This guide explains the process for how to use an existing adopted UniFi device to scan for other local Ubiquiti devices via SSH. In some installation scenarios, you may come across a UniFi AP or UniFi Switch which has been installed and powered on, but never adopted into the UniFi Network application.

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If the site has a UXG, then the adoption process will be fully automatic. Via DNS the UXG will supply the appropriate set-inform command and the new AP or switch will automatically appear as pending adoption. Also, if the site has some sort of managed gateway, such as a UISP Router or EdgeRouter, then a local DNS record, or SSH can be used in order to log into the UniFi device remotely and give it the set-inform.

This process would only be required when there is only a basic third party router on site, such as an ISP provided router or other equivalent device.

How to scan for local Ubiquiti devices

First, log into the UniFi Controller and open up the Debug panel from a UniFi device that is already on site and that you have access to. Note, some entry level UniFi switch devices don't allow incoming SSH commands, such as the USW-Flex and others.

Once logged into the device, run the following command

ip neigh

This will then list the discovered IP addresses and MAC addresses that it has discovered.

Copy and paste the discovered list into ChatGPT or some other AI tool and ask it to show you which MAC addresses are Ubiquiti devices, along with their IP addresses. Alternatively, use a MAC Address lookup tool to check each device discovered.

This will then show you the local Ubiquiti devices on that Layer 2 network.

If you are looking to work out which IP address is for the new UniFi AP or Switch, then run the following command, followed by the IP address you wish to check. Replace IP_ ADDRESS with the IP address of the device you are checking. Repeat this step for each device.

nslookup IP_ADDRESS

You'll then get a reply back with the hostname, which should be a generic device name. Note, this will only work if the other UniFi devices on the network have been named.

How to adopt the unadopted device

Remain logged into an existing UniFi device via SSH and run the following command. Replace IP_ADDRESS with the IP address of the unadopted UniFi device. If the username of ubnt doesn't work, then try ui instead.

ssh ubnt@IP_ADDRESS

Next, type in the password. This will either be ubnt or ui depending on which username worked.

Next, follow our guide for adopting a UniFi device via SSH and complete the process.