How to Add Storage to UniFi NVR in 2026 Easy Guide

Easily expand your UniFi NVR storage in 2026 by installing additional hard drives or upgrading existing ones via the intuitive UniFi web interface. With support for both internal SATA drives and external USB storage, you can seamlessly scale capacity to meet growing surveillance needs—no advanced technical skills required. Follow simple steps to format, mount, and configure new drives for continuous, reliable recording.

Key Takeaways

• Check compatibility: Ensure new drives match UniFi NVR specs before installation.
• Hot-swap support: Add drives without powering down the NVR system.
• RAID configuration: Optimize performance and redundancy using built-in RAID tools.
• Expand via USB: Use high-speed USB 3.0 drives for quick storage expansion.
• Monitor health: Use UniFi Protect dashboard to track drive status and capacity.
• Back up first: Always backup data before upgrading or replacing drives.

Understanding the UniFi NVR and Its Storage Needs

As surveillance systems grow more advanced and video quality improves, the demand for storage in network video recorders (NVRs) continues to rise. The UniFi NVR, developed by Ubiquiti, has become a go-to solution for businesses and homeowners seeking a reliable, scalable, and cloud-managed video surveillance system. Whether you’re monitoring a small retail store, a large office complex, or a multi-site enterprise, the ability to store and retrieve high-definition video footage efficiently is critical. With 4K cameras, AI-powered motion detection, and longer retention policies becoming standard in 2026, storage capacity is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

One of the most common challenges users face is running out of storage space on their UniFi NVR. While the base models come with internal drives or support for external storage, many users eventually need to expand. The good news? Adding storage to a UniFi NVR is not only possible but also straightforward when you understand the available options, compatibility requirements, and best practices. This guide walks you through everything you need to know in 2026 to upgrade your UniFi NVR’s storage capacity—without compromising performance, reliability, or security. From choosing the right hard drives to configuring RAID arrays and leveraging cloud backups, we’ll cover it all with practical examples and expert tips.

Assessing Your Current Storage Setup

Check Existing Storage Capacity

Before adding new storage, it’s essential to understand your current setup. Log into your UniFi Protect web interface or mobile app and navigate to the “Settings” > “Storage” section. Here, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of:

• Total storage capacity (e.g., 8TB)
• Used space (e.g., 5.2TB)
• Estimated retention time (e.g., 30 days for 4K cameras)
• Disk health status
• RAID configuration (if applicable)

For example, a UniFi NVR Pro with a single 8TB drive running five G4 Pro cameras might show a retention period of 25 days. If your business requires 90-day retention, you’ll need to either reduce video quality (not recommended) or add storage. Use the retention calculator built into UniFi Protect to estimate future needs based on camera count, resolution, and motion activity.

Determine Your Storage Goals

Ask yourself these key questions to define your storage expansion goals:

• How many days of footage do I need to retain? (e.g., 30, 60, or 90 days)
• Am I adding new cameras soon? (More cameras = more storage needed)
• Do I need redundancy? (RAID 1, 5, or 10 for data protection)
• Is physical space a concern? (Internal vs. external storage)
• Do I want future scalability? (Modular or expandable systems)

For instance, a school campus with 20 cameras and a compliance requirement to store footage for 60 days would need at least 16–20TB of usable storage. This calculation includes overhead for motion events, AI processing, and system logs. Always add a 20% buffer to your estimate to accommodate unexpected growth.

Identify Your NVR Model

Not all UniFi NVRs support the same storage expansion methods. Identify your model to determine available options:

• UniFi NVR (Standard): Internal SATA bay (1 drive), USB 3.0 for external expansion
• UniFi NVR Pro: Two internal SATA bays, USB 3.0, optional expansion via UniFi Dream Machine (UDM) integration
• UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDM Pro): Two internal SATA bays, supports RAID, USB 3.0, optional expansion via UniFi Storage Expansion Unit
• UniFi Dream Machine SE (UDM SE): One internal SATA bay, USB 3.0, limited expansion
• UniFi Protect Network Video Recorder (UNVR): Four internal SATA bays, supports RAID 0/1/5/10, USB 3.0, optional cloud backup

Knowing your model helps you choose the right path. For example, the UNVR is ideal for large deployments due to its four-bay design, while the standard NVR may require external solutions sooner.

Choosing the Right Storage: Drives and Formats

Selecting Compatible Hard Drives

Not all hard drives are created equal—especially for 24/7 video surveillance workloads. Ubiquiti recommends surveillance-grade hard drives (often labeled as “SV” or “Surveillance”) because they are optimized for continuous write operations, high temperatures, and vibration resistance. Avoid consumer-grade drives like WD Blue or Seagate BarraCuda for long-term use.

