UniFi Captive Portal Setup Guide
Why Add a Captive Portal to Your UniFi Network?
Right now, guests connect to your WiFi and... that's it. You have no idea who they are, whether they come back, or how to reach them. A captive portal changes everything:
- Capture every guest's email automatically when they connect
- Send automated follow-ups — welcome emails, review requests, special offers
- Track visit frequency — know who your regulars are and who hasn't been back
- Drive Google reviews — automated requests after each visit
- Stay GDPR & CCPA compliant — built-in consent management
UniFi has a built-in guest portal, but it's limited — no email marketing, no review automation, no customer analytics. CaptiFi adds all of that on top of your existing UniFi setup.
Compatible UniFi Hardware
CaptiFi works with all Ubiquiti UniFi access points:
U7 Pro
WiFi 7 Indoor
U6 Pro
WiFi 6 Indoor
U6 Lite
WiFi 6 Budget
U6 Enterprise
WiFi 6E High-Density
U6 Mesh
WiFi 6 Outdoor
UAP-AC Series
WiFi 5 (Legacy)
Also works with UniFi Dream Machine, UDM Pro, Cloud Key, and self-hosted UniFi Network Server.
Step-by-Step: UniFi Captive Portal Setup
Step 1: Sign Up for CaptiFi
Go to app.captifi.io/register and create your free account (no credit card needed). From your dashboard, you'll need your External Portal URL — this is the URL UniFi will redirect guests to.
Step 2: Create a Guest WiFi Network
In your UniFi Network Controller, go to Settings → WiFi and click Create New:
- Name: Something guests will recognize (e.g., "Free WiFi" or "[Business] Guest")
- Security: Open (the captive portal handles authentication)
- Network: Assign to a guest VLAN if you want to isolate traffic (recommended)
- Band: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz (both)
Step 3: Enable Hotspot Portal
Still in your WiFi network settings, scroll down to Hotspot Portal:
- Toggle Hotspot Portal to ON
- Select External Portal Server
- Paste your CaptiFi Portal URL into the redirect URL field
UniFi will now redirect any guest who connects to your WiFi to the CaptiFi splash page. Once they submit their details, CaptiFi authorizes them via the UniFi Controller API.
Step 4: Connect CaptiFi to Your UniFi Controller
Back in your CaptiFi dashboard, add your UniFi Controller connection. CaptiFi needs API access to authorize guests after they complete the splash page. You have two options:
- Option A — Local Admin Credentials: Create a dedicated local admin account in UniFi (Settings → Admins) with a read-only or limited role. Enter the username, password, and your Controller URL in CaptiFi.
- Option B — API Key: If your UniFi Controller supports API keys, generate one and enter it in CaptiFi along with your Controller URL.
💡 Which option should I use?
For UDM/UDM Pro/UDM SE, local admin credentials are the most common method. For Cloud Key or self-hosted controllers, either option works. CaptiFi's setup wizard will guide you through it.
CaptiFi uses the UniFi Controller API to authorize guests — no RADIUS configuration needed. This is simpler and more reliable than RADIUS-based setups.
Step 5: Test Your Setup
Connect to your new guest WiFi from a phone. You should be redirected to your branded CaptiFi splash page. Enter a test email and verify it appears in your CaptiFi dashboard.
✅ You're live!
Every guest who connects will now see your branded login page. Their email is captured automatically, and CaptiFi handles the rest — welcome emails, review requests, and win-back campaigns all run on autopilot.
What CaptiFi Adds to UniFi
| Feature | UniFi Built-In | UniFi + CaptiFi |
|---|---|---|
| Guest Email Capture | Basic (no export) | ✅ Full capture + export |
| Branded Splash Page | Very basic | ✅ Drag-and-drop builder |
| Automated Welcome Email | ❌ No | ✅ Automatic |
| Google Review Requests | ❌ No | ✅ Automatic |
| Win-Back Campaigns | ❌ No | ✅ Auto after 30 days |
| Visit Frequency Tracking | ❌ No | ✅ Per-customer analytics |
| Multi-Location Support | Per-site only | ✅ Centralized dashboard |
| GDPR & CCPA Compliance | Manual | ✅ Built-in consent + audit trail |
Real Results from UniFi + CaptiFi
Businesses using CaptiFi with their UniFi networks typically see:
- 300-500+ guest emails captured per month per location
- 45% open rate on automated welcome emails
- 3-5x increase in Google reviews within 60 days
- 25% increase in repeat visits from win-back campaigns
FAQ
Does it work with UniFi Dream Machine?
Yes. CaptiFi works with UDM, UDM Pro, UDM SE, Cloud Key Gen2, and self-hosted UniFi Network Server.
Will it slow down my WiFi?
No. CaptiFi is an external service — authentication happens in milliseconds. Your WiFi speed is unaffected.
Can I use it with other hardware brands too?
Yes. CaptiFi works with TP-Link Omada, Cisco Meraki, Aruba, MikroTik, Ruckus, Cambium, and DrayTek — so you're never locked into one vendor.
Is there a free trial?
Yes — 30 days free, no credit card required. Full access to all features including email automation, review requests, and analytics.
Start Capturing Guest Emails from Your UniFi WiFi
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Get Started FreeThe CaptiFi Editorial Team writes about guest WiFi marketing, captive portals, GDPR-compliant data capture, and local SEO for venue operators. We base our recommendations on real customer outcomes and verified third-party reviews from G2.com.
Ready to turn your guest WiFi into a marketing engine?
CaptiFi captures customer data from every WiFi login, automates Google reviews and email follow-ups, and plugs into the tools you already use. Free hardware, transparent pricing, 30-day free trial.