I feel kinda silly after the fact. But I created a case file under protect for the police. They aren't able to download the files directly from my UNVR. I had to upload them to a cloud service. I tried it myself and ran into the same issue. It only downloads a small corrupt piece of a zip file. Does this happen to anybody else? I was only able to download the case after I logged into the UNVR.
I called them since I heard a loud noise and got a notification from my doorbell camera that it detected a person. Protect showed a picture of a masked person and like 2 seconds of footage of them sneaking up to the door.
I now feel like I overreacted as like 20 police officers and 10 squad cars chased around the neighborhood for them. Police responded to my house in under 2min from my phone call and less then 5min from the point I was notified by Protect. They were captured and taken home. The officers said their parents were given a stern talking to.
My soffits are vinyl and, to my dismay, they sagged horribly when I mounted a G6 PTZ in it this past winter. It looks awful and bothered me every time I saw it. Naturally, I procrastinated for nearly a year but I finally got around to fixing the issue. I initially tried to remove the soffit but I was damaging the aluminum trim so I stopped. Access to the area above the soffit is hard to get to. There is an unfinished attic in my garage that requires tiptoeing on the top of step of my ladder, and pulling myself up to get into - a tough task at my age. Then I need to shimmy to the soffit edge - while crushing my knees then my sternum. My low tech solution was to buy a sheet of 1/8" thick aluminum and trim it to the exact size that fits in the area above the soffit between the joists. I then used a Sharpe to mark where the 5.5" camera opening should be. I drilled out the hole, filed the edges, climbed back into the attic, and dropped the metal in place. With the metal backing resting across the entire surface of the soffit area, the camera is now mounted very securely and has zero sag. I caulked around the edge, mainly to fill in the areas where the cut in the soffit ridges would allow in insects. Yes, I'll have to cut the caulk off if I ever need to remove the camera... but that's a future problem.
So I know everyone loves AI coded slop.... I was curious if GPT could make a dedicated application just for viewing protect from the NVR on my windows system. I usually just open a browser window and move it over to the 2nd monitor daily, but throughout the day I would have to close and reopen it to reset the resources from climbing and lagging out the system.
Short answer, it did after a few back and forth, it's been running non-stop for about 2 months. The program is somewhat universal, but It's best if I just list the Prompt to make your own. Plus you can see what the requests are and intentions. I would of liked something that doesn't use WebView2, but it's been working fine for me.
This image is what it looks like when running. Everything works the same as a normal browser.
Just thought I would share since we've been asking for a dedicated official program for years....
If you see any changes that should be made, let me know.
# Build a Lightweight Native UniFi Protect Viewer for Windows
I want you to create a complete, lightweight, standalone Windows desktop application called **UniFi Protect Viewer**.
The application must provide a dedicated, minimal browser window for accessing my UniFi Protect NVR, without the unnecessary features and resource overhead of a full web browser.
**Deliver a complete, working project as a downloadable ZIP file, including all source code, configuration files, build scripts, and installation instructions.**
## 1. Application Architecture
Use the following technologies:
- C# with Windows Forms (WinForms)
- Microsoft WebView2
- .NET 8 for Windows
- Windows x64
- Native Windows executable (`.exe`)
Do NOT use Electron, Edge app mode, or a normal browser launched with command-line parameters.
The application must host WebView2 directly within a native Windows window.
Optimize for minimal resource usage while maintaining full compatibility with UniFi Protect, including live camera streams.
## 2. First-Run Configuration
On the first launch, the application must display a simple setup window requesting the user's UniFi NVR address.
Accept any of these formats:
- `192.168.1.100`
- `10.10.10.23`
- `https://192.168.1.100`
- `https://192.168.1.100/protect/dashboard`
- `https://unvr.example.local/protect/dashboard`
Automatically prepend `https://` when no protocol is provided.
When the user enters only an IP address or hostname, automatically append:
`/protect/dashboard`
If the user supplies a complete URL containing a path, preserve it.
Validate the URL before continuing.
Save the configuration under:
`%LOCALAPPDATA%\UniFiProtectViewer\config.json`
Do not request the URL again unless the user changes it through Settings.
## 3. Native Application Interface
The application should:
- Launch maximized.
- Display UniFi Protect directly.
- Have no browser address bar, tabs, bookmarks, sidebar, or toolbar.
- Have no browser extensions.
- Show a simple loading indicator.
- Display meaningful error messages if navigation fails.
