Is Your Tp Link Camera Not Recording 24/7?
One of the most valuable features of a security camera is its ability to record footage continuously, ensuring you never miss a moment. If you've discovered that your Tp Link Tapo or Kasa camera is only recording short clips or has significant gaps in its timeline, it can be a major concern. You've invested in a camera for peace of mind, and it needs to function correctly.
This guide is designed to walk you through the common reasons why your Tp Link camera might not be recording 24/7 and provide clear, actionable steps to resolve the issue.
Common Causes for Recording Failures
Before we dive into the fixes, let's understand the typical culprits. The problem usually isn't with the camera itself but with its storage or settings.
- No microSD Card: The most frequent reason for no continuous recording is the absence of a compatible microSD card.
- Incorrect Settings: The camera might be set to record only when it detects motion rather than continuously.
- SD Card Issues: The microSD card could be full, corrupted, faulty, or not fast enough to handle continuous video data.
- Outdated Firmware: The camera's internal software (firmware) might have a bug that affects recording.
How to Fix Tp Link 24/7 Recording Problems
Follow these steps in order to diagnose and solve the problem. It's best to perform these checks while you are on the same Wi-Fi network as your camera.
1. Check Your microSD Card
Your first port of call should be the physical storage.
- Ensure a Card is Inserted: Power down the camera and double-check that a microSD card is securely inserted into the slot.
- Use a High-Quality Card: For recording HD video, you need a card that can handle the workload. We recommend a Class 10, V30, or U3 high-endurance card from a reputable brand. These are specifically designed for devices like security cameras.
- Check Card Health: If the card is old or has been used heavily, it may be failing. If possible, test the card in another device (like a computer) to see if it can be read from and written to.
2. Format the microSD Card via the App
Corruption is a common problem. Formatting the card wipes all data and can resolve many recording issues.
- Open your Tapo or Kasa app.
- Select the camera you are having issues with.
- Navigate to Camera Settings (usually a gear icon).
- Find the 'Storage & Recording' or 'microSD Card' section.
- Tap the 'Format' option and confirm.
- Wait for the process to complete, and then restart the camera.
3. Verify Your Recording Settings
You need to explicitly tell the camera to record continuously.
- In the camera's settings within the app, go back to the 'Storage & Recording' section.
- Ensure the 'Loop Recording' or 'Overwrite Old Footage' option is enabled. This ensures the camera continues recording even when the card is full by replacing the oldest footage.
- Make sure you have selected 'Continuous Recording' and not 'Motion Detection' or 'Event Recording'.
4. Update Camera Firmware
Manufacturers release firmware updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
- In the app, go to your camera's settings and look for a 'Firmware Update' or 'Device Update' section.
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Ensure the camera remains powered on during this process.
5. Power Cycle Everything
A simple restart can often clear temporary glitches.
- Restart Your Camera: Unplug the camera from its power source, wait for 60 seconds, and then plug it back in.
- Restart Your Router: While less likely to be the cause for this specific issue, restarting your Wi-Fi router can solve underlying connectivity problems that may disrupt camera functions.
By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you can identify the root cause and restore your Tp Link camera's 24/7 recording capability, ensuring your property is always monitored.