Why does the Tapo Doorbell still discharge when powered through hardwiring?

Introduction

Some Tapo doorbells support hardwiring for power. If you find the doorbell still discharges when powered through hardwiring, this article will help you understand what might be happening and how to deal with the abnormality.

Requirements

• Ensure Hardware Installation is complete and wire connections are solid.
• Avoid putting other loads on the same power supply.
• Ensure the used power supply meets the following conditions:

Troubleshooting

Scenario 1: Always-On Mode is Off

The charging current will be limited to a small value when the Always-On Mode is disabled. If the doorbell’s battery consumption is equal to or higher than the input, its battery level will remain unchanged or discharge gradually.

Step 1. Refer to the Requirements to confirm the doorbell’s hardware installation is qualified.

Step 2. If the Tapo doorbell is installed in conjunction with an existing chime, try bypassing the existing chime, and monitor the doorbell's power consumption for a period.

Step 3. If the doorbell's power consumption remains unusually high even after shorting the existing chime:

• Try to change a transformer. For an AC power supply, its output voltage should ideally be close to 24V, with a higher VA rating preferred.
• Measure the voltage between the terminals on the back of the doorbell when hardwired, and the open-circuit voltage on the doorbell side wires when the doorbell is disconnected from the hardwiring. Check whether the requirements are met.

Step 4. Check whether the power consumption in battery mode is abnormal. If the battery level drops rapidly, refer to the suggestions in What to do if the battery drains quickly on my Tapo battery-powered camera/doorbell?

Scenario 2: Always-On Mode is On

Step 1. Refer to the Requirements to confirm the doorbell’s hardware installation is qualified.

Step 2. Ensure the existing chime is bypassed.

Step 3. Disable the Always-On Mode, and monitor whether the doorbell can be charged correctly for a period. If the doorbell still discharges, refer to the suggestions in Scenario 1 for troubleshooting.

Step 4. Try to change a transformer. For an AC power supply, its output voltage should ideally be close to 24V, with a higher VA rating preferred.

Step 5. Measure the voltage between the terminals on the back of the doorbell when it is hardwired, and the open-circuit voltage on the doorbell side wires when the doorbell is disconnected from the hardwiring. Check whether the requirements are met.

QA

Q1: What should I do if I want to use the existing chime?

A1: To keep using the existing chime, do not bypass it and do not enable Always-On Mode. If shorting the existing chime resolves the non-charging issue but you still wish to use the chime, we recommend upgrading to a higher-VA transformer. Also, check whether the existing chime is aging; if it is, consider replacing it with a new mechanical chime.

Q2: How to check the doorbell’s battery consumption

A2: Go to the doorbell Device Settings page in the Tapo APP > Power Options > scroll down, then you can find four charts for the use details of the doorbell: Battery Level, Battery Usage, Time of Use, Wake-up Times.

Frequent operations (Time of Use) or frequent wake-ups (Wake-up Times) will lead to high power consumption. How do I extend the battery life of my Tapo Camera/Doorbell?

Q3: What should I do if the above troubleshooting doesn't work?

A3: If the problem persists after following the above suggestions, please contact TP-Link technical support and provide the following information:

• TP-Link ID and doorbell MAC address.
• Details about the power supply, brand, model, and specifications.
• Your wiring photos or a circuit diagram.
• Device logs obtained by enabling "Diagnostic Mode".
• Brief description of the troubleshooting steps you've performed and the results.
• Measurement data such as open-circuit voltage and load voltage.