Tapo Smart Video Doorbell Camera User Guide

About This Guide

This guide provides a brief introduction to the Smart Video Doorbell Camera and the Tapo app, as well as regulatory information. Features available in Tapo may vary by model and software version, and Tapo availability may also vary by region. All images, steps, and descriptions are examples and may not reflect your actual Tapo Camera experience.

Conventions

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/.

Introduction

The Tapo dual-power smart doorbell is flexible in placement. Replace your existing doorbell with a smarter one and answer your door from anywhere with your phone. Receive instant notifications whenever someone comes by—even before they knock. Keep an eye out for visitors or possible intruders with crystal clear video and audio.

• 2K QHD Ultra-Clear Images: Always know what happens in front of your door through the Tapo app. With the spotlight and 2K QHD resolution, check all the fine details captured even in low-light environments.
• 180° Ultra-Wide Diagonal FOV: Featuring a 180° ultra-wide diagonal field of view and 4:3 aspect ratio, the Tapo Doorbell delivers full head-to-toe visibility at your door, even when visitors are just 0.4 m away. (Note: The data is measured based on the doorbell's optimal installation height of 1.2 m. The actual distance will be affected by the installation height.)
• 10000mAh Battery Life: The built-in 10000mAh rechargeable battery leads to a long-lasting life (up to 365 days), extending your usage. (Note: The time of use includes recording and watching live views. Actual battery life may vary due to device settings, usage, router specifications, and environmental factors.)
• Color Night Vision: Reveals high-fidelity details and color at night with the spotlight.
• Dual Power Options: Enhance your viewing with pre-roll footage when the doorbell is hardwired.
• Quick Response: Respond to your deliveries without saying a word with customizable responses through the Tapo app.
• Multiple Ways to Answer: With two-way audio or a recorded quick response, communicate directly with your deliveries through the Tapo app.
• Flexible Storage Choices: Save recorded videos on the microSD card (up to 512 GB) or by using Tapo Care cloud storage services. (Note: microSD card needs to be purchased separately. Tapo Care needs to be subscribed separately.)
• Two-Way Audio: Enables communication through a built-in microphone and speaker.
• IP66 Weatherproof: Offers excellent waterproof and dustproof performance for outdoor scenarios.
• Free AI Detection: Enjoy free AI detection to identify people and vehicles, and notify you as needed.

Doorbell Appearance

The Tapo Video Doorbell features the following components:

• 1 Microphone
• 2 Lens
• 3 Light Sensor
• 4 LED
• 5 Motion Sensor (PIR)
• 6 Speaker
• 7 Ring Button
• 8 SYNC/RESET Button: Press and hold for 5s: Reset to factory settings.
• 9 Anti-Theft Button: When the Anti-Theft Alarm is enabled on the Tapo app, an alarm will trigger once the doorbell is removed. Press and hold for 5s: Pause the alarm (Continues to alarm when released). Press and hold 8 + 9 simultaneously for 10s: Disable the anti-theft alarm feature.
• 10 microSD Card Slot: Tear off the silicone cover and insert a microSD card. Initialize it on the Tapo app before use. (microSD card not included)
• 11 Type-C Port: Plug in the USB cable to charge your doorbell.
• 12 ON/OFF Button: Press and hold for 3 seconds to turn on/off the doorbell.

Status LED Indication

Chime Appearance

The Chime features the following components:

• 1 Speaker
• 2 Reset Button
• 3 LED
• 4 Volume Button
• 5 Music Button

LED

Reset Button

• Press and hold for 5 seconds: Reset Wi-Fi settings.
• Press and hold for 10 seconds: Reset to factory settings.

Volume Button

Press to adjust the volume of the ring.

Music Button

Press to cycle through different ringtones.

Before You Start

If you want to hardwire the doorbell into your home circuit:

WARNING: Risk of Electric Shocks

• Your existing doorbell must be wired (not battery powered) and supplied by an 8-24V AC, 10VA Minimum transformer.
• Ensure that your existing doorbell works by ringing the doorbell.
• Locate your existing doorbell chime.
• Make sure the doorbell is in an area with a strong Wi-Fi signal.
• Disconnect power at the fuse or circuit breaker before installing.
• You can find detailed wiring and installation instructions in the Tapo app.

