What to Do When the Tapo App Keeps Crashing
The TP-Link Tapo app is the control centre for your smart cameras and devices. When it works, it's seamless. But when the app starts crashing, freezing, or closing unexpectedly, it can prevent you from viewing your live feed, checking recordings, and managing your home security. This can be incredibly frustrating, but it's usually a solvable problem.
This guide will walk you through the most effective solutions to fix a crashing Tapo app on both Android and iOS smartphones, helping you restore stability and regain control of your devices.
## Step 1: Force Close and Relaunch the App
The simplest fix is often the most effective. A minor, temporary glitch can cause an app to misbehave. Force closing the app completely shuts it down, clearing it from your phone's active memory.
- On iOS (iPhone X and later): Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle. Swipe left or right to find the Tapo app, then swipe up on its preview to close it.
- On Android: Open Settings > Apps > See all apps. Find and tap on Tapo, then tap "Force stop".
After closing it, wait a few seconds and then reopen the app to see if the issue is resolved.
## Step 2: Clear the Tapo App's Cache (Android Only)
Over time, apps accumulate temporary data in a "cache" to help them load faster. Sometimes, this data can become corrupted and cause crashes.
- Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps.
- Find and select Tapo.
- Tap on Storage & cache.
- Tap the "Clear cache" button. Do not tap "Clear storage" or "Clear data" yet, as this will log you out and reset your app settings.
- Relaunch the Tapo app.
## Step 3: Check for App and Operating System Updates
Running an outdated version of the app or your phone's operating system (OS) can lead to compatibility issues and crashes.
- Update the Tapo App: Go to the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS). Search for "Tapo" and see if an "Update" button is available. Always run the latest version for the best performance and security.
- Update Your Phone's OS:
- On iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- On Android: Go to Settings > System > System update (this path may vary slightly by manufacturer).
- Install any available updates and restart your phone.
## Step 4: Reinstall the Tapo App
If clearing the cache and updating doesn't work, a full reinstallation is the next logical step. This removes all the app's files from your device and replaces them with a fresh copy.
- Uninstall the App: Find the Tapo app icon on your home screen, press and hold it, and select "Uninstall" (Android) or "Remove App" > "Delete App" (iOS).
- Restart Your Phone: This is an important step to ensure all residual files are cleared.
- Reinstall the App: Go back to the Google Play Store or App Store, search for Tapo, and install it again. You will need to log in with your TP-Link ID.
## Step 5: Check Device Storage and Permissions
- Low Storage: If your phone's storage is nearly full, it can cause apps to crash. Go to your phone's storage settings and try to free up some space by deleting old photos, videos, or unused apps.
- App Permissions: Ensure the Tapo app has all the necessary permissions to function correctly. In your phone's settings, find the Tapo app and check its permissions. It typically needs access to your local network, and may request access to notifications, microphone, and storage.
By following these steps, you can resolve the vast majority of issues causing the Tapo app to crash, leading to a much smoother and more reliable user experience.