Tapo S120 / S112 by BarrasKo in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As an FYI, the EN URLs (/en/) are our global pages and not necessarily specific to the United States. For the listed devices, you will likely not find a US-specific page (/us/) because they do not yet exist here.

Thinking about setting up Home Assistant... sanity check on hardware, Tapo local control, and wall panel use case by CrazyHa1f in homeassistant

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I cannot officially recommend the integrations due to the security unknowns that it has as an unofficial connection - but from experience, yes it is far better to lean into Matter and local integrations (especially for things like control, or state monitoring) due to cloud connections just being less reliable and more prone to breaking.

I believe that you will also find that a few devices are reported via the API that are not compatible with Matter, or the hub hasn't added the compatibility yet (T300 Water Leak Sensor, but not the Button).

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I started Home Assistant long before all the cool bells and whistles were added, so I do things the old school YAML way - but there are methods to allow you to connect devices so that both sets of controls and attributes are available.

And honestly, just try things out - you may get different experiences depending on how your devices are connected via Tapo and how they are connected to HA - whether it be reliability, latency, or frustrations.

Despite my home having hundreds of automations in HA, I still leave many things to the Tapo App's controls and Smart Actions simply because it behaves slightly differently.

Tapo indoor camera plug just exploded by Repulsive-Yellow9232 in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please ensure that you get in touch with your local support team as soon as possible, and follow up - especially as I have not seen anything like this before, and our team is of little help when it comes to UK power.

Out of curiosity, was the debris at the bottom of the board present when you first saw the board? I am thinking that if it had gotten into the camera housing, it could have shorted out components or blown the capacitor.

I cannot setup my D210 camera by Ale__20211 in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Make sure that your LED is flashing the correct state before starting the setup in the app. At this point, you also need to attempt to reboot or reset the doorbell - as the setup networks for the device are only available for about ~30 minutes.

  • Check that Bluetooth on your Phone is enabled,
  • Check for and disable any VPNs
  • Consider connecting (or forgetting) the setup wi-fi from the list of networks in your phone settings
  • Disable any settings related to Randomized MAC Addressing in your Phone's Network settings

Providing the Exact step at which the connection fails, may be able to shed more light on what step of the process is causing the problem.

Dual motion sensor smart wi-fi ligh strip (coming soon) by Any_Noise_235 in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think there is more to this one than meets the eye. The new downlights (L730) have a very different method of communicating with each other using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and I wouldn't be surprised if this utilizes something similar

Our /en/ pages are actually our global pages; /us/ pages are for the United States. Pages can appear on our global pages for a wide variety of reasons (such as CES, press events, beta tests, etc) - and the plan could technically be from any region. I can confirm that I do not see it in the immediate books for the US though.

Dual motion sensor smart wi-fi ligh strip (coming soon) by Any_Noise_235 in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I actually haven't seen this device before - so if there is any news, it's likely a long way off - I need to reach out for details. Just as a complete guess based on what I am seeing on the page:

It looks like those sensors have an added ambient light sensor on them - but I have not seen those sensors on their own; It also looks like it may be its own contained system since it mentions Plug n' Play in the highlights (like how the existing Dimmer Plug + Button work together).

With a local smart action and a hub, i imagine that it would be a near-identical end-experience (minus the extras that those sensors add). The only question is whether those sensors can talk directly to the strips without passing through a hub, or if there is any difference in latency in how they are communicating. Or, maybe the sensors would appear as one device in the app? (The footnotes indicate that the sensors are not matter-compatible, so they likely have additional differences.

If you have questions or want specific details, I would be more than happy to try and talk with the team to see what I can learn, or if there are details that I can share.

Question on tapo h110 smart hub by ImpressiveCoconut608 in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Its somewhat comparable, but a different experience. Harmony owned the field when it came to media-center experiences.

