Support
Need help with BigFred? We're here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to use BigFred?
A Mac running macOS 14 Sonoma or later, and a UniFi Protect console (UDM, UDM Pro, UDR, UNVR, or Cloud Key Gen2+). You'll need a Protect Integration API key for local access, or a UI.com API key for remote access.
How do I get a Protect API key?
Open your Protect console's web interface, go to Settings → Integration API, and create a new API key. Give it a descriptive name like "BigFred".
How do I get a UI.com API key for remote access?
Go to unifi.ui.com/settings/api-keys, create a new API key, and enable the Site Manager and Protect scopes.
Can I watch live streams remotely?
Yes, but live RTSP streaming requires port forwarding. Forward port 7441 on your router to your Protect console's local IP address. Snapshots and event notifications work remotely without port forwarding.
Why aren't my smart detection notifications working?
Make sure you've added a notification rule for the camera in Settings → Notifications, and that the specific detection types (person, vehicle, etc.) are enabled. Also check that the camera has AI detection enabled in UniFi Protect.
Does BigFred collect my data?
No. BigFred communicates directly with your Protect console. No data is sent to our servers. See our Privacy Policy for details.
How do I reset BigFred?
Delete the database at ~/Library/Containers/com.npc.bigfred/ and relaunch the app. You'll go through the setup wizard again.
BigFred isn't connecting to my console.
Make sure your Mac and Protect console are on the same network. Verify your API key is correct. BigFred uses HTTPS, so self-signed certificates on the console are accepted automatically.