If your TP-Link Tapo camera won't show live view, the stream keeps failing, or you get "connection failed" errors, this guide covers the most common causes and fixes from the community.
Check Basic Connectivity
Start with the basics:
- Make sure the camera is powered on (LED indicator should be lit)
- Check that your phone has a working internet connection
- Verify the camera shows as "Online" in the Tapo app
- Try closing and reopening the Tapo app
Network Connection Issues
Most Tapo streaming issues are network-related:
Same network vs. remote viewing:
- Connect your phone to the same WiFi network as the camera for best performance
- Remote viewing (when on mobile data or different WiFi) has more limitations
- Remote streams timeout after about 10 minutes and prompt you to continue
"When the phone is watching live view remotely, 'Tap to continue' warning may pop up around 2-5 mins."
Check signal strength:
- In the Tapo app, go to camera settings to check WiFi signal strength
- If signal is weak, move the camera closer to your router
- Consider adding a WiFi extender near the camera
Disable VPN
VPNs commonly interfere with Tapo camera streams:
"Try turning off any active VPN connection or try disabling network filtering and security software based on VPN mechanisms, and re-open the app for a try."
- Turn off any VPN on your phone
- Disable any ad-blockers or security apps that filter network traffic
- Try viewing the camera again
Check Router Settings
Certain router features can block camera connections:
"Try disabling client isolation, firewall, or access control on the router, and then restart both the router and the camera. These features might block the devices' network connectivity."
Settings to check:
- Client Isolation/AP Isolation: Disable this for your IoT devices
- Firewall: Make sure it's not blocking local device communication
- Access Control: Ensure the camera isn't being blocked
- UPnP: Enable this for easier remote viewing setup
iOS Users: Enable Local Network Permission
On iOS 14 and above, the Tapo app needs special permission:
- Go to iPhone Settings
- Scroll down and tap "Tapo"
- Enable "Local Network" permission
- Restart the Tapo app
Update App and Firmware
Outdated software can cause streaming issues:
- Check the App Store or Play Store for Tapo app updates
- In the Tapo app, go to camera settings
- Check for firmware updates and install if available
- Keep the app open during the firmware update process
Too Many Streams
Tapo cameras have limits on simultaneous streams:
- Check if other devices or apps are streaming from the camera
- Close streams on other devices before trying to view
- RTSP streams to NVRs or Home Assistant count toward this limit
Power Cycle the Camera
A simple reboot often fixes connection issues:
- Unplug the camera's power cable
- Wait 10-15 seconds
- Plug it back in
- Wait for the camera to fully boot (LED will indicate status)
- Try streaming again
Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If nothing else works:
- Find the reset button on your camera (usually a small pinhole)
- Press and hold with a paperclip for about 5 seconds
- The camera will reset to factory defaults
- Set up the camera again in the Tapo app
- Test the stream
RTSP/ONVIF Stream Issues
If you're trying to view via RTSP in VLC, Home Assistant, or an NVR:
Common issues:
- Make sure RTSP is enabled in camera settings (Me → Tapo Lab → Third-Party Compatibility)
- Use the correct RTSP URL format:
rtsp://username:password@CAMERA_IP:554/stream1 - stream1 = HD quality, stream2 = SD quality
- Create a dedicated camera account for RTSP access in the app
If RTSP fails:
- Verify you can ping the camera IP address from your computer
- Double-check the username and password
- Make sure port 554 isn't blocked by your firewall
- Try using the SD stream (stream2) which uses less bandwidth
Community Discussions
- What should I do if I can't view the Tapo & Kasa camera? – TP-Link Support
- Why can't I view the live stream continuously? – TP-Link Support
- Tapo C200 Camera Stops Live feed to ask if I want to keep viewing! – TP-Link Community
- How to view Tapo camera via RTSP/ONVIF – TP-Link Support
- TP-Link Tapo camera error – Home Assistant Community