Detection Is Not Working On TP-Link Camera

The detection feature in a camera is a capability that allows it to identify and capture changes in the environment, such as a person walking by, a vehicle passing, or any alteration within its field of view. Once motion is detected, the camera can trigger various actions based on your settings, such as sending an alert/notification, recording video footage, etc.

There are two main detection types. The first employs pixel changes and AI motion algorithms to detect motion, primarily used by most cameras powered through an adapter. The second type, known as PIR motion sensors, activates alerts by sensing body heat and infrared energy. Battery-powered cameras often integrate an additional motion sensor, which, upon detecting a change in heat, activates the camera and further utilizes AI algorithms for recognition.

The detection issue is usually associated with the installation and configuration of the camera, involving the sensitivity settings within the app and the configuration of detection areas. If the detection feature is not set up correctly in the app, it may not function as intended. Nevertheless, other factors, such as the camera's installation location, height, and facing angle, can also contribute to this issue.

If the detection feature of your TP-Link camera is not working, here are some suggestions you can implement.

1. Check network quality.

Make sure the internet connection is stable. You can check the network connection stability for the camera following the FAQ: How to check and improve the network connection stability of Tapo&Kasa smart devices?

2. Confirm that the camera’s firmware and the TP-Link app are both up-to-date.

3. Ensure the detection types are enabled as desired.

Here we take Tapo C420 as an example.

1) You can go to the Tapo app, tap your camera model card on the Home page, or go to the Cameras tab, tap Manage on your camera’s model card to go to the camera’s Live View page.

2) Tap the icon at the right top corner to enter the Device Settings page.

3) Click on Detection to enable the detection types as desired.

(Note: different camera models have different detection types.)

4. Adjust the Sensitivity and Choose Activity zones.

Here we take the Tapo C420’s Motion detection type as an example. If there is no activity zone setting included in the detection type, the activity zone is the full Live View screen.

1) [For battery-powered camera only] Go to the camera’s Device Settings>Detection page to set up the Wake-up Sensitivity. Higher sensitivity results in longer detection distance, easier wake-up, and more recordings, but will reduce battery life.

2) Tap the Motion Detection type to change its settings.

5. Adjust the camera position and pointing angle.

The position and pointing angle of the camera also play a crucial role in getting the desired performance from the detection feature. After ensuring that the detection settings are correct, checking the position of the camera should be the next step.

Take the battery-powered camera as an example.

1) If you mount the camera on the wall, please mount your camera to the side so that the movement goes across the lens field of view to better trigger motion detection.

2) If you place the camera on the table, please avoid placing it behind glasses since the glasses will block the battery-powered camera’s motion sensor and make it unable to detect motion.

6. Make sure the view of the camera has enough movement.

If your camera is installed in a place with limited movement or it's not enough to reach the sensitivity threshold, the camera won't trigger detection. You can move in front of the camera at different distances to check the distance that the camera can detect an event.

If you have finished all the above steps but the problem still persists, please contact TP-Link support for further troubleshooting.