Frequently asked questions about the "Third-Party Compatibility" feature
4970 Q1: What does the "Third-Party Compatibility" feature in the Tapo/Kasa app do?
A1: The "Third-Party Compatibility" feature was designed to balance users' demand for third-party apps with the security of product use. By enabling this feature, you may continue to manage Tapo/Kasa devices using third-party apps like Home Assistant.
However, please keep in mind that this may reduce the security of your devices. When using third-party applications to manage Tapo/Kasa devices, you must enter your TP-Link account credentials, which can pose a risk as these apps have not undergone our stringent security review. This could potentially expose your devices and personal information to unauthorized access. Think of it as opening a secondary door in your home: while it may provide convenience, it also increases the risk of unwanted entry.
In a word, we strongly recommend using the official Tapo/Kasa app to manage your products, as it has undergone rigorous security testing to ensure the highest level of data and usage safety.
Q2: What should I do if my Kasa/Tapo devices can't be integrated into third-party apps like Home Assistant?
A2: You can launch Tapo App -> Tap Me -> Tap Tapo Lab -> Then enter Third-Party Compatibility to enable the feature (For Kasa app: Tap Me -> Tap Settings -> Find Third-Party Compatibility).
However, to help you properly, before you decide to enable this feature, it is recommended that you carefully understand its purpose and impact.
The "Third-Party Compatibility" feature increases the potential for integrating Tapo/Kasa devices with third-party apps like Home Assistant. Enabling this option may allow for more compatibility with other apps, but it also means that some security vulnerabilities previously addressed may be reintroduced, increasing privacy and security risks.
Note:
(1) This feature is disabled by default to ensure security, and you can choose to enable it based on your personal desires.
(2) If you choose to activate this feature, it will be considered as acceptance of any associated risks.
(3) We have not officially advertised support for Home Assistant or other third-party apps, so enabling this feature does not guarantee that your devices will work seamlessly with them. If you still encounter issues after compatibility is enabled, we suggest visiting the corresponding third-party forums or official websites for further assistance.
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