Create your administrator name and password (replace the default login)

4. Configure network settings according to your needs

5. Complete the wizard by clicking "Finish"

Enable remote access via ubnt.com

To manage the network remotely:

1. After the Setup Wizard, enter your ubnt.com account details

2. Click "Enable Cloud Access" to enable remote access

3. Go back to the UniFi Controller tab in the browser

4. Wait while UniFi Controller is adopted

5. Click "Launch" to open the UniFi Controller remotely

If you are having problems with remote access, check that your ISP allows ports 80 and 443, or enable "Direct Remote Connection" in your network settings. Additionally, DNS settings can affect connectivity - some users have resolved issues by changing to public DNS servers like 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1.

Tips for safe operation and troubleshooting

To ensure your UniFi Cloud Key is performing optimally, you need to be able to interpret the device's signals and know how to handle common situations. Here's important information about status indications, resetting, and backing up.

LED status indicators and what they mean

The LED light on your cloudkey provides valuable information about the device's status:

• Solid white light : The device has factory settings and is ready for adoption

• Blinking white : Initializing and booting up

• Alternating white/blue : The device is busy, do not touch or unplug it (usually during a software upgrade)

• Solid blue : The device is operating normally and is adopted

• Blue flashing every 5 seconds : No internet connection or network problem

• Blinking white-blue-off : The device is in TFTP mode (recovery mode)

If your cloudkey is showing a white LED instead of the normal blue, it could indicate an issue that requires action. Some users have reported that this can be resolved by performing a proper reset.

Reset with the Reset button

The reset button on the bottom of your cloudkey has two important functions:

1. Restart : Quickly press the reset button and release

2. Reset to factory settings : Press and hold the button for more than five seconds

For the Cloud Key Gen1, the reset button is usually a small hole on the side that requires a paperclip or similar tool. For the Gen2, the button is on the front of the device under the LED screen.

After factory reset, wait for the device to reboot (may take a few minutes). Don't forget to change the default password "ubnt/ubnt" immediately after configuration for increased security.

Backup to microSD card

Your cloudkey comes with a pre-installed microSD card (8 GB) used for configuration backup. The card slot is located on the bottom of the device. This feature is crucial because it:

• Saves all network settings automatically

• Protects against data loss in the event of unexpected power outages

• Enables easy recovery if something goes wrong

For optimal security, be sure to regularly verify that your backups are working, especially after major configuration changes. Additionally, consider enabling two-factor authentication if you use a UniFi Cloud account, and keep your device firmware up to date to take advantage of security updates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in this guide we have gone through all the important steps to install and configure your UniFi Cloud Key. This compact yet powerful device revolutionizes the way you manage your network by combining simplicity with advanced features. The device weighs only 110 grams but offers complete control over your UniFi network wherever you are.

Preparation is crucial to a successful installation, so we recommend that you carefully follow the system requirements and power supply guidelines. The choice between PoE and USB power supply provides flexibility based on your existing network structure, although PoE usually provides the most reliable solution.

The physical connection is relatively straightforward once you understand the placement of your Cloud Key in the network topology, and the built-in DHCP support simplifies the process by automatically assigning an IP address to the device.

Software configuration is easiest done via Google Chrome and the Device Discovery Tool, which we highly recommend. Alternatively, direct IP access works if you prefer other browsers. Don't forget to secure your device by changing the default password immediately.

Finally, you should familiarize yourself with the LED status indicators and backup process to ensure long-term and trouble-free operation. The included microSD card plays an important role in protecting your configurations in the event of a power outage or system failure.

With this knowledge, you can now take full advantage of your UniFi Cloud Key and enjoy the benefits of centralized network management, whether you are in the office or on the go. Undoubtedly, this investment will greatly simplify your network administration for years to come.

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