Tapo Smart Video Doorbell Camera User Guide

Conventions

In this guide, the following convention is used:

More Info

• Specifications can be found on the product page at https://www.tapo.com.
• Technical Support and troubleshooting information can be found at https://www.tapo.com/support/.

Install Jumper Wire for Your Existing Chime

Install the jumper wire to bypass the existing chime on the circuit so that the Tapo doorbell can get sufficient power to operate stably. This is only necessary when you want to hardwire the doorbell and enable Always-On Mode.

⚠️ Take care to avoid electric shocks.

1. Turn off the circuit breaker. Make sure the power is off by ringing your doorbell a few times.
2. Remove the chime cover and take a photo of the wiring in case you want to reconnect it.
3. Slightly loosen the screws for the Front and Trans of your front doorbell or the Rear and Trans of your rear doorbell, then insert the jumper wire. (Note: If your doorbell chime has different markings, refer to instructions in the Tapo app or consult a licensed electrician.)
4. Tighten the screws and replace the chime cover.

Diagrams show wiring connections for front and rear doorbells, indicating where to insert the jumper wire.

Preparations for Installing Your Doorbell

Before installing the new doorbell, remove your existing doorbell, and determine if you need a mounting wedge to adjust the viewing angle of the doorbell.

1. Install the doorbell on a flat and clean wall.
2. The doorbell should be placed 1.2 m (4 ft) above the ground.
3. (Optional) Use the included mounting wedges for a more focused view from a specific side.

Diagrams illustrate mounting without a wedge, with a horizontal mounting wedge (15° angle), and with a vertical mounting wedge (5° angle).

4. Avoid placing the doorbell close to a side wall in the field of view. If you must, use the mounting wedge to adjust the viewing angle to reduce reflected light from the wall for better night vision performance.

Install Your Doorbell

Option 1. Stick to a smooth wall

Required Accessories: Mounting Bracket, 3M Adhesive, Screws ×4

Optional: Horizontal Mounting wedge, Vertical Mounting wedge, Mounting Wedge, Foam Pad

1. Attach the included adhesive to the back of the bracket or the wedge. If you use the wedge to adjust angle, first affix the bracket and the wedge with screws. (Note: The adhesive is for one-time use. Avoid re-using the adhesive to ensure its adhesion.)
2. Route the wires through the bracket (if there are existing wires). Wipe off the dust from the surface using a dry cloth, stick the bracket with adhesive to the smooth wall, and press it down for 15 seconds to ensure the bracket is firmly attached. (Note: This is applicable with tile, glass, marble, metal, stainless steel, and smooth wall surfaces.)

Diagrams show attaching the 3M adhesive to the bracket or wedge, and routing wires through the bracket.

3. Mount the doorbell to the bracket.

Option A: Battery Powered

Starting from the bottom, attach the doorbell to the bracket.

Option B: Hardwire Powered

Connect the wires to the doorbell and tighten the screws. Mount the doorbell to the bracket and turn on the circuit breaker. (Note: If the wires are too short, use the included extension wires and wire nuts to make them longer.)

Diagrams show the doorbell being attached to the bracket for both Battery Powered and Hardwire Powered options.

Option 2. Mount to the wall

Required Accessories: Mounting Template, Mounting Bracket, Mounting Screws ×2, Mounting Anchors ×2

Optional: Horizontal Mounting wedge, Vertical Mounting wedge, Foam Pad

1. Stick the mounting template to the desired place. Drill two holes according to the template (⌀=6 mm / 15/64 in.).
2. Route the wires (if there are existing wires) through the bracket. Insert two anchors into the holes and use the screws to affix the bracket over the anchors. (Note: When mounting to uneven walls, stick the foam pad on the back of the wedge.)

Diagrams show drilling holes using a template, inserting anchors, and affixing the bracket. A foam pad is shown for uneven walls.

