Migrating Cameras Between NVRs

Migrating cameras to a new UniFi Protect NVR is a simple process, but follow these steps carefully to ensure you don't lose any valuable recordings or settings.

Migrating Cameras From a Cloud Gateway to an NVR

An NVR is the perfect solution when you need additional camera management or storage capacity beyond what a Cloud Gateway can provide. To migrate existing cameras from your Cloud Gateway to a dedicated NVR:

1. Export clips that you want to keep; recordings will not migrate.
2. Connect UNVR and ensure it is on the same VLAN as the cameras.
3. Ensure a recent backup exists by navigating to Settings > Control Plane > Backups and selecting Back Up Now.
4. Stop Protect on the original console by going to Settings > Control Plane, selecting the Protect application, and selecting Stop.
5. Restore from the backup on the UNVR.

Migrating Cameras To an Upgraded NVR Model

If you are upgrading from one NVR model to a different one (e.g., UNVR Pro to ENVR), then follow the steps below:

1. Export clips that you want to keep; recordings may not migrate.
2. Set up the new console without HDDs, using the setup wizard.
   1. To migrate Admins, restore from a cloud backup.
   2. Ensure firmware and the Protect application are up to date.
3. Shut down both consoles. Do this through the application; do not unplug to shut down.
4. Move HDDs from the old console to the new one.
   1. Note: Do not add any other new HDDs at this time.
5. Power on the new console.
6. Confirm that the migration was successful and that the RAID array has been built prior to adding additional disks. See Expanding RAID Storage Size for more information.

Migrating to a Replacement Model

To retain video through the migration process, follow these steps carefully:

1. Export clips that you want to keep; recordings may not migrate.
2. Set up the new console without HDDs, using the setup wizard.
   1. To migrate Admins, restore from a cloud backup.
   2. Ensure firmware and the Protect application are up to date.
3. Shut down both consoles. Do this through the application; do not unplug to shut down.
4. Move HDDs from the old console to the new one.
   1. Note: Do not add any other new HDDs at this time.
5. Power on the new console.