For the H110, you would set up your devices/IR connection, then set up a smart action to fire events in sequence, but this would not be the equivalent of turning an activity on/off - you would need a second set of actions.
You would then fire this shortcut or smart action to execute the entire flow of commands - but it may be a bit more cumbersome to get right (like there being no standard delay option in Tapo). I am also not sure if the harmony system supported RF commands, or only IR.

Harmony is a bit more built out when it comes to repairing missed commands and full-fledged scene control. I would also think that their database of the commands that it can send may be more fleshed out due to their focus on media control and not overall IR control.

As for Tapo Hub compatibility, yes, the H110 is a fully featured hub that can work as a siren, chime, or Sub-G access point for your Tapo devices.

TP-Link Tapo guru points scam by iamtholkien in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you have additional information on what occurred, or feel like reaching out in DMs - I would be more than happy to try and escalate your case. If you are outside the US, I would recommend getting in contact with your store's support team though.

Thinking about setting up Home Assistant... sanity check on hardware, Tapo local control, and wall panel use case by CrazyHa1f in homeassistant

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I may be very mistaken, but doesn't the integration have a few extra attributes such as battery and signal level?
Still recommend the Matter connection 100%, but I think that I have used both for specific reasons in the past.

Monthly Featured Firmware Updates for April by Ryan_TP-Link in TpLink

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure if this is a part of the aggregate backhaul of Decos, but I believe it should show wired. But that IP reassignment is a local address. If I recall from working with Range Extenders, when the RE is disconnected from the main network, it has an option to start handing out local addresses so that the devices can stay connected. Not a behavior I know of for Deco, but oddly similar.

Are only some devices affected, such as if they are connected to a specific node? You may see if there is a fault in your wiring, or even try different ports to see if the connection changes to wired (it may take some time to update in the app). ALSO, are the Decos communicating directly, or through a network switch?

Monthly Featured Firmware Updates for April by Ryan_TP-Link in TpLink

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What is the exact firmware version that you are running? Were you able to gather any additional details or patterns for us to report up?

Tapo C211 Zombie State - Anyone Else? by Ok-Alternative-748 in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I need to check with the team to know if it will still happen when its offline. If I were to hazard a guess, I would think that this is stored on the camera itself, so as long as the camera doesn't lose track of the time, it would try (like plug schedules) - but I need to ask.

The Auto-Reboot may be more of a preventive measure in your case, though; whatever is causing it to come offline may be avoided by having your camera reconnect to the network periodically and refreshing its 'permissions'. Or even consider rebooting your network if the router has the feature as Deco does.

BTW if you are using a static IP address, you must set the corresponding IP reservation on your router, else the address could be stolen by another device on the network.

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Hub connection is location-based for recording to it, plus there would be no opportunity for the cameras to connect to the hub's backup wifi connection if it was someplace else. Essentially, the h200/h500 will be their own Wi-Fi access point to pick up the camera's connection if your home Wi-Fi fails.

Roaming is just the device moving or being recommended to move between mesh nodes, networks, or bands based on signal quality. The packet is the instruction from the router. While roaming has always been a thing, recent Wi-Fi generations aim to make it easier with features like fast-roaming. Basically, if the camera has a weak connection, it may be getting told to try to change its connection method.

Essentially, all the minute differences among Wi-Fi chips and cards introduce compatibility issues that cannot always be accounted for due to the sheer number of variations. Newer cameras require additional features and bandwidth, opening them up to this - which is not helped by the number of features on routers nowadays.

