How to Add UniFi Protect Cameras to HomeKit 2026

1. Visit the AddtoHomeKit Website
2. Select the UniFi Ecosystem
3. Choose your preferred Solution
4. Choose your preferred Operating System
5. Choose your preferred Plugin
6. Install the plugin
7. Follow on-screen instructions

1. Prepare your Network:

Make sure you have a stable WiFi network available, both your iOS device and HOOBS to the same Wi-Fi network.



2. Visit the HOOBS website:

You must flash the HOOBS image onto a microSD card using appropriate software (eg: BalenaEtcher or Raspberry Pi Image). Now, insert the microSD into the Raspberry Pi. Acquire and install HOOBS.



3. Boot up HOOBS:

After the installation of HOOBS. Connect your Raspberry Pi to power and wait for HOOBS to boot up. HOOBS will appear as a Wi-Fi network namely “hoobs.local”, connect your device to this network.



4. Access HOOBS Dashboard:

Visit http://hoobs.local. And follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup of HOOBS. You would most likely need to set up your admin account and connect HOOBS to your Wi-Fi network.



5. Access HOOBS Configuration:

After completing the setup, you will be directed to the HOOBS dashboard where you can manage plugins and configure devices.



6. Install UniFi Plugin:

In the HOOBS dashboard, click on “Plugins” in the sidebar. Search for “UniFi” in the Plugins Marketplace. Click “Install”.



7. Configure the UniFi Plugin.


8. Add UniFi Devices to HomeKit.

1. Install HomeBridge:

Set up HomeBridge on a Raspberry Pi, macOS or Windows machine. This acts as a bridge for connecting UniFi devices to HomeKit.



2. Install HomeBridge UniFi Plugin:

Add the HomeBridge-UniFi-Protect or HomeBridge-UniFi Access plugin to enable communication between HomeKit and UniFi devices.



3. Configure the Plugin:

Set up the plugin using your UniFi controller IP and credentials in the HomeBridge configuration file.

 
{  
    "name": "UniFi",  
    "username": "your-unifi-email",  
    "password": "your-unifi-password",  
    "platform": "UniFi"  
} 

4. Restart HomeBridge:

Restart the HomeBridge after the plugin configuration to app the changes.



5. Pair with HomeKit:

Open the Home App on your device. You would be able to locate the UniFi devices you have configured with the HomeBridge plugin. Now you will be able to add any UniFi Camera Apple HomeKit setup and control them through the Home app or via Siri.

Enable Network Settings for HomeKit Compatibility

1. Log into UniFi Console

   Access your UniFi network console (typically unifi.ui.com or your local controller IP).

2. Navigate to Network Settings

   Go to Settings > Network (or Manage > Network depending on your console version). Select the LAN or IoT network where your HomeKit devices are connected.

3. Enable mDNS (Multicast DNS)

   Scroll down and find "Multicast DNS (mDNS)". Toggle it ON. This allows HomeKit devices to discover each other across your network.

4. Enable IGMP Snooping

   Find "IGMP Snooping" in the same network settings. Toggle it ON. This optimizes multicast traffic for Thread and Matter devices.

5. Disable Network Isolation (if applicable)

   If your HomeKit devices are on an isolated IoT VLAN, go to Settings > Networks > [Your IoT VLAN] and toggle OFF "Isolate Network". HomeKit devices need to communicate with your hub.

6. Save and Apply

   Click "Save" or "Apply" to save your changes. Your network will restart briefly. Wait 2-3 minutes for full stability.

Create a Read-Only User for HomeKit Bridge Security

1. Log into UniFi Console

   Access your UniFi network or Protect console.

2. Navigate to Users

   Go to Users or Manage > Users in your console.

3. Click Add User

   Click the "+ Add User" button.

4. Set Username and Password

   Enter a username like "homekit-readonly" and create a strong password. Write this down for the next step.

5. Select Read-Only Role

   Under Permissions, select "Viewer" or "Read-Only" role. This prevents the bridge from making changes to your UniFi system if compromised.

6. Create User

   Click "Create" or "Save". Your read-only user is now ready to use with Scrypted, Homebridge, or Home Assistant.

• All-in-One-Control – Manage UniFI devices right from your Apple Home app, making everything more streamlined.


• Smart Automation – You can easily connect UniFI devices to work with other smart home devices.


• Remote Monitoring – Check on your UniFi cameras or network devices no matter where you are.


• Enhanced Privacy – Enjoy HomeKit’s built-in encryption for extra security.


• Apple Ecosystem Benefits – Keep everything neatly integrated under one system, making smart home management smoother.

1. Organize your Devices
• Create Rooms: Group devices by room or function in the Home app for easier management.
• Label Device Clearly: Use intuitive names for devices, making voice commands and app navigation simpler.


2. Use Scenes Effectively
• Combine Actions: Create scenes that activate multiple devices simultaneously, such as, “Leaving Home,” which could turn off lights, lock doors and set your thermostat for an instance.
• Set Time-Based Scenes: Schedule scenes to run at specific times, like turning on lights at sunset.


3. Set Triggers and Conditions
• After the installation of HOOBS. Connect your Raspberry Pi to power and wait for HOOBS to boot up. HOOBS will appear as a Wi-Fi network namely “hoobs.local”, connect your device to this network.
• Device State Triggers: Automate actions based on the state of another device such as turning on the porch light when your security camera detects motion.


4. Make Use of Provided Short Cuts
• Siri Shortcuts: Create custom Siri commands for specific actions or scenes, providing quick access through voice control.

1. Create an Account in UniFi Protect on Ubiquiti.
2. Enable – Add a Read Only User to Unifi Protect to monitor and control your cameras. So, the HomeBridge can connect to Protect, register to events, and then bridge to HomeKit.
3. Enable the RTSP Streaming Service to make your Unifi Cameras Discoverable.
4. Name your Camera to make it easy to select.

• Unifi G3 Flex.
• Unifi Cloud Key Gen2 Plus.
• Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+.
• Unifi Protect Controller – IP Address, Username, and Password.

1. Install the Apple Home App on your iPhone.
2. Open the App >Tap on + and Add Accessory.
3. Scan the QR Code to add the Unifi Protect to Home kit.
4. You can choose to Locate or Rename your Cameras as you want.
5. Finally, you can access all your Connected Unifi Protect devices on HomeKit.