Updated 28/07/2017 – Updated UniFi-5.2.7.tar.gz location as it has now been removed from the previous site.

Just a note on this post, the OVF used on this post wasn’t created by me. This guide is simply showing how to deploy the OVF and upgrade the Ubiquiti controller to the latest version as I have recently installed an Ubiquiti UniFi-AC-PRO. Not sure why Ubiquiti do not provide this as an OVF by default via their download centre as it would be very useful. Full credit goes to renaud on the Ubiquiti Networks Community for creating this OVF, His original post can be found here: https://community.ubnt.com/t5/UniFi-Wireless/UniFi-controller-secure-vmware-appliance-5-2-7/td-p/587395.

You will need to initially download the OVF from here: https://jacob.gardiner-moon.co.uk/wp-content/downloads/UniFi-5.2.7.tar.gz. This OVF includes the UniFi controller version 5.2.7. When you have downloaded the file, If you are using Windows you will need to use 7ZIP/WinZIP to extract the .tar.gz file. When this is completed you will see the OVF file, VMDK and MF file, you will now need to login to the vSphere Web Client so you can deploy the OVF.

Login to the vSphere Web Client:

https://VCSAFQDN/vsphere-client

Right click your vSphere Cluster and select ‘Deploy from OVF’

Select the OVF, VMDK & MF files via the file browser.

Select the Datacentre and folder required for the OVF.

Select the relevant Cluster resource.

Verify this is the correct OVF. This OVF isn’t certified with a Publisher certificate as you can see in the screenshot.

Select the Storage required for the OVF.

Select the Network required for the VM.

Review the summary page and click Finish to continue with the OVF deployment.

You will should now see the OVF is deploying.

You will now see the below once it has been completed.

I have now switched to the vSphere 6.5 Web Client. This can be accessed via https://VCSAorvCenterFQDN/ui.

When you have started the VM you will see the following once the VM has loaded, I have logged in using the following default credentials of the appliance:

Username: root

Password: ubnt

I would initially recommend changing the default password of the VM. This can be complete by using the following command:

passwd

You will then be prompted to input a new password.

I’d now advice changing the hostname of the appliance. This can be complete by using the following commands:

vi /etc/myname

Type the hostname required in this file and then save using the following command:

:wq!

You can now reboot the VM by typing reboot. Once this is back online you can verify the hostname as you can see in the screenshot.

You can now update the UniFi software by following these instructions:

su – _unifi

pkill java

ftp https://dl.ubnt.com/unifi/5.4.11/UniFi.unix.zip

mv UniFi/data .

rm -rf UniFi

unzip UniFi.unix.zip

rm -f UniFi/bin/mongod && ln -s /usr/local/bin/mongod UniFi/bin/mongod

mv data UniFi

cd UniFi

nohup java -jar lib/ace.jar start &

find /var/unifi/ | xargs chmod o-rwx

find /var/unifi/ | xargs chmod g-rwx

 Full Script (From Ubiquiti Post):

You can now browse to the Unifi setup wizard:

https://IPofController/manage/wizard/

You will need to initially select the relevant country and time zone.

This page will automatically scan to find your AP that is plugged in to the network.

You now need to configure the WiFI name required.

Now you need to provide an Administrator Name and Password for the UniFI Controller access.

You can also enter your Ubiquiti account credentials to enable Cloud Access.

Confirm the required settings and click Finish to proceed.