TP-Link Tapo C51A / C510W Manual
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About This Guide
This guide provides a brief introduction to the Outdoor Pan/Tilt Security Wi-Fi Camera and the Tapo app, as well as regulatory information.
Please note that features available in Tapo may vary by model and software version. Tapo availability may also vary by region. All images, steps, and descriptions in this guide are only examples and may not reflect your actual Tapo Camera experience.
Conventions
In this guide, the following convention is used:
Convention | Description |
Blue | Key information appears in blue, including management page text such as menus, items, buttons and so on. |
Underline | Hyperlinks are in blue and underlined. You can click to redirect to a website. |
Note: | Ignoring this type of note might result in a malfunction or damage to the device. |
More Info
- Specifications can be found on the product page at https://www.tapo.com.
- Our Technical Support and troubleshooting information can be found at https://www.tapo.com/support/.
- The setup video can be found at https://www.tp-link.com/support/setup-video/#cloud-cameras.
Introduction
Outdoor Pan/Tilt Security Wi-Fi Camera is a full-featured weatherproof security camera that you can access from anywhere. Receive instant notifications and check feeds when the motion is detected. Moreover, the automatic siren system will trigger light and sound to frighten away unwanted visitors after the camera detects motion.
Day or night, rain or shine, the Tapo camera protects what you love most.
- 2K Live View – With the resolution of 2304 × 1296 px, the Tapo camera enhances your security by capturing vivid details.
- 360° Motion Tracking – The Tapo camera ensures comprehensive coverage with 360° horizontal and 130° vertical views, capable of tracking a person within its field of view.
- Patrol Mode – Keep the camera cruise between two customized points for dynamic monitoring.
- Person Detection – Notifies you when a person is detected.
- Local* and Cloud** Storage – Save recorded videos to an installed microSD card (up to 512 GB)*, or use Tapo Care** cloud storage service.
*microSD card must be purchased separately.
**Subscribe for cloud storage at https://www.tapo.com/tapocare/ - IP65 Weatherproof – Offers excellent waterproof and dustproof performance for outdoor scenarios.
- Customizable Sound Alarm – Record your own audio as an alarm to extend your usage.
- Color Night Vision – Enhances your security by revealing vivid colors with built-in spotlights.
- Two-Way Audio – Communicate remotely with a delivery person in real time.
- Multiple Installation Options – Use the mounting screws, template and loops* to install on any wall, ceiling or pole for the perfect view.
*Mounting loops purchased separately. - Activity Zones – Notifies you when activity is detected in specific zones.
Appearance
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Appearance Appearance]()
- White Light LEDs
- IR LEDs
- Lens
- System LED
- Microphone
- Reset
- microSD Card Slot
- Speaker
- DC Power Connector
Reset Button
Open the silicone cover. While the camera is powered on, use a pin to press and hold the RESET button to reset the camera.
- Press and hold for 5s: Reset Wi-Fi settings only
- Press and hold for 10s: Reset to factory settings
microSD Card Slot
Open the silicone cover and insert a microSD card*. Initialize it on the Tapo app for local recording.
*microSD card not included.
DC Power Connector
Used to connect to the provided DC power adapter
System LED Indication
Solid red | Starting up |
Blinking red and green | Ready for setup |
Blinking red slowly | Connecting to Wi-Fi |
Solid amber | Connected to Wi-Fi |
Solid green | Connected to the cloud |
Blinking red quickly | Camera resetting |
Blinking green quickly | Camera updating |
Set Up Your Camera
Follow the steps below to get started with your new camera.
Step 1. Download Tapo App
Get the Tapo app from the App Store
![www.apple.com]()
or Google Play
![play.google.com]()
or by scanning the QR code below.
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Step 2. Log In
Open the app, and log in with your TP-Link ID. If you don't have an account, create one first.
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Step 3. Add Your Camera
Tap the
button > Add Device in the app and search for your model. Follow app instructions to complete the setup.
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Set Up Using Amazon Frustration-Free Setup
What is Amazon Frustration-Free Setup?
Amazon Frustration-Free Setup can help connect and set up Tapo smart devices in fewer steps, without having to remember and re-enter your Wi-Fi password on each device.
To use this feature, confirm the following:
- The new Tapo device supports Amazon FFS.
- The new Tapo device is purchased from Amazon.
- You have an Amazon FFS enabled Alexa device or router.
- You have saved your Wi-Fi information to Amazon by using Alexa echo.
- Your Tapo device and router are on the same network as your Alexa echo.
LED Indications during Amazon Frustration-Free Setup
LED | Status |
Blinking red and green | Ready for setup |
Blinking amber | FFS setup in progress |
Solid green | Working properly |
If the LED does not turn solid green after a long time, you can try to add the Tapo device manually. (Press the Reset button on your Tapo device once.
Then open the Tapo app, tap the + button on the page, select your device model, and follow the app instructions. )
How to use Amazon Frustration-Free Setup with Tapo devices
- Open the Amazon Alexa app. Then tap More and select Skills & Games.
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - How to use Amazon Frustration-Free - Step 1 How to use Amazon Frustration-Free - Step 1]()
- Enter Tapo in the search bar and choose Tapo.
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - How to use Amazon Frustration-Free - Step 2 How to use Amazon Frustration-Free - Step 2]()
- Tap the ENABLE TO USE button.
- Log in with your TP-Link ID that has bound to your Tapo device, and tap Authorize. After authorized successfully, the message Tapo has been successfully linked will come up.
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - How to use Amazon Frustration-Free - Step 3 How to use Amazon Frustration-Free - Step 3]()
- Plug in your Tapo device and the setup will complete automatically in two minutes.
For setting up more Tapo devices, just plug in and enjoy!
