---
url: /admin/instances.md
---

# Instances

An **instance** is another camera.ui server saved here, so you can switch to it without logging in again. Manage them in **Instances** (in the menu). Instances are separate, full servers; to make a second machine share the load of *this* server instead, see [Workers](/admin/workers).

* **Add an instance** with a name, its URL, and a username and password for it.
* **Two-factor accounts.** An account with 2FA needs the 6-digit code from your authenticator app when you add the instance or switch to it, see [Security](/admin/security#remote-instances).\[^backupcodes] Until then the card shows a **2FA** tag and **Enter code** in its menu.
* Each instance card shows its status: version, uptime, cameras, whether it's online and recording, and resource use.

\[^backupcodes]: The prompt takes the 6-digit code from the app only, not a backup code.

When you have more than one, an **instance switcher** appears in the top bar.

::: warning
Switching to an instance over plain HTTP passes your session in the address, so camera.ui warns you first. Use HTTPS where you can.
:::