How to Identify Fake or Incompatible microSD Cards for VIGI Cameras

Contents

Introduction

Requirements

Troubleshooting

Conclusion

QA

Introduction

Some VIGI cameras support local recording through a microSD card. If the camera cannot format the card, fails to overwrite recordings, stops recording unexpectedly, or reports storage-related errors, an incompatible or counterfeit microSD card may cause the issue.

This article explains how to identify potential fake microSD cards and verify whether a card is suitable for use with a VIGI camera.

Requirements

• VIGI Camera with microSD card support
• microSD card

Note:

• Only certain VIGI camera models support microSD card storage.
• Standard SD cards are not supported.
• The microSD card is not included with the camera and must be purchased separately.
• TP-Link recommends testing the microSD card immediately after purchase.
• For local recording, format the microSD card through the VIGI App before using it.

Troubleshooting

Follow the steps below if the microSD card cannot be formatted, stops recording, or behaves abnormally.

Step 1. Verify the microSD card specifications

VIGI cameras support microSD cards with capacities up to 512 GB.

TP-Link recommends using microSD cards that meet the following requirements:

• • Class 10 or higher
  • UHS-I (U1) or higher
  • Reliable brand products

Cards with insufficient write performance may cause recording interruptions, storage errors, or failed formatting.

Step 2. Understand common types of fake microSD cards

Counterfeit microSD cards may appear to work normally but can cause data loss and recording issues over time.

Common types include:

Fake capacity cards

A fake capacity card reports a larger capacity than is physically available.

For example:

• • Actual capacity: 32 GB
  • Reported capacity: 128 GB

When recording exceeds the actual storage capacity, video files may become corrupted or inaccessible.

Reduced-speed cards

Some cards advertise high-speed ratings but cannot sustain the write performance required for continuous video recording.

Counterfeit brand cards

Some products imitate well-known brands while using lower-quality memory components.

Unrealistic capacity cards

Be cautious of cards advertising capacities that are not yet commonly available in the market.

Step 3. Use recommended microSD cards

When purchasing a microSD card for a VIGI camera, consider the following recommendations:

• Always make sure to buy from an authorized seller.
• Be careful about cheap SD cards.
• Always inspect and test each card to make sure that it is genuine.
• Do not buy used or refurbished SD cards.
• Replace SD cards once every few years to reduce potential failure.

A list of microSD cards we have tested:

Step 4. Insert the microSD card properly

Please insert the SD card in the correct orientation according to the pattern on the SD card slot.

Step 5. Format the card through the VIGI App

For VIGI cameras, the microSD card should be formatted through the VIGI App before local recording is enabled.

Navigate to VIGI App > Device > Device Settings > Recording & Storage > SD Card, then tap Format

Step 6. Test the microSD card

If you suspect the microSD card may be counterfeit, verify its actual capacity and performance using third-party tools. Examples include:

Windows: H2testw

macOS: F3

Android: SD Insight

These tools can help verify:

• • Actual storage capacity
  • Read speed
  • Write speed
  • Data integrity

Here we take H2testw as an example:

Conclusion

You have now completed the recommended troubleshooting procedures for identifying counterfeit or incompatible microSD cards used with VIGI cameras. By verifying card specifications, testing actual capacity, formatting through the VIGI App, and purchasing storage from trusted sources, most microSD card issues can be identified and avoided.

To learn more about each function and configuration, please visit Support Home to download or check the manual for your product.

QA

Q1: Why does the camera fail to format my microSD card?

A1: The microSD card may be incompatible, damaged, counterfeit, or unable to meet the performance requirements for continuous video recording.

Q2: What happens if I use a fake capacity microSD card?

A2: The card may report a larger capacity than is physically available. Once recording exceeds the actual capacity, video files may become corrupted or inaccessible.

Q3: Why does the camera stop recording even when storage appears available?

A3: This may indicate a counterfeit microSD card reporting incorrect capacity information or a storage media failure.

Q4: What type of microSD card is recommended for VIGI cameras?

A4: TP-Link recommends using Class 10 or higher microSD cards from reputable manufacturers and formatting the card through the VIGI App before using it.