Top recommended drives in 2026 include:

• Western Digital Purple: Designed for 24/7 surveillance, supports AI-enabled cameras (Purple AI series)
• Seagate SkyHawk: High workload rating (up to 180TB/year), includes ImagePerfect firmware
• Toshiba S300: Reliable, low power consumption, good for small to medium setups

Example: A 12TB WD Purple Pro drive offers 180TB/year workload, 2.5M hours MTBF, and supports up to 64 HD cameras—ideal for a UNVR with 15 G5 Bullet cameras.

Capacity and Performance Considerations

Choose drive capacity based on your retention needs. Here’s a quick reference:

• 4TB: ~15 days retention for 10 x 4K cameras (high motion)
• 8TB: ~30 days retention for 10 x 4K cameras
• 12TB: ~45 days retention for 15 x 4K cameras
• 16TB: ~60 days retention for 20 x 4K cameras

Note: These estimates assume average motion activity. High-motion environments (e.g., parking lots) may consume 2–3x more storage. Also, larger drives (16TB+) are more cost-effective per terabyte but may require firmware updates for full compatibility.

File System and Formatting

The UniFi NVR uses a custom Linux-based file system optimized for video streaming. When adding new drives:

• Do not pre-format the drive on a PC or Mac
• Insert the drive into the NVR and let UniFi Protect format it automatically
• Formatting erases all data—ensure backups are made if reusing old drives
• After formatting, the system will initialize the drive and add it to the storage pool (or RAID array)

Tip: If replacing an existing drive, use the “Replace Drive” feature in UniFi Protect to maintain RAID integrity and minimize downtime.

Step-by-Step: Adding Internal Storage

Preparing the NVR

Before opening your NVR, follow these safety steps:

• Power down the NVR completely (unplug from power)
• Disconnect all cameras and network cables
• Ground yourself using an anti-static wrist strap
• Work on a clean, flat surface with good lighting

For models like the UNVR or UDM Pro, you’ll need a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the chassis cover. Refer to the official Ubiquiti Hardware Guide for your specific model’s disassembly instructions.

Installing the Hard Drive

Here’s how to install a new SATA drive in a UNVR (similar process for UDM Pro):

1. Locate an empty SATA bay (usually labeled Bay 2, 3, or 4)
2. Slide the drive into the bay, ensuring the SATA connector is aligned
3. Secure the drive with two screws (included in the NVR package)
4. Connect the SATA data cable (pre-attached in most cases) and power cable
5. Double-check all connections before closing the chassis

Example: A user upgrading from 8TB to 24TB total capacity in a UNVR would install three 8TB drives. The system will automatically detect and format them during boot.

Configuring RAID (Optional but Recommended)

If your NVR supports RAID (UNVR, UDM Pro), configure it for redundancy and performance:

• RAID 1 (Mirror): 2 drives, 50% usable capacity, protects against single drive failure
• RAID 5: 3+ drives, ~75% usable capacity, protects against one drive failure
• RAID 10: 4+ drives, 50% usable capacity, high performance and fault tolerance

To set up RAID in UniFi Protect:

1. Boot the NVR and log into the web interface
2. Go to “Settings” > “Storage” > “Manage Drives”
3. Select the drives to include in the array
4. Choose RAID type and click “Apply”
5. Wait for the array to rebuild (can take several hours)

Tip: Use RAID 5 for 3–5 drives, RAID 10 for mission-critical systems. Never use RAID 0 (striping) without backup—it offers no redundancy.

Expanding Storage Externally: USB and Network Options

Using USB External Drives

All UniFi NVRs support USB 3.0 external drives for storage expansion. This is ideal for small setups or temporary boosts.

Requirements:

• USB 3.0 or higher external drive (HDD or SSD)
• Formatted as exFAT or NTFS (do not use FAT32—4GB file limit)
• Self-powered or powered USB hub (to avoid power draw issues)

Steps:

1. Connect the drive to a USB port on the NVR
2. Wait for detection (LED indicator or notification)
3. In UniFi Protect, go to “Settings” > “Storage” > “External Storage”
4. Select the drive and click “Mount”
5. The drive will appear as additional storage for recording

Example: A user with a standard NVR and 4TB internal drive adds a 6TB USB drive to achieve 10TB total. Retention increases from 12 to 30 days for 8 cameras.

Network Attached Storage (NAS) Integration

For advanced users, mounting a NAS as external storage is possible using NFS (Network File System). This allows centralized storage for multiple NVRs or off-site backups.

Requirements:

• Synology, QNAP, or TrueNAS server with NFS share
• Stable gigabit network connection
• Static IP for both NVR and NAS

Steps:

1. On the NAS, create an NFS share with read/write permissions
2. Note the IP address and mount path (e.g., 192.168.1.100:/unifi_storage)
3. On the NVR, go to “Settings” > “Storage” > “External Storage” > “Add NFS”
4. Enter the NAS IP and path, then test connection
5. Mount the share and assign it to a camera group

Tip: Use a dedicated VLAN for storage traffic to reduce network congestion. Monitor latency—high ping (>10ms) can cause recording interruptions.

