Reset a Ubiquiti AP Lite with no reset button
I recently ran into a problem with my Ubiquiti AP Lite. I needed to reset it to adopt it again after I made some changes to the Controller which is running on a Raspberry Pi.
There are two ways I knew of to reset it.
- Hold the reset button with a pin until the LED changes from a solid blue to something else.
OR
2. SSH into the AP and reset it remotely.
None of these options were viable for me on this occasion. The reset button on the AP had completely snapped off from the last time I tried a manual reset. I think I used a toothpick and pressed too hard. I could hear the broken button rattling around inside. I couldn’t reset it remotely either as I had forgotten the SSH Credentials and couldn’t find them anywhere in my password manager. Big mistake.
I googled how to reset a Ubiquiti AP Lite another way. I found several reddit posts that suggested I take it apart and make the connection using a wire on two specific pins.
Here is what I did for anyone who may have this problem:
- Squeeze the AP on each side so that an opening appears that is big enough to slide in a credit card or some other tool.
2. There are 5 clips that hold the top of the AP to the body. Slide your tool of choice around the AP, prying open the clips as you go around. Be as gentle as possible as you could break the clips.
3. Once open, to the left of the Ethernet port, I needed to connect pins C262 and R138 until the LED changes from a solid blue to off. This will reset it.
I first tried with a flat head screw driver to make the connection but the contact wasn’t quite there and it wasn’t small enough to ensure only those two pins are touched. I used the ends of a paper clip instead. I have no idea what accidently connecting the other pins would do but I had to try as I saw no other option other than buying another AP. It worked straight away with the LED going from blue to off to blinking white. After about a minute the AP appeared in the Controller console ready to adopt. Hope that helps someone.
