Kasa Camera Recording Failed? Let's Get It Working
Your TP-Link Kasa camera is a vital tool for keeping an eye on your home, but it's only effective if it records when it's supposed to. Seeing a 'Recording Failed' error or discovering that crucial moments were never captured can be incredibly frustrating and concerning.
Whether you rely on a Kasa Care cloud subscription or a local microSD card for storage, this comprehensive troubleshooting guide will help you pinpoint and resolve the root cause of the problem. We'll cover everything from simple configuration mistakes to potential hardware issues.
Understanding Why Your Kasa Camera Isn't Recording
Most recording failures on Kasa cameras can be traced back to a few common culprits. By understanding what they are, you can quickly diagnose the issue.
Common Symptoms of Recording Problems
- No New Recordings: The camera provides a live feed, but no new clips appear in your activity feed or on the SD card playback timeline.
- 'Recording Failed' Notifications: You receive push notifications that motion was detected, but the accompanying message says the recording failed.
- Gaps in Footage: Your timeline shows sporadic recordings with significant periods of time missing, despite continuous activity.
- SD Card Not Recognised: The Kasa app shows that there is no microSD card inserted or that the card has a problem.
- Kasa Care Clips Missing: Your Kasa Care subscription is active, but no clips are being saved to the cloud.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Kasa Recording Failures
Follow these instructions in order to get your camera recording again. We'll start with the most common and easiest fixes.
1. Check Your Recording Method & Settings
First, let's confirm your camera is set up correctly in the Kasa app.
- For Kasa Care Users: Log in to your TP-Link account and verify that your Kasa Care subscription is active and has not expired. Ensure the correct camera is assigned to the plan.
- For microSD Card Users:
- Navigate to your camera's settings in the Kasa app and select Local Recording.
- Ensure the 'Local Recording' toggle is switched on.
- Check that the 'Loop Recording' option is enabled. If this is off, the camera will stop recording when the card becomes full.
- Check Activity and Schedules: Go to the Activity/Recording Schedule settings. Make sure you have recording enabled for the times and days you need it. If you have set up specific activity zones, ensure they cover the areas you want to monitor.
2. Resolve microSD Card Issues
If you're using local storage, the card itself is often the problem.
- Use a Compatible Card: Kasa cameras need a Class 10 microSD card. For best results, use a 'High Endurance' card designed for security cameras.
- Re-format the Card: Data corruption can prevent new recordings. In the Kasa app, go to Camera Settings > Local Recording and use the Format option. This will erase everything on the card but often resolves recording issues.
- Test the Card: If formatting fails, power down the camera, remove the card, and test it in a computer. If the computer can't access it, the card is faulty and needs to be replaced.
3. Address Network and Power Problems
A stable connection is essential for recording.
- Check Wi-Fi Signal: In the camera's settings, find the 'Wi-Fi Network' section and check the signal strength. A weak or unstable signal can interrupt recordings, especially to the cloud. Try moving the camera closer to your router if the signal is poor.
- Power Cycle the Camera: This is a classic IT fix for a reason. Unplug the camera from the power outlet, wait a full minute, and then plug it back in. This simple reboot can clear temporary software glitches.
4. Update and Reset
- Update Firmware: Ensure your camera's firmware is up to date. The Kasa app will notify you if an update is available in the camera's settings.
- Re-add the Camera: As a last resort, you can try removing the camera from your Kasa account and then adding it back again as a new device.
By working through these steps, you can solve the vast majority of Kasa recording problems and restore your peace of mind.