TP-Link Tapo TC70 User Guide
Introduction
The TP-Link Tapo TC70 Pan/Tilt Home Security Wi-Fi Camera provides smart monitoring for your home. It helps you stay connected with what matters most, offering features like motion detection notifications and live video streaming. The camera offers a 360° horizontal and 114° vertical pan and tilt range, 1080p High-Definition video, and advanced night vision up to 30 feet. It also includes two-way audio, a sound and light alarm to deter intruders, and a privacy mode for enhanced security. Local storage is supported via a microSD card (up to 128 GB, approximately 384 hours of footage), which is sold separately.
Appearance
The Tapo TC70 camera features a lens, microphone, speaker, DC power port, a RESET button, and a microSD card slot. A system LED indicates the camera's status:
- 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 TP-Link Cloud server
- Blinking red quickly: Camera resetting
- Blinking green quickly: Camera updating
The microphone is built-in for two-way audio. The speaker outputs sound. The DC power port connects to the provided power cord. The RESET button, located near the lens, can be pressed and held for at least 5 seconds to reset the camera. The microSD card slot is used for local recording; ensure the card is inserted correctly until it clicks.
Setting Up Your Camera
Follow these steps to set up your Tapo TC70 camera:
- Download Tapo App: Get the Tapo app from the App Store ? or Google Play ▶️, or by scanning the QR code ?.
- Log In: Open the app and log in with your TP-Link ID. Create an account if you don't have one.
- Add Your Camera: Tap the '+' button in the app and select your camera model (TC70).
- Configure Camera: Follow the on-screen instructions in the app to configure your camera and connect it to your home network.
- Place Camera: Position the camera on a flat surface or mount it on a wall or ceiling using the provided mounting template and screws. Ensure the camera base is securely affixed before attaching the camera.
Setting Up Using Amazon Frustration-Free Setup
Amazon Frustration-Free Setup (FFS) simplifies the connection process by allowing Tapo devices to connect automatically without re-entering Wi-Fi passwords. To use FFS, ensure:
- Your Tapo device supports FFS.
- You have an FFS-enabled Alexa device or router.
- Your Wi-Fi information is saved to Amazon via an Alexa echo.
- Your Tapo device and router are on the same network as your Alexa echo.
During FFS, the LED status indicates:
- Blinking amber and green: Ready for setup
- Blinking amber: FFS setup in progress
- Solid green: Working properly
If the LED does not turn solid green, you can add the device manually through the Tapo app.
How to use Amazon Frustration-Free Setup with Tapo devices:
- Open the Amazon Alexa app, navigate to 'More', and select 'Skills & Games'.
- Search for 'Tapo' and select it.
- Tap the 'ENABLE TO USE' button.
- Log in with your TP-Link ID and tap 'Authorize'. A confirmation message will appear upon successful linking.
- Plug in your Tapo device; setup should complete automatically within two minutes.
Main Camera Controls
Once set up, your camera will appear on the Tapo app's Home Page. You can view and manage your camera from anywhere.
Home Page
The Home Page lists all your added cameras, allowing for easy viewing and management. Tap a camera or go to 'Camera Preview' > 'Manage' to access the Live View page.
Live View
The Live View screen provides real-time access to your camera feed and controls:
- Talk or Voice Call ?️?: Communicate with people or pets.
- Pan & Tilt ↔️↕️: Remotely rotate the camera to view different angles.
- Privacy Mode ?: Temporarily disables streaming and recording for privacy.
- Alarm ?: Triggers light and sound effects when motion is detected.
- Playback & Memory ▶️?: Review all recorded video clips.
Additional controls include Multi-Screen ?️ (view multiple cameras), Screenshot ?, Camera Settings ⚙️, Day/Night Mode ☀️/?, Full Screen ?️, Volume ?, and Record ?.
