An external portal server allows deploying Guest WiFi networks that are more advanced than what’s builtin into the UniFi controller. Examples include collecting email addresses, selling multi-device access, etc.

What Is a UniFi External Captive Portal?

A UniFi external captive portal is a web-based landing page that sits between your guest WiFi network and internet access. When a guest connects to your WiFi, they are redirected to this portal before browsing online. Unlike the built-in UniFi splash page, an external captive portal gives you far more flexibility, customization, and control over the guest WiFi login process.

With an external captive portal, you can:

• Collect customer emails for WiFi marketing campaigns
• Offer voucher access or paid packages for multiple devices
• Ensure GDPR-compliant data capture
• Deliver branded, custom WiFi portals that enhance the guest experience

In short, the UniFi external captive portal software transforms basic guest WiFi into a powerful customer engagement and revenue-generating tool.

How does the external portal work?

So how exactly does an external portal for UniFi operate? Once you configure the external portal in your UniFi controller, every device that connects to the guest WiFi network is automatically redirected by the access point to the external portal page.

From there, the portal can perform multiple actions depending on your setup:

• Collect contact details such as guest emails for marketing.
• Display and process voucher codes for guest access.
• Offer payment options for internet access.
• Present GDPR-compliant consent screens.

At the end of this flow, the external portal server sends an API call back to the UniFi controller to authorize the device’s MAC address. That authorization is then pushed to the access point, allowing the guest to go online seamlessly.

This setup gives you far more flexibility than the built-in UniFi splash page, letting you customize the guest WiFi login process to fit your business goals.

Why should you choose Spotipo as the external portal for your UniFi controller?

Spotipo is purpose-built to unlock the full potential of your UniFi network with advanced captive portal software. Here’s why it stands out:

• Designed for MSPs and ISPs: Manage multiple clients, locations, and brands from one platform.
• Flexible login options: Support for vouchers, paid WiFi, Facebook login, SMS authentication, and more.
• Powerful integrations: Sync guest emails with CRMs, email automation, and marketing platforms.
• White-label ready: Customize splash pages, invoices, and even the admin login to match your brand.
• Beyond UniFi: Works seamlessly with UniFi controllers, Cloud Keys, UDMs, and 30+ other enterprise router brands.
• GDPR compliance: Secure, EU-hosted data capture ensures guest privacy and business protection.

Spotipo transforms your UniFi guest network from a cost center into a marketing and engagement channel.

Don’t take our word for it. Try it yourself.

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Benefits of Using Spotipo with UniFi

By combining Spotipo with your UniFi captive portal software setup, you can:

• Capture guest emails automatically and grow your marketing list
• Run WiFi marketing campaigns targeted to your visitors
• Generate direct revenue from WiFi access plans
• Deliver branded, professional splash pages that match your business identity
• Track and analyze guest behavior with real-time dashboards

This makes Spotipo not just a captive portal solution, but a complete guest WiFi platform.