Frequently Asked Question
Why does my Tapo camera record motion but send no phone notification, or only alert when I open the app?
ACE SUPPORT · TP-LINK
Detection, recording, notification schedules and phone permissions are separate controls. Check them in that order to avoid changing a camera that already detects correctly.
Applies to
Tapo cameras such as C200/C210/C220/C225 and supported Tapo doorbells. Available activity types and rich-notification features vary by exact model, firmware and service. Phone instructions also vary by iOS/Android version and manufacturer.
Before you begin
Basic alert troubleshooting does not require sharing the owner's login or purchasing a subscription. Check the specific feature before drawing conclusions about Tapo Care.
Changing Android background/battery permissions can increase app power use. Apply any change to Tapo specifically and retain the original setting.
Work through these checks
- Generate one safe test movement in the camera's configured detection area and note the time. Check whether the event appears in the app or local recording. If no detection is created, troubleshoot detection settings before investigating phone push delivery.
- Review the camera's notification switch, selected activity types and notification schedule. For a controlled test, use a period when alerts are allowed or temporarily select Always where offered. Check global Tapo notification management too.
- Check the phone's system notification permission for Tapo, including lock-screen display and any silent category. Review Focus/Do Not Disturb rules. A camera notification setting cannot override a phone that blocks the app's notifications.
- Confirm the phone has working Wi-Fi or mobile data. On Android, review Tapo's permitted background operation, autostart and battery restrictions using the phone manufacturer's current labels. If alerts arrive only after opening the app, this comparison is especially useful.
- Update the Tapo app and supported camera firmware during a suitable window, then repeat the same test with the phone locked and the app in the background. Compare a second authorised phone if available, rather than repeatedly factory-resetting the camera.
Confirm the result
Confirm the new event appears and a notification arrives while the phone is locked. Repeat during the intended schedule and restore any temporary Always or Focus test changes. Record delay rather than assuming delivery is instantaneous.
When to contact us
Provide our Support Specialist the phone OS/model, app and camera versions, event time, whether recording occurred, and which phones received alerts. Share logs privately and hide customer footage or notification contents.
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Updated 260701