How to watch your security cameras on a TV or monitor with the Ubiquiti UniFi Protect ViewPort

Step 1: Understand what the ViewPort does

• The UniFi Protect ViewPort shows your UniFi Protect cameras on any TV or monitor with an HDMI port, with no computer or DVR next to the screen.
• It gets video and power over one Ethernet (PoE) cable, so you don't need a long HDMI run from the recorder to the TV.
• Ethernet can run up to about 100 m (300 ft) to the ViewPort, as mentioned in the video.
• In the video it cost about $199 in the US; it is about the size of an iPhone 14 Pro.

Step 2: Check what comes in the box

• A holder/bracket that clips the ViewPort so you can hang it behind the TV or on a wall.
• Wall anchors and screws, plus two small screws for the hole on the device (for example to fix it behind a TV).
• An adhesive sticker for the back of the TV, a quick-setup guide with a QR code for your phone, and a short HDMI cable.

Note: If your TV already has a wall bracket in that spot, you may need longer screws or another way to mount it.

Step 3: Get a PoE injector or PoE switch

• A PoE power source is not included; buy a PoE injector or use a PoE switch.
• On an injector, plug in the power cable, then run the cable from the port marked PoE to the ViewPort.
• Don't use the secondary (LAN) port for the ViewPort.

Caution: Without PoE power the ViewPort will not turn on.

Step 4: Find the reset button (only if you need it)

• The end cover can come off if you pull it firmly; the reset button is under it.
• You only need this to reset the device; otherwise leave the cover on.

Caution: The cover does not look like it is meant to be serviced. If it comes loose, the video suggests a drop of super glue, or just leave it as it is.

Step 5: Connect HDMI and the Ethernet cable

• Plug the HDMI cable into the ViewPort and into the TV or monitor.
• Plug the Ethernet cable from the PoE injector or switch into the ViewPort's main PoE port.
• The front light blinks while it boots; it runs its own small operating system, so give it a moment.

Step 6: Put it on the same network as your Protect controller

• If the ViewPort can't find the network, the TV shows a message asking you to connect it.
• Connect it via Ethernet to the same network as the device running UniFi Protect (your controller).

Step 7: Adopt the ViewPort in UniFi Protect

• Open UniFi Protect in your web browser (the video uses Opera).
• Look for Ready to Add: UP Viewport and click Adopt.
• If you don't see it, the ViewPort is not on the same network or something else is wrong with your network; check that first.

Step 8: Let it update without unplugging

• As soon as it is adopted, the ViewPort searches for updates and installs them automatically.
• It may update more than once; wait until it shows as up and running.

Caution: Don't reboot or unplug the ViewPort (or any monitor or network device) during an update, or it can be damaged.

Step 9: Watch your cameras on the TV

• The ViewPort shows all your cameras on screen; in the video four cameras fill the screen at the same time.
• It runs 24/7 without touching anything; layout changes are made from UniFi Protect.
• Any TV or monitor with HDMI works; the video uses a 27-inch monitor.
• Place it behind or next to the screen, wherever is convenient.

Note: In the video no option was found to split the screen differently (for example two cameras only); Ubiquiti keeps updating the software, so more features may come.