3. Mount the doorbell to the bracket. (Note: If you have trouble attaching the doorbell to the bracket or it causes false anti-theft alarms, check if you tightened the screws too much that the bracket bent. Adjust the depth of the screw and then reinstall the doorbell.)

Option A: Battery Powered

Starting from the bottom, attach the doorbell to the bracket.

Option B: Hardwire Powered

Connect the wires to the doorbell and tighten the screws. Mount the doorbell to the bracket and turn on the circuit breaker. (Note: If the wires are too short, use the included extension wires and wire nuts to make them longer.)

Set Up Your Doorbell and Chime

After installing the doorbell, follow the steps below to set up the doorbell, and pair with the chime.

Step 1. Download Tapo App

Get the Tapo app from the [App Store icon] or [Google Play icon], or by scanning the [QR code for app download].

Step 2. Log In

Open the app, and log in with your TP-Link ID. If you don't have an account, create one first.

Step 3. Add Your Camera

Tap the [+] button in the app and search for your model. Follow the app instructions to set up your doorbell. Then plug in your chime and pair with the doorbell.

The app interface shows options to add a device, with categories like Indoor Cameras, Outdoor Cameras, Doorbells, etc. It also shows the 'Pair with Chime' screen, guiding the user to plug in the chime to pair with the doorbell.

Set Up Using Amazon Frustration-Free Setup

What is Amazon Frustration-Free Setup?

Amazon Frustration-Free Setup can help connect and set up Tapo smart devices in fewer steps, without having to remember and re-enter your Wi-Fi password on each device.

To use this feature, confirm the following:

• The new Tapo device supports Amazon FFS.
• The new Tapo device is purchased from Amazon.
• You have an Amazon FFS enabled Alexa device or router.
• You have saved your Wi-Fi information to Amazon by using Alexa echo.
• Your Tapo device and router are on the same network as your Alexa echo.

LED Indications during Amazon Frustration-Free Setup

(If the LED does not turn solid white after a long time, you can try to add the Tapo device manually. Press the Reset button on your Tapo device once. Then open the Tapo app, tap the [+] button on the page, select your device model, and follow the app instructions.)

How to use Amazon Frustration-Free Setup with Tapo devices

1. Open the Amazon Alexa app. Then tap 'More' and select 'Skills & Games'.
2. Enter 'Tapo' in the search bar and choose Tapo.
3. Tap the 'ENABLE TO USE' button.
4. Log in with your TP-Link ID that has bound to your Tapo device, and tap 'Authorize'. After authorized successfully, the message 'Tapo has been successfully linked' will come up.
5. Plug in your Tapo device and the setup will complete automatically in two minutes. For setting up more Tapo devices, just plug in and enjoy!

The app screenshots guide the user through opening the Alexa app, searching for Tapo, enabling the skill, logging in with TP-Link ID, and authorizing the connection.

Done!

If this device displays on the Home page in the Tapo app, it indicates this device has been successfully associated with your Amazon account and joined your Wi-Fi network automatically. If this device does not display on the Home page in the Tapo app, try setting it up manually. (Tap the [+] button on the page, select your device model, and then follow the app instructions.)

1. Home Page

You can check your battery, favorite/unfavorite, and remove your device on the Home page.

The Home Page displays a list of connected Tapo devices, showing their status (e.g., Offline) and model names.

2. Status Page

Tap your device to enter its Status page.

On the Status Page, users can:

• Watch multiple Tapo cameras/doorbells simultaneously.
• Take a screen shot.
• Record a clip.
• Talk to your visitors.
• Enable/disable Privacy Mode.
• Turn on/off spotlight.
• Play back event recordings and check the photos and videos you take yourself.

Additional controls on the Status Page include:

• Switch to landscape mode.
• Make a video call.
• Adjust the volume.
• Quickly select a preset response to communicate with visitors.
• Subscribe to Tapo Care to enjoy unlimited cloud storage and other features.
• Choose whether to have the tag when people or vehicles are detected.

