Activating Emergency Mode in UniFi Access
UniFi makes it easy to activate Emergency Evacuation and Emergency Lockdown modes to ensure safe exits or secure spaces. These modes override credential authentication, keeping doors unlocked or locked as needed. This article explains how to activate the emergency mode. If you're looking to configure door unlock schedules generally, click here.
| Update your UniFi OS, Access application, and Access devices to the latest versions for the newest features and optimal performance. |
Emergency Evacuation and Emergency Lockdown
In emergency mode, access credentials are overridden. Admins can manage the mode via their Access application or mobile app, or by entering Admin Mode using their NFC card or PIN on an Intercom or Pro Reader.
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Emergency Evacuation: Unlocks doors to ensure safe exit during emergencies like fires.
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Emergency Lockdown: Locks doors to protect people inside during threats like external attacks.
Notes:
- For a full list of Access Reader's LED status indicators, click here.
- Update your Access application and devices to the latest version for improved security.
Manual Activation of Emergency Mode
You can activate emergency mode for the entire site or just a single door.
Site-Level Emergency Mode
Via Access Application
- Navigate to Access application > Dashboard > Emergency Mode.
- Select Evacuation or Lockdown.
- Confirm activation.
Via Intercom or Pro Reader
- Tap the top Admin icon on an Intercom or Reader Pro.
- Swipe your NFC card or enter your PIN.
- Navigate to Site Emergency > Emergency > Activate Emergency.
Single-Door Emergency Mode
Via Access Application
- Navigate to Access application > Dashboard > hover your mouse over a location > Manage.
- Navigate to Settings > Manage > Lockdown.
Via Intercom or Pro Reader
- Tap the top Admin icon on an Intercom or Reader Pro.
- Swipe your NFC card or enter your PIN.
- Tap Lockdown.
Automatic Activation of Emergency Mode
To ensure Emergency Mode will automatically activate when a fire is detected:
- Wire a fire panel to your Access Control Hub.
- Configure the Emergency terminal settings for automatic emergency mode activation during a fire.
FAQs
Does deactivating a door's emergency mode affect the site-level mode?
Yes. If the site-level emergency mode is activated manually, deactivating it for any door will also deactivate the site-level emergency mode. To deactivate, navigate to Dashboard > hover your mouse over a location > Overview > Deactivate.
Can I still unlock doors during an emergency lockdown?
Yes. During an emergency lockdown, admins can still unlock doors remotely to handle special circumstances. Triggering the unlock button will only unlock the selected door.
- Access web application: Navigate to Dashboard > select a door > Click to Unlock.
- Access mobile app: Navigate to Dashboard > select a door > Tap to Unlock.
Can I disable emergency mode for a door triggered by the fire panel using the Access interface or reader?
No. When the fire panel triggers emergency mode for a specific door, it cannot be deactivated using the Access web application, mobile app, or Admin Mode on Reader Pro or Intercom.
All doors at the site will enter emergency mode simultaneously if Activate This Mode for All Locations At This Site is enabled in Devices > select a device > Settings > Terminal Manager > Emergency. In that case, you can still deactivate the mode for individual doors that are not triggered by the fire panel.
- Access web application: Navigate to Dashboard > select a door > Overview > Deactivate.
- Access mobile app: Navigate to Dashboard > select a door > Overview > Deactivate.
- Reader Pro and Intercom: Tap the top Admin icon > swipe your NFC card or enter your PIN for authentication > Deactivate.