How to Create a Local Admin Account on UniFi
Step-by-step guide on how to create a local-only administrator account on your UniFi Console (UDM Pro, SE, Cloud Gateway, or Self-Hosted Controller).
Creating a local admin allows you to bypass the Ubiquiti UI.com SSO/MFA cloud requirements. This is a critical prerequisite for secure local scripting, API integrations, and linking your site to the SiteAutomate dashboard.
🚀 SIGN UP FOR SITEAUTOMATE:
https://portal.siteautomate.net
https://siteautomate.net
🔧 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Log in to your UniFi Console (via local IP or portal.ui.com).
2. Go to OS Settings / Admins & Users.
3. Click "Add Admin" in the top right.
4. Fill in the user details.
5. Under "Account Type", change it from "Ubiquiti Account" to "Local Access Only".
6. Set a strong password and choose the permissions role (Full OS Admin or custom app permissions).
7. Click Add/Save to apply.
💡 WHY DO YOU NEED A LOCAL ADMIN?
Local administrator accounts are crucial for connecting automation and monitoring platforms like SiteAutomate. Unlike global cloud accounts, local credentials remain active during WAN outages, do not require manual MFA prompts to connect, and isolate access to the local network for maximum security.