How to configure the spotlight of Tapo cameras

TC40, TC40GW, TC41, TC82, TC82 KIT, TC85, TC85 KIT, TCB82, Tapo C320WS, Tapo C325WB, Tapo C402, Tapo C402 KIT, Tapo C403, Tapo C410, Tapo C410 KIT, Tapo C420, Tapo C420S1, Tapo C420S2, Tapo C420S4, Tapo C425, Tapo C425 KIT, Tapo C500, Tapo C501GW, Tapo C510W, Tapo C51A, Tapo C520WS, Tapo D230S1

08-28-2024 13,656

Recent updates may have expanded access to feature(s) discussed in this FAQ. Visit your product's support page, select the correct hardware version for your device and check either the Datasheet or the firmware section for the latest improvements added to your product.

Many Tapo outdoor cameras, such as the C320WS, C325WB, and C425, support a built-in spotlight feature. This article will guide you through various ways to set up and utilize the spotlight on your Tapo outdoor cameras.

1. Manual Spotlight Control

You can manually turn the spotlight on and off directly from the live view page on the Tapo app. This allows you to briefly illuminate the area for a few minutes as needed.

Locate the light button in the live view page.

2. Automatic Spotlight for Colorful Night Vision

Go to Device Settings>>Video & Display>>Night Mode Settings and select Full-Color Mode or Smart Mode.

This will automatically activate the spotlight when the camera switches to night mode, providing a colorful image.

(Note: Depending on your camera model, the setting may be labeled "Color Mode" instead. Follow the in-app instructions to choose your desired mode.)

Display the night mode settings in app.

3. Automatic Spotlight as the alarm.

Enable the alarm feature and set the alarm type as Light or Sound & Light. This will cause the spotlight to illuminate whenever motion is detected, serving as a visual alarm.

For more details on configuring the alarm settings, please refer to How to configure the Alarm feature for the Tapo Cameras on the Tapo app | TP-Link

Related QA：

Q: How to set the spotlight if I don’t want it to light up when there is a motion?

A: Go to Device Settings>>Video & Display>>Night Mode Settings and choose Infrared Mode or Spotlight Off.

Q: How do I keep the spotlight on all night?

A: Only cameras with constant power support keeping the spotlight on at night.

Please go to Device Settings>>Video & Display>>Night Mode Settings and select Full-Color Mode.

Q: How do I make the spotlight turn on when there is motion?

A: Go to Device Settings>>Video & Display>>Night Mode Settings and choose Smart Mode or Color Mode.

For battery cameras, if you choose the Color Mode, the spotlight will activate when the camera is awakened by motion or an app operation.

Q: Why is the spotlight not turning on at night in Smart Mode?

A: Check the Video Mode setting on the Live View page. Make sure it is set to Auto or Night Mode.

If you select the Day Mode, the spotlight won’t light up at all.

If the issue still, please contact TP-Link technical support

Display the Video Mode position in the app.