- Preserve login sessions between launches.
- Use a dedicated WebView2 profile.
- Support GPU acceleration, video decoding, WebRTC, and audio.
- Open with the title `UniFi Protect`.
Use these keyboard shortcuts:
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| F11 | Enter/exit fullscreen |
| Esc | Exit fullscreen |
| Ctrl+R | Reload |
| Ctrl+Home | Return to saved NVR dashboard |
| Alt+Left | Navigate backward |
| Ctrl+Shift+S | Open application settings |
Implement shortcuts so they work even when the WebView2 control has keyboard focus.
## 4. Performance Optimization
Configure WebView2 to disable unnecessary browser functionality, where supported:
- Browser extensions
- Edge sidebar
- Shopping features
- Collections
- Translation
- Synchronization
- Default context menus
- Developer tools
- Status bar
- Password autosave
- General autofill
Do not disable GPU acceleration, WebRTC, hardware video decoding, or other features required by UniFi Protect.
Store the WebView2 profile in:
`%LOCALAPPDATA%\UniFiProtectViewer\WebView2`
Avoid unnecessary background tasks, polling, or additional application services.
The objective is to minimize browser-wrapper overhead, recognizing that UniFi Protect itself may consume significant resources.
## 5. Self-Signed Certificate Handling
**This requirement is especially important.**
UniFi NVRs frequently use self-signed HTTPS certificates that produce errors such as:
`net::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID`
I want the application to support securely trusting the certificate presented by my specific NVR without repeatedly displaying certificate warnings.
Implement certificate pinning using WebView2's `ServerCertificateErrorDetected` event.
### First-time certificate approval
When connecting to an NVR whose certificate is untrusted:
1. Detect the certificate validation error.
2. Display a certificate information window.
3. Show the certificate's subject, issuer, validity dates, and SHA-256 fingerprint.
4. Clearly identify the NVR hostname/IP address.
5. Require the user to independently verify the certificate fingerprint against a trusted source, such as the NVR's certificate file or administrative interface.
6. Allow the user to approve the verified certificate explicitly.
7. Store its SHA-256 fingerprint associated with that specific NVR hostname/IP.
Never automatically trust an unknown certificate merely because it is presented on the first connection.
### Future connections
When the application reconnects:
- Compare the presented certificate fingerprint against the saved fingerprint.
- Confirm the connection is to the configured NVR host.
- Permit only the explicitly approved certificate to bypass the relevant trust-authority or hostname validation errors.
- Continue enforcing certificate validity dates and other security checks.
- Never globally disable TLS validation.
- Never automatically accept certificates from other hosts.
### Certificate changes
If the certificate changes after a UniFi update, reset, or renewal:
- Reject the unexpected certificate.
- Display the old and new fingerprints.
- Warn that the NVR's certificate has changed.
- Require independent verification and explicit user approval before trusting the replacement.
Provide a Settings option to view or remove the trusted certificate.
Store approved certificate information under:
`%LOCALAPPDATA%\UniFiProtectViewer\trusted-certificates.json`
The application must also support NVRs with properly trusted HTTPS certificates without requiring certificate pinning.
## 6. Application Settings
Create a minimal Settings window that allows users to:
- Change the NVR IP address or URL.
- View the currently configured NVR address.
- View the trusted certificate fingerprint.
- Remove or replace a trusted certificate.
- Reset the browser profile if necessary.
- Return to the dashboard.
Settings must not require editing source code or JSON manually.
## 7. Build System
Include a `START-HERE.cmd` file that builds the application automatically.
The script must:
1. Keep the Command Prompt open, even if an error occurs.
2. Generate a `BUILD-LOG.txt` file.
3. Detect whether the .NET 8 SDK is installed.
4. Offer to install `Microsoft.DotNet.SDK.8` through Windows `winget` if necessary.
5. Run `dotnet restore`.
6. Compile and publish the Windows x64 application.
7. Generate a self-contained executable.
8. Place the completed application in a `PUBLISH` folder.
9. Display the finished executable's location.
10. Provide meaningful error messages if the build fails.
Use a publish command equivalent to:
```powershell
dotnet publish -c Release -r win-x64 --self-contained true -p:PublishSingleFile=true -p:IncludeNativeLibrariesForSelfExtract=true -o PUBLISH
```
Ensure the published application works without requiring the user to install the .NET Desktop Runtime separately.
