How to Migrate from UniFi Cloud Key to Cloud Hosting

If you're running a UniFi network on a Cloud Key or Cloud Key Gen2, you've probably noticed the limitations: local hardware that needs power, cooling, and physical access, plus the risk of data loss if the device fails. Migrating to cloud hosting removes all of that friction — and it's easier than you might think.

This guide walks you through the full migration process, step by step.

Why Migrate from Cloud Key to Cloud Hosting?

The UniFi Cloud Key was a great solution when it launched, but cloud-hosted controllers offer significant advantages for modern networks:

  • No hardware to maintain — no failed drives, no power outages taking down your controller
  • Access from anywhere — manage your network from any browser, without port forwarding or VPNs
  • Automatic backups — your configuration is safe even if your site floods or burns down
  • Always up to date — no manual firmware updates or version mismatches
  • GDPR-compliant hosting — for UK and EU businesses, EU-based cloud hosting keeps your data in the right jurisdiction

Before You Begin: What You'll Need

  • Access to your existing Cloud Key controller (admin credentials)
  • A cloud-hosted UniFi controller (such as Clouduni.fi)
  • A backup of your current configuration
  • Approximately 30–60 minutes of planned downtime

Step 1: Back Up Your Cloud Key Configuration

Before touching anything, create a full backup from your existing controller:

  1. Log in to your Cloud Key's UniFi Network application
  2. Go to System Settings → Backup
  3. Click Download Backup and save the .unf file somewhere safe
  4. Note down your current UniFi Network version — you'll need to match or exceed this on your new controller

Tip: Take a screenshot of your site configuration, VLAN settings, and wireless networks as a reference.

Step 2: Set Up Your Cloud-Hosted Controller

Sign up for a cloud-hosted UniFi controller and wait for provisioning (this typically takes a few minutes). Once your controller is live:

  1. Log in to your new cloud controller
  2. Complete the initial setup wizard — but do not adopt any devices yet
  3. Ensure the controller version is equal to or newer than your Cloud Key version

Step 3: Restore Your Backup to the Cloud Controller

  1. In your new cloud controller, go to System Settings → Backup
  2. Click Restore and upload the .unf file from Step 1
  3. The controller will restart and load your previous configuration — sites, networks, device settings, and all

Step 4: Re-adopt Your UniFi Devices

Your devices are still pointed at the old Cloud Key. You need to redirect them to the new cloud controller. There are two methods:

Method A: SSH Re-adoption (Recommended)

For each device, SSH in and run:

set-inform http://[your-cloud-controller-ip]:8080/inform

Your cloud controller will then show the device as pending adoption — click Adopt.

Method B: Factory Reset

If SSH isn't accessible, factory reset each device and adopt it fresh from the cloud controller. You'll lose per-device configuration, but your site settings will already be in place from the backup restore.

Step 5: Verify Everything Is Working

Once devices are adopted and provisioned:

  • Check that all SSIDs are broadcasting correctly
  • Verify VLANs and firewall rules are intact
  • Test client connectivity across all networks
  • Confirm remote access works from outside your network

Step 6: Decommission the Cloud Key

Once you're satisfied everything is working on the cloud controller, you can safely power down and remove the Cloud Key. Keep the backup file for at least 30 days just in case.

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Devices not appearing after restore: This is normal — devices need to be re-adopted as described in Step 4.

Version mismatch error on restore: Ensure your cloud controller is running the same or newer version of UniFi Network as your Cloud Key was.

Devices stuck in "Adopting" state: Check that your devices can reach the cloud controller's IP on port 8080. Firewall rules or NAT issues are the usual culprit.

Ready to Make the Move?

Migrating from a Cloud Key to cloud hosting is one of the best upgrades you can make for a professionally managed UniFi network. You get better reliability, easier access, and peace of mind — without any ongoing hardware headaches.

Clouduni.fi offers EU GDPR-compliant UniFi cloud hosting with monthly and annual plans, making it the ideal choice for UK and European businesses. Explore our hosting plans and get your controller live in minutes.

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