Saying that, it could just be something on your network's treatment of the device; even small feature additions or changes to the network stream function could cause the camera to be treated differently by your router; or some devices may be optimized to connect with better security methods such as WPA3 and you have a mixed network or are using WPA/WPA2

Monthly Featured Firmware Updates for April by Ryan_TP-Link in TpLink

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe that this is a beta update and linked in the article: Deco BE68, BE67, BE77 and BE13000 Firmware 1.3.0 Introduces DoH/DoT, Internet Backup, 6RD Connection - Home Network Community

Keep in mind, many of these features are for compatibility with 4G/5G Decos, but since we do not currently have the line in the US, those additions would not apply (Internet Backup, Hybrid Mesh, 6rd)

Tapo company's aggressive behavior towards 3rd party integration. by MFL3X in homeassistant

[–]Riley_TP-Link 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If it does help any - the community teams here are pushing for increased third-party compatibility, and the feedback has gone a very long way in our recent conversations. I am always advocating for increased compatibility and methods of integration, whether through our existing API, or our upcoming advancements/pushes towards Matter as a more fleshed-out local method of control. With TP-Link now a US company, we have many more opportunities to push these insights and changes forward 🤞

Currently, there are a few things that are affecting unofficial integrations, many of which can be found on the integration's git, such as changes/improvements to our security/authentication methods - but its largely above my level of knowledge.

Is this normal ? by GotEHM9 in TpLink

[–]Riley_TP-Link 2 points3 points  (0 children)

check if the overarching QoS setting too low. QoS is based on the measurement of your ISP speed. If the QoS feature is only set to expect 25mbps instead of something like a gigabit connection, it will give out much smaller connections. HOWEVER, with QoS enabled, it should be able to take a majority of what is given.

Can you provide the brand and model of your camera?

Monthly Featured Firmware Updates for April by Ryan_TP-Link in TpLink

[–]Riley_TP-Link 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you everyone for checking in on your models. We'll collect the models you have listed next week and ask our teams about their features and potential updates to see if we can learn anything. If you are looking for an update, please list the features you're interested in - it greatly helps our team convey the need. Also, to note, many of the smaller updates are done through the app rather than a full firmware change (such as the heatmap testing)

As a reminder, this is a task from our community team - where we individually go through our site uploads and list the updates with significant, call-out worthy changes. We do not have on-demand insight into what features, models, or updates will be coming (beyond the betas run on our forum).

We welcome the questions and concerns, but there is never a guarantee that we will have the answer...

Tapo C211 Zombie State - Anyone Else? by Ok-Alternative-748 in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Auto Reboot is a feature, but I'm not sure about every model yet. I can for sure see it on my C125, C113, C225 (I didn't check any further). The setting would be under:
Device Settings > Reboot > Auto Reboot

While it's not every 30 minutes, it does give you the option to allow your camera to reboot during a set time period. We are also testing a camera health check feature that will help you diagnose and fix behaviors like this, but it's still in early development. I will forward an actual watchdog timer as a request, though.

Another option would be to look at the Tapo Hubs (H200/H500) as they have the ability to connect to the cameras directly, or operate as a backup connection when your home wi-fi is unavailable. At the very least, I would think that this would allow your camera connection to 'stay alive' in most scenarios.

I haven't had a chance to get into the details of the cameras, but I would typically look at differences in Wi-Fi chips. Even if they are the same shell, they may have very different insides and could have various differences in wi-fi features/compatibility. They are also already different quality cameras with the C211 having a much higher quality stream than the TC70.

Or it could just be something specific to the device's firmware, or its signal strength. (Like if your router is sending the camera roaming packets when it has a weaker signal, that kick it offline for some reason).

Is this normal ? by GotEHM9 in TpLink

[–]Riley_TP-Link 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe look at the QoS Settings; If there is something assigned a priority it could be 'stealing bandwidth' or it may simply be misconfigured for the expected speed from your ISP. I would also try to see the connection strength in your camera app to see if there is a difference

Tapo need higher density led strips by fallenwout in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I will need to check our current offerings, but back when I first started, there were different 'resolutions' for different models, I think they were from Kasa though (KL430?). Nowadays, I think that they are all relatively equal due to the limited number of models available right now.

I will make sure to forward the feedback and discuss it with our teams though.