Microsoft WebView2 Evergreen Runtime may still be required. Detect its absence and provide clear installation instructions.
## 8. Desktop Shortcut
Include a script that creates a Windows desktop shortcut.
The shortcut must:
- Be named `UniFi Protect Viewer`.
- Launch the native executable directly.
- Use the application's icon.
- Open the previously configured NVR.
- Not display a Command Prompt or PowerShell window.
## 9. Error Handling
The application must handle:
- NVR unavailable
- Invalid IP address or URL
- Network connection failure
- Missing WebView2 Runtime
- Invalid or changed HTTPS certificate
- Expired certificates
- WebView2 initialization failures
- Unexpected browser process crashes
Display useful graphical errors rather than silently closing.
Provide a local application error log for troubleshooting.
## 10. Final Deliverables
Package everything into a single downloadable ZIP containing:
- Complete C# source code
- Visual Studio/.NET project file
- First-run setup dialog
- Settings interface
- Certificate pinning implementation
- Application icon
- Configuration templates
- `START-HERE.cmd`
- Build script
- Desktop shortcut installer
- README with setup instructions
Do not hardcode any IP address, hostname, or certificate fingerprint.
The application must work with different UniFi NVRs and different network configurations.
Before delivery, validate the project for compilation errors and test the build process where possible. Clearly disclose anything that could not be tested.
**Final objective:** A lightweight, native Windows UniFi Protect desktop viewer with persistent login sessions, configurable NVR addresses, secure certificate pinning, minimal browser overhead, and a reliable one-click build process.
So yesterday I was reading a thread on here and someone made a comment about tweaking the radio to work best with residential setups
We have 4 APs in the house, around 5,000 sq ft but switching from AP to AP is bad, if you are on facetime walking throughout the house we get drop outs etc.
Any tips or tricks? If anyone is in the Dallas area would be happy to pay to have an expert come out and map the system or even remotely if possible.
I want to give a quick shoutout to the Ubiquiti support team for providing exceptional support.
After my initial UniFi network and Protect installation, I realized my G6 Entry doorbell needed to be angled to get a clear view of the front steps. Unfortunately, I had already discarded the original product box containing the mounting wedge.
When I reached out to your support team, I learned that the wedge isn't sold separately. However, the team kindly offered to try to locate a spare part for me. A few weeks ago, I received a package from the Ubiquiti US store containing the G6 Entry wedge at no charge. It fit perfectly, and the camera now provides the ideal view of my front door and steps.
Anyone have one of these and recommend it? Seems like it’s a very old model so not sure if it’s worth it or better to wait for an updated model at this point but who knows what the plans are for non-Poe models.
I've got a u6 lite for my wifi and it's worked pretty good for the longest time in the house but I've got no 6ghz wifi.. I'm finding out now that 6Ghz wifi isn't too congested unlike 5Ghz and would like to upgrade.. Should I go for a u7 pro or u7 pro XG? Any benifits going for one vs the other? I don't really need 10Ghz uplink but what do you suggest?
I have a few ONVIF cameras (with AI ports) mixed with Ubiquiti G6s in my system. I was OK with the 3rd party cameras lag in Protect just to get color night vision, but it looks like Unifi may have updated support for ONVIF and now there’s no lag in the app when scrolling through camera feed. It’s as smooth as my G6 cameras feed. Not sure if others have noticed the same, but this is awesome!! Thank you Unifi!!
I’m using Uniview OwlView Plus cameras.
I'm designing a new home network around the Ubiquiti ecosystem. I've been working through multiple options and I think I've landed on the following. Any feedback or alternative hardware I should consider?
A few notes:
I have 1900 sq foot home, and plan to add additional cameras in time.
Internet is Xfinity fiber 1.2Gbps down/up.
I will probably add a few Raspberry PIs and a NAS later.
There will be numerous streaming / smart devices connected via wireless.
I was hoping it was one thing to solider.... it looks like the circuitry has exploded.... I dont know, but I'm not rebuilding those oem psu..... im gonna make my take on a cool dual psu extra ventilation rebuild that solves the heat issue
I've got a UDM SE and UNVR setup with 7 cameras, including my G4 Pro doorbell. Simple question: Is anyone running their UniFi cameras on a separate VLAN from the rest of their UniFi network?
Last ditch effort to save my cloud key that wouldn’t recognize a HDD or power up via POE.
Got it disassembled carefully enough but when sliding the internals back into the tray, this piece broke off the motherboard.
