An Introduction to UniFi Motion Detection
The motion detection system within UniFi Protect is a sophisticated and highly customisable feature that turns your network of cameras into a proactive security solution. Understanding how to configure it correctly is the key to unlocking its full potential, ensuring you receive timely, relevant alerts without being overwhelmed by false alarms.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of UniFi's motion detection capabilities, from initial setup and motion zones to advanced AI-powered smart detections.
How UniFi Detects Motion
UniFi Protect primarily uses video-based motion detection. The software constantly analyses the video feed from your cameras, and when it detects changes in the pixels from one frame to the next, it registers this as a motion event.
On top of this, many modern UniFi cameras (like the G4 and G5 series) incorporate AI Smart Detections. The camera's onboard processor is capable of identifying the specific shapes and movement patterns of objects like:
- People
- Vehicles
This allows the system to not just know that something moved, but what moved, leading to much more intelligent and actionable alerts.
Setting Up and Configuring Motion Detection
All motion settings are managed from within your UniFi Protect application (on the web, or via the mobile app).
1. Basic Motion Event Settings
For any given camera, you can define the fundamental rules for motion recording.
- Select a camera and navigate to its Settings.
- Go to the Recording or Motion tab.
- Here you can choose when to record. The most common setting is 'Record Motion Events', which means the camera only saves footage when motion is detected.
- You will also find the master Motion Sensitivity slider. This controls how much pixel change is needed to trigger an event. A higher setting means even small movements will be detected.
2. Creating Motion Zones
Motion zones are essential for accurate detection. They tell your camera exactly where to look for movement.
- Purpose: The primary goal of motion zones is to exclude areas that cause false alerts. This includes public footpaths, roads with passing cars, or trees that sway in the wind.
- Configuration: In the 'Motion Zones' editor, you can draw one or more custom shapes directly onto the camera's field of view. The camera will then completely ignore any and all movement that occurs outside of these designated zones.
- Best Practice: Be specific. Draw tight zones around your driveway, garden path, and doorways, and avoid letting them overlap with areas you cannot control.
3. Using Smart Detections
This AI-powered feature is the most effective way to reduce notification fatigue.
- Enabling: In the camera's settings, find the 'Smart Detections' menu. Here you can toggle on detection for 'Person' and 'Vehicle'.
- How It Works: Once enabled, UniFi Protect will analyse all motion events to see if they contain one of these objects. An event will be tagged as a 'Person Detection' in your timeline, making it easy to find.
- Smart Notifications: The real power comes from customising your notifications. You can configure the app to only send you a push alert when a person or vehicle is detected, while still recording all other general motion events silently in the background.
Best Practices for Reliable Motion Detection
- Good Camera Placement: Position your camera with a clear, unobstructed view of the area you want to monitor. Avoid pointing it directly at sources of bright light.
- Keep Lenses Clean: A smudged or dirty lens can impair the camera's ability to detect motion accurately.
- Update Your Software: Ubiquiti regularly releases firmware updates for cameras and the UniFi Protect application that include improvements to the motion detection algorithms. Keep your system up to date.
- Iterate and Refine: Do not be afraid to experiment. If you are getting too many or too few alerts, go back into the settings and adjust the sensitivity or your motion zones.
By mastering these features, you can configure your UniFi Protect system to be a quiet, intelligent guardian that only alerts you when it truly matters.