Download the Tapo app from the App Store or Google Play, or by scanning the QR code.

[App Store icon] OR [Google Play icon] OR [QR code]

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. [Power off symbol]
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.)

Front Doorbell

[Diagram of front doorbell wiring with labels TRANS, FRONT, REAR]

Rear Doorbell

[Diagram of rear doorbell wiring with labels TRANS, FRONT, REAR]

4. Tighten the screws and replace the chime cover.

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.

[Diagram showing doorbell placement with and without mounting wedges]

Without Mounting Wedge

With Horizontal Mounting Wedge

With Vertical Mounting Wedge

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

Follow the steps below to install your new doorbell.

Option 1. Stick to a smooth wall

Required Accessories: Mounting Bracket, 3M Adhesive

Optional: Horizontal Mounting wedge, Vertical Mounting wedge, Mounting Wedge Screws ×4

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.)

[Diagram showing bracket attachment with adhesive and optional wedge]

Attach the wedge's grid-side to the bracket.

[Diagram showing bracket and wedge connection]

Without Wires

[Diagram showing mounting bracket without wires]

With Wires

[Diagram showing mounting bracket with wires]

3. Mount the doorbell to the bracket.

Option A: Battery Powered

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

[Diagram of battery-powered doorbell mounting]

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.)

[Diagram of hardwire-powered doorbell mounting]

If the wires are too short:

[Diagram showing wire extension]

Option 2. Mount to the wall

Required Accessories: Mounting Template, Mounting Bracket, Mounting Screws ×2, 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. [Drilling diagram with dimensions]
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.)

[Diagram showing bracket installation with anchors and screws]

Foam Pad (Optional)

Mounting Wedge (Optional)

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.

[Diagram of battery-powered doorbell mounting]

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.)

[Diagram of hardwire-powered doorbell mounting]

If the wires are too short:

[Diagram showing wire extension]

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 or Google Play, or by scanning the QR code below.

[App Store download button] OR [Google Play download button] OR [QR code]

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.

[Screenshot of Tapo app login screen]

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.

[Screenshot of Tapo app 'Add a Device' screen]

Pair with Chime

Plug in the chime at your desired location to pair with your doorbell now. Your doorbell can be paired with multiple chimes following the same steps. You can also find the instructions later in settings.

[Button: Next] [Button: Not Now]

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. [Screenshot of Alexa app menu]
2. Enter Tapo in the search bar and choose Tapo. [Screenshot of Alexa app search results]
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. [Screenshots of TP-Link login and authorization]

Start By Saying

“Alexa, turn on my bedroom lamp”

“Alexa, turn off living room fan”

5. Plug in your Tapo device and the setup will complete automatically in two minutes.

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.)

Manage Your Doorbell

After setup, your device will be listed on the Home page. You can tap your device to manage it.

1. Home Page

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

[Screenshot of Tapo app Home page with devices listed]

2. Status Page

Tap your device to enter its Status page.

[Screenshot of Tapo app Status page with controls]

• 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
• 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 [Settings 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.

[Screenshots of Tapo app detection settings]

• Wake-up Settings: Set when the doorbell wakes up and records videos. Options include Doorbell Pressed, Event Detected, or Always.
• Detection Zones: Define specific areas for motion detection.
• Detection type: Choose from Motion Detection, Person Detection, Pet Detection, Vehicle Detection, and Package Detection.
• Motion Detection: Detects motion in real-time.
• Sensitivity: Adjust sensitivity for motion detection to balance missed recordings and unwanted notifications.

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.

[Screenshots of Tapo app power options]

• Battery Status: View current battery level, and options to show battery status and percentage on Live View.
• Power Supply: Select between Battery Powered and Hardwire Powered.
• Working Mode: Choose from High Performance, Balanced, or Custom.
• Auto Privacy Mode: Enable Privacy Mode when charging.
• Power Saving: Balances recording performance and battery usage.
• Auto Power Saving Mode: Automatically activates Power Saving Mode when battery level drops below 10%.

