If you trying to migrate an existing UniFi Controller to a new system or cloud provider like HostiFi, there are certain step-by-step methods that should be used in order to ensure that a proper migration has happened without any issues. However, Ubiquiti does have the option to set the Inform Host Override. This feature should really only be used in certain circumstances, such as if a UniFi server has an IP address change or moving from an IP address to a domain name for the server.

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What is the Inform Host Override?

The inform URL used in UniFi is essentially telling the UniFi devices where to connect to and this can be an IP address or domain name. When using the UniFi hosting services from HostiFi, we do provide a public IP address with every server, but using a domain name is highly recommended. This will remove any issues if an IP address needs to be changed or moving to a custom domain name for example.

Changing this inform URL to something that isn't the correct format, or with a spelling mistake can cause the UniFi device, or all of the devices to go offline and they won't be recoverable without logging in via SSH (if possible) or physically doing a factory reset.

The Inform Host Override option within UniFi will force push a new inform URL to each device that is online in that site, this should only be used in certain circumstances such as if the IP address for the UniFi server is going to be changed.

Where can I access Inform Host Override?

This is located by logging into the UniFi Controller > Devices > Device Updates and Settings > Device SSH Settings

What does the inform URL look like?

If you are using HostiFi, you can find your inform URL in your account at app.hostifi.com, otherwise it should be in the following format:

http://SERVER_URL:8080/inform

Any other URL in any other format will cause issues if entered into the Inform Host Override box.

When to use Inform Host Override?

The Inform Host Override should only really be used if you aren't moving to a new controller and only need devices to use a different address to reach the same controller.

When to use a controller or site migration?

Site or controller migration should be used when consolidating multiple controllers, consolidating multiple controllers or moving devices to a completely different controllers.

HostiFi Support

If you're a HostiFi customer and aren't sure about how the Inform URL or the Inform Host Override works, get in touch and we can help you out.