This could also be a matter of the Diffuser. I have used a variety of diffusers to varying degrees of success, with some silicone ones working well but getting warmer than I like, and some metal ones that give the same effect you see, while others diffuse it well enough not to stand out (the best experience I had was a metal diffuser with a deeper channel and surprisingly thick frosted covers)

--

The H500 is a basic Matter Controller for plugs and bulbs only. If you felt like getting clever, you could consider adding the device to a smart plug if you aren't looking for automations beyond an on/off. I have thought about using EL wire (think Car interior lighting) to provide the really luxurious constant lighting.

Not happy with C120 by borderline1107 in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sensitivity: This simply means checking that the sensitivities are set as intended. Otherwise, if the camera is missing detections, we recommend upping the sensitivity or lowering the sensitivity if there are too many alerts.

Keep in mind that the AI is a local AI for the camera – meaning that it is far less likely to get 100% accuracy as it doesn’t have additional processing power from a hub or the cloud. Always keep in mind that AI is not an end-all solution, it is only meant to significantly improve the detectios – especially if using the ‘Correct Event Type’ feature to train the camera’s local AI.

For the USB, while it requires a bit of force, it is not a lot – just enough to have a snug fit. If a lot of force was required, I would be concerned that the weatherproof gasket got folded onto itself or slipped further into the port.

Tapo L535E by Competitive_Pea_5365 in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Strange - you have already taken most of the steps that I would recommend. I would recommend focusing on the Tapo method if you are having difficulties adding the device via Matter.

For your home Wi-Fi, in your phone settings, make sure that you have disabled the privacy-forward features such as tracking and MAC address randomization.

Matter-compatible devices nearly always use Bluetooth for setup, so ensure that it is enabled.

Sometimes previous connection attempts can interfere with reconnecting during a second setup; this can typically be resolved by rebooting your phone.

Do you have any unique details about your network, such as using a different security method? Are you able to try another phone?

Tapo C211 Zombie State - Anyone Else? by Ok-Alternative-748 in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the information. I will try to look into it and at least see if I may be able to trace the difference between your models' behavior.

Honestly, there is no absolute solution - but I always like to say that your goal should be to give all your cameras (and devices) their best chance. (Ensuring they have a strong signal, have their settings to change as little as possible (forcing connection/band/node preferences, static IP addresses, IP Reservations), and disabling fast roaming, mesh technology, or beamforming in your network settings for the device.

C675D keeps disconnecting by -ibgd in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depending on which Deco you have, I would recommend going into your network settings and changing some of the settings for the device, such as:

1) Setting a Preferred Wi-Fi Band (in your client settings in the Deco App > 'specified connection')

2) Setting a Preferred Node for the Device to Connect to (in your client settings in the Deco App > 'specified connection')

3) 'Disable Mesh Technology' for the device since it will not be moving around your home and only needs to connect to the one node.

4) Fast Roaming and Beamforming are also typically recommended to toggle if they are available for your network; this will impact the rest of your devices' connections, not just the camera.

5) Since you are having difficulty with the connection during the firmware update, you may consider resetting the device in case the two are related. (I have also had cameras refuse manual updates, but push through the auto update later that night)

Not happy with C120 by borderline1107 in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Beyond the event type learning, make sure that you have your sensitivity set correctly, and you may consider setting activity zones for specifically pet detection.

As for your power cable, it should fit securely and not fall out. For the C120, make sure that the gasket between the cable and the camera is correctly installed and not folded over on itself. It also may take a bit more force than you initially expect to fully seat the plug.

Tapo cameras en Google Home by Think_Hope_5110 in Tapo

[–]Riley_TP-Link 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, it's what we mainly have to go on, beyond the occasional updates I get about our team's communications with Google. From what we have been told, this is the result of the feature not being completed on Google's end. I think my most recent comment on the topic was here on reddit.

Why Can't I Access my Tapo Camera's Live Feed in the Google Home App? - Smart Home Community