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Configuring Unlock Event Recording in UniFi Access

UniFi Access enhances security by automatically recording a short video whenever a paired Access Reader with a built-in camera detects a door unlock. This article explains how to configure unlock event recording settings for better monitoring and compliance. If you're looking to pair a UniFi Access or Protect device with a door to access live camera feeds and review unlock event recordings, click here. If you're looking to configure door unlock schedules, click here

Requirements

  • An HDD or SD card must be installed in your UniFi Console.
  • UniFi Access Readers with a built-in camera:
  • Update your Access application and readers to the latest versions. 

Configuring Unlock Event Recording for All Readers

  1. Navigate to Access application > Settings > General > Video Recording.
  2. (Optional) Enable Manage Recordings in Protect for continuous camera recording and custom recording schedules in the Protect application.
    • Navigate to Protect application > Devices > select a reader > Recording Settings.   
    • Access Pro (UA-Pro) is still managed in the Access application even if Manage Recordings in Protect is enabled.
  3. Set Data Retention:
    • Auto: Automatically deletes old recordings when storage is full.
    • Custom: Set retention for 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years. (Some regions require retention by law.)

Configuring Unlock Event Recording Length for Individual Readers

  1. Navigate to Access application > Devices > select a reader > Settings > Video Recording.
    • This option is disabled if Manage Recordings in Protect is enabled.
  2. Enable Record Videos for Unlock Events and set the recording duration before and after an unlock event.
  3. Click Apply Changes.

FAQs

What should I do if door unlock events are not being recorded?

If you have paired an Access Reader with a door but unlock event recordings are missing from the Access application > System Log > Unlocks, follow the steps below.

  1. Check storage availability.
    • Ensure your UniFi Console has an HDD or SD card installed.
    • Navigate to Settings > Control Plane > Storage and verify available space.
  2. Ensure video recording is enabled.
    • If Manage Recordings in Protect is enabled, ensure When to Record is not set to Never in Protect application > Devices > select a reader > Recording Settings.   
    • If Manage Recordings in Protect is not enabled, ensure Record Videos for Unlock Events is enabled for each reader in Access application > Devices > select a reader > Settings > Video Recording.
  3. If the issue persists, contact UniFi Access Technical Support via UI Account (https://account.ui.com/) > Support. When submitting your request, be sure to include:
    • UniFi Console support file
    • Access Reader support file: Navigate to Access application > Devices > select the reader > Settings > Manage > Download Support File.
    • Confirm whether the videos are recorded in Protect application > Playback
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