UniFi Installation Guide

Quick & Easy Installation

Installing CaptiFi on your UniFi controller takes just a few minutes. Add your WiFi login portal to any UniFi site and network with our automated setup wizard.

🚀 Smart Auto-Detection

CaptiFi automatically detects the correct ports and protocols. Just enter your controller address!

Step 1: Preparing Your UniFi Controller

Remote Access Required

CaptiFi requires your UniFi controller to be remotely accessible. This cannot be a local-only controller. Our system needs to reach your controller at all times to authenticate guests.

Controller Access Options

☁️ Hosted Cloud Controllers

✓ Already accessible - no setup needed
✓ Use your existing controller URL
✓ Examples: unifi.mycompany.com

🏢 Self-Hosted Controllers

→ Port forward required
→ Static public IP recommended
→ DDNS if no static IP

Step 2: Port Forwarding Setup

🔧 UniFi OS Controllers

Port Forward: 443

Controller URL: https://92.40.205.84:443

📍 Your Public IP: 92.40.205.84 (auto-detected)

Examples: UDM Pro, UDM SE, UDM Base

🖥️ Traditional Controllers

Port Forward: 8443

Controller URL: https://92.40.205.84:8443

📍 Your Public IP: 92.40.205.84 (auto-detected)

Examples: Cloud Key, Self-hosted software

How to Port Forward

Port forwarding allows external access to your controller. If you're unsure how to do this, search for "How to port forward on [your router make/model]."

Need help? Our team are UniFi experts and can assist with setup issues. Contact us at support@captifi.io

Step 3: UniFi Dream Machine Pro Setup

🚨 UDM Pro: Delete Any Existing Port Forwards

Before proceeding, delete any existing port forwards to your UDM Pro. Use "WAN Local" firewall rules instead.

📋 UDM Pro Setup Instructions:

1 Navigate to "Settings" in your UniFi dashboard
2 Go to "Policy Engine" → "Traffic & Firewall Rules"
3 Create a new "WAN Local" firewall rule
4 Create a Port Group with ports 443 and 8443
5 Set action to "Allow" and enable the rule

📸 Visual Setup Guide

Here's exactly what your UniFi firewall rule should look like:

UniFi Network 9.4.19 Firewall Rule Configuration Screenshot

Screenshot from UniFi Network 9.4.19 showing Policy Engine → Traffic & Firewall Rules configuration

Step 4: Activating Your CaptiFi Integration

CaptiFi automatically configures your guest portal settings and authenticates guests at lightning speed ⚡️

📝 Required Information:

1 Controller URL: The hostname or IP you use to reach your controller

2 Username: Admin account username on your UniFi controller

3 Password: Admin account password on your UniFi controller

🎯 Integration Process:

Enter your controller details in the CaptiFi onboarding wizard
Click "Connect" to verify your credentials
Select your UniFi site from the dropdown
Configure your venue details
Complete the setup wizard

Step 5: Enabling CaptiFi on Your WiFi Network

The final step is enabling the external portal on your guest WiFi network.

📶 WiFi Network Configuration:

In your UniFi dashboard, go to WiFi Settings
Select your guest WiFi network
Ensure "Hotspot Portal" is enabled ✅
Save your changes

🎉 You're All Set!

Test your wireless network to see CaptiFi in action. Guests will now see your custom splash page when connecting to WiFi!

🔧 Troubleshooting

❌ Common Issues:

• Controller not accessible from internet
• UDM firewall blocking external access
• Incorrect port forwarding configuration
• Wrong admin credentials or 2FA issues
• Controller behind NAT without proper forwarding

🆘 Need Expert Help?

Don't panic! Our team are UniFi experts and can help you navigate any setup issues.

Email Support Get Started Now

Ready to Transform Your WiFi?

Join thousands of venues using CaptiFi to capture valuable customer data and grow their business.

Start Your Free Trial