Cloud Gateways Switching WiFi Physical Security Integrations
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Cloud Gateways Switching WiFi Physical Security Integrations

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

Configuring NFC Cards in UniFi Access

With UniFi Access, unlocking doors is as simple as tapping an NFC card on a reader. For a complete list of supported unlock methods, click here. 

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

Register NFC Cards Manually

You can register NFC cards in three ways:

  • Holding the card to a UniFi Access Reader
  • Holding the card to your UniFi Access mobile app
  • Holding the card to a UniFi Talk phone

Registering via the UniFi Access Reader

  1. Navigate to Access application > Settings > Card Inventory > Add New > Add NFC Card.
  2. Select a reader to register new cards and click Continue.
  3. Hold a card to the reader for five seconds.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Registering via the UniFi Access Mobile App

UniFi device and version support

Note: This feature is currently not available for Identity Enterprise and Identity Hub.

  1. Ensure NFC is enabled on your mobile phone. (The actual path may differ depending on the device model.)
    • iPhone: Go to Settings > General > NFC > Enable.
    • Android: Go to Settings > Connections or Network & Internet > NFC > Enable.
  2. Open your Access mobile app and select either of the following actions:
    • Tap Settings > Card Inventory > Add New > Scan Card to Register and hold the NFC card to the mobile phone's NFC sensor area for five seconds.
    • Tap Users > Users or Visitors > select a user or visitor > Add NFC Card > Scan Card to Register and hold the NFC card to the mobile phone's NFC sensor area for five seconds.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to assign the card to a user or visitor.

Registering via the UniFi Talk Phone

UniFi Talk phone support

Note: Ensure the Talk phones are updated to the latest version.

  1. Open the Access application on your Talk phone.
  2. Select a console and tap the upper-right Add Card icon.
  3. On the Add New Card page, hold the card to the card sensor area and assign it to a user.
  4. Click Done. 

Importing NFC Cards in Bulk

You can import multiple NFC cards using a CSV file.

  1. Navigate to Access application > Settings > Card Inventory > Add New > Import NFC Cards from CSV File.
  2. Click Download Template and fill in the card information in the CSV file.
  3. Upload your CSV file and click Import.
    • The file must be UTF-8 encoded, under 10 MB, and can include up to 1,000 cards.
    • If a user's email address is included in the CSV file, the card will be automatically assigned to that user.
  4. After the import is complete, the cards will appear in the Card Inventory list.

Assigning NFC Cards to Users

  1. Navigate to Access application > Settings > Admins & Users > Users.
  2. Click on a user, then go to Settings > Assignments > Add NFC Card.
  3. Click Select Existing Card and Assign cards.

Unlocking Doors with NFC Cards

  1. Approach a reader.
  2. Tap the NFC tag on your card against the NFC icon on the reader screen.
  3. Once recognized, the door will unlock.

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FAQs

How does UniFi secure UniFi Access Cards and Keyfobs?

UniFi Access uses a per-site token mechanism to generate unique encryption keys for Access Card (UA-Card) and Pocket Keyfob (UA-Pocket). This ensures that each site has its own secure encryption process, enhancing overall system security.

Are third-party NFC cards allowed for door unlocking?

Yes, you can enable third-party NFC cards by navigating to Access application > Settings > Card Inventory > Third-Party NFC Cards.

Can I use the same NFC card for multiple sites?

Yes. The same NFC card can be registered on multiple consoles and used across different sites. For example, a card registered in UniFi Access on one console can also be registered on another, allowing it to unlock doors at multiple sites.

Requirements:

What should I be cautious about when using an NFC card?

Always keep your NFC cards, including Access Cards and Pocket Keyfobs, away from wireless chargers, as the charging process can cause overheating and may damage the card.

What NFC frequency do UniFi Access Readers support?

UniFi Access Readers support 13.56 MHz NFC.

  • If you're using third-party NFC cards, make sure they operate at 13.56 MHz. Cards using other frequencies will not be recognized by Access Readers.
  • Access Cards and Pocket Keyfobs operate at 13.56 MHz and are fully compatible.
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