Is the UniFi Dream Machine SE finally getting the essential smart shutdown fix for the UPS 2U?
Ubiquiti’s new 2U rackmount UPS battery backup has a significant compatibility problem with one of its most popular devices. Owners of the Dream Machine Special Edition (UDMSE) have found that a key protective feature, smart shutdown, does not work. The issue requires a firmware update that is not yet officially available.
Smart shutdown is a critical safety function. During a power outage, the feature tells your connected network devices to shut down safely before the UPS battery runs out of power. This prevents the hardware from suddenly losing power, which can corrupt data and damage the equipment. Without it, the UPS is just a temporary battery that cannot protect your devices during an extended outage.
The problem exists because the hardware and software are not in sync. The Dream Machine SE needs UniFi OS version 4.4.3 or a newer version to use the smart shutdown feature. However, most of these devices are running older software, like version 4.3.6, and there is no stable update path available. When customers contacted UniFi support, they were not given a timeline for when the update would be released.
Some users have noted that a beta version of the software (a release candidate) is available. However, installing beta software on your main network equipment is risky. Many owners prefer to wait for an official, stable release because test versions can have their own bugs. In this case, reports have mentioned potential memory leak issues with the newer beta builds, making the wait for a stable version a sensible choice.
This is not the first time UniFi has released hardware with software that was not fully ready.
- The company took nearly a year to enable a core feature (Multi-Link Operation) for its WiFi 7 access points after they launched.
- Other new gateway devices, such as the Cloud Gateway Fiber and UDM Pro Max, are also stuck on older firmware and cannot use the UPS smart shutdown feature.
For now, the UniFi UPS 2U works as a basic battery backup for UDMSE owners, but you will miss the core feature that protects your investment. If you own a Dream Machine Special Edition, it is wise to hold off on purchasing the UPS 2U until Ubiquiti resolves the firmware situation with an official, stable release.