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Self Hosted UniFi Controllers

MyPlace supports integration with self-hosted UniFi controllers for full network automation and guest management. This setup works for both cloud-hosted and locally hosted deployments. Review the details below to ensure correct configuration and connectivity.

Cloud vs. Local Hosting

A self-hosted UniFi controller can be deployed in two primary ways: cloud-hosted or locally hosted. In a cloud-hosted setup, the controller is managed on a third-party platform like AWS, providing remote access and flexibility. On the other hand, a locally hosted controller resides on a physical server within your own infrastructure, offering more control but requiring direct network access. Both options allow you to manage your UniFi network independently, with differences in accessibility and server management.

Both options allow you to manage your UniFi network independently, with key differences in accessibility, system maintenance, and remote connection setup.

Public IP Requirement for Self-Hosted Controllers

To ensure proper connectivity, a static public IP is required for self-hosted UniFi controllers.

  • Cloud-hosted: Use the public IP address of the cloud instance where the UniFi controller is running.
  • Locally hosted: Use the public IP address of the physical location where the controller is installed.

Without a static IP, your controller’s address may change over time, leading to failed connections or authentication issues. Consider setting up Dynamic DNS if a static IP is not available.

Port Forwarding Requirement for Self-Hosted Controllers

For self-hosted UniFi controllers, port forwarding is essential to enable external access. If your controller is cloud-hosted, the port forward rule must be configured in the hosting console, such as AWS or similar cloud platforms, to allow traffic through port 8443. On the other hand, for locally hosted controllers, the port forward rule must be applied on the primary firewall or router of the physical location hosting the controller. In both scenarios, port 8443 must be opened to ensure seamless communication between MyPlace and your UniFi controller.

🔒 To improve security, you may restrict access to this port by whitelisting MyPlace’s service IPs. Contact support to request the current IP list.

How to Connect Your Locally Hosted UniFi Controller to MyPlace

To enable communication between MyPlace and your locally hosted UniFi controller, follow the steps below. These ensure external access is possible, authentication is properly configured, and firewall rules are in place.

Step 1: Open Port 8443 on Your Router

This step allows external services like MyPlace to reach your controller.

  1. Log in to your main router (the one directly connected to your modem).
  2. Locate the Port Forwarding or Virtual Server section.
  3. Create a new rule with the following settings:
    • Port/Service Name: MyPlace (or any label you prefer)
    • External Port: 8443
    • Internal Port: 8443
    • Protocol: TCP
    • Internal IP Address: IP of your UniFi controller
  4. Save or apply the rule.

TIP: You can usually find the internal IP of your controller by signing into your UniFi Network > Settings > Networks

Step 2: Add a Firewall Rule in the UniFi Network Controller

To ensure your UniFi gateway allows external API traffic from MyPlace, you’ll need to create an inbound firewall rule that permits access to port 8443.

  1. Open the UniFi Network Controller on the machine where it’s installed.
  2. Go to Settings > Security > Traffic & Firewall Rules.
  3. Under the WAN IN section, click Create New Rule.
  4. Set the following rule parameters:
    • Rule Type: Advanced
    • Type: Internet Local
    • Rule Name: Allow MyPlace Access
    • Action: Accept
    • Protocol: TCP
    • Source:
      • Type: Port/IP Group
      • (Optional) Create a new group using IPs provided by MyPlace support if you want to restrict access to known service IPs.
    • Destination:
      • Type: Port/IP Group
      • Create a new Port Group (e.g., MyPlace Ports)
      • Add Port 8443 to this group
  5. Review and Add Rule.
  6. Apply changes.

Step 3: Use Local Admin Credentials for API Access

  1. Go to Settings > System > Admins & Users (in older versions, it may just be Admins).
  2. Click the ➕ (plus icon) in the top right to add a new user.
  3. Enable the option: Restrict to local access only (this is required).
  4. Enter a username and a secure password — save these, as they’ll be used in MyPlace.
  5. Uncheck the option: Use a pre-defined role.
  6. Under Network, choose Site Admin.
    • If you have multiple sites, select all sites where MyPlace will be used.
  7. For all other sections (Protect, Access, Talk, UID, etc.), set them to None.
  8. Click Add to save the user.

Add a Self-Hosted UniFi Network Controller to MyPlace

  1. Log in to the MyPlace Admin Panel
    Go to the Network Controller section from the main menu.
  2. Click “Add New Controller” In the top right corner, click the pink + Add New Controller button.
  3. Select Controller Type From the list, choose:
    • WiFi Brand: Ubiquiti UniFi
    • Type: Self-Hosted UniFi Controller
  4. Enter Controller Address Provide the external Public IP address or domain name of the computer running your UniFi Network Application.
    • Port: 8443
    • You may click Test IP/Host to confirm it is reachable from the internet.
  5. Choose Credential Type
    • Select Username and Password (recommended).
    • Use the local admin credentials you created on the controller (not your UniFi cloud login).
  6. Complete Setup Click Continue to finish setup. Your controller will appear in the list, and its Connection Status should display as connected shortly after.

Need Help?

No worries! Our team is experienced with Ubiquiti UniFi and can assist with any issues during setup. Check out our guide for resolving common UniFi setup issues, or reach out for direct support.

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