How to Fix Audio Not Working on TP-Link Tapo and Kasa Cameras
Whether you want to hear what is happening at home or use the two-way talk feature to communicate, audio is a vital function of your TP-Link security camera. When you discover there is no sound in your recordings or you cannot use the talk feature, it can be very frustrating. Most audio issues on Tapo and Kasa cameras are related to app settings, permissions, or minor glitches that are easy to fix.
This guide will walk you through the troubleshooting steps to restore audio functionality to your camera.
## Part 1: Troubleshooting No Sound in Recordings or Live View
If you cannot hear any audio when watching the live stream or playing back a recording, follow these steps.
### 1. Check the In-App Microphone Setting
The most common reason for no audio is that the camera's microphone has been turned off in the app.
- Open the Tapo or Kasa app and select the camera you are having issues with.
- Go to the camera's Settings (usually a cog icon in the top right).
- Look for Device Settings or Audio & Video.
- Find the toggle switch for Microphone or Record Audio.
- Ensure this setting is turned on. If it is off, the camera will not capture any sound.
### 2. Verify Your Phone's Volume and Mute Switch
It might seem basic, but it is a common oversight.
- Check the Mute Icon: In the live view, look for a speaker icon. If it has a slash through it, the audio is muted. Tap it to unmute.
- Increase Media Volume: While viewing the stream, press the volume up button on your smartphone to ensure the media volume is not too low or off.
### 3. Power Cycle the Camera
A quick restart can clear temporary hardware or software bugs that might be affecting the microphone.
- Unplug the camera from its power source.
- Wait for a full 60 seconds.
- Plug the camera back in and allow it a couple of minutes to restart and connect to the network.
- Check the live view again to see if the audio is working.
## Part 2: Troubleshooting Two-Way Talk Issues
If you can hear audio from the camera but others cannot hear you speak through it, the problem lies with the two-way talk feature.
### 1. Grant Microphone Permissions to the App
For you to speak through the camera, the Tapo or Kasa app needs permission to access your smartphone's microphone.
- On iOS (iPhone): Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone. Find the Tapo or Kasa app in the list and make sure the switch next to it is turned on (green).
- On Android: Go to Settings > Apps. Find the Tapo or Kasa app, go to Permissions, and ensure that Microphone access is set to "Allow".
### 2. Use the "Talk" Feature Correctly
Two-way audio is not always an open line like a phone call. On most models, you need to press a button to speak.
- In the live view screen, find the icon that looks like a Microphone or is labelled "Talk" or "Voice Call".
- You may need to tap and hold this button the entire time you are speaking. Releasing the button will turn off your microphone.
- In "Voice Call" mode, you tap it once to open the line and tap again to close it.
### 3. Check for a Strong Wi-Fi Connection
Two-way audio requires a stable, low-latency network connection. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak (either at the camera's location or your phone's location), the audio may be choppy, delayed, or not work at all. Ensure both your camera and your phone have a strong Wi-Fi connection.
By checking these settings and permissions, you can solve the vast majority of audio problems with your TP-Link cameras and regain full functionality.