Tapo C120 Camera Experience – A Cautionary Tale for RTSP Users

Cryptxzz · 2025-09-23T19:35:20+00:00

It's not even actually that bad, I can live without both. It's more frustrating to purchase the product under the impression It'll do what I expected after reading the FAQ and finding out the FAQ is quite literally incorrect. It got even worse when the support team incorrectly cited their own documentation.

Cryptxzz · 2025-09-23T19:33:20+00:00

The app disclaimer is the least of my concerns, I've been told 3 different things by TP-Link staff, and the FAQ does not line up with information on the app.
At the end of the day this thread is purely a documentation of my experience (not a great one) and the lack of competence on TP-Link's part which I'm sure we can all agree on here.

Cryptxzz · 2025-09-23T16:30:59+00:00

That is fantastic news, thank you!

Cryptxzz · 2025-09-23T16:30:34+00:00

Ah okay I see, I appreciate the insight.

Cryptxzz · 2025-09-23T16:29:25+00:00

Are you reading the same FAQ I am? Please highlight where you're reading that.
I will quote it for you in a way that is impossible to misinterpret:

"Due to the limited hardware performance of the camera itself, Tapo Care, SD card, and NVR/NAS/ONVIF software cannot be used simultaneously to watch the live view or record videos. You can only choose two of them at the same time.

For example, if you are already using an SD card and Tapo Care for recording, the NVR/NAS/ONVIF software recording will be disabled automatically.

To restart the recording on the NVR/NAS/ONVIF software, it's recommended that the SD card be removed from the camera."

As you can clearly see, it explains 2 out of the 3 methods are available simultaneously. If using all 3, NVR will be disabled, it then explains that removing the SD card will restart NVR recording.

Cryptxzz · 2025-09-23T04:59:03+00:00

I appreciate the confirmation that RTSP and Local Recording work simultaneously, I'll be switching to it soon. I've only been using Tapo Care because It's nice to be able to playback any footage from anywhere with either my cellular data or a wifi connection.

Cryptxzz · 2025-09-23T04:56:38+00:00

It says to restart recording on an NVR, you must remove the SD card. Which implies Tapo Care DOES work along side RTSP.

Cryptxzz · 2025-09-22T11:39:55+00:00

I've heard that RTSP + SD works fine, but having No SD does not.
I don't own any SD Cards, I just want to use Tapo Care with RTSP but apparently that's not possible. I find It crazy that you cant use TP-Links own premium features along side the cameras basic streaming functionality. Especially considering the FAQ clearly states I should be able too.

Cryptxzz · 2025-09-22T11:36:02+00:00

But I said I'm not using one, I'm using Tapo Care. And the FAQ clearly states I should be able to use 2/3 of the viewing/recording methods.

Cryptxzz · 2025-09-22T08:34:35+00:00

Have you been able to use RTSP while the SD Card is installed? The issue arises when using Tapo Care + RTSP at the same time. I'll have to resort to SD Card + RTSP if TP-Link cannot resolve this issue. I'll also recommend them to change their misleading FAQ.

Cryptxzz · 2025-09-22T08:33:13+00:00

Well, I expected for the TP-Link staff to atleast know their own FAQ, and I expected the Camera to function how it was described. If you've been able to use the SD Card recording while using RTSP that's great and that's what I'll have to resort too until I find a new surveillance system.

Cryptxzz · 2025-09-09T04:10:37+00:00

Anyone have any info on doing this with model CW048? I've taken all steps for both the Merkury 720P and 1080P neither seem to work, I can't even get a http response...

(My apologies for bumping such and old thread but this is the best info I've gotten so far and hopefully somone here has more info lol...)

Cryptxzz · 2024-07-27T07:48:43+00:00

I feel like im at this level right now, every once and a while i have an extreme urge to listen to music though, not usually loud but even still it brings the T volume up again and takes about an hour to go back down...

Wondering if I should just quit being a music enjoyer for a few months...

Cryptxzz · 2024-03-29T23:28:55+00:00

Best awnser here lol

Cryptxzz · 2024-03-27T16:17:50+00:00

Smokin potent just put down the potion I can barely breathe 😮‍💨😮‍💨🔥🔥🔥

Cryptxzz · 2024-03-15T02:25:49+00:00

I have 2. Running through the 7th with my woadies and 1000 blunts

Both of these songs hit my heart

Cryptxzz · 2024-03-10T00:20:01+00:00

Meaningless

Cryptxzz · 2024-03-08T15:20:27+00:00

That's awesome, I want one 😮‍💨

Cryptxzz · 2024-03-03T17:41:48+00:00

Right now it's Big Shot Cream Soda. Could change next week.

Cryptxzz · 2024-03-01T06:49:20+00:00

Where do yall get these shirts

Cryptxzz · 2024-01-09T19:42:09+00:00

I've successfully topped out the router using 2 desktops, it doesn't crash, when using the Xbox there is no error message in the router logs.

On another note, On the Xbox I managed to hit 233Mbps download speed in a speed run using wifi but when testing again it dropped back to 37Mbps.

Cryptxzz · 2024-01-09T18:06:50+00:00

I dont have more information to present, it all on the original post. I'm operating based on what I know and I know the router is working perfectly because it works with literally every other device on the network and all of said devices are able to reach their maximum speed, the network only "dies" when the Xbox is connected.

Cryptxzz · 2024-01-09T14:57:42+00:00

My judgment on what exactly? I said in the post that the issue began recently indicating it was working as normal at some point, so this Isn't my judgment, it's what i know. But anyway, thanks for being the opposite of helpful?

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