24/7 Capture refers to a mechanism that captures images at a specific frequency and triggers recording based on the differences between images. Once enabled, the camera can continuously capture images at 1fps within a specific time interval for 24/7 hours. When an event is detected, it will switch back to normal frame rate recording.

 

24/7 Capture can extend the detection range for comprehensive coverage and achieve results similar to continuous recording with lower power consumption. It ensures more critical footage is captured.

 

Note: 

• This feature currently applies to the Tapo C460, C460 KIT, C660, and TC92 KIT.
• After enabling 24/7 Capture, the camera will consume power quickly, and we recommend connecting the camera to a solar panel when using this feature.
• The 24/7 Capture feature will automatically shut down when the camera's battery gets too low(below 15%). After that, only events within the recording schedule will be recorded, not continuously. To resume, charge the battery above 30% and re-enable the feature.

 

Below are the detailed instructions to enable the 24/7 Capture feature.

 

1. Go to the Tapo camera's Device Settings page and tap 24/7 Capture.

 

 

2. If this is your first time configuring the 24/7 Capture feature, tap Start 24/7 Capture. Otherwise, tap Enable 24/7 Capture.

 

 
  

3. Tap Solar Panel Connected.

 

4.  Tap 24/7 or Replace the current Detection Recording schedule to enter the 24/7 Capture page.

 

 
5. Configure 24/7 Capture.
1) Tap Capture Interval to configure Capture Interval, which indicates how often the camera captures images.
2) Tap Schedule to go to the Recording Schedule page. Tap Edit to configure the Capture and Detection Recording periods.

 

  
   
6. After completing the above steps, the 24/7 Capture feature will be configured. You can go to the camera's Live View > Playback & Download > Playback page, tap the SD card icon, select the date, and then watch the video footage saved on the SD card.

 

Q&A

Q1. What is the difference between 24/7 Capture, PIR Detection, and Continuous Recording?
 

A: For details, please refer to the following table:

 

Q2. What are the effects after enabling 24/7 Capture?

A: After enabling 24/7 Capture, the detection range will be extended, and events outside the original PIR detection range may also be detected. At this time, it is recommended to set the detection area or adjust the installation position to avoid unnecessary detection alerts.

Additionally, since enabling 24/7 Capture increases the number of wake-ups and keeps the original PIR wake-up detection active, the installation guidelines to prevent frequent wake-ups from draining the battery still apply. For example, avoid pointing the camera directly at a busy street or swaying trees.
What to do if the battery drains quickly on my Tapo battery-powered camera/doorbell?
 

Q3. Can 24/7 Capture be used without an SD card or Hub storage?

A: No. Requires an SD card for full functionality. The detection video clips can be stored on the cloud server or the inserted SD card. However, the pictures from regular captures can only be stored locally in the inserted SD card.

 

24/7 Capture is not yet fully compatible with Hub storage. Please ensure that you select Camera Storage as the local storage location, then try enabling 24/7 Capture.

We recommend keeping an eye on the camera's firmware release notes page on our official website to see if the new official firmware supports storing pictures and video recordings on the hub when enabling 24/7 Capture.

 

Q4. What's the difference between 24/7 and Replace the current Detection Recording schedule on the Set Schedule page?

 
If you tap the 24/7 option, the camera's Recording Schedule settings change as below.

 

If you tap the Replace the current Detection Recording schedule(RDR) option, the camera's Recording Schedule settings change as below.

Q5. Does the Tapo camera need to be connected to a solar panel to enable the 24/7 Capture feature?
A. Nope. We recommend connecting the camera to a solar panel when using this feature since it will consume power quickly.
 

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