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Automate UniFi Controller Updates via SSH with Telegram Notifications

by Dominic Spatz•Updated: Last update 16 days ago•Source: n8n.io

Getting Started

Overview

Automate UniFi Controller updates on self-hosted instances. This workflow checks the official UniFi Debian repo for a fresh release in the last 24 hours and, if found, upgrades the unifi package via SSH. It can also summarize changes and ping you on Telegram. Sticky notes are included to guide setup.

How it works

  • Schedule runs daily (default 13:13).

  • HTTP Request fetches InRelease and parses Codename + Date.

  • IF gate continues only if the repo changed within 24h.

  • SSH runs:

    apt-get --allow-releaseinfo-change update

    apt-get upgrade -y unifi

  • (Optional) LLM creates a short summary → Telegram sends it.

Setup

  • Bind credentials: SSH (required), OpenAI (optional), Telegram (optional).
  • Set env var TELEGRAM_CHAT_ID for notifications.
  • Adjust the Schedule Trigger to your maintenance window.
  • Import inactive, test once, then activate.

Customize

  • Change the 24h freshness window in the Code node.
  • Swap Telegram for Slack/Email if preferred.
  • Add pre/post steps (backups, restarts) around the upgrade.

Safety

Test on a non-production controller first. No hardcoded secrets—uses n8n credentials and environment variables. If you want approval before upgrades, stop after the IF gate and notify only.