Tapo Camera Not Saving to SD Card? A Troubleshooting Guide
Using a microSD card for local storage is one of the best features of the TP-Link Tapo camera range, allowing you to save video footage without a cloud subscription. However, it's a common point of frustration when the camera fails to recognise the card or save recordings. This guide will walk you through the most common reasons for this issue and how to resolve them.
## The Most Important Step: Choosing and Formatting Your MicroSD Card
More than half of all local storage issues stem from an incompatible or improperly formatted microSD card. Getting this right from the start is crucial.
### Choosing the Right Card
- Card Type: You need a Class 10 or UHS-1 (U1) speed rating. This is essential for smoothly recording video.
- Capacity: Check your camera model's specifications, but most Tapo cameras support cards up to 128GB or 256GB.
- Recommendation: For security cameras, always use a High Endurance microSD card. These are specifically built to withstand the constant writing and rewriting of video data, making them far more reliable and longer-lasting than standard cards.
- Authenticity: Purchase cards from well-known brands (like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston) from authorised retailers to avoid counterfeit cards that won't perform correctly.
### Formatting the Card Correctly
You must format the microSD card using the Tapo app. Formatting it on your PC or Mac can lead to issues.
- Insert the microSD card into the slot on your Tapo camera (ensure the camera is powered on).
- Open the Tapo app and select your camera.
- Tap the gear icon in the top right to go to Settings.
- Tap on microSD Card. The app should detect the card.
- Tap the Format button. This process will erase all data on the card and prepare it for use with the camera.
If the app fails to format the card, it's a strong indicator that the card is either faulty, counterfeit, or incompatible.
## Configuring Your Recording Settings
Once the card is formatted and recognised, you need to tell the camera what to record.
- In the camera's Settings, go to Recording Schedule.
- Here you can set up a 24/7 recording plan. You have two main options:
- Continuous Recording: The camera records everything, 24/7.
- Motion Detection Recording: The camera only records when it detects movement. This saves a lot of storage space.
- Ensure you have set a schedule for the days and times you want the camera to be recording. If no schedule is set, nothing will be saved.
## Troubleshooting Further Issues
If you've formatted the correct type of card and set a schedule, but it's still not working, here are some other things to check.
- Check Card Status: In the microSD Card settings within the app, check the card's status. If it says "Unhealthy" or "Error," the card needs to be replaced.
- Reboot the Camera: A simple power cycle can often resolve temporary software glitches. Unplug the camera, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
- Firmware Update: Make sure your camera's firmware is up to date. TP-Link often releases updates that improve compatibility and fix bugs. You can check for firmware updates in the camera's settings.
- Physical Inspection: Power down the camera, carefully remove the SD card, and inspect the card and the slot for any dust or debris. Re-insert the card firmly until it clicks into place.
If you continue to have problems after trying all these steps, the most likely culprit is a faulty microSD card. Try a new, high-endurance card before assuming the camera itself is the problem.