Camera Settings
Access Camera Settings ⚙️ from the Live View page to customize various aspects of your camera, such as renaming it, adjusting detection settings, setting recording schedules, managing notifications, and defining activity zones.
Me Page
The 'Me' page allows you to manage your account information (avatar, name, password), view saved camera memory ?, and access other features like FAQs. It also provides access to Voice Control ? (for integrating with smart home services) and Device Sharing ? (to share camera access with family members).
Pan & Tilt Control
From the Live View page, tap the Pan & Tilt ↔️↕️ icon to access the control panel. You can manually move the camera using directional controls. 'Pan & Tilt Settings' allow you to adjust the degree of movement per tap. 'Vertical Cruise' ⬆️⬇️ and 'Horizontal Cruise' ⬅️➡️ enable continuous movement. 'Mark Position' ? lets you save specific locations for quick access.
Motion Detection
Enable Motion Detection to receive alerts and notifications when activity is detected. A microSD card is required to record video clips associated with motion events; otherwise, only notifications will be received. Initialize the SD card via the Tapo app before use.
- Navigate to 'Camera Settings' and select 'Detection & Alerts' ?.
- Enable 'Motion Detection' ? and 'Notifications' ✉️.
- Customize 'Camera Alarm' settings, choosing the Alarm Type (Sound/Light) and Alarm Sound (Siren/Tone), and set an 'Alarm Schedule' as needed.
- Define 'Activity Zones' ?️ to limit motion detection to specific areas of the camera's view.
- Adjust 'Motion Sensitivity' (Low/Normal/High) to control the frequency of recordings and notifications. Higher sensitivity captures more events.
- Set a 'Recording Schedule' ? for motion detection events.
- View recordings by tapping 'Playback & Memory' ▶️? on the Live View page. Motion detection recordings are typically highlighted (e.g., in orange).
24-hour Recordings
To enable continuous 24-hour recording, ensure a microSD card is inserted and initialized. On the Live View page, go to 'Camera Settings' and enable 'microSD Recording' and set the 'Recording Schedule' for continuous recording.
Recordings are accessed via 'Playback & Memory' ▶️?. Continuous recordings are typically indicated by a different color (e.g., blue) on the timeline.
Privacy Mode
Activate 'Privacy Mode' ? from the Live View page to temporarily disable all streaming and recording functions, ensuring your privacy when needed.
Authentication
CE Mark Warning
This product is a Class B device. In a domestic setting, it may cause radio interference, requiring the user to take appropriate measures. The operating frequency is 2412MHz-2472MHz (20dBm).
EU Declaration of Conformity
TP-Link declares compliance with EU directives. The full declaration can be found at https://www.tapo.com/en/support/ce/.
RF Exposure Information
This device complies with EU requirements for public exposure to electromagnetic fields, maintaining a distance of 20 cm from the body. It is intended for indoor use only.
UKCA Mark
TP-Link declares compliance with UK Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. The original UK Declaration of Conformity is available at https://www.tapo.com/support/ukca/.
Korea Warning Statements
Korean text regarding potential radio interference during operation.
NCC Notice & BSMI Notice
Chinese text regarding low-power radio frequency device regulations.
Safety Information
Keep the device away from water, fire, humidity, and hot environments. Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device. Use only the provided charger and USB cable. Ensure the adapter is installed near the equipment and is easily accessible. Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F). Storage Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F). Please read and follow all safety information. Improper use may lead to accidents or damage.
Explanation of Symbols:
- DC voltage ⚡
- Indoor use only ?
- WEEE Recycling ♻️: This product complies with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment directive. Dispose of it responsibly at a recycling facility or return it to a retailer when purchasing new equipment.
Restricted Substances
The TC70 complies with regulations regarding restricted substances. A table details the presence of substances like Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Hexavalent chromium (Cr+6), Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in components such as PCB, casing, and power supply. Notes clarify the percentage content relative to reference values and any exemptions.
The product is certified according to Ukrainian system regulations.