@JohnnyStugots
Tapo C425 uses a PIR sensor to detect the heat changes in front of it and wakes up the camera if significant heat changes detected, and when the camera is awake, it will start detecting and recording the movement within its file of view. And there is
an AI filtering mechanism that discards invalid/unnecessary triggers, reducing frequent false detections (notifications), such as the raining, snowing, flies, etc.
In short, the camera may wake up frequently, but motion detection or recording might not always be triggered. When the camera wakes up, it also consumes battery. Therefore, to conserve battery life and extend operational duration, the installation orientation of a battery-powered camera is critical. We recommend avoiding positioning it toward high-traffic areas or directions that may trigger frequent wake-ups. Check this article to learn more details. How to Install and Configure Battery-Powered Cameras for Optimal Detection Performance