How to Enable and Troubleshoot Unifi Package Detection
Unifi's package detection is a powerful AI feature that automatically identifies when a package is delivered to or removed from your doorstep, providing a specific and useful notification. However, if you're browsing the settings and can't find this option, it's usually due to a compatibility or configuration issue.
This guide explains the requirements for package detection and shows you how to enable it in your Unifi Protect system.
1. Check Camera Compatibility
The most important thing to understand is that package detection is not available on all Unifi camera models. This feature relies on advanced AI processing, which is only supported by specific cameras in the Unifi lineup.
Cameras known to support package detection include:
- G4 Doorbell Pro
- AI 360
- AI Theta
- AI DSLR
- Other AI-series cameras
If you have an older model, such as the standard G4 Doorbell, G3 Instant, or G4 Bullet, you will not see the option for package detection in your settings. Always check the official product specifications for your camera model to confirm its capabilities.
2. Update Your Unifi Protect Application
Package detection is a relatively new feature. To ensure it's available, you must be running an up-to-date version of both your Unifi OS console (like a UDM Pro or Cloud Key) and the Unifi Protect application itself.
- Check for Updates: Log in to your Unifi OS dashboard. Check for and apply any available updates for both the main operating system and the Protect application.
- Enable Automatic Updates: To avoid missing features in the future, consider enabling automatic updates in your console's settings.
If your software is outdated, the option for package detection will not appear, even if you have a compatible camera.
3. How to Enable the Package Detection Setting
Once you've confirmed you have a compatible camera and your software is up to date, enabling the feature is straightforward.
- Open your Unifi Protect application.
- Select the compatible camera you wish to configure from your device list.
- Click the Settings (cogwheel) icon to open the camera's configuration panel.
- Navigate to the section labelled Smart Detections.
- Inside this section, you will see toggles for different types of AI detection. Alongside 'Person' and 'Vehicle', you should see an option for Package.
- Enable the toggle for package detection.
Once enabled, the camera's AI will begin analysing the video feed for the specific shape and behaviour of packages being dropped off or picked up.
4. Optimise for Best Performance
To get the most accurate results, consider the following:
- Camera View: The camera needs a clear, unobstructed view of your entire doormat or delivery area. A top-down view is ideal.
- Detection Zone: In the camera's settings, you can define a specific 'Package Zone'. Draw this zone tightly around the area where couriers typically leave parcels to reduce the chance of false positives.
- Lighting: Ensure the area is well-lit, especially at night. Good lighting helps the AI to more accurately identify objects.
If you have the right hardware and software, Unifi's package detection is a simple and highly effective tool for monitoring your deliveries.