How to use the Detection Features on Tapo & Kasa Cameras

Among Tapo and Kasa Cameras, some models support advanced Detection features, such as Detection Zones and Detection Types.

Detection Zones can be assigned to a specific area in a camera’s field of view, ensuring detection and activity will only occur within the specified zone.

Detection Types allow the camera to monitor specific categories of activity, and use them as a trigger to begin recording, or to highlight the detected activity within the recording timeline.

Motion Detection Types include:

• Motion Detection
• Person Detection
• Pet Detection
• Vehicle Detection
• Line-Crossing Detection

Sound Detection Types include:

• Baby Crying Detection
• Glass Breaking Detection
• Dog Barking Detection
• Cat Meowing Detection

NOTE: Available Detection Types may vary based on your camera model.

Choosing the right Detection Settings for your needs will help you make the most of your home monitoring experience with Tapo or Kasa cameras.

This FAQ will guide you through the process of setting up the Detection Features of your Tapo or Kasa cameras. With these settings enabled, the camera can optimally detect events and record them for your monitoring convenience.

For Tapo Cameras:

The Tapo C200 is used as an example in this case.

1. On the Home screen of the Tapo app, tap the camera itself, or tap the Cameras tab, then tap Manage on the Tapo C200 to enter its Live View.
2. Tap the icon in the top right corner to enter the Device Settings page.

3. Tap Detection and then enable the Detection features that best suit your monitoring needs.

4. Tap Motion Tracking to turn the feature on or off.

Note: Some models do not have this feature.

5. On the Motion Detection page, you can enable or disable the Motion Detection feature, set Motion Sensitivity, and adjust, add, or remove Activity Zones.

Note:  Depending on the model of your camera. Activity Zones may work for the Motion Detection feature only.

6. You can enable Person Detection or Baby Crying Detection by tapping each option.

Note:  AI detection features vary by model.

For new camera models that support AI Detection by Zone, you can pick and choose which detection types you want the camera to use, and which zone(s) to use them in. The default is “Set for All”, meaning all selected Detection Types will be monitored in all zones. To set separate zones for each Detection Type, use the following steps in the Tapo app:

Device Settings → Detection → Set for Each → Edit

From this menu, you can create a custom detection zone for each detection type. Simply tap the detection type (e.g., Motion, Person, Vehicle, etc.) at the top of the screen, then assign the zone by dragging the corners to highlight the desired area within the camera view. Each detection type will have a uniquely colored detection zone within the view, as seen in the example below:

After assigning, tap Save before moving on to the next type or leaving the menu. You will also be prompted to save if navigating away from the menu before saving.

Detection features can also trigger a recording event or highlight a detection event within the 24/7 recording timeline, depending on your configuration preference. Recording settings can be viewed by opening Live View and tapping Playback & Download.

Note: Recordings require either a cloud subscription (Tapo Care) or an installed and formatted MicroSD card.

If you use a micro SD card for recording, you can manage recording settings using these steps:

1. Go to the Storage & Recording menu to ensure Micro SD Card Recording is enabled.
2. Tap Recording Schedule if you want to set a specific schedule, continuous recording, detection recording, or no recording.
3. Enable the Record Audio feature if you want the camera to record sound.

To view video clips saved to the micro SD card, tap Live View → Playback & Download → Playback.

If you want to receive a push notification on your phone when the camera detects an event, please visit our FAQ here for instructions on how to set up and use this feature.

If you want the camera’s alarm to activate when it detects an event, please visit our FAQ here for instructions on how to set up and use this feature.

For Kasa Cameras:

The Kasa KC115 is used as an example in this case.

1. On the home page, tap your camera model, or tap Cameras → Manage to enter the Live View menu.

2. In the Live View menu, tap Pan & Tilt, then navigate the camera to the Viewpoint where you want to add, edit, or delete the Activity Zones.

3. In the Live View, tap the icon in the top right corner to enter the Device Settings menu.

4. In the Device Settings menu, tap Detection to edit the Detection feature as needed. Motion Detection is used as an example in this case.

5. In the Detection & Sensitivity menu, enable the Motion Detection function and adjust the Motion Sensitivity and Recording Duration limit to suit your detection and recording preferences.

6. After editing motion detection settings, return to the Device Settings menu and tap Notifications. Here you can customize both the time and the frequency in which you will receive notifications.

7. After editing the notification settings, you will receive the notifications on the home page.

Recordings can be viewed by opening Live View and tapping Playback & Download.

Note: Recordings require a cloud subscription (Kasa Care) or a formatted MicroSD card installed. 

If you use a microSD card for recording, you can manage its settings using these steps:

1. Go to the Storage &Recording page to ensure the microSD Card Recording is enabled.
2. Enable the Record Audio if you want the camera to record sound.

3. On the Live View page, tap Playback & Download to view detection recordings.

4. Drag the timeline and locate the sections highlighted in orange.

For more details and documentation on the function and configuration of your TP-Link products, please go to our Download Center.