Unifi-installer
To factory reset a Ubiquiti UAP-AC-Lite access point, you have two primary methods: Hardware Reset (Physical Button) and Software Reset (via UniFi Controller).
Method 1: Hardware Reset (Physical Button)
This is the most straightforward method and works even if you cannot access the UniFi Controller.
Locate the Reset Button:
The reset button is typically located near the Ethernet port of the UAP-AC-Lite.
It's a small, pinhole button that you'll need a paperclip or pin to press.
Power On the Device:
Make sure the access point is powered on (connected to a PoE injector or a compatible PoE switch).
Press and Hold the Reset Button:
Press and hold the reset button for at least 10 seconds (sometimes up to 20 seconds to be sure).
Release the button once the LED indicator starts flashing or turning off briefly.
Wait for Reboot:
The device will reboot, which can take a couple of minutes.
After rebooting, the device will be reset to factory defaults.
Method 2: Software Reset (via UniFi Controller)
If your AP is already adopted and you have access to the UniFi Controller:
Log into the UniFi Controller.
Go to the “Devices” tab and find your UAP-AC-Lite.
Click on the device to open its properties.
Go to the “Settings” tab.
Click “Forget Device”.
This will remove it from the controller and reset it to factory defaults.
Factory Default Settings
After resetting, the UAP-AC-Lite will have the following default settings:
IP Address: Obtained via DHCP (Check your DHCP server or use Advanced IP Scanner or nmap to find it)
Username: ubnt
Password: ubnt
Default Web Interface IP: If no DHCP is available, the default IP is usually 192.168.1.20.
Re-adopting to Controller
After resetting, the access point will appear as “Pending Adoption” in your UniFi Controller dashboard. You will need to re-adopt and re-provision it to make it functional again within your network.
Access the UniFi Controller
Log into your UniFi Controller dashboard. This can be:
- UniFi Cloud Key
- UniFi Network Application running on a local computer or server.
- UniFi Dream Machine (UDM / UDM-Pro)
Check for Pending Devices
Go to the “Devices” tab on your UniFi Controller dashboard.
Look for your UAP-AC-Lite under the “Pending Adoption” or “Disconnected” section. It should show up with its MAC address.
If it doesn't appear, make sure:
It’s properly powered and connected.
The network segment is reachable by the UniFi Controller.
Adopt the Access Point
Click on the device’s row to open its properties.
Click on the “Adopt” button.
The device will start provisioning. This process can take a few minutes.
Once completed, the status will change to “Connected”.
Re-Provision the Access Point
After adoption, the UAP-AC-Lite may require a firmware upgrade. You can do this from the “Devices” tab by selecting the device and choosing “Upgrade” if an update is available.
Configure your wireless networks (SSIDs) and ensure the AP is part of the correct Wireless Network Group.
Apply the settings and wait for the AP to provision.
Check the device status to ensure it is “Connected” and functioning properly.
Test Connectivity
Connect a client device to the Wi-Fi network and check Internet access.
Optionally, use the UniFi Controller Dashboard to monitor client connections and signal strength.
Troubleshooting Tips
If the device does not appear for adoption:
Check if it's powered correctly (PoE port should be providing power).
Ensure the AP is on the same network segment as the UniFi Controller.
Make sure port 8080 and 8443 are open on your network for communication with the UniFi Controller.
If adoption fails repeatedly, consider performing a hardware reset again and retrying.