Choosing a UniFi Access Reader
UniFi Access Readers are the user-facing part of your Access Control system, enabling secure door entry. They connect to the UniFi Access Control Hub, which controls the unlocking relay. All Access Readers are UL 294-compliant, ensuring security, durability, and reliability. This article will help you choose the ideal readers for your deployment. For a full UniFi Access overview, click here.
| Update your UniFi OS, Access application, and Access devices to the latest versions for the newest features and optimal performance. |
Reader Overview
UniFi offers five types of readers, each designed for specific access control needs:
- G6 Entry
- Reader Pro
- Intercom
- Compact Reader
- Hub-Integrated Reader
- Retrofit Reader
UniFi Access Readers are compatible with UniFi Access Control Hubs. You can mix and match readers within the same deployment to create a flexible, secure access control system.
Reader Comparison
The table below provides a comparison of all Access Readers.
| Reader Type | G6 Entry1 |
Reader Pro |
Intercom |
Compact Reader | Hub-Integrated Reader |
Retrofit Reader5 |
|
| Reader Model |
G3 Intercom Intercom |
Access Ultra | Retrofit Reader | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Door Unlock Methods | |||||||
| NFC Card | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile App | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile Touch Pass |
✓ |
✓ (G3 Only) |
✓ (G3 Only) |
✓ (G3 Only) |
✓ | — | ✓ |
| Facial Recognition | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| PIN Code |
✓ |
✓ (Software Keypad) |
✓ (Physical & Software Keypad) |
— |
✓ (Physical Keypad) |
— | — |
| QR Code | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Hand-Wave | — | — | — | ✓ | — | — | — |
| License Plate Unlock | ✓ | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Entry Request Methods | |||||||
| Doorbell Ring |
✓ (Physical) |
✓ (Software) |
✓ (Physical) |
— | — | — | — |
| Directory Calling | — | — | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Real-Time Door Monitoring | |||||||
| Live Video Streaming | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓4 | ✓4 | ✓4 | — |
| Two-Way Audio | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Intercom Viewer Pairing | ✓2,3 | ✓2 | ✓2 | — | — | — | — |
| Mounting & Connectivity | |||||||
| Hub-to-Reader Wiring | Ethernet | Ethernet | Ethernet | Ethernet | Ethernet | Ethernet | RS-485 (OSDP) |
| Outdoor Ready | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wall Mounting | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Junction Box Mounting | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mullion Mounting | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
- To enable door unlock functions, G6 Entry must be adopted in the Protect application and directly connected to Access Control Hubs.
- Requires pairing with an Intercom Viewer.
- Requires pairing with or being directly connected to an Access Control Hub.
- Requires pairing with a UniFi Protect camera.
- Retrofit Reader must be used with the UniFi Retrofit Hub.
- For a full list of product specifications, visit techspecs.ui.com.
Reader Architecture
UniFi has several models of readers. The key criteria in determining which should be used in an application consist of:
- Unlock Methods: Some readers provide comprehensive door unlock methods to accommodate diverse user preferences and security needs, including NFC card, Mobile Unlock, Face Unlock, Touch Pass, PIN code, and QR code.
- Entry Request Methods: Readers with built-in features like doorbell ringing and directory calling simplify entry requests.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Readers with real-time monitoring capabilities enhance security and surveillance, offering features like live view streaming, two-way audio communication, and pairing with Intercom Viewer for improved control.
G6 Entry
An intelligent reader with native UniFi Protect and UniFi Access integration, featuring face recognition, license plate recognition, Touch Pass, doorbell support, two-way audio, live view, and more.
Model: G6 Entry (UVC-G6-Entry)
Reader Pro
High-performance touch readers packed with premium features like doorbell ringing, two-way audio, live view, and more. G3 Readers also have unique support for Mobile Touch Pass.
Models: G3 Reader Pro (UA-G3-Pro) and G2 Reader Pro (UA-G2-Pro)
Intercom
Ideal for multi-tenant residential and commercial entry points, such as gates or main entrances. It secures access while providing directory services to call specific users or contacts.
Models: G3 Intercom (UA-G3-Intercom), Intercom (UA-Intercom)
Compact Readers
Cost-effective readers ideal for external entry points that don't require advanced unlock methods or real-time monitoring. They are also perfect for internal doors following initial credential verification at the primary entrance(s).
