Ubiquiti UniFi Cloud Key Gen 2+ 2022 Update

Is the UniFi Cloud Key Gen2 Plus still relevant in 2022? Yes it is! It can do more now than ever!

Affiliate Links (I earn a small percentage of the sale if you use these links):

Time Stamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - What is the Cloud Key Gen2 Plus? Specs and a little more about it.
02:15 - Is it still relevant in 2022?
03:00 - What's in the box?
03:40 - Physical over view.
04:50 - Software initial setup.
06:11 - What software can run on the Cloud Key Gen2 Plus?
06:45 - System Update
07:00 - What NEW software is now availble?
07:25 - What's coming with UniFi talk?
08:00 - Is the device still usable in 2022? Is it still important in 2022?
08:55 - New system options/over view
09:31 - Use it standalone!
10:18 - Let's TRY to setup UniFi talk.
11:00 - You have to have phones for talk.
11:46 - Wrap Up!

Contact us for network consulting and best practices deployment today! We support all Grandstream, DrayTek, Obihai, Poly, Ubiquiti, MikroTik, Extreme, Palo Alto, and more!

Come back for the next video!
Twitter - @WillieHowe
TikTok - @whowe82

SUBSCRIBE! THUMBS-UP! Comment and Share!

[patto]

Can confirm the battery issue, I’ve have two units with failed batteries. Ended up swapping out for a UDM Pro.

[rmangoba]

Good video! Thanks! I first used Unifi for WiFi almost ten years ago, and I thought it was a pain having to deal with a controller. I had it installed in a Mac and had problems with maintaining it (upgrading Java, controller upgrade bugs, etc.). So I decided to get away from Unifi. Anyway, ten years later, my network was getting out of hand with switches from 4 to 5 different manufacturers, each one having their own way to setup LAG, VLAN, RSTP, etc. Introducing a new VLAN ID was a bit of a pain with switches from many manufacturers. So now, I have a greater appreciation for Unifi and its controller ecosystem, and I'm getting back into Unifi.

I have 3 ESXi servers, so I thought I'd put the Unifi controller software in a VM. However, I was uncomfortable with the Unifi software & VM being dependent on the ESXi servers, which are dependent on the LAN being setup properly, but the LAN is dependent on the Unifi controller. I wasn't comfortable with all these dependencies. Granted, my LAN was already configured with non-Unifi switches, so I could have easily put the Unifi controller on a VM. But, if I were to do any major changes, I just wasn't comfortable with all these dependencies.

So, another option is to run docker in one of my Synology NASs, but same problem - too many dependencies.

So, that's when I got the Unifi Cloud Key Gen 2+. So far, so good. It was worth getting. I hope I don't have the battery issues folks have mentioned (although someone said they don't come with batteries anymore? I haven't tried unplugging it and seeing if there's a battery or not). Anyway, I'm using a QuickCharge power adapter, and the unit runs cool. I wonder if using PoE will make it run hotter. Also, I only use the Network application. No plans on using Protect, etc. (I have Synology Surveillance Station for cameras).

[david_bathgate]

My CK G2+ lasted just over 2 years before it started to experience intermitent issues, and found out other users reporting battery issues, pulled mine apart to find that the battery was bulging.
Tried running without battery but was still having reliability issues and ended up replacing unit with a UDM Pro.

[futham]

My UCK-G2+ was running on POE power until power supply inside died, and continue using G2+ with USB-C power and never had an issue.

[semdrag]

I have a client running a usg on the Gen2+ with talk (6 phones $79 model) it has been working great for them using the UniFi sip at $10 a month/line since January. The porting didn’t go smoothly as I got notified it would happen but it didn’t till 3pm the next day and I then had to go into talk and accept and assign the number. It’s basic but crystal clear calls, recording all calls with transcripts and voicemails. Cant wait to see more vids on Talk!

[rsmakishi]

It gets hot, I had mine on top of a metal case to help with the heat, btw it’s 5 degrees hotter when powered via PoE instead of USB, my battery died, my HDD died probably because of the heat.

[rickstokes]

I’ve only ever used the cloud keys, and mostly the Gen2+ mostly because I use other Firewalls that aren’t Unifi and it works great. Love how the Unifi line is really upping its game.

[midwestiowashooter]

Had a battery issue where POE loss would kill it immediately. Ended up buying another one since it was easier than repurposing a UDM when I moved to PFsense as my router.

[MactelecomNetworks]

I wonder who said you needed a new Unifi talk appliance 😂 I totally forgot about the cloud key

[greggould]

I'm just looking to have up to 6 4k camera streams positioned around my house, no other use. This seems WAY more compact, and a great price. As a surveillance NVR system only, seems that this should totally be capable enough for that singular purpose?

[joegomez]

I love my gen2+. Stable for over 3 years. Waiting for videos on talk. Would like to get into voip for overseas calling!!

[EsotericArctos]

Watching this a couple of years later. UI replaced my unit with a faulty battery under RMA, even though warranty was expired. As soon as I said battery issue, they just replaced it.
The replacement, and all current models from end of 2022 onwards, seem to be sent out without the battery Apparently the issue with Mongo DB corrupting is long resolved so they don't need the battery any longer.

[Practical-IT]

Never used the Plus model, but we do have the Gen2 at the Library and it's done very well so far. We just didn't have a need for the extra feature.

[davidv]

Mine lasted quite a while, but I had issues with it killing HDD's. I think they run too hot. Finally the battery went dead inside it and I got rid of it. Replaced it with a Dream Machine SE. Great informative video though, thanks Willie.

[jeromes]

Yes I have one that has the battery problem.

[mvp_kryptonite]

Such a neat little device. I dislike that it runs so hot (I use POE) but this and the gen 1 never gave me issues. No desire for a UDM and hopefully gen 3 is in the pipeline

[nickl]

Willie look at that preacher beard lol…that’s what’s up

[lawrencemoses]

Just ordered one to increase my camera capacity. I got the UDR (the new one with screen) and it works great for the most part. But it has problems running just 2 G4 instant cameras. But I’ve got a total of 3 G4 cameras and 2 G3 cameras I’d like to make use of. Eventually I’ll upgrade the entire system to UDM and NVR but not until I can have a more permanent setup.

[HJBProductionsLLC]

You look so clear, what camera are you using?

[janlangley]

Mines been running for 3.5 years off poe switch but the battery is long dead, shame they don’t do spares.