@JamesLa 

Hi,
Typically, if your camera can be controlled locally only, it's your camera not connected to the internet or cloud server, there is no need to open a port on the router for the camera to make it be controlled remotely with the Tapo app.
In your case, please try to enable a hotspot Wi-Fi on your phone, factory reset the camera, reconfigure it on a different phone, connect it to the hotspot Wi-Fi, and then check if you can control the camera remotely.
If the problem remains, send me(@Solla-topee) the camera's MAC address via a private message.
Best Regards

  @JamesLa 

Hi,
Would you please double-check the camera's MAC address? The one you sent seems incorrect.
You can also find the camera's MAC address on the Tapo app > camera's Device Settings > Device Info page.
Best Regards