Tapo Firmware Update Failed? A Step-by-Step Fixing Guide
Keeping your Tapo camera's firmware up to date is essential for ensuring you have the latest security patches and features. The Tapo app usually makes this a simple, one-tap process. However, it can be incredibly frustrating when the update process fails, especially if it leaves your camera in an uncertain state.
If you're seeing an "Update failed" message or the progress bar is stuck, don't worry. This is a common issue that can usually be fixed with some basic troubleshooting. The problem almost always comes down to a communication issue between your camera, your phone, and your Wi-Fi router. This guide will walk you through the most likely causes and the steps to get your camera updated successfully.
## Why Do Tapo Firmware Updates Fail?
The update process involves your phone telling the camera to download a new firmware file from the internet via your Wi-Fi. An interruption at any point can cause the process to fail. The most common reasons are:
- Unstable Wi-Fi: The camera's connection to your router is weak or keeps dropping.
- Poor Phone Connection: Your smartphone running the Tapo app has a weak connection to the network.
- Power Interruption: The camera loses power during the update.
- Minor Software Glitch: A temporary bug in the camera or app that a simple restart can fix.
## Your Troubleshooting Checklist for a Successful Update
Follow these steps in order. Most of the time, the first few steps will solve the problem.
### 1. Check Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength
This is the most critical factor for a successful update.
- Check Signal in the App: Open the Tapo app, go to the settings for the camera you're trying to update, and find the device information or network settings page. You should see a Wi-Fi signal strength indicator (RSSI). A strong signal is essential.
- Move Your Router or Camera: If the signal is weak, try temporarily moving the camera closer to your Wi-Fi router for the duration of the update. If a better signal results in a successful update, you might consider permanently moving your router or using a Wi-Fi extender for better long-term stability.
### 2. Ensure Your Phone is on the Same Network
For the update command to work reliably, your phone and camera should be on the same team.
- Connect to the Same Wi-Fi: Make sure the smartphone you are using to run the Tapo app is connected to the exact same Wi-Fi network as the camera. Avoid trying to start an update while your phone is on mobile data.
### 3. Power Cycle Everything (The "Turn It Off and On Again" Method)
A simple reboot can clear temporary glitches and re-establish fresh network connections.
- Restart Your Tapo Camera: Unplug the camera from its power source, wait for 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. Give it a few minutes to fully boot up and reconnect to the network before trying the update again.
- Restart Your Router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router from power, wait for a minute, and plug it back in. This can resolve underlying network issues that might be affecting the camera's ability to download the update file.
### 4. Minimise Network Congestion
If many other devices are using your Wi-Fi, it can slow down the connection for your camera.
- Pause Heavy Usage: During the few minutes the firmware update is in progress, try to avoid other bandwidth-heavy activities like streaming 4K video, online gaming, or downloading large files on other devices. This gives your Tapo camera the best possible chance to download the update file without interruption.
### 5. Update the Tapo App
Make sure you are running the latest version of the Tapo app itself. Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to check for any available updates. Developers often release app updates that improve the stability of processes like firmware updates.
After following these steps, try initiating the firmware update again through the Tapo app. By ensuring a strong and stable network environment, you should be able to overcome the "Update failed" error and get your device running on the latest software.