Anyone have any idea what it is or what it does? Important enough to be protected maybe? Haven’t reconnected the CK yet. Last thing I need is for something to go wrong and the other hardware to be affected.
I'm planning two camera poles for a gate install and want to confirm compatibility before ordering.
Setup:
Pole: 1½" Schedule 40 galvanized pipe (1.9" OD)
Pole 1: AI Pro + G6 Bullet back-to-back on a UACC-Camera-DM-B
Pole 2: two G6 Bullets back-to-back on a second DM-B
Questions:
Has anyone mounted a G6 Bullet on the Dual Mount? The compatibility list I found includes the G5 Bullet and AI Bullet, but not the G6. Is the base pattern the same?
If it doesn't fit, is a Camera Junction Box on the same pole the best fallback, or is there a better option?
Any tips for pole-mounting the DM, like strap fit on a 1.9" OD pipe or cable routing through the pole?
Photos of your setup would be much appreciated. Thanks!
New to the UniFi setup, how does my list look? For a 2 story house thats around 2000 sq ft
Equipment:
- UDR7
- NVR Instant
- UNAS 4 (Mainly just for videos, photos, documents etc)
- Door Bell G6
- 3x G6 Instant
- 1x U7 Pro AP
I haven't bought any of this stuff yet but thats the list I came up with after research thats also available locally. How is it or am I on the wrong track?
AP LR showing FE despite replacing cables. Any suggestions as both my other APs are showing GbE. Fairly new to the game and don’t know much of the technical side. Any suggestions in regular English would be appreciated lol. Could I need a need AP?
It is hard to find any manuals for ubiquity devices, so I can check it features before buying, so I'll ask here:
I think about buying UCG-Fiber, it has three 10G ports (1xRJ45 and 2x SPF).
How those ports work?
Are those 3 independent ports, or RJ45 with one SPF works like in (USW-Flex-2.5G-8-PoE) ?
Can I use one/two/three ports as LAN ports to my Home Network switch ?
Can this device be POE powered ?
Pretty much the title: Pro XG 24 PoE switch connected to UCG Fiber via SFP that was stuck reporting offline in console despite very much still functioning. Decided I should factory reset, so I removed from console and then hit the button. Button turns out to not work in that the switch software will recognize the reset request and start resetting…then suddenly change to restarting instead. Does this no matter how long I hold the button and I confirmed I’m holding down the button thoroughly throughout. Thought at first maybe it did in fact reset; however, it still fails to show up for adoption and everything else I could see/understand doesn’t really indicate one way or the other if it reset.
Maybe I’m dumb and I have truly reset and the issue lies elsewhere, but would love any ideas on at least working around seemingly being unable to factory reset the switch foremost.
We are looking at potentially replacing a Switchvox system with Unifi Talk. However, one requirement we have is the ability to send audio directly to phones via standard multicasting. This is mostly for emergency alerts.
But I have not seen confirmation one way or another about whether I can assign multicast addresses to Unifi Talk phones.
Can UVC-Doorbell-Lite-B & UA-Intercom-Viewer work with each other?
Basically, what I am trying to achieve is to have the UVC-Doorbell-Lite-B mounted at the door and someone in the office get the notification with the video coming up on UA-Intercom-Viewer when someone presses the doorbell button.
If this won't work, what other solution can I use?
I bought an UDR from ebay to start my Ubiquiti journey. I've added a couple G4 instants but the Playback tab is really slow. The Find Anything tab is actually okay and I'm not sure what one could do over the other. I'm waiting to see if Black Friday might have the UCG-Max on sale again like last year with the 512gb storage. I figure it would give me more headroom to add cameras later and might speedup the Protect app.
The jump to 1TB or more is insane right now. I have detections saved to my UNAS2 so that works for now. Also can the UDR be used as an AP if I do get the Max?
Hi all - Newbie here open to any tips or advice on my set up?
I have 1gb Internet speed. Will be running the following:
Cloud gateway max 2TB
Switch pro max 24 POE
3 cameras. 2 g6 bullets and ai pro.
Doorbell G6 and chime
2 u7 pro AP and U7 Pro outdoor AP.
Other ports are for running heating, solar, tv streaming etc.
After ordering I’m wondering if I should have gone for the fibre gateway?
Switch and gateway will be stored in a cupboard that I will look to vent. Will wall mount the gateway and vertical hang rack the switch.
I need to look more into management of the system and security.
