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Configuring Face Unlock in UniFi Access

Face Unlock lets UniFi Access users unlock doors simply by scanning their face at a compatible reader—no buttons needed! For a complete list of supported unlock methods, click here

Update your UniFi OS, as well as your Access and Protect applications and devices, to the latest versions for the newest features and optimal performance.

Requirements

Version requirements

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. 
  • If disabled, users' devices and the console must be on the same local network to upload face photos via the UniFi Endpoint mobile app.

Smart Door Access enabled

  • Navigate to Access application > Settings > Admins & Users > UniFi Endpoint > Services > Smart Door Access.

For users to update their face photos via the UniFi Endpoint mobile app

  • UniFi Endpoint invitations sent to users
    • Navigate to Access application > Settings > Admins & Users > Users > select a user > Overview > Send Invitation > Send.
  • Users' Endpoint mobile app

Enabling Face Unlock for Individual Readers

  1. Navigate to Access application > Devices > Reader > select a reader > Settings and enable Face Unlock
  2. Set facial recognition sensitivity to Most Sensitive, Sensitive, Secure, or Most Secure.
    • Most Sensitive and Sensitive: Recognizes faces from a longer distance for quicker access. 
    • Secure and Most Secure: Requires closer proximity and offers stronger protection against spoofing using photos, videos, or masks. Most Secure requires positioning faces within the reader's frame.
  3. Click Apply Changes.

Uploading Face Photos for Users

After enabling Face Unlock, you can upload face photos using either of the two methods below. Once added, users can unlock doors by scanning their face at an Intercom, Reader Pro, or G6 Entry.

Users can also upload photos directly through their UniFi Endpoint mobile app. For more information, see our detailed Face Unlock User's Guide

Via the Access Application

  1. Navigate to Access application > Settings > Admins & Users > Users > select a user > Settings > Assignments > Access > Add Face Photo.
  2. Upload a photo and Scroll to zoom in/out or Slide to change position as needed.
  3. Click Upload.
  4. Click Apply Changes.

Via the Access Mobile App

  1. Open your Access mobile app, and navigate to Users > tap a user > Settings > Credentials > Face Photo.
  2. Do either of the following:
    • Upload a photo and Scroll to zoom in/out or Slide to change position as needed.
    • Take a photo by centering the face within the frame.
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FAQs

Is Face Unlock available for UID Enterprise?

No, Face Unlock is currently available only for UniFi Access.

Why isn't the G2 Reader Pro detecting faces properly?

Face Unlock may fail in shaded environments where bright backgrounds cause the camera to prioritize exposure to the background, resulting in faces appearing too dark. Ensure adequate lighting on faces for better visibility.

How does Face Unlock work? 

Face Unlock uses the built-in camera on the Intercom, Reader Pro, and G6 Entry to capture and analyze your facial features. It then compares this with the face photo you uploaded to decide whether to unlock the door.

Where is Face Unlock data stored and transmitted? 

When a user uploads a face photo, it is stored and processed entirely on the UniFi Console and saved within the UniFi Access system. This data is securely synchronized with the Access Control Hubs and Readers to enable Face Unlock verification.

No data is sent to any third-party servers or stored on client devices. All storage and processing remain local.

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