3. Settings Page

Tap the [Settings gear icon] on the Status page to enter the Device Settings page.

3.1 Set Detection Settings

You can set when to wake up your doorbell, and the detection zones and sensitivity for each detection type.

The settings include Wake-up Settings (e.g., Doorbell Pressed, Event Detected), Image Detection, and various Detection Types like Motion Detection, Person Detection, Pet Detection, Vehicle Detection, and Package Detection. Users can configure detection zones and sensitivity.

3.2 Check Power Options

You can check battery status, choose whether to show the battery status and percentage on Live View, select the power supply, set the working mode and Auto Privacy Mode, and check battery usage and wake-up times for the past 7 or 30 days.

If you want to choose the Hardwire Powered supply method, you need to hardwire your doorbell to your home circuit first.

The Power Options screen allows selection between 'Battery Powered' and 'Hardwire Powered'. Working Modes include 'High Performance', 'Balanced', and 'Power Saving'. Auto Privacy Mode and battery level indicators are also present.

If you have hardwired your doorbell to your home circuit first, you can choose whether to enable Always-On Mode, which supports 24/7 recording.

Always-On Mode settings allow for 24/7 recording and adjust recording performance to the highest level. Pre-Recording settings determine the clip length of each recording.

3.3 Set Doorbell settings

Doorbell Ring: Set the ringtone volume of your doorbell.

Paired Chimes: Check paired chimes/hub and add new chimes/hubs.

Doorbell Video Call: When someone presses the doorbell, you'll receive a ring call if the Tapo app is already open on your screen.

Spoken Language: Choose what language your doorbell speaks.

Anti-theft Alarm: When enabled, an alarm will be triggered once the doorbell is removed from the wall.

The app interface shows settings for Doorbell Ring volume, Paired Chimes, Doorbell Video Call, Spoken Language, and Anti-theft Alarm.

3.4 Subscribe to Tapo Care

Tapo Care is a comprehensive service with unlimited cloud storage. You can subscribe to Tapo Care to save recorded videos by your doorbell.

The Tapo Care screen explains unlimited cloud storage for events, with options to 'Try It Free for 30 Days NOW' or 'Start a Plan'.

3.5 Storage & Recording

Check your microSD card status, enable microSD Card Recording for 24/7 recording, set recording schedule and the clips settings, and choose whether to record sound during recording.

The Storage & Recording section allows checking microSD card status, enabling microSD Card Recording, setting a Recording Schedule, configuring Clip Settings (Retrigger Time, Record Buffer, Clips Length), and choosing whether to Record Sound. Loop Recording and formatting the microSD card are also options.

3.6 Video & Display

Night Mode Settings: Set the recording effect at night.

Video Quality: Set the video resolution for the doorbell.

Privacy Zones: Customize zones that cannot be viewed or monitored to protect your privacy.

Frame Rate: Choose the frame rate you want. A higher frame rate will reduce the battery life.

On-screen Display Info: Custom information that overlays the doorbell's footage.

Display Tag on Screen: Display the detection tag on your screen.

The Video & Display settings include options for Night Mode Settings (Infrared Mode, Full-Color Mode, Doorbell Mode), Video Quality (2K 5MP, 960P, Auto), Privacy Zones, and Display Tag On Screen.

3.7 Spotlight Settings

If you have turned on the spotlight on Live View, you can adjust the brightness here.

3.8 Privacy Mode

When enabled, streaming and recording feature will be temporarily unavailable.

3.9 Notifications

Choose whether to receive rich notifications (notifications with snapshots) and what type of activity notifications you want to receive.

The Notifications settings allow enabling Activity Notifications and Rich Notifications, and selecting Activity Types and Schedule.

4.0 Share Device

When enabled, streaming and recording feature will be temporarily unavailable.

The Share Device screen allows inviting family members to manage the smart device together.

