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  1. Ubiquiti Help Center
  2. UniFi
  3. Door Access
  4. Features & Configuration

Configuring Doorbell Call Methods and Receivers in UniFi Access

The UniFi Access Doorbell Call feature allows visitors to announce their presence at an entry point. Admins and authorized personnel can receive notifications, interact with visitors, and unlock doors as needed. If you're looking for instructions on triggering the doorbell for entry requests, click here. If you are looking to create visit schedules for guests or visitors, click here.

Update your UniFi OS, Access application, and Access devices to the latest versions for the newest features and optimal performance.

Compatible Readers

Doorbell functionality is supported by the following readers:

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Visitors can trigger the doorbell by interacting with the reader as described here.

Ways to Receive Doorbell Notifications

Doorbell notifications are highly customizable and can be sent to different groups of admins or users based on the door. Multiple notification methods can also be used simultaneously for added flexibility.

Intercom Viewer

A purpose-built display for receiving doorbell notifications, enabling you to screen visitors via live video from the reader, engage in two-way conversations, and ultimately unlock the door. Popular for managing entry requests in residential and commercial buildings. Learn more

Viewer.png

Mobile App

A convenient way to receive doorbell notifications on the go. Admins receive notifications through the UniFi Access mobile app, while users receive them via the UniFi Identity Endpoint for mobile. 

Access_live_view.png

Phone Number

A simple way to unlock doors on the go without needing to install the mobile app.

SIP Recipient Number

A simple way for users with SIP phones to unlock doors with a simple press of * on the keypad.

SIP_recipient_number.png

Chime

An audible alert that prompts you to manually answer the door. Learn more

Configuring Call Methods and Receivers

Version Requirements

  • Access application 3.3 or later
  • UniFi OS 4.1.22 or later
  • UniFi Access Readers
    • G3 Intercom (UA-G3-Intercom) 1.7.29 or later
    • Intercom (UA-Intercom) 1.7.28 or later
    • G3 Reader Pro (UA-G3-Pro) 1.10.30 or later
    • G2 Reader Pro (UA-G2-Pro) 1.10.32 or later
    • Access Reader Pro (UA-Pro) 2.14.21 or later
      • Does not support customizing the reader screen's logo, heading, or background.
  • Third-party SIP server
  • UniFi Access app
  • UniFi Identity Endpoint

Remote Access enabled

Navigate to your local console (https://192.16.1.1) and go to Settings > Control Plane > Console > Advanced > Remote Access. Only the Console Owner can perform this action. 

On Intercom

In addition to a general doorbell button, the Intercom lets you create Directories, allowing visitors to call specific users or groups directly.

  1. Navigate to Access application > Interface Designer.
  2. Select an Intercom and then select either Directory or Doorbell Call:
    • Directory: Click Set Up, then enter the Directory Name and Dial Number (e.g., 0001). A dial number allows visitors to make doorbell calls using a 1- to 6-digit code.
    • Doorbell Call: Click Add Receivers.
  3. Add Viewers, Chimes, Users, Phone Numbers, and SIP Phone's Recipient Number as receivers.
  4. Add Call Group (up to three).
    • If a call is not answered for a customized duration (10, 15, or 20 seconds), it will automatically call the next group in sequence, from Group 1 to Group 3.
  5. Click Create (for Directories) or Save (for Doorbell Calls).
  6. Navigate to Interface and customize the logo, heading, subheading, layout, background, and access methods. You can also save the template for future use. 

On Reader Pro

  1. Navigate to Access application > Interface Designer > select a Reader Pro > Doorbell Call.  
  2. Add Receivers and select Viewers, Chimes, Users, Phone Numbers, and SIP Phone's Recipient Number, then click Save.
  3. Add Call Group (up to three).
    • If a call is not answered for a customized duration (10, 15, or 20 seconds), it will automatically call the next group in sequence, from Group 1 to Group 3.
  4. Navigate to Interface and customize the logo, heading, subheading, call method, background, and access methods. You can also save the template for future use. 
    • Set the Call Method to Hold to Call, Swipe to Call, or Disabled.