Best Practices for Long-Term Storage Management

Monitoring and Maintenance

Regular monitoring prevents data loss and performance issues. Use these tools:

• Disk Health Checks: UniFi Protect shows SMART status—replace drives with “Warning” or “Failed” status
• Email Alerts: Enable notifications for low space, drive failure, or RAID degradation
• Monthly Audits: Review retention periods, camera activity, and storage trends

Example: A business owner sets up weekly email alerts for storage below 20% and receives a notification when usage hits 82%, prompting a drive upgrade.

Backup and Redundancy Strategies

Never rely on a single storage point. Implement a 3-2-1 backup rule:

• 3 copies of data (primary + 2 backups)
• 2 different media types (internal HDD + USB + cloud)
• 1 off-site copy (cloud or remote NAS)

Options:

• UniFi Cloud Backup: Encrypted off-site storage (subscription-based)
• External USB Drive Rotation: Use two drives, swap weekly, store one off-site
• NAS Replication: Sync footage to a secondary location

Future-Proofing Your Setup

As video tech evolves, plan ahead:

• Choose NVRs with 4+ drive bays (e.g., UNVR)
• Use 12TB+ drives for longer upgrade cycles
• Enable AI metadata storage (separate from video) for faster searches
• Consider hybrid setups (on-prem + cloud) for disaster recovery

Data Table: Estimated Storage Needs by Camera Setup

Cameras	Resolution	Motion Level	Storage Needed (30 Days)	Recommended Drive(s)
5	1080p	Low	4TB	1x 6TB WD Purple
10	4K	Medium	8TB	2x 8TB Seagate SkyHawk (RAID 1)
20	4K	High	16TB	3x 8TB WD Purple Pro (RAID 5)
30	4K + AI	High	24TB	4x 8TB (RAID 10) + Cloud Backup

Conclusion

Adding storage to your UniFi NVR in 2026 is a critical step in ensuring your surveillance system remains effective, reliable, and scalable. Whether you’re expanding internal drives, setting up RAID for redundancy, or integrating external USB or NAS solutions, the process is well-supported by Ubiquiti’s ecosystem. By choosing surveillance-grade hard drives, understanding your retention needs, and following best practices for maintenance and backup, you can avoid data loss, optimize performance, and future-proof your investment.

Remember, storage isn’t just about capacity—it’s about resilience, accessibility, and longevity. A well-planned storage strategy ensures that critical footage is always available when you need it, whether for security audits, incident investigations, or compliance requirements. With the right approach, your UniFi NVR can support growing camera counts, higher resolutions, and advanced AI features for years to come. Start with a clear assessment, choose compatible hardware, and implement redundancy and monitoring—your peace of mind depends on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add storage to my UniFi NVR in 2026?

To add storage to your UniFi NVR, open the UniFi Protect web interface, navigate to the NVR settings, and select “Storage.” From there, you can format and enable newly installed internal drives or connect external USB drives for expanded capacity. Ensure drives are compatible (e.g., WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk) for optimal performance.

Can I use external hard drives with UniFi NVR?

Yes, UniFi NVR supports external USB 3.0+ hard drives for additional storage. Simply plug the drive into the NVR’s USB port, format it via the Protect interface, and assign it to your cameras. Note that external drives may not be as reliable as internal drives for 24/7 recording.

What type of hard drives are compatible with UniFi NVR?

UniFi NVR works best with surveillance-grade drives like WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk, or Toshiba S300. These drives are optimized for continuous write operations and handle motion-triggered recording efficiently. Avoid standard desktop drives, as they may fail under heavy workloads.

Is there a maximum storage limit for UniFi NVR?

The maximum storage depends on your NVR model. For example, the UniFi Dream Machine (UDM) supports up to 20TB per drive bay, while the UNVR-AU allows multiple drives totaling 60TB+ with expansion. Always check Ubiquiti’s official specs for your specific model.

How do I replace or upgrade the existing drive in my UniFi NVR?

To upgrade storage, power off the NVR, remove the old drive, and insert the new one. In the UniFi Protect interface, format the new drive and migrate recordings if needed. For hot-swappable models, you can replace drives without downtime using the “Storage Health” tool.

Can I expand UniFi NVR storage with a NAS or network share?

No, UniFi NVR does not support NAS or network-attached storage for primary recording. However, you can use a NAS for backup purposes by enabling “Cloud Backup” in UniFi Protect settings to offload footage after initial recording on the NVR’s local storage.