How to Troubleshoot Unifi Protect Vehicle Detection Failures
Unifi Protect's smart detection feature is a powerful tool designed to intelligently notify you about specific events, such as a person or vehicle arriving at your property. However, it can be frustrating when you find that cars are coming and going without triggering a notification.
If your Unifi camera is failing to detect vehicles, the issue can almost always be traced back to a handful of common setup and configuration problems. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to diagnose and fix the issue.
1. Evaluate Your Camera's Position and Angle
The single most important factor for accurate AI detection is camera placement. If the camera doesn't have a clear, unobstructed view, the algorithm will struggle to identify objects correctly.
- Height: The ideal mounting height is typically between 2.5 and 3 metres (around 8 to 10 feet). Mounting it too low or too high can distort the shape of vehicles from the camera's perspective.
- Angle: The camera should be angled downwards slightly. A view that is too horizontal (looking at the horizon) can be confused by distant movement, while one that is too vertical (top-down) may not see the entire profile of a car.
- Clear Line of Sight: Ensure there are no obstructions like tree branches, bushes, or flags that could partially block the view of the detection area. Even small, repetitive movements from foliage can confuse the AI.
2. Configure Smart Detection Zones Correctly
By default, the entire view of the camera is analysed. A Smart Detection Zone tells the system to only pay attention to movement within a specific, user-defined area. This is the most critical setting to get right.
- Cover the Entire Path: Open the camera settings in Unifi Protect and edit the Smart Detection Zone. Make sure the zone covers the entire area where a vehicle might appear, from the moment it enters the frame to the moment it stops. For a driveway, this means covering it from the street to the garage.
- Avoid Including Unnecessary Areas: Do not include busy roads or neighbours' properties in the zone if you can avoid it. This will help reduce the number of irrelevant events the system has to process.
3. Adjust Motion and Detection Sensitivity
While Smart Detections are powered by AI, they still rely on an initial motion trigger. If the sensitivity is too low, the camera may not even start the analysis process.
- Motion Sensitivity: In the camera's recording settings, you will find a motion sensitivity slider. If you are missing events, try increasing this value slightly.
- Smart Detection Sensitivity: Some camera models may also have a separate sensitivity setting specifically for smart detections. Ensure this is set to a reasonable level. A setting that is too high can lead to false positives (e.g., a shadow being marked as a vehicle).
4. Keep Your System and Firmware Updated
Ubiquiti is constantly refining its detection algorithms. A firmware update can often bring significant improvements in accuracy and reliability.
- Check for Updates: Regularly check for updates for your Cloud Key, NVR, and the cameras themselves within the Unifi OS settings. Applying these updates is one of the easiest ways to ensure you have the best-performing detection logic.
5. Check for Glare and Lighting Issues
Poor lighting conditions can severely impact the camera's ability to see and classify objects.
- Lens Flare: Direct sunlight shining into the lens can blind the camera, making detection impossible. If this happens at certain times of the day, consider adding a lens hood or adjusting the camera's angle.
- Night Performance: At night, ensure the area is sufficiently illuminated by the camera's built-in IR lights or external lighting. Deep shadows can hide a vehicle from view.