Managing Receiver Schedules

Customize doorbell notification schedules to provide added flexibility for receivers.

  1. Navigate to Access application > Interface Designer and select a reader.
    • For Reader Pro: Navigate to Doorbell Call and click on the Calendar icon beside a receiver.
    • For Intercom: Click on a directory or navigate to Doorbell Call, then click on the Calendar icon beside a receiver.
  2. Set a receiver schedule:
    • Always: Receive notifications at all times.
    • Predefined: Receive notifications based on a predefined schedule.
    • Custom: Receive notifications only during custom timeframes.
  3. Click Apply Changes.

FAQs

How do I receive doorbell notifications on my PC or phone?

  • Ensure the UniFi Owner has enabled Remote Access in Settings > Control Plane > Console > Advanced.

  • Allow notifications on your devices:
    • PC: Enable browser notifications. Mac and Google Chrome are used as an example here.
    • Browser: Allow notifications from unifi.ui.com.
      Screenshot 2024-09-19 at 1.57.52 PM.png
    • Mobile phones
      • Android: Navigate to the phone's Settings > Notifications > App notifications.
      • iOS: Navigate to the phone's Settings > Notifications > NOTIFICATION STYLE > Access > Allow Notifications.

Will I be charged for answering a phone call triggered by a doorbell?

Charges depend on your phone provider and plan. Most providers do not charge for incoming calls, but if your plan includes fees for incoming calls, you might incur costs. Contact your provider to confirm.

How do I enable/disable doorbell notifications in the Identity Endpoint or Access mobile app?

  • Identity Endpoint: Tap the Gear icon > Push Notifications > Doorbell Rings and tap the Doorbell icon to enable or disable notifications. The icon appears blue when enabled.
  • Access mobile app: (Requires 2.3.0 or later) Tap Dashboard > upper-right Doorbell icon > Push Notification Settings > Rings > Doorbell Rings and tap the Doorbell icon to enable or disable notifications. The icon appears blue when enabled.

How do I answer a doorbell call on my phone?

If your phone number is added as a doorbell call receiver, you will get a phone call when a visitor triggers the doorbell on a reader. 

Accept an incoming call and select an action:

  • Press 1 to answer.
  • Press * to unlock the door.

Who is notified when a doorbell call is triggered via the Intercom directory?

By default, Admins with Full Management permission for Access and admins/users assigned as doorbell call receivers will be notified.

How do I ensure that doorbell notifications are sent only to doorbell call receivers?

To limit doorbell notifications to call receivers only (and exclude admins) when the doorbell button on an Access Reader is triggered, disable Notify Admins of Doorbell Rings in Settings > General > Doorbell. 

Do Door Attendants always get doorbell calls?

Doorbell calls are always sent to Door Attendants, even if:

  • The Notify Admins of Doorbell Rings option is disabled in Settings > General > Doorbell.
  • Door Attendants are not added as doorbell call receivers.
  • Door Attendants are added as doorbell call receivers, and the current time is outside the receiver's schedule.

If a Door Attendant wants to receive doorbell calls only during specific times, they can manage this from the Access mobile app > Overview > tap the upper-right Doorbell icon and select one of the following options:

  • Mute for 30 Minutes, 1 Hour, 2 Hours, or 4 Hours
  • Mute until Tomorrow 8 AM
  • Until Next Week
  • Custom

How do I choose between a doorbell call or push notification?

  • Enable Get Doorbell Rings as Phone Calls to get a call from UniFi Access.
  • Disable it to receive a push notification instead.

To configure this setting:

  • Identity Endpoint mobile app (iOS/Android): Tap the Gear icon > App Preferences > Get Doorbell Rings as Phone Calls.
  • Access mobile app (iOS/Android): Tap Dashboard > upper-left Profile > App Preferences > Get Doorbell Rings as Phone Calls.

How do I configure a third-party SIP server to be used with UniFi Access?

