Tapo Camera Stopped Working? Here’s How to Fix It
It can be alarming when your Tapo security camera, which you rely on for peace of mind, suddenly stops working. Whether it's completely unresponsive, showing as "Offline" in the app, or displaying a persistent error light, the good news is that most issues can be resolved with some basic troubleshooting.
This guide will walk you through the most common reasons why a Tapo camera stops working and provide you with a clear, step-by-step process to get it back online.
Common Symptoms When a Tapo Camera Fails
- Camera is Offline in the App: The most common issue, where you can't access the live view or settings.
- No Power: The camera shows no signs of life, and the status LED is completely off.
- Solid Red Light: The LED light is stuck on solid red and doesn't change.
- Flashing Red Light: The LED is blinking red, which can indicate a connection or hardware issue.
- Cannot Connect: The camera has power, but you receive a connection error when you try to view it in the Tapo app.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Your Tapo Camera
Start with Step 1 and proceed through the list. Most problems are solved by the first few steps.
Step 1: Check the Power Supply
The most fundamental issue is a lack of power. Let's rule this out first.
- Check the Connections: Ensure the micro USB or DC power adapter is firmly plugged into the back of the camera.
- Verify the Wall Outlet: Make sure the power adapter is securely plugged into the wall socket. To be certain the outlet is working, try plugging another device (like a lamp or phone charger) into it.
- Inspect the Cable: Check the power cable for any visible signs of damage, such as cuts or kinks. If you have another compatible cable and power adapter, try using them to see if the original ones have failed.
Step 2: Understand the LED Status Light
The small LED light on your camera is a vital diagnostic tool.
- Solid Red: The camera is booting up. If it stays red for more than a few minutes, it means it's failing to connect.
- Blinking Red and Green: The camera is ready for setup. If you see this, it may have lost its configuration.
- Blinking Green (Slowly): The camera is trying to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
- Solid Green: The camera is successfully connected to your Wi-Fi network.
- Blinking Red (Slowly): The camera is in privacy mode.
If the light is solid red or blinking green for a long time, the issue is likely with your Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Reboot Everything
A simple power cycle can resolve a surprising number of temporary glitches with your camera and your network.
- Unplug the Camera: Disconnect the Tapo camera from its power source.
- Unplug Your Router: Unplug your home's Wi-Fi router from power.
- Wait: Leave both devices unplugged for at least 60 seconds.
- Power Up: Plug the router back in first. Wait for all its lights to become stable (usually 2-3 minutes).
- Power Up the Camera: Once your internet is back on, plug the Tapo camera back in and give it a few minutes to boot and reconnect.
Step 4: Check Your Wi-Fi Network
If the reboot didn't work, let's look closer at your network.
- Have you changed your Wi-Fi password? If you've recently changed your Wi-Fi password or network name (SSID), the camera will not be able to connect. You will need to re-configure the camera with the new credentials.
- Router Placement: Has your router been moved further away from the camera? A weak Wi-Fi signal can cause the camera to go offline. Check the signal strength in the Tapo app if you can get it to connect intermittently.
Step 5: Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If nothing else has worked, a factory reset will return the camera to its original, out-of-the-box state. Warning: This will erase all your custom settings, including Wi-Fi configuration.
- Find the Reset Button: Locate the small, recessed reset button on the camera. Its location varies by model, but it's often near the microSD card slot.
- Press and Hold: With the camera powered on, use a paperclip or SIM eject tool to press and hold the reset button.
- Wait for the LED: Continue holding the button for about 10-15 seconds, until the LED light begins to blink red.
- Re-run Setup: The camera will reboot. You will now need to go through the initial setup process in the Tapo app again, as if it were a new device.