Who gets in. When. From your phone.

What does License Plate Unlock actually do?

A UniFi Protect AI camera with license plate recognition watches the driveway. When it sees a plate on your authorized list, it tells the Gate Hub to open the gate — no fob, no phone tap, no code. You manage the plate list in the same app you use for the rest of the system. We position the camera at the right angle and height during install so plate reads are reliable.

Does it work with my existing gate motor?

Most likely yes. The Gate Hub has three dry-contact relays plus one powered relay — the same way any modern gate operator (LiftMaster, FAAC, BFT, DoorKing, Viking) expects an input. We confirm the exact wiring during the walk-through. If the motor is older than about a decade, we’ll flag it then.

Power outage — does my gate still work?

Two answers. First, every install we do includes a UPS battery backup on the controller, the camera, and the gate motor — you get hours of run time on a typical outage. Second, every gate operator has a manual release/override lever for true emergencies. You’re never stranded outside your own driveway.

Do I need outdoor mounting?

The Gate Hub itself stays indoors — usually in a garage, equipment closet, or weather-protected pedestal at the gate column. The reader, intercom, and camera live outside. We design the cable runs so the controller is always somewhere clean and dry.

Does the camera record?

It captures a still photo on every entry event — attached to the access log so you can see who tapped in. It is not a continuous surveillance camera. For that, pair a Reader Pro at the door with a UniFi Protect camera nearby; the access event and video clip line up in the timeline.

What credentials does it accept?

NFC mobile (phones via UniFi Identity), physical NFC cards and key fobs, PIN codes, and face. Most households end up using mobile credentials for residents and PIN codes for short-term visitors. The reader handles all of them on the same panel.

Can it work without an internet connection?

Yes. The Reader Pro and the Access controller cache the credential list locally and keep granting access during an outage. New credential changes can’t sync until the network comes back — but doors open and entries log throughout.

Indoor or outdoor?

IP55 rating means it’s built for covered outdoor placement — under an eave, porch ceiling, or pedestal canopy. For fully exposed installs (no overhang at all), we’ll spec a weather hood or step down to a Reader Flex, which is built for harder exposure.

Difference between Door Hub and Door Hub Mini?

Door Hub controls multiple doors and has more relays + inputs — built for clusters (front door + side door + service entrance from one panel in the equipment closet). Door Hub Mini controls one door with one reader, lives near that door, and costs less. For a single-door retrofit, Mini is the right call. For a whole-property build, we mix — one Door Hub in the closet for the cluster and Mini units at any outlier doors.

Can I add doors later?

Yes. Every Door Hub Mini is independent — you can add another anywhere on the network. They all show up under the same UniFi Access dashboard, share the same credential list, and behave like one system. We always recommend pulling extra CAT6 to plausible future doors during the initial install so future additions are plug-and-play.

What about my existing strike?

If your door already has a 12V or 24V electric strike or maglock, the Door Hub Mini drives it directly through its relay. If you have a mechanical lock today, we’ll either replace it with an electric strike (cleanest install) or add a low-profile strike alongside the existing latch. The walk-through covers which makes sense for the door.

Does it need a separate power supply?

For the Mini itself, no — PoE handles it. For the lock, sometimes yes. A small electric strike often runs on the Mini’s relay-switched power. A larger maglock or motorized mortise needs a dedicated 12V/24V supply. We size and install whichever is appropriate.

Do my visitors need to download an app?

For full mobile credentials — yes, the UniFi Identity app, which is free. For short-term visitors (vacation rental guests, party-of-one contractors, dinner-party guests), we use time-bound PIN codes instead. You text them a code, it works at the reader keypad, and it auto-expires. No app required.

What happens if I lose my phone?

Revoke that credential in five seconds from the dashboard. The phone is now useless at every door on the system. Issue a new credential to a replacement phone whenever you’re ready. Your house never had a key to lose — just a credential we can switch off.

Can I create temporary access codes?

Yes, two ways. PIN codes with a start time and expiry — good for short visits where you don’t want them to install anything. Or mobile credentials with the same window — better for repeat visitors like a cleaning service. Both auto-expire and both appear in the entry log with the credential name.

Does it work without internet at the door?

Yes. Each reader and controller caches the current credential list locally. If your internet drops, doors keep opening for everyone already on the list, and entries keep logging locally. When the connection comes back, everything syncs. Credential changes you make during the outage queue up and apply on reconnect.