See this article for details. 

How do I receive doorbell calls when Access or Identity Endpoint iOS mobile app is connected to Apple CarPlay?

Ensure you have enabled Receive Doorbell Rings via Phone Call. 

  • Identity Endpoint: Tap the Gear icon > App Preferences > Receive Doorbell Rings via Phone Call.
  • Access mobile app: Tap Dashboard > Profile icon > App Preferences > Receive Doorbell Rings via Phone Call.

Behavior while using CarPlay:

  • When your phone screen is locked: A doorbell call is sent to CarPlay. You can answer the call and hear audio, but live view is not supported on CarPlay. To access the live view, switch to your iPhone.
  • When your phone screen is unlocked: A doorbell call is sent to your iPhone and CarPlay. You can answer the call and access the live view directly on your iPhone, or answer the call and hear audio on CarPlay.

How do I set the maximum duration for doorbell-initiated live view?

Doorbell-initiated live view allows users to access the live video feed when a visitor rings the doorbell. They can then interact with the visitor through the Access web application, Intercom Viewer, or the Access and Identity Endpoint mobile apps. To avoid performance issues, this live view session will automatically end after the configured time limit.

Navigate to Access application > Settings > General > Doorbell > End Active Doorbell Call and select a duration: 2, 3, or 5 minutes.

How do I customize the doorbell notification sound?

This feature is currently available only on Android version 2.5.0 or later.

  1. Navigate to your phone's Settings and find App Notifications.
  2. Tap Access and choose Sound to select a preferred sound. 

Note: The user interface paths may vary depending on the phone model.

How can I receive doorbell calls on my UniFi Talk phone?

You can receive doorbell calls on your UniFi Talk phone using either of the following methods:

  • Set up your UniFi Talk phone as a third-party SIP phone: See here for instructions. This requires G3 Touch Enterprise, G3 Touch Wall, or G3 Touch Pro.
  • Sign in to the UniFi Access app on your UniFi Talk phone using your UI Account: Admins who are assigned as doorbell call receivers will receive the doorbell call on both their mobile phone and UniFi Talk phone simultaneously when a doorbell is triggered.

How do I download the UniFi Talk phone support files?

To provide the necessary information for technical support troubleshooting, please prepare the following:

  • Download the UniFi Talk application support file: Navigate to Site Manager > UniFi Console > Talk > Settings > Control Plane > Console > Support File > Full > Download.
  • Provide the Talk phone serial number: On your Talk phone, navigate to Settings > System > About > Serial Number.
  • Provide the Talk phone support file:
    1. On your Talk phone, navigate to Settings > System > Upload Support File.
    2. Navigate to Settings > Advanced > Feedback, and provide the time of upload along with the description you entered (for example, the serial number or support ticket number).

Is there a maximum number of phone numbers that can be added as doorbell call receivers?

No. The UniFi Access application does not limit the number of phone numbers you can add as doorbell call receivers.

How do I make a third-party chime ring when someone presses the Intercom or Reader Pro doorbell?

  1. Wire the third-party chime to your Access Control Hub.
  2. Set the AUX terminal mode to Chime.
  3. Once configured, the chime will ring whenever the Intercom or Reader Pro doorbell is pressed.

Will doorbell call receivers get a doorbell notification when the third-party doorbell button is pressed?

Yes. Doorbell notifications are sent when all of the following conditions are met:

When no Reader Pro or Intercom is directly connected to the hub

Admins will receive a doorbell notification in their Access mobile app, provided that Notify Admins of Doorbell Rings is enabled in Settings > General > Doorbell. Only the door unlock option is available in this case.

When a Reader Pro or Intercom is directly connected to the hub

Users added as doorbell call receivers will receive a doorbell notification in the UniFi Access or Identity Endpoint mobile app. Both live view and door unlock options are available. 

Notes:

  • SIP phones and phone numbers added as receivers do not receive doorbell notifications.
  • Support for Intercom Viewer is coming soon. 
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