Duck DNS fails to update your public IP address automatically when your router doesn't support Duck DNS as a DDNS provider or has unreliable DDNS implementation. This breaks external access to your UniFi controller and captive portal, requiring manual intervention or alternative update methods.
This guide provides two solutions: configuring DDNS on your UniFi controller directly, or installing the Duck DNS Windows application for more reliable IP address tracking.
What you'll accomplish:
Diagnose why Duck DNS isn't updating automatically
Configure DDNS on UniFi controller (Option 1)
Install Duck DNS Windows application (Option 2 - recommended)
Ensure consistent external access to your controller
What you'll need:
Duck DNS subdomain and token
UniFi controller admin access (for Option 1)
Windows PC or server that stays powered on (for Option 2)
Recommended solution: Duck DNS Windows application provides more reliable updates than router-based DDNS, especially for UniFi controllers where users report inconsistent DDNS performance.
Why does this happen?
If your public IP address isn't updating automatically on the DuckDNS site, it may be because your router doesn’t support DuckDNS as a DDNS provider.
To resolve this, you have two options:
Configure DDNS on the UniFi Controller – This will work if your UniFi controller is always on, but note that some users have reported reliability issues with UniFi’s DDNS settings.
Install the DuckDNS Application on a Windows PC or Server – This app will track and update your public IP address directly from a computer. It’s a more reliable solution, especially if the computer remains powered on and connected to the network at all times.
For the most stable performance, we recommend using the DuckDNS application if you own a Windows machine.
Configuring DDNS on UniFi
In UniFi controller, navigate to Settings -> Internet -> Select the Network you want to install DDNS on -> Dynamic DNS -> Create New Dynamic DNS.
Settings should look like pictured below.
Installing Duck DNS app
If you would prefer to install the Duck DNS app, you can do so here (Note: This is a Windows only application).
After you,we installed the application, it can be found in the tray in bottom right corner.
Right click on the icon and select DuckDNS Settings.
In the domain field, input your domain name only. Name only, without the duckdns.org part.
Paste your Token in the Token Field. Set the refresh timer to whatever duration you'd like and press OK to save the settings.
If the app is working correctly, you should get a notification when the address is updated.
Verify The Connection
Check if the address has updated and if any issues arise in the coming days.
Duck DNS Now Updating Correctly
After configuring DDNS on UniFi or installing the Duck DNS application, your public IP address will update automatically when it changes. Verify the connection by checking your Duck DNS dashboard shows the correct IP.
What to do next:
Verify current IP address matches in Duck DNS dashboard
Test external access to your UniFi controller
Monitor for successful updates over the next few days
Duck DNS application advantages:
More reliable than router-based DDNS
Works independently of router capabilities
Configurable refresh intervals
Notifications when IP updates
UniFi DDNS configuration note: Some users report reliability issues with UniFi's built-in DDNS. If you experience problems, switch to the Windows application method.
Still having Duck DNS update issues? Contact Spotipo support via live chat or email us at [email protected].