How to setup Captive Portals for Guest WiFi in UniFi (New UI)

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through setting up Captive Portals for Guest WiFi using UniFi's new user interface. Captive Portals provide a controlled access point for guests, making it easy to manage guest connectivity while ensuring network security.

Step 1: Enable Guest Hotspot

To start, you need to enable the Guest Hotspot feature in your UniFi network settings.

1. Open the UniFi Network Controller.
2. Navigate to the Settings section.
3. Go to WiFi and create a new WiFi network for guests.
4. Toggle the Guest Network option to enable it.
5. Make sure to configure the following settings:
   • SSID: Choose a name for your guest network.
   • Security: Select WPA2 for secure access.
   • Guest Policies: Enable guest policies to control guest access.

Step 2: Set Up Captive Portal

Now that the Guest Hotspot is enabled, it’s time to configure the Captive Portal.

1. In the Settings menu, look for Guest Control.
2. Select Enable Captive Portal.
3. Configure the portal settings:
   • Authentication Method: Choose between simple (no login required) or more secure options (like email or social media login).
   • Portal Page: Customize the welcome page that guests will see. You can add a logo, welcome message, and terms of service.
4. If you want to collect user information, enable the User Registration option.

Step 3: Testing the Captive Portal

After setting up the Captive Portal, it's crucial to test it to ensure everything works correctly.

1. Connect a device to the guest WiFi network.
2. Open a web browser.
3. You should be redirected to the Captive Portal page.
4. If you set up authentication, try logging in with the intended method.
5. Verify that you can access the internet after passing the Captive Portal.

Step 4: Managing the Hotspot

Once the Captive Portal is live, you can manage guest access through the Hotspot Manager.

1. Go to the Guest Control section in the Settings.
2. Click on Hotspot Manager.
3. Here, you can monitor active users, view connected devices, and manage settings.
4. Adjust settings like bandwidth limits or session time limits as needed.

Conclusion

You’ve successfully set up a Captive Portal for Guest WiFi in UniFi's new UI. This setup not only enhances guest access management but also secures your main network. For ongoing management, revisit the Hotspot Manager to ensure a smooth experience for your guests. Consider exploring additional customization options to enhance user experience further.