Done!
If this device displays on the Home page in the Tapo app, it indicates this device has been successfully associated with your Amazon account and joined your Wi-Fi network automatically.
If this device does not display on the Home page in the Tapo app, try setting it up manually. (Tap the + button on the page, select your device model, and then follow the app instructions.)
Install a microSD Card
Follow the steps below to install the microSD card for local recording.
You can go to Camera Settings > microSD Card in the Tapo app to check the card status or format your card.
- Manually rotate the camera downwards. Open the silicone cover to find the microSD card slot.
- Identify the direction of the microSD card and carefully insert the card into the slot. Push in the card until you hear a clicking sound.
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Install a microSD Card Install a microSD Card]()
Mount Your Camera
When you finish adding your camera in the Tapo app, you can mount it on a wall or ceiling with the provided mounting template and screws. You can also mount it on the pole with mounting loops. Follow the steps below to mount your new camera.
Note: The camera is not waterproof when set on a table or shelf. Mount the camera via Option 1-3 when installing outdoors.
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Option 1: Wall Mount
- Affix the Camera and Bracket
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Route the camera power cord through the opening of the bracket. Use two bracket screws to affix the bracket and the camera.
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Mount Your Camera - Wall Mount - Step 1 Mount Your Camera - Wall Mount - Step 1]()
- Drill Holes
Stick the mounting template to the desired mounting place. Drill four screw holes according to the template.
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- Mount the Camera
Insert four mounting anchors into the holes, then use the mounting screws to affix the camera and bracket over the anchors.
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Mount Your Camera - Wall Mount - Step 3 Mount Your Camera - Wall Mount - Step 3]()
- Power Up the Camera
Connect the camera to a power outlet using the provided power adapter. Install the waterproof seal for the power connectors.
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Mount Your Camera - Wall Mount - Step 4 Mount Your Camera - Wall Mount - Step 4]()
Option 2: Overhang Mount
- Affix the Camera and Bracket
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Route the camera power cord through the opening of the bracket. Use two bracket screws to affix the bracket and the camera.
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Mount Your Camera - Overhang Mount - Step 1 Mount Your Camera - Overhang Mount - Step 1]()
- Drill Holes
Stick the mounting template to the desired mounting place. Drill four screw holes according to the template.
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- Mount the Camera
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Mount Your Camera - Overhang Mount - Step 2 Mount Your Camera - Overhang Mount - Step 2]()
Insert four mounting anchors into the holes, then use the mounting screws to affix the camera and bracket over the anchors.
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Mount Your Camera - Overhang Mount - Step 3 Mount Your Camera - Overhang Mount - Step 3]()
- Power Up the Camera
Connect the camera to a power outlet using the provided power adapter. Install the waterproof Male Power Connector Waterproof Seal Female Power Connector seal for the power connectors.
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Mount Your Camera - Overhang Mount - Step 4 Mount Your Camera - Overhang Mount - Step 4]()
Option 3: Pole Mount
- Affix the Camera and Bracket
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Route the camera power cord through the opening of the bracket. Use two bracket screws to affix the bracket and the camera.
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Mount Your Camera - Pole Mount - Step 1 Mount Your Camera - Pole Mount - Step 1]()
- Mount the Camera
Mount the camera on the pole using two pole-mounting loops* (loop width ≤ 12mm).
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*Pole-mounting loops are not included. - Power Up the Camera
Connect the camera to a power outlet using the provided power adapter. Install the waterproof seal for the power connectors.
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Mount Your Camera - Pole Mount - Step 2 Mount Your Camera - Pole Mount - Step 2]()
Install Waterproof Items
When the camera is installed outdoors, please install waterproof items to waterproof your camera. Make sure each part is securely attached and the water-proofing rings are flush to keep out water.
Follow the steps below to install waterproof items.
Install Waterproof Seal for Power Connectors
Connect the camera to a power outlet using the provided power adapter. Install the waterproof seal for the power connectors when the camera is installed outdoors.
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Install Waterproof Seal for Power Connectors Install Waterproof Seal for Power Connectors]()
- Keep the device away from fire or hot environments. DO NOT immerse in water or any other liquid.
- Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device. If you need service, please contact us.
- Do not use damaged charger or USB cable to charge the device.
- Do not use any other chargers than those recommended
- Do not use the device where wireless devices are not allowed.
- Adapter shall be easily accessible.
- Use only power supplies which are provided by manufacturer and in the original packing of this product. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
- Adapter should be used indoors where the ambient temperature is lower than or equal to 40ºC.
- This product uses radios and other components that emit electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic fields and magnets may interfere with pacemakers and other implanted medical devices. Always keep the product and its power adapter more than 15 cm (6 inches) away from any pacemakers or other implanted medical devices. If you suspect your product is interfering with your pacemaker or any other implanted medical device, turn off your product and consult your physician for information specific to your medical device.
- Operating Temperature: -30 ºC ~ 60 ºC (-22°F ~ 140°F )
- Adapter should be used indoors where the ambient temperatureis lower than or equal to 40°C.
Please read and follow the above safety information when operating the device. We cannot guarantee that no accidents or damage will occur due to improper use of the device. Please use this product with care and operate at your own risk.
Explanation of the symbols on the product label
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Explanation of the symbols on the product label - Part 1 Explanation of the symbols on the product label - Part 1]()
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Explanation of the symbols on the product label - Part 2 Explanation of the symbols on the product label - Part 2]()
![TP-Link - Tapo C51A - Explanation of the symbols on the product label - Part 3 Explanation of the symbols on the product label - Part 3]()
Documents / Resources
References
Download manual
Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.
Download TP-Link Tapo C51A / C510W Manual
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