Models: G3 Reader (UA-G3), Reader Flex (UA-G3-Flex), and G2 Reader (UA-G2)
Hub-Integrated Reader
An affordable solution for basic security needs, such as meeting rooms, offering essential unlock methods and a limited number of I/Os in the hub.
Model: Access Ultra (UA-Ultra)
Retrofit Reader
An Indoor/outdoor OSDP reader compatible with the UniFi Retrofit Hub, allowing you to use existing RS-485 wiring from previous Wiegand or OSDP installations. Learn more
Model: Retrofit Reader (UA-Retrofit-Reader)
FAQs
What is the power method for UniFi Access Readers?
UniFi Access Readers connect to Access Control Hubs using Power over Ethernet (PoE) for a streamlined and reliable power source.
Are UniFi Access Readers ADA-compliant?
Yes. UniFi Access Readers meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards. When mounted at 48 inches (120 cm), Reader Pro and Intercom's cameras can capture the faces of individuals up to 6 feet (183 cm) tall, including wheelchair users.
Do UniFi Access Readers need to be wired to an Access Control Hub?
To support door unlocking, yes—all UniFi Access Readers must be connected to an Access Control Hub.
However, starting with Access 3.2.42, UniFi Access Readers can be connected to a PoE switch, rather than directly connected to a hub. Although door unlocking is not support in this configuration, the following functionalities will be retained:
- Register NFC cards
- View live video
- Receive doorbell calls
How do I change the language on the Access Reader?
Navigate to Access application > Settings > Language and select your preferred language. This setting applies globally to the Access application and all readers with a screen (i.e., Reader Pro and Intercom).
How do I set voice greeting for door unlock?
To configure a voice greeting on a reader, navigate to Access application > Devices > Readers > select a reader > Settings > Greeting > Voice Greeting and select a message.
How do I disable audio when recording video on Intercom or Reader Pro?
To align with your privacy requirements or compliance needs, you can control whether audio is recorded along with video on your Intercom or Reader Pro.
(Requires Protect 6.0.39 or later) Navigate to Protect application > UniFi Devices > select a reader > Settings > Microphone > Disable When Recording.
How do I set the maximum duration for live view?
To prevent performance issues, user-initiated live views from the Access web interface, Intercom Viewer, and Access and Identity Endpoint mobile apps automatically end after the configured time limit. Users can start a new live view session if needed.
Navigate to Access application > Settings > General > Live View > End View and select a duration: 2, 3, or 5 minutes.
How do I enable or disable user access to live view from Intercom Viewer or Identity Endpoint?
For security or privacy purposes, you can restrict users' access to live view via Intercom Viewer or Identity Endpoint (iOS and Android).
Navigate to Access application > Settings > General > Live View > Allow Live View On, and then enable or disable Intercom Viewer and/or Identity Endpoint to control user access.
Does the Reader Pro or Intercom display turn off automatically when inactive?
Yes. To conserve power and extend screen lifespan, the display turns off automatically after 60 seconds of inactivity under normal operating temperatures. It will wake when tapped or when motion is detected, and door unlock functions will continue to work.
- Reader Pro: –10°C to 45°C (14°F to 113°F)
- Intercom: –25°C to 60°C (–13°F to 140°F)
You can customize the inactivity timeout to 15, 30, or 60 seconds in the Access application > Devices > select your reader > Settings > Advanced > Auto Turn Off Display When Inactive.
How do I adopt the newly purchased Intercom and Reader Pro?
For newly purchased G3 Intercom (UA-G3-Intercom), Intercom (UA-Intercom), G3 Reader Pro (UA-G3-Pro), and G2 Reader Pro (UA-G2-Pro), a direct connection to an Access Control Hub’s PoE port is required for initial adoption and to perform the latest firmware update.
Once the reader has been successfully adopted and updated, it can then be connected directly to your console or network switch for continued use or future adoption.
How do I enter Admin Mode on Intercom and Reader Pro?
On readers with a built-in screen, including G3 Intercom (UA-G3-Intercom), Intercom (UA-Intercom), G3 Reader Pro (UA-G3-Pro), and G2 Reader Pro (UA-G2-Pro), admins can enter Admin Mode:
- Tap the Admin
icon on the screen.
- Scan your NFC card or enter your PIN for authentication.
Once in Admin Mode, you can:
- Set the one-time unlock duration.
- Lock the door immediately.
- Activate/deactivate emergency lockdown or evacuation.
- Adjust general settings, including screen brightness, volume, and text size.