@Pedroh 

I have same problem, I just bought a doorbell and 2 cameras, have non sense that restriction. I can't even download from home as I have the cameras in an isolate WIFI. If I new this "feature" I never bought the cameras and the doorbell. I will not recomend at all these products as these huge restrictions are not published.

And if the offcial respond from TP-Link is install other software to do that, please stop selling IP Cameras.

This limitation makes no sense...
Why can't I download videos even with a VPN? as confirmed by @Stirliz

With a VPN on Router the smartphone is in the same home network of the camera.(and can ping camera) Why is it blocked? What kind of checks are done?

Solla-topee wrote

  @Pedroh 

Hi,
Currently, you can download the Tapo&Kasa camera's cloud video recordings remotely and locally. However, the video recordings stored on the SD card can be downloaded from the local network only.
If you want to download the SD card video clips:
1) Please ensure your phone and tablet are connected to the same router's Wi-Fi as the camera. 
2) If still have an issue, try to force close the Tapo app, clean the app caches, and log in to the Tapo app again to download the video clips.
Best Regards

  @Solla-topee This is complete nonsene. I have not seen a camera that does not allow download of SD CARD recorded videos from a different network in at least 10 years.
This sounds like a non-licet method to push people to purchase the cloud subscription you offer, and it makes absolutely NO SENSE AT ALL.
Why would you guys let me VIEW the videos and not download when on a mobile network away from home? what is this ridiculous nonsense restriction?

If I knew this beforehand, I would have NEVER EVER purchased my 2 Tapo c121. I will probably never buy any cameras from you again if you don't fix this.
The most basic non branded chinese cameras allow download from SD, all other brands allow download from SD while on other network....why would you do this? 
Horrible customer service.

EdSpa wrote

  @Solla-topee "However, the video recordings stored on the SD card can be downloaded from the local network only"

This is very limiting, and it does not match what other manufacturers offer - if I knew this I wouldn't have bought this camera in the first place.
Let me give you one scenario:  I left for a business trip for 2 weeks. Somebody broke into my appartment, and I saw them the next day (checking out playback videos connected to the camera remotely). I am still not back home (returning next week), and I want to save these videos to my cell phone so that I can have video proof for my insurance, police etc... They will be overwritten when the card gets full.

You're saying that it is not possible because I have them recorded on the SD card???

 

It is major drawback of this device...

 

  @EdSpa you are totally right. If I knew this beforehand I would have not purchased tapo cameras. This is completely ridiculous