Where Does the UniFi Network Application Store Backups?
The UniFi Network Application keeps backups in Ubiquiti UniFi\data\backup on Windows and /usr/lib/unifi/data/backup on Linux, with autobackups in an autobackup subfolder.
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UniFi stores its whole configuration locally, which surprises people expecting everything in the cloud. Manual and automatic backups are .unf files in the data folder next to the live database. When a controller dies, that folder is the recovery plan.
The exact path depends on who runs the service. On Windows it sits in the profile of the user account running the controller. On Linux package installs it lives under /usr/lib/unifi/data, usually symlinked to /var/lib/unifi with restricted permissions. Grab the autobackup subfolder first when rescuing a dead install.
Where UniFi Network Application stores this, by platform
%USERPROFILE%\Ubiquiti UniFi\data\backup
Paste %USERPROFILE%\Ubiquiti UniFi\data\backup into Explorer. Autobackups sit in the autobackup folder beneath it. Use the user account that runs the controller, since the path follows that profile.
/usr/lib/unifi/data/backup
Often a symlink to /var/lib/unifi with unifi:unifi ownership and no other access. Browse with sudo. The autobackup folder beside it holds scheduled .unf files.
Frequently asked questions
How do I migrate UniFi to a new machine?
Copy the newest .unf file out of the backup folder before touching the install. During setup of the new controller choose restore and point it at that file. Also copy the SSH device credentials from the old controller since adopted devices may need them to reconnect.
Why is the backup folder empty or inaccessible?
The application runs as a service user, so the data folder needs matching ownership. On Linux the path is often a symlink to /var/lib/unifi owned by unifi:unifi with no access for others. Use sudo or the unifi user to browse it.
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