3.2 Check Power Options (Hardwire Powered)

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

[Screenshots of Tapo app hardwire charging and Always-On Mode settings]

• Hardwire Charging: Battery charges to 70%-80% to prolong battery life.
• Always-On Mode: Actively monitors and captures video at all times, regardless of PIR detection. Recording performance adjusts to the highest level.
• Pre-Recording: Set the clip length of each recording in advance.
• 24/7 Recording: Monitors and records continuously.

3.3 Set Doorbell settings

Configure doorbell ringtone volume, check paired chimes/hubs, add new chimes/hubs, set up doorbell video calls, choose spoken language, and manage the anti-theft alarm.

[Screenshots of Tapo app doorbell settings]

• Doorbell Ring: Set the ringtone volume.
• Paired Chimes: Check paired devices and add new ones.
• Doorbell Video Call: Receive ring calls on the Tapo app when someone presses the doorbell.
• Spoken Language: Choose the language your doorbell speaks.
• Anti-theft Alarm: When enabled, an alarm triggers if the doorbell is removed from the wall.

3.4 Subscribe to Tapo Care

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

[Screenshot of Tapo Care subscription page]

• Unlimited Cloud Storage: Infinite and encrypted 30 days of cloud video storage for events. View videos anywhere, anytime.
• Try It Free for 30 Days NOW
• Start a Plan

3.5 Storage & Recording

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

[Screenshots of Tapo app storage and recording settings]

• microSD Card: Check card status (Good/Needs Formatting).
• microSD Card Recording: Enable 24/7 recording.
• Recording Schedule: Set a schedule for recordings.
• Clip Settings: Configure retrigger time, record buffer, and clips length.
• Record Sound: Enable or disable sound recording.
• Loop Recording: When enabled, new recordings overwrite previous recordings when storage is full.
• Format microSD Card
• Maximum Clip Length: Set the maximum length for a single clip.

3.6 Video & Display

Configure night mode settings, video quality, privacy zones, frame rate, and on-screen display information.

[Screenshots of Tapo app video and display settings]

• Night Mode Settings: Set the recording effect at night (Infrared Mode, Full-Color Mode, Doorbell Mode).
• Video Quality: Set the video resolution (2K 5MP, 960P, Auto).
• Privacy Zones: Customize zones that cannot be viewed or monitored.
• Frame Rate: Choose the frame rate. A higher frame rate reduces 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 (Live Tag, Speed Tag, Device Name).

3.7 Spotlight Settings

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

[Screenshot of Tapo app brightness adjustment]

3.8 Privacy Mode

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

[Screenshot of Tapo app privacy mode toggle]

3.9 Notifications

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

[Screenshots of Tapo app notification settings]

• Activity Notifications: Push notifications to your phone when your camera detects activities.
• Rich Notifications: Receive notifications with snapshots when a person or object is detected.
• Activity Type: Select specific activity types to receive notifications for.
• Schedule: Set a schedule for notifications.

4.0 Share Device

You can tap Share to invite your family members to manage the smart device together.

[Screenshot of Tapo app share device feature]

Authentication

FCC compliance information statement

FC

Product Name: Tapo Video Doorbell Camera

Model Number: Tapo D225

Responsible Party: TP-Link Systems Inc.

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.”

TP-Link Systems Inc. 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 made in the equipment and the equipment is properly maintained and operated.

Issue Date: 2024-10-24

CE Mark Warning

CE

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 CA

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.

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.

Déclaration d'exposition aux radiations:

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)

Explanation of the symbols on the product label

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

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)

CAUTION!

Avoid replacement of a battery with an incorrect type that can defeat a safeguard. Avoid disposal of a battery into fire or a hot oven, or mechanically crushing or cutting of a battery, that can result in an explosion. Do not leave a battery in an extremely high temperature surrounding environment that can result in an explosion or the leakage of flammable liquid or gas. Do not leave a battery subjected to extremely low air pressure that may result in an explosion or the leakage of flammable liquid or gas.

Please read and follow the above safety information when operating the device. TP-Link cannot guarantee that no accidents or damage will occur due to improper use of the device. Please use this product with care and operate at your own risk.