Troubleshooting Unifi Camera Microphone Issues
While video is the primary feature of a security camera, audio can provide crucial context to a recording. Whether it's hearing a conversation, identifying the sound of breaking glass, or using two-way talk features, a functioning microphone is essential. If you're getting no audio, muffled sound, or loud static from your Unifi Protect camera, this guide will help you resolve the issue.
Let's walk through the steps to get your camera's microphone working correctly.
Step 1: The Most Common Fix - Enable the Microphone in Settings
By far, the most frequent reason for no audio is that the microphone is simply turned off in the Unifi Protect software. For privacy reasons, some cameras may even have this disabled by default.
- Launch Unifi Protect: Open your Unifi Protect controller via a web browser or the mobile app.
- Select Your Camera: Navigate to your camera list and choose the camera that has the audio issue.
- Go to Settings: Find and click on the 'Settings' or 'General' tab for that specific camera.
- Find the Microphone Toggle: Look for an option labelled "Enable Microphone" or a microphone icon.
- Turn It On: Ensure this toggle is switched to the 'On' or 'Enabled' position.
- Save and Restart: Save the changes. It is also a good practice to restart the camera afterwards from the settings menu to ensure the new configuration is fully applied.
In most cases, this simple step will immediately restore audio to both your live view and future recordings.
Step 2: Check Recording Quality and Audio Codec
Your recording settings can also influence audio.
- Check Recording Mode: In the camera's 'Recording' settings, ensure you are not using a mode that might exclude audio. The standard "Always" or "Detections" modes should include audio.
- Audio Codec: Most Unifi cameras use the AAC audio codec. There are generally no user-configurable settings for this, but if you are accessing the stream via a third-party application (using RTSP), ensure that application supports AAC audio.
Step 3: Physical Inspection and Firmware
If the software settings are correct, it's time to look at the hardware and its firmware.
Inspect the Microphone Port
The camera's microphone is a tiny component located behind a small pinhole in the camera's housing.
- Locate the Pinhole: Check your camera's manual or look closely at its body to find the microphone opening.
- Check for Obstructions: This tiny hole can easily become blocked by dust, dirt, or small insects and spiderwebs.
- Clean it Carefully: Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any debris. Do not use a pin or any sharp object to poke into the hole, as you can easily damage the sensitive microphone element.
Update the Firmware
Bugs in firmware can occasionally cause issues with audio processing.
- Check for Updates: In your Unifi Protect controller settings, check for any available camera firmware updates.
- Apply Updates: Install any pending updates and restart the camera once the process is complete. This can resolve known software-related audio bugs.
When to Suspect a Hardware Failure
If you have tried all of the steps above and your microphone is still not working, you may have a hardware fault. This is more likely if:
- The audio is not just absent, but is accompanied by loud, persistent static or humming.
- The microphone stopped working after a physical impact or a severe weather event.
- You have another camera of the same model, and its audio works fine with the exact same settings.
If you suspect a hardware failure, the only course of action is to go through the RMA (Return Merchandise Authorisation) process with Ubiquiti if the device is still under warranty. The microphone is an internal component and cannot be repaired or replaced by the user.