FCC Compliance Information

FCC compliance information statement

Product Name: Tapo Video Doorbell Camera

Model Number: Tapo D235/TD25

Responsible Party: TP-Link USA Corporation

Address: 10 Mauchly, Irvine, CA 92618

Website: https://www.tp-link.com/us/

Tel: +1 626 333 0234

Fax: +1 909 527 6804

E-mail: sales.usa@tp-link.com

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

(Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.)

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

"To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this grant is applicable to only Mobile Configurations. The antennas used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter."

We, TP-Link USA Corporation, has determined that the equipment shown as above has been shown to comply with the applicable technical standards, FCC part 15. There is no unauthorized change is made in the equipment and the equipment is properly maintained and operated.

Issue Date: 2024-07-07

CE Mark Warning

This is a class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

OPERATING FREQUENCY (the maximum transmitted power)

2412MHz–2472MHz (20dBm)

EU Declaration of Conformity

TP-Link hereby declares that the device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of directives 2014/53/EU, 2009/125/EC, 2011/65/EU and (EU)2015/863.

The original EU Declaration of Conformity may be found at https://www.tapo.com/en/support/ce/.

RF Exposure Information

This device meets the EU requirements (2014/53/EU Article 3.1a) on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields by way of health protection.

The device complies with RF specifications when the device used at 20 cm from your body.

UKCA Mark

UK Declaration of Conformity

TP-Link hereby declares that the device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017.

The original UK Declaration of Conformity may be found at https://www.tapo.com/support/ukca/.

Canadian Compliance Statement

This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

(In French: L'émetteur/récepteur exempt de licence contenu dans le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : 1. l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage; 2. l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement)

Radiation Exposure Statement:

This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

(In French: Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux rayonnements IC établies pour un environnement non contrôlé. Cet équipement doit être installé et utilisé avec un minimum de 20 cm de distance entre la source de rayonnement et votre corps.)

Industry Canada Statement

CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)

Korea Warning Statements and Notices

(Korean text indicating potential radio interference during operation.)

NCC Notice & BSMI Notice

(Chinese text providing warnings and precautions related to low-power radio frequency devices, including frequency modification, interference, and security measures like changing default passwords.)

Safety Information

• Never touch the product with wet hands.
• Do not disassemble, repair or modify the product.
• Do not use the device where wireless devices are not allowed.
• Do not use the product if the casing has been broken. Danger of electric shock.
• Keep the device away from fire or hot environments. DO NOT immerse in water or any other liquid.
• Do not place near automatically controlled devices such as fire alarms. Radio waves emitted from this product may cause such devices to malfunction resulting in an accident.
• Observe restrictions on using wireless products in fuel depots, chemical plants or when blasting operations are in progress.
• Do not use liquid to clean the product. Only use a dry cloth.
• Never put metal objects inside the product. If a metal object enters the product turn off the circuit breaker and contact an authorised electrician.
• This product is not intended to be used when providing medical care. Consult the manufacturer of any personal medical devices, such as pacemakers or hearing aids to determine if they are adequately shielded from external RF (radio frequency) energy.
• Do not use this product in health care facilities. Hospitals or health care facilities may be using equipment that could be sensitive to external RF energy.
• Do not use this product near water for example near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool.
• The product should be kept free from excessive smoke, dust or high temperature and vibration.
• This product should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
• Do not place heavy objects on top of the product.
• This product may interfere with other electronic products such as TV, radios, personal computers, phones or other wireless devices.
• This equipment shall be installed at a height of fewer than 2 meters when sticking to a clean wall.
• Doorbell Operating Temperature: -20 °C ~ 45°C (-4°F ~ 113°F)
• Chime Operating Temperature: 0 °C ~ 40°C (32°F ~ 104°F)
• Maximum installation height: 6ft (2m)

Explanation of Symbols

Note: The product label is on the bottom of the product. Symbols may vary from products.

Symbols on the Product Label:

Other Symbols: