How to install and format SD card for Tapo camera

Configuration Guide

Updated 01-29-2026 11:27:10 AM Number of views for this article

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This Article Applies to:

Tapo C210P2 , Tapo C200C , Tapo C575D , Tapo D230S1 , TC43 , TC42 , TC41 , Tapo C435 , Tapo C710 , TC40 , Tapo C610 KIT , Tapo C310 , Tapo C530WS , TCA41 , Tapo C615L KIT , TC47 , TC46 , Tapo C1086B , Tapo C206 , Tapo C6165D , Tapo C207 , Tapo C630 KIT , Tapo C201 , Tapo C840 , Tapo C202 , Tapo C720 , Tapo C428 KIT , Tapo C560WS , Tapo C200 , Tapo C635F KIT , TC34 , TC82 KIT , TCW61 , TC90 KIT , TC40GW , Tapo C415 , Tapo C410 , TC65 , Tapo C411 , TC70P2 , Tapo C320WS , TC60 , Tapo C411 KIT , Tapo C402 KIT , Tapo C260 , TCB82 , Tapo D230 , TC68 , Tapo C200P2 , Tapo C425 , Tapo C525WB , TC92 KIT , TC55 , TC53 , Tapo C400 KIT , Tapo C2085 , Tapo C615G KIT , TCW90 KIT , Tapo C420 , Tapo C510W , TCB72 , Tapo C4086B , Tapo C668B KIT , Tapo C460 KIT , Tapo C620 KIT , TC80 , Tapo C325WB , Tapo C220C , Tapo C113 , Tapo C236 , TC85 , Tapo C1085 , Tapo C230 , Tapo C110 , Tapo C111 , TC82 , Tapo C232 , Tapo C645D KIT , Tapo C310P2 , TCW34 , Tapo C51A , TCW30 , Tapo C420S1 , Tapo C566WB , Tapo C245D , Tapo C420S2 , Tapo C403 , Tapo C420S4 , Tapo C220P2 , Tapo C400 , Tapo C125 , TC50 KIT , Tapo C665G KIT , Tapo C401 , Tapo C402 , TC74 , Tapo C120 , TC73 , Tapo C675D KIT , TC72 , Tapo C121 , Tapo C660 KIT , TC71 , TC70 , Tapo C110P4 , Tapo C250 , TCA72 , Tapo C110P2 , Tapo C52A , Tapo C246D , Tapo C545D , Tapo C625F KIT , Tapo C216 , Tapo C403 KIT , Tapo C217 , Tapo C212 , TC93D KIT , TC72P2 , Tapo C210 , Tapo C520WS , Tapo C211 , Tapo C100P4 , TC90G KIT , Tapo C460 , Tapo C501GW , TC80 KIT , Tapo C410 KIT , Tapo C21A , Tapo C615F KIT , Tapo C400S1 , Tapo C401 KIT , Tapo C400S2 , Tapo C865 , Tapo C465 , Tapo C103 , Tapo C225 , Tapo C500 , Tapo C104 , TC85 KIT , Tapo C220 , Tapo C100 , Tapo C860 , Tapo C101 , Tapo C222 , TC90G , Tapo C425 KIT

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. Please note that product availability varies by region, and certain models may not be available in your region.

Introduction

This article explains how to correctly install and format a microSD card in your Tapo camera. It provides step-by-step guidance for different camera types, including normal security cameras, Pan & Tilt cameras, outdoor cameras, and battery-powered devices that work with a hub. Following these instructions will help ensure proper installation and reliable local video storage.

Requirements

A compatible microSD card with Tapo cameras.
A screwdriver is required for installing SD card in outdoor cameras.

Installation

Scenario 1: Install the SD card

Note: When inserting an SD card, ensure it is oriented correctly. Do NOT insert at an angle or use force. If you are unable to insert the card properly, please check the direction of the card slot and avoid forcing it in.

Case 1: For Standard Security Camera

Step 1. Find the SD card slot on the side panel.

Step 2. Holding the card in the correct orientation, carefully insert the SD card into the slot. Push in the SD card until you hear a clicking sound.

A picture of the SD card slot for normal security camera.

Case 2: For Pan&Tilt Security Camera

Step 1. Tilt the camera lens up, then locate the SD card slot.

Step 2. Holding the card in the correct orientation, carefully insert the SD card into the slot. Push in the SD card until you hear a clicking sound.

Pan & Tilt camera with the lens tilted upward, showing the microSD card insertion slot.

Case 3: For Outdoor Security Camera

Step 1. Loosen the screws on the back panel, remove the cover, and you’ll find the SD card slot.

Removing the back cover of an outdoor Tapo camera to access the microSD card slot.

Step 2. Holding the card in the correct orientation, carefully insert the SD card into the slot. Push in the SD card until you hear a clicking sound.

Inserting a microSD card into the back slot of an outdoor Tapo camera.

Step 3. Reinstall the SD card cover and ensure it is positioned correctly. Do not install it in the reverse direction to avoid water ingress.

Case 4: For battery-powered cameras and doorbells that work with the hub

For cameras connected to a hub, the microSD card must be installed in the hub.

You can find the microSD card slot on the back of the hub. Hold the card in the correct orientation, carefully insert the SD card into the slot, and push it in until you hear a clicking sound.

Back view of a Tapo hub showing the microSD card insertion slot.

Scenario 2: Format SD card

When you insert a microSD card into a Tapo camera or Tapo hub, the app will prompt you to format it for video recording. Formatting ensures compatibility but will erase all existing data, so be sure to back up important files in advance. The formatting steps may vary slightly depending on where the microSD card is installed. Follow the appropriate instructions below.

Case 1. To format a microSD card inserted into the Tapo camera

Step 1. Open the Tapo app and tap your camera device card.

Step 2. Tap the gear icon in the top right corner to enter Device Settings.

Step 3. Go to Storage & Recordings > Local Storage.

The location of Local storage button on Tapo APP.