Kasa Camera Suddenly Stopped Working? Here's Your Troubleshooting Guide
TP-Link's Kasa smart cameras are popular for their ease of use and reliability. However, like any connected device, they can sometimes run into problems. It can be alarming when your security camera, which you rely on for peace of mind, suddenly stops working. Whether it's showing as offline, not recording, or is completely unresponsive, there's usually a logical explanation.
This guide will walk you through the most common reasons why a Kasa camera stops working and provide you with a clear, step-by-step process to get it back online and functioning correctly.
## Diagnosing the Issue: Common Symptoms
First, let's figure out exactly how the problem is presenting itself. Your camera's status and behaviour are key clues to finding the solution.
Common problems include:
- Camera is "Offline": The most common issue. In the Kasa Smart app, the camera is greyed out and shows an "Offline" or "Local Only" status.
- Status Light Errors: The LED light on the front of the camera is off entirely, or it's blinking red or amber, indicating a connectivity problem.
- Live Stream Fails: When you try to view the camera's live feed, it just shows a spinning loading circle and never connects.
- Not Recording: The camera is online and you can view the live stream, but no new motion-activated recordings are being saved to your Kasa Care cloud service or the local SD card.
- Constant Disconnections: The camera works for a few minutes but then disconnects and reconnects from your Wi-Fi network repeatedly.
- No Power: The camera shows no signs of life—no status light, no response—even when plugged into a known working power outlet.
## Essential Troubleshooting Steps
Let's start with the simplest and most effective solutions. Work through these steps in order.
### 1. Check the Power Supply
Before diving into complex network troubleshooting, confirm the camera is receiving power.
- Check the Plug: Ensure the camera's power adapter is securely plugged into the wall outlet and the microUSB cable is firmly connected to the back of the camera.
- Test the Outlet: Plug another device (like a lamp or phone charger) into the same outlet to confirm the outlet itself has power.
- Try a Different Adapter/Cable: If you have a spare, try a different microUSB cable and USB power adapter that meet the camera's power requirements (usually found on the adapter, e.g., 5V/1A). The cable or adapter may have failed.
### 2. Power Cycle the Camera and Your Router
This is the single most effective troubleshooting step for any smart device. A "reboot" can clear up temporary software glitches.
- Unplug your Kasa camera from the power source.
- Unplug your internet router from its power source.
- Wait for 60 seconds. This allows the internal components to fully discharge and reset.
- Plug your router back in first. Wait for it to fully restart (this can take 2-5 minutes). All the lights should return to their normal state.
- Once your internet is back up, plug your Kasa camera back in. Give it a few minutes to boot up and try to reconnect to the Wi-Fi.
### 3. Verify Your Wi-Fi Connection
If a power cycle doesn't work, the issue is likely related to the Wi-Fi signal.
- Signal Strength: Is the camera too far from your router? In the Kasa app, go to the camera's settings and look for a "Wi-Fi Network" or "Device Info" section. It should show you the signal strength (RSSI). If it's very weak, consider moving the camera closer to the router or using a Wi-Fi extender.
- Changed Wi-Fi Password? If you have recently changed your Wi-Fi network's name (SSID) or password, the camera will not be able to connect. You will need to reset the camera and set it up again with the new Wi-Fi credentials.
## When to Perform a Factory Reset
A factory reset should be your last resort, as it will erase all of your settings and force you to go through the entire setup process again.
Only perform a reset if:
- The camera's LED is blinking red or amber, and it will not connect no matter what you do.
- You are changing your Wi-Fi network permanently.
- You are selling or giving the camera to someone else.
To reset your Kasa camera, find the reset button (it's usually a small pinhole on the back or bottom). With the camera powered on, use a paperclip to press and hold the reset button for about 10-15 seconds until the LED changes its pattern. Then, follow the setup instructions in the Kasa app as if it were a new device.