Quick Takeaways

• Night settings include IR LEDs, B/W IR vs color night modes, and exposure tuning.
• Lower FPS allows longer exposure but increases blur; faster shutter needs more light.
• Increase quality (less compression) at night to avoid blocky noise.
• Add ambient or IR light to reduce blur and improve identification.

Night Controls Overview

• IR LEDs: Illuminate scenes for B/W clarity; Auto switches based on light level.
• Color Night: Pushes gain and slows shutter to retain color; can blur motion.
• Exposure/FPS/Compression: Strongly interdependent after dark—tune them together.

How to set Night Vision Settings

Open the UniFi Protect web app.
Go to Cameras in the sidebar.
Select the camera you want to adjust.
Click Settings → Video.
Scroll down to the Night Vision / Infrared section.
Options you’ll usually see:
Auto – Camera switches between color and IR B/W based on light level.
On – Forces IR LEDs on, video stays in black-and-white IR mode.
Off – Disables IR, keeps color mode even in low light (may look dark/noisy).
Some newer models add Smart Detections in Low Light or “Color Night” mode, which pushes gain and slows shutter to keep color longer.
Save / Apply your changes.

Recommended Approaches

• General security: IR Auto/On, 12–15 FPS, slightly less compression, moderate shutter.
• Identification priority: Add visible/IR light, keep shutter faster, 15–20 FPS, higher quality; avoid extreme color night if it smears.
• Neighborhood‑friendly: Prefer IR over bright white light; use privacy zones generously.

Tuning Tips

• Smeary motion? Increase shutter speed (shorter exposure) and consider raising FPS slightly, but add light.
• Noisy/blocky video? Increase quality (less compression) and add light to reduce gain.
• Color night looks great for context but switch to B/W IR when identification matters.

Cheat Sheet

• Driveway night: IR On, 12–15 FPS, higher quality; add IR flood for plates.
• Backyard: IR Auto, 12–15 FPS, mid‑to‑high quality; constrain zones to reduce false alerts.
• Entryway: Use color night only if well‑lit; otherwise prefer IR for crisp edges.

Final Tips

Re‑test seasonally; ambient light and foliage change. Clean lenses; night noise exaggerates smudges and spider webs. Consider day vs night profiles if available.

More Settings: Return to the Ultimate Guide to UniFi Protect Video Settings

Related Posts: See HDR/WDR, FPS, and Compression.