Add a branded captive portal to your UniFi guest WiFi with CaptiFi: capture guest emails on sign-in, automate Google reviews and run marketing on autopilot. Works with every UniFi access point.
Setting up CaptiFi on UniFi takes under 15 minutes. There are three jobs:
| Step 1 | Create an open guest WiFi network in the UniFi Network Application. |
|---|---|
| Step 2 | Turn on the hotspot portal, set it to External Portal Server and paste your CaptiFi URL. |
| Step 3 | Add the CaptiFi domains to pre-authorisation access so the splash page loads before sign-in. |
In the UniFi Network Application, go to Settings → WiFi and click Create New:
| Name | Something guests recognise, for example Free WiFi |
|---|---|
| Security | Open (the captive portal handles sign-in) |
| Network / VLAN | Assign to a guest VLAN to isolate traffic (recommended) |
Still in your WiFi network settings, scroll to Hotspot Portal (older builds call this Settings → Guest Hotspot):
| Hotspot Portal | Enabled |
|---|---|
| Portal type | External Portal Server |
| Redirect URL | Paste your CaptiFi External Portal URL |
Add CaptiFi to Pre-Authorization Access (the UniFi walled garden) so the splash page can load before a guest signs in:
Connect a phone to your new guest WiFi. You should be redirected to your branded CaptiFi splash page. Enter a test email, complete the login, and confirm you reach the internet.
Verify the capture in your CaptiFi dashboard under Site Guest Logs.
You do not have to buy anything new. There are two paths and both are included with your plan.
| Use your existing UniFi kit | If you already run UniFi access points and a UniFi Network Application, follow the steps above. CaptiFi sits in front as the external portal. No extra hardware. |
|---|---|
| Use our free plug-and-play device | No UniFi controller, or you would rather not touch it? We post you a pre-configured CaptiFi device. Plug it into your existing network by Ethernet, it pulls its config from the cloud, and a guest SSID appears in about two minutes. No controller, no static IP, no firewall changes. |
Yes. CaptiFi works with UDM, UDM Pro, UDM SE, Cloud Key Gen2 and self-hosted UniFi Network Server, and with every UniFi access point including the U6 and U7 ranges.
No. CaptiFi authorises guests through the UniFi Controller API after they finish the splash page. That is simpler and more reliable than RADIUS for most venues.
Almost always the pre-authorisation list is missing a CaptiFi domain, or the built-in UniFi portal is still active and causing a redirect loop. Confirm all four domains are added and that only the CaptiFi external portal is enabled.
No. CaptiFi is an external service and authorisation happens in milliseconds. Once a guest is signed in, their traffic runs straight over your UniFi network. Speeds are unaffected.
No. You add one open guest network and enable the external portal on it. Your existing business and staff networks stay untouched.
Yes. CaptiFi captures guest details with clear consent and keeps a full audit trail, so your UniFi guest WiFi stays UK GDPR and PECR compliant.
Start a free 30-day trial, or watch a live demo first. No credit card needed.