Tapo App Not Working? Fix Crashing & Offline Issues

How to Fix The Tapo App When It's Not Working

The Tapo app is the command centre for your entire Tapo smart home ecosystem. When it stops working correctly, you lose the ability to control your plugs, view your cameras, and manage your smart bulbs. Whether the app is crashing, refusing to open, or showing devices as offline, most issues can be fixed with some basic troubleshooting.

This guide is written for Tapo users in the UK and provides simple, step-by-step solutions to get your app functioning properly again on both iOS and Android devices.

### Common Tapo App Problems and Symptoms

First, let's identify the specific problem you're facing. The most common issues include:

• App Crashing or Freezing: The app closes unexpectedly right after you open it, or becomes unresponsive while you're using it.
• Devices Showing as "Offline": You know your Tapo camera or plug has power and is connected to wifi, but the app says it's offline.
• Unable to Connect: The app gets stuck on a loading screen when you try to view a live camera feed or control a device.
• Login Problems: You are unable to log in to your TP-Link ID, or the app logs you out repeatedly.
• Missing or Delayed Notifications: Your camera detects motion, but you don't receive a push notification on your phone, or it arrives much later.
• "Local Only" Mode: The app only works when you are connected to your home wifi network and fails to connect when you are on mobile data.
• Poor Performance: The app is generally slow, laggy, and takes a long time to load devices and settings.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the Tapo App

Follow these steps in order to diagnose and resolve the most frequent Tapo app issues.

### 1. Check the Basics: Connectivity and Updates

Let's start by ruling out the most obvious causes.

• Check Your Phone's Internet: Does your smartphone have a stable internet connection? Open a web browser and try to visit a website. The app can't work without internet access.
• Update the Tapo App: An outdated app is a primary source of bugs. Go to the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS), search for "Tapo," and install any available updates.
• Check TP-Link Cloud Status: Very rarely, the problem might be on TP-Link's end. While they don't have a public status page, you can check social media or forums to see if other users are reporting a widespread outage.

### 2. Force Close and Relaunch the App

This is a quick way to reset the app without losing data and can fix many minor glitches.

• On iOS (iPhone): For newer iPhones, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the app switcher. For older iPhones, double-press the Home button. Find the Tapo app preview and swipe it up to close it.
• On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps. Find and tap on Tapo, then tap "Force stop".

Wait a few seconds after closing the app, then tap its icon to open it again.

### 3. Clear the App's Cache (Primarily for Android)

Corrupted temporary files can cause crashes and performance issues.

1. On your Android phone, go to Settings > Apps > See all apps.
2. Find and select Tapo.
3. Tap on Storage & cache.
4. Tap the "Clear cache" button. Be careful not to tap "Clear storage" or "Clear data," as this will log you out.

### 4. Reboot Your Smartphone

Restarting your phone clears its memory and can resolve underlying software conflicts that may be affecting the Tapo app. Turn your phone off completely, wait 30 seconds, and then power it back on.

### 5. Reboot Your Network and Tapo Devices

If the app is working but your devices are showing as offline, the issue is likely with communication.

1. Unplug your Tapo device (camera, plug, etc.).
2. Unplug your main internet router.
3. Wait for 60 seconds.
4. Plug the router back in first and wait for it to fully restart.
5. Plug your Tapo device back in.

This sequence reboots the entire communication chain and often restores the connection.

### 6. Check App Permissions and Phone Settings

• Notifications: If you're not getting alerts, go to your phone's notification settings and ensure the Tapo app has permission to send them.
• Local Network Access (iOS): On iPhones, go to Settings > Tapo and make sure "Local Network" access is enabled. This is crucial for the app to find your devices when you're at home.
• Mobile Data: Ensure the Tapo app is not restricted from using mobile data in your phone's settings.

### 7. Reinstall the Tapo App

This is the final step if nothing else works. A fresh installation can resolve persistent bugs.

1. Uninstall the Tapo app from your phone.
2. Restart your phone.
3. Reinstall the Tapo app from the Play Store or App Store.
4. You will need to log in again with your TP-Link ID. Your devices are linked to your account and should reappear automatically.