TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera: Quick Start Guide
This guide provides essential steps for setting up and installing your TP-Link Tapo Video Doorbell Camera, including power options, mounting, and device features.
Set Up Your Doorbell and Chime
Follow these steps to get your Tapo Video Doorbell Camera ready:
- Charge the Doorbell: Connect the doorbell to a 5V/2A USB charger using the provided USB cable. The LED indicator should blink amber quickly for 3 seconds, indicating charging has started.
Note: The USB charger is not provided. Charge the doorbell fully before first use, which takes approximately 6 hours. Peel off any protective film from the doorbell before use.
- Download the Tapo App: Get the Tapo app from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android).
You can search for "Tapo" in your device's app store.
- Power On the Doorbell: Press and hold the ON/OFF button located on the back of the doorbell for 3 seconds to turn it on.
- Pair with the Chime: Open the Tapo app, tap the '+' button, and select your doorbell model. Follow the on-screen instructions within the app to complete the setup and pair the doorbell with the chime.
If you did not pair the chime during the initial setup, you can refer to the support page: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/3818/.
Images shown may differ slightly from your actual product.
Warning: Do not forcibly remove the silicone part, as it may compromise the waterproof performance. Ensure ports are firmly covered when not in use to maintain waterproofing.
Determine Power Options
Choose the power method that best suits your home setup:
Option A: Battery Powered
This option is ideal if you do not have existing doorbell wiring at your door. The built-in battery offers flexibility in positioning the doorbell and simplifies installation. When the battery level is low, you will need to detach the doorbell to recharge it.
For installation using this option, skip step 01/Install Jumper Wire for Your Existing Chime and proceed directly to the mounting instructions.
Option B: Hardwire Powered
WARNING: Risk of Electric Shocks.
This option requires your existing doorbell to be wired and powered by an 8-24V AC transformer with a minimum of 10VA. Ensure your existing doorbell functions correctly by testing it before proceeding.
- Locate your existing doorbell chime.
- Crucially, disconnect power at the fuse or circuit breaker before starting any installation.
- Detailed wiring and installation instructions are available within the Tapo app.
With hardwiring, you can choose to enable "Always-On Mode," which supports continuous 24/7 recording. Enabling this mode requires bypassing your existing chime. Follow the mounting instructions to bypass the chime and install your doorbell.
Disabling "Always-On Mode" allows you to use your existing chime. Hardwiring provides a constant power source, eliminating the need for battery recharging.
For installation using this option, skip step 01/Install Jumper Wire for Your Existing Chime and proceed to the mounting instructions.
Mount Your Doorbell
Take care to avoid electric shocks during installation.
01 / Install Jumper Wire for Your Existing Chime
(This step is only necessary when hardwiring the doorbell and enabling Always-On Mode.)
- Turn off Power: Ensure the circuit breaker supplying power to your doorbell is turned OFF. Verify the power is off by ringing your doorbell a few times.
- Prepare Chime: Remove the cover of your existing doorbell chime. It is recommended to take a photo of the current wiring for reference in case you need to reconnect it later.
- Install Jumper Wire: Slightly loosen the screws for the "Front" and "TRANS" terminals on your existing doorbell chime. Insert the included jumper wire into these terminals. If your chime has different terminal markings, consult a licensed electrician.
- Secure and Reassemble: Tighten the screws to secure the jumper wire. Replace the chime cover. If you wish to disable "Always-On Mode" later, simply remove the jumper wire.
02 / Preparations for Installing Your Doorbell
- Remove Existing Doorbell: Carefully remove your current doorbell from the door and disconnect its wires.
- (Optional) Select Mounting Wedge: Choose a mounting wedge if you need to adjust the viewing angle of the doorbell. Wedges can provide horizontal or vertical adjustments (e.g., 5° or 15° angles).
Visual description of wedges: Options include mounting without a wedge, with a horizontal wedge for angle adjustment, or with a vertical wedge for angle adjustment.
03 / Install Your Doorbell
*Recommended Installation Height: 1.2 meters (4 feet) above the ground.
Option 1: Stick to the Wall
- Apply Adhesive: Attach the included 3M adhesive to the back of the mounting bracket or the selected mounting wedge. If using a wedge, affix the bracket to the wedge using screws first.
The adhesive is designed for single use. Avoid re-applying it to ensure strong adhesion.
- Mount Bracket: If existing wires are present, route them through the bracket. Wipe the mounting surface clean with a dry cloth. Stick the bracket (or bracket with wedge) to the smooth wall surface and press firmly for 15 seconds to ensure it is securely attached.
This method is suitable for surfaces like tile, glass, marble, metal, stainless steel, and other smooth wall materials.
- Mount Doorbell: Attach the doorbell camera to the mounted bracket.
- Option A (Battery Powered): Simply mount the doorbell camera to the bracket.
- Option B (Hardwire Powered): Connect the wires to the doorbell camera terminals and tighten the screws. Then, mount the doorbell camera to the bracket. Finally, turn on the circuit breaker to restore power.
If the existing wires are too short, use the included extension wires and wire nuts to extend them.
Option 2: Mount to the Wall (Drilling Required)
- Position Template: Route any existing wires through the provided mounting template and stick the template to the wall. Drill two holes at the indicated positions (typically 6 mm or 15/64 inch diameter).
- Attach Bracket: Route wires through the mounting bracket. Insert the included mounting anchors into the drilled holes. Use the mounting screws to affix the bracket securely over the anchors.
For uneven walls, apply the included foam pad to the back of the bracket or wedge for better contact.
- Mount Doorbell: Attach the doorbell camera to the mounted bracket.
- Option A (Battery Powered): Mount the doorbell camera to the bracket.
- Option B (Hardwire Powered): Connect the wires to the doorbell camera terminals and tighten the screws. Mount the doorbell camera to the bracket. Turn on the circuit breaker.
If the wires are too short, use the included extension wires and wire nuts to extend them.
If you experience difficulty attaching the doorbell to the bracket or encounter false anti-theft alarms, check if the mounting screws were overtightened, causing the bracket to bend. Adjust the screw depth and reinstall the doorbell.
Device Components and Indicators
Doorbell Appearance
The doorbell unit features the following components:
- 1. Microphone: Captures audio.
- 2. Lens: The camera lens for video capture.
- 3. Light Sensor: Detects ambient light levels.
- 4. LED: Status indicator light.
- 5. Motion Sensor (PIR): Detects motion.
- 6. Speaker: Outputs audio.
- 7. Ring Button: The button pressed by visitors.
- 8. SYNC/RESET Button: Used for synchronization and factory resets. Press and hold for 5 seconds to reset to factory settings.
- 9. Anti-Theft Button: Triggers an alarm if the doorbell is removed when enabled in the app. Press and hold for 5 seconds to pause the alarm (it will resume when released). Press and hold buttons 8 and 9 simultaneously for 10 seconds to disable the anti-theft feature.
- 10. microSD Card Slot: For local storage. Tear off the silicone cover to insert a microSD card. Initialize the card in the Tapo app before use. (microSD card not included).
- 11. Type-C Port: For charging the doorbell using a USB cable.
- 12. ON/OFF Button: Press and hold for 3 seconds to turn the doorbell on or off.
Chime Appearance
The chime unit includes:
- 1. Speaker: Outputs the doorbell ringtone.
- 2. Reset Button: Use a pin to press and hold for 5 seconds to reset Wi-Fi settings, or press and hold for 10 seconds for a full factory reset.
- 3. LED: Status indicator light.
- 4. Volume Button: Press to adjust the chime's volume.
- 5. Music Button: Press to cycle through different ringtones.
Doorbell LED Indication
LED Status | Meaning |
---|---|
Solid red | Starting up |
Blinking red and green | Ready for setup |
Blinking red slowly | Connecting to Wi-Fi |
Solid amber | Connected to Wi-Fi |
Solid white | Connected to the cloud |
Blinking red quickly | Doorbell resetting |
Blinking white quickly | Doorbell updating |
Blinking amber quickly for 3 seconds | Charging the doorbell |
Chime LED Indication
LED Status | Meaning |
---|---|
Solid red | Starting up |
Blinking red and green | Ready for setup |
Blinking red slowly | Connecting to Wi-Fi |
Solid amber | Connected to Wi-Fi |
Solid green | Connected to the cloud |
Blinking green quickly | Chime updating |
How to Detach Doorbell
If you need to remove the doorbell from its mounting bracket, use the provided doorbell detaching pin.
Safety Information
Please read and follow these safety precautions when operating the device:
- Never touch the product with wet hands.
- Do not disassemble, repair, or modify the product.
- Do not use the device in locations where wireless devices are prohibited.
- Do not use the product if the casing is broken, as this poses a risk of electric shock.
- Keep the device away from fire or high-temperature environments. Do not immerse it in water or any other liquid.
- Avoid placing the device near automatically controlled devices like fire alarms, as its radio waves might cause malfunctions.
- Observe restrictions on wireless product usage in fuel depots, chemical plants, or during blasting operations.
- Clean the product only with a dry cloth; do not use liquid cleaners.
- Never insert metal objects into the product. If a metal object enters, turn off the circuit breaker and contact an authorized electrician.
- This product is not intended for use in medical care. Consult manufacturers of personal medical devices (e.g., pacemakers) regarding RF shielding.
- Do not use this product in healthcare facilities, as equipment there may be sensitive to RF energy.
- Avoid using the product near water (e.g., bathtubs, sinks, wet basements, swimming pools).
- Keep the device free from excessive smoke, dust, high temperatures, and vibration.
- Do not expose the product to direct sunlight.
- Do not place heavy objects on top of the product.
- The product may interfere with other electronic devices such as TVs, radios, computers, and phones.
- This equipment must be powered by equipment compliant with Power Source Class 2 (PS2) or Limited Power Source (LPS) as defined by IEC 62368-1.
- When sticking to a clean wall, the equipment should be installed at a height of less than 2 meters.
- Operating Temperatures: Doorbell: -20 °C to 45 °C (-4 °F to 113 °F); Chime: 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F).
CAUTION:
- Avoid replacing the battery with an incorrect type, which could defeat safeguards.
- Do not dispose of batteries in fire or hot ovens, or crush/cut them, as this can cause explosions.
- Do not leave batteries in extremely high temperatures or low air pressure environments, as this can lead to explosions or leakage of flammable materials.
TP-Link cannot guarantee against accidents or damage due to improper use. Use the product with care and at your own risk.
Declarations and Support
TP-Link declares that this device complies with relevant EU directives (2014/53/EU, 2009/125/EC, 2011/65/EU, and (EU)2015/863) and UK Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. Original declarations of conformity can be found at:
For EU/UK Region, the operating frequency is 2400MHz~2483.5MHz with a maximum output power of 20dBm.
Need some help? Visit https://www.tapo.com/support/ for technical support, user guides, FAQs, warranty information, and more.