Step-by-step guide to installing UniFi OS Server on Linux using the official Ubiquiti installer. Compatible with Debian 12/13, Ubuntu 22.04/24.04, and any x64 Linux machine.
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you want to run UniFi OS Server without a Dream Machine or Cloud Gateway, you can install it directly on a Linux machine. This is great for homelabs, virtual machines, or any x64 Linux server you already have running.
In this guide I will show you how to do it step by step, using the official Ubiquiti installer.
What you need
- A Linux machine running one of the following:
- Debian 12 or 13
- Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04
- Any x64 Linux machine
- Access to the terminal
Step by Step
1. Update your system
Start by making sure your system is fully up to date:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y2. Install dependencies
UniFi OS Server requires Podman and slirp4netns. Install them along with curl:
sudo apt-get install podman slirp4netns -y
sudo apt install curl -y3. Download the UniFi OS Server installer
⚠️ The download URL may expire — always check ubnt.com for the latest version.
Use curl to download the installer:
curl -O https://fw-download.ubnt.com/data/unifi-os-server/1856-linux-x64-5.0.6-33f4990f-6c68-4e72-9d9c-477496c22450.6-x64You can verify the file is there by running ls.
4. Make the file executable
chmod +x 1856-linux-x64-5.0.6-33f4990f-6c68-4e72-9d9c-477496c22450.6-x645. Run the installer
sudo ./1856-linux-x64-5.0.6-33f4990f-6c68-4e72-9d9c-477496c22450.6-x64When prompted, confirm with y and let the installer finish.
6. Access UniFi OS Server
Open your browser and navigate to:
https://YOUR-SERVER-IP:11443Give your server a name, log in, and update the UniFi Network Application when prompted.
Conclusion
Now you know how to install UniFi OS Server on Linux without a Dream Machine. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to comment on this post or contact me directly.
