What to Do When Your Tapo Camera Won't Reset
A factory reset is a powerful troubleshooting step for your TP-Link Tapo camera. It can solve a wide range of problems, from persistent connectivity issues to erratic behaviour. But what happens when the camera itself refuses to reset?
This is a common stumbling block, but it's usually solvable. This guide will provide clear, step-by-step instructions to help you successfully reset your Tapo camera and get it back in working order.
When Should You Factory Reset Your Tapo Camera?
A factory reset wipes all your custom settings, including Wi-Fi details and device name, and returns the camera to its out-of-the-box state. It's the go-to solution when:
- You are unable to connect the camera to a new Wi-Fi network.
- The camera has become unresponsive or is behaving unpredictably.
- You have forgotten the camera's login details.
- You are planning to sell or give the camera to someone else.
- A support technician has instructed you to do so.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Non-Resetting Tapo Camera
If you've been pressing the reset button with no luck, follow this methodical approach.
Step 1: Ensure You Are Following the Correct Procedure
This is the most common reason a reset fails. A quick press of the button won't do the trick.
- Camera Must Be Powered On: The Tapo camera must be plugged in and fully booted up before you attempt a reset.
- Locate the Reset Button: Find the small reset button on your camera. On some models it's a normal button, while on others it might be a pinhole that requires a paperclip to press.
- Press and HOLD: Use your finger or a paperclip to press and hold the reset button down continuously for at least 10-15 seconds.
- Watch the LED: Do not release the button until you see the camera's status LED begin to flash, often changing to a red and green pattern. This visual confirmation is your sign that the reset process has begun. The camera will then reboot.
Step 2: Verify the Power Supply
The camera needs stable power to execute the internal commands for a factory reset.
- Use the Official Adapter: Make sure you are using the original power adapter and cable that were supplied with your Tapo camera. A different adapter might not provide the correct voltage.
- Plug Directly into the Wall: Connect the power adapter directly to a confirmed working wall socket. Do not use extension leads or multi-plugs, as these can sometimes cause power delivery issues.
- Inspect the Cable: Check the power cable for any signs of damage, like fraying or sharp bends.
Step 3: Power Cycle the Camera First
A power cycle is a simple reboot that can clear temporary software bugs that might be preventing the reset function from working.
- Unplug the Tapo camera from its power source.
- Leave it unplugged for a full 60 seconds. This ensures that all residual power in the internal components has dissipated.
- Plug the camera back in and wait for it to complete its start-up sequence (the LED should turn a solid colour).
- Once it has fully booted, attempt the reset procedure from Step 1 again.
Step 4: What a Successful Reset Looks Like
If the reset works, you will notice the following:
- The LED light will start flashing, indicating it is in setup/pairing mode.
- The camera will no longer be visible in your Tapo app (or will appear as offline).
- You will be able to start the "add new device" process in the app and set the camera up from scratch.
If you've carefully followed all these steps and the camera's LED never changes and its settings are not wiped, you may be facing a hardware issue. In this scenario, the best course of action is to reach